Replacing the Desiccant

If your coach has a desiccant container in the HWH “bay” you need to maintain it at least monthly. If you have this or not depends on the year of your coach and features. Early models with slides 2002-2009?, or ones with a Zip Dee air awning, are likely have this item.

The bowl is clear revealing the color of its contents, which should be blue when it is charged. If your container of desiccant has turned pink or clear, then the desiccant has done its job and collected as much moisture as it can. You have a a couple of options.

• You can purchase new desiccant and replace the spent desiccant with new fresh desiccant yourself
• You can bag your own for a fraction of what parts charges. Desiccant option for the HWH system

After normal use, the desiccant may be regenerated for reuse. The operation is simple and involves only standard equipment. The used and exhausted desiccant should be ventilated to remove vapors, if any, and stored in a convenient container until a sufficient amount is accumulated to justify the work of regeneration.

• For the regeneration of Indicating desiccant, the granules may be spread in layers approximately one granule deep and heated for 1 hour at 400°F. You can also place it in the microwave for 2-3 minutes on the high setting. Heat until the desiccant color has changed back to Blue or its original charged color.
• Remove desiccant from oven and allow it to cool down to ambient temperature.
• The regenerated material should then be placed in a glass or metal container and sealed while warm.
• NOTE: The color of the Indicating Desiccant may become less distinct on successive regenerations due to the migration of the indicator into the interior of the granule and sublimation of the indicator.

• Remove12 VDC power at breaker panel and 5 amp fuse at compressor.
• Pull down on the black tab on the metal outer casing and it will unlatch and you will be able to remove it.
• SLOWLY twist the glass bowl while pulling down and it will come off. The desiccant canister (bowl) has an O-ring that mates with the Wilkerson housing. Just twist, turn and simultaneously draw down on the bowl. Depending upon how long since it was last removed, it may take more or less downward force on the bowl to advance it out of the housing. How to Video
• Pour out the old desiccant
• Clean out the bowl and pour new desiccant back into unit bowl
• Shake or tap bowl to settle desiccant. Add or remove sufficient quantity to fill bowl to within 1/2“ of the top.
• Replace bowl and bowl guard and clamp ring onto the unit.
• Be sure clamp ring is securely locked in place before re-pressurizing the unit.

It is important to keep the desiccant in the container charged so it can remove the moisture from your air system.