Lesson learned

[96 Wideglide]

Several months back, I replaced the Meritor Wabco SS1200 air dryer, with a knock-off. Never had ANY moisture in the wet tank with the Meritor, now, I get some moisture every time I drain the tank.
Knock-off claimed to be made in USA, looks exactly like the Meritor, purges at whatever pressure I set the govenor, doesn't release air when it shouldn't (which is the issue I was having with the original).
Perfect in every way, other than it doesn't DRY AIR !
Even tried swapping out the desicant filter that came with the dryer, with the 1 year old filter off the Meritor. No change!
Buyer Beware ..... May not be a good place to save a few bucks!!

[RustyTools]

Sometimes a lesson we gotta learn over and over, Ben. Ya can't cheap these things. We pay hundreds of thousands for our coaches, and then try to skate by on a cloud sometimes. Glad you solved it.



Years ago, I bought a new motorcycle (I admit, midlife crisis - but I went red bike route rather than red Corvette ), got it tricked-out exactly like I wanted and loved it. When it came time to buy the helmet, I picked out a low-end one to 'save a few bucks'. Sales guy actually snorted as he said: "$10 helmet for a $10 head, huh?". Point taken.

[theaaronbush]

When I bought my Knight, the previous owner brought it wherever to get it serviced and used cheap filters! My biggest pet peeve! It’s ok to find deals to save money but I never skimp on filters. I also do my own maintenance because I have a hard time trusting people with my investments!

[96 Wideglide]

Originally Posted by RustyTools

When it came time to buy the helmet, I picked out a low-end one to 'save a few bucks'. Sales guy actually snorted as he said: "$10 helmet for a $10 head, huh?". Point taken.

You blew $10 on a lid ?

That's like,,,, 3 pint's at the watering hole !!

[RustyTools]

Yeah, I know, but we had mandatory helmet-laws at the time. I did invest in a better one after that guy's comment. Bet he sold a lot of helmets that way.

I have a friend that got a tattoo of the overall outline of a 3/4 helmet on his bald head, complete with flames on the sides and even the little DOT tag in the back. He was a hoot.

[96 Wideglide]

LMAO !

I wear a little kevlar DOT approved skull cap. I may lose my face in a crash, but, I'm legal !

[arcaguy]

This helmet discussion reminds me of a story I heard once. Old motorcyclist talking to a young motorcyclist. Young guy asks why you would buy a $300 helmet instead of a $50 helmet. The old guy responds: How much is your head worth? I bought a $300 Shoei for both my wife and I.


Same kind of thing goes for filters etc. How much is your (insert coach system of choice here) worth. I'm pretty sure my engine, tranny and brakes are worth whatever it takes to get a good filter. Not necessarily Cummins, etc, but a good brand name. Happy riding/motoring.

[96 Wideglide]

Ok, enough about the skid lid.

Anyone else have a similar experience with a aftermarket air dryer?

[kenwyatt]

Are we talking the complete unit or just the filter element

[96 Wideglide]

Complete new dryer.

[peggwn]

RustyTools said, "We pay hundreds of thousands for our coaches, and then try to skate by on a cloud sometimes."

Maybe it's because we spend so much for our coaches that we have to skate on a cloud sometimes.

[kenwyatt]

If you are looking at the complete unit I have seen them for under $100 but it is part of your braking system. Not a place for Cheap parts

[96 Wideglide]

Yeah, this one wasn't under $100. It actually 'looks', like as good of quality as the original Meritor Wabco System Saver 1200. And like I stated in the first post, was advertised as 'Made in USA'.

[kenwyatt]

OUCH, may have to go to a Wabco