Product Overview

The aFe (advanced Flow engineering, Inc.) lifetime air filter is a unique product that should be considered for motorhomes. I used to carry a replacement air filter with me, however since space is at a premium I was happy to get rid of my huge spare filter and be able to replace it with the Restore Kit, which is all that's required to clean the filter.

The aFe filter carries a Limited Lifetime warranty to the original purchaser and figuring the amount you'd spend on replacement filters over the lifetime of the coach, it seems well worth it to consider this option.

The Problem

I carry with me quite an extensive supply of spare parts and a spare air filter was by far the bulkiest of my collection. The air filter is one of the most critical parts of the engine system, however if the air filter gets clogged you can 'dust' the engine causing the engine to seize necessitating its replacement. This can be extremely costly undertaking, therefore maintenance of the air filter is an essential component of coach upkeep.

The Solution

Having a lifetime cleanable air filter is a good solution to saving space in the motorhome compartment bays by not having to carry a spare filter. Additionally, the aFe Cleanable Lifetime Air Filter uses a high grade cotton gauze filter media that reduces air restriction and increases engine output.

The surface area within the filter is optimized to reduce the pressure differential across the element resulting in reduced back pressure and increased torque. Other users of the aFe have told me of increased gas mileage of 1 to 2 miles per gallon.

Installation and Operation

the installation is to simply replace the old filter with the aFe. It fits very tightly and requires a bit of muscle to negotiate it into place and is accomplished much easier with two people. The literature touts that under normal highway driving conditions cleaning is only required between 30,000 and 50,000 miles. However, it also says that in highly dusty areas the filter should be cleaned during the same time that you would normally replace three filters, i.e. if you normally replaced a paper filter every 3,000 miles, you would have to clean the aFe every 9,000 miles.

The cleaning is accomplished by the following process:

1. Gently tap the filter to remove the excess dirt, then gently brush the remaining excess dirt from the element with a soft brush.

2. Using the 'Restore Kit' cleaner, spray the element thoroughly soaking the cotton media. Let it soak for 10 minutes.

3. Using low pressure from a tap or hose, run water from the clean side to the dirty side until clean water comes out the dirty side.

4. Use the special air filter oil to re-oil the media

5. In any case, if your driving mileage is low, examine filter once per year for adequate oil and if necessary lightly re-oil with a light coat to the clean side of the filter media.

Company Website: www.afefilters.com

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