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Topic: Want to stock up on another couple years worth of filters for our coach.  (Read 689 times) previous topic - next topic

Want to stock up on another couple years worth of filters for our coach.

A couple years ago I bought 3 and 4 of most of the filter part numbers on our coach. Over time I've used one and two here and there. I've got a couple odd names and sizes left and would like to contact Filter Barn for another supply.

Is there going to be a couple brands to stay away from due to just being cheap and also a couple 2 or 3 that might be better brands if I can get them in the sizes I need....or even some to avoid at all cost?

Also, Now that I've got a mix of different filters, is there a method in my owners manual to find what really went on the coach with numbers provided?

That way I can use the oem numbers to cross for what ever filters I can purchase from the filter barn.

Thoughts and ideas needed please.

Thank you all as well for every helpful comment you share.
Carl Sandel
1991 36' U280
Northern Michigan

Re: Want to stock up on another couple years worth of filters for our coach.

Reply #1 –
Carl,

We all have favorite brands.  But I want to point out that filters, like most everything else degrade with age.  I would NOT buy several years worth of filters at one time and store them.  And when you buy them, put a date on them so you use oldest first.

With that said, it is a good idea to carry 2 sets of fuel filters and an oil filter.  Air filters are large unlikely to go instantly from good to bad, and being paper degrade with time, so I would not buy ahead.

For final fuel filter and engine oil filter, I suggest sticking with your engine manufacturer's filters.
Brett
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Want to stock up on another couple years worth of filters for our coach.

Reply #2 –
I have debated with the coach "voices" about the need to carry spare filters on board. I guess the collective wisdom around this is for peace of mind while on the road, but in reality, the odds of "saving the day" with a spare filter seems remote. One spare alternator belt is all I was planning to carry.
What am I missing??
Rick & Deborah Webster
2002 3610 U320 #5964
2014 Jeep Wrangler Sahara JKU- 'Copperhead'
Richland Chambers Lake, East Texas

Re: Want to stock up on another couple years worth of filters for our coach.

Reply #3 –
Algae in fuel will stop you in tracks. Spare fuel filters get you going. Spoken from experience.
Tim Fiedler    2025 LTV Unity MBL on Order
2000 Chevy Tracker 2 Door Convertible 4WD Now lifted 4.5"
1985 Citroen 2CV6 Charleston
Murphy Rebel on wheels with 175HP Titan
Cessna P337
1980 48' Westport MY (!/4 Share)

Re: Want to stock up on another couple years worth of filters for our coach.

Reply #4 –
Quote from: Old Hippie –
I have debated with the coach "voices" about the need to carry spare filters on board. I guess the collective wisdom around this is for peace of mind while on the road, but in reality, the odds of "saving the day" with a spare filter seems remote. One spare alternator belt is all I was planning to carry.
What am I missing??
                        We have been saved by carrying spare filters. Fuel filters gelled up in South Texas last year and could barely get out of 2nd gear until we pulled over and changed them. Would not be without spares of filters/belts! Edit: And the tools to change them....

          Dean
Dean & Deirdre

2012 Arctic Fox 22GQ
Was 2003 U270

Re: Want to stock up on another couple years worth of filters for our coach.

Reply #5 –
Old Hippie,

Extra filter can really save the day. I started selling diesels back in the '70s and can't tell you how many times I have had to bail out customers (and myself). A large part of the price of fuel in Europe is tax. Part of it pays for inspectors to constantly go from fueling station to fueling station to dip the tanks and check for contaminants. Not so here. Drive long enough and you will get a bad load. You can easily go through a couple of filter sets plus if you don't get rid of the water interface, more algae will grow. Moral of the story is to have at least a couple of sets and write the part numbers down for easy access. Same goes if you have a hydraulic pump running the radiator fans. Good to have a changing kit with hand cleaner, old towel, a few gallon or larger freezer bags to catch the drips. That also works for the tools to change the pump belt. Ez to make a cell call but harder to find a tow guy that knows what he is doing. And you know what it costs to drop the driveshaft for a tow plus the damage they may do.

Unless overheated, I'll bet 99 percent of the other times you see a diesel RV stopped by the side of the road, it's because of fuel problems.

Pierce
Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)

Re: Want to stock up on another couple years worth of filters for our coach.

Reply #6 –
Carl,

Just go online and do a Google search using the filter you know fits. You should shortly come up with a chart listing all the cross reference numbers. I like Wix (NAPA Gold) and Baldwin best, Fram least. If they are not sealed in their box, seal them in a freezer bag and they should last a very long time. I also use Filter Barn.

For Detroit and Cummins owners, Detroits use the tall Racor for the primary filter with a 30 micron spec. Cummins uses a look alike for the secondary with a 2 (or is it 5?) micron rating. Close but different part number. Important to know if you need one at a truck stop.

Pierce
Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)

Re: Want to stock up on another couple years worth of filters for our coach.

Reply #7 –
Thanks for the comments and thoughts. I will take the advice and not stock up, but will have a couple replacements for those mentioned.

Much appreciated
Carl Sandel
1991 36' U280
Northern Michigan

Re: Want to stock up on another couple years worth of filters for our coach.

Reply #8 –
I you look around, there are optional filters with either extended drain interval, partial glass or 100% glass if worried about the paper lifespan. They generally have a letter or two after the same part number and don't cost much more.

If buying locally, trucking companies usually sell NAPA Gold filters for just over half the price you would pay at a NAPA store. Example from yesterday in our town was a NAPA Gold #1970 for $32 at the store and $18 at the trucking co. Same box, same filter.

Pierce
Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)

Re: Want to stock up on another couple years worth of filters for our coach.

Reply #9 –
I've got 2 local NAPA stores in my area. One I bought from in Ft Myers , Fla area sold me one with a requested number....but wouldn't fit because it was slightly rounder than the filter I took off...hmmm, didn't see how that worked out, but didn't get back that way to return it so now I may own it. Don't know if another NAPA would take one from another store. Will check and if not...forward it to a friend on the forum.

More to come on that.

Carl Sandel
1991 36' U280
Northern Michigan

Re: Want to stock up on another couple years worth of filters for our coach.

Reply #10 –
A quick snap with the iPhone/Droid is worth it's weight in gold the next time you buy filters. Same with a lot of replacement parts. If the number is hard to read on the part, the box in came in is next best.

Pierce
Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)
 

Re: Want to stock up on another couple years worth of filters for our coach.

Reply #11 –
         If you only carry one filter ---it had better be the (fuel filter) ,been there done that, more than once .I agree that I am a slow learner, but This was learned the hard expensive way .      Brad Metzger   
Brad Metzger
2010 Phenix 45'