Buyers Guide to Aftermarket Air Breather Panels

Decorative light panels are an outstanding way to start personalizing your truck. Air breather panels offer tremendous visual appeal and can elevate your big rig's nighttime appearance.

There are five main styles of air cleaner panels you can buy: Vortox, Nelson, Donaldson, Donaldson Premium, and Donaldson Preferred Fit.

The Types of Air Cleaners for Semi Trucks Explained

You can even get custom engraved air breather panels with laser-etched logos or names to further personalize your big rig.

Most of them have pre-cut light-holes for you to add almost any lighting style you can imagine – even mixing and matching different lighting setups with varying patterns. Most light cutouts are ¾ inch, 2-inch holes that allow you to add LED and halogen modules along the panel length.

Imagine throwing on two sets of duo-tone lights, some beehive lighting, and a spread of miniature watermelon lights.

Customizing your air breather light panels will depend on how you want to wire them up.

Lastly, there are, of course, multiple finish options to choose from, including 304 stainless steel, aluminum, and 430 stainless steel aesthetic.

Donaldson Air Cleaner

This is the most widely-used style. It's a more affordable option since it features a shorter panel length and fewer lights. The exposed hardware bolts around the top edges of the lid give it a more rugged, real look—especially compared to the premium version.

Donaldson Premium

It's taller than the standard version, so you can fit more lights on your panel. The twist-off lid has four concealed bolt connections underneath that offer a smoother, more refined appearance.

Both the top and bottom caps of the breather panel are squared-off. The strap spacing and top cap are different from the normal Donaldson style. These are sold under "Premium Donaldson" fit.

Vortox Air Cleaner

One long bolt comes through the bottom and screws into the breather lid to hold it all together. Vortox cleaners don’t have any exposed bolts on the outside and come in 13- and 15-inch sizes.

Filters are replaced at the bottom on the 13-inch size and on the top for the 15-inch size.

Boasting a polished No. 7 stainless steel finish, the Vortox style gives off a classic look that can upgrade any Class 8 truck’s exterior.

Nelson

Nelson air breather panels don’t have the stainless steel screen around the top portion. They use a spring-loaded clamp or a lever-action latch around the rim. Installation requires no bolts; instead it uses 2-piece clamp rings or quick release levers.

Although commonly found on Freightliner trucks, the Nelson is a popular style for older International Harvester and early Mack trucks with low-mount stacks.

How Air Breather Panels Work

It’s pretty simple.

Ambient air moves through the pre-cleaner cap (if it’s equipped), then down to the main filter media (element) and into the engine air intake which delivers the air to the engine cylinders for combustion.

The stainless-steel breather panel shields the hard-working filter (and the clamps) from getting damaged. The twist-off breather lid or the central bolts allow for easy maintenance access of the panel.

Semi Truck Air Cleaner Filters: What to Know Before You Buy

Stock (OEM) filters are covered by the truck warranty and are easy to pick up at the dealer.

Aftermarket semi truck air breather elements typically come at lower prices (20 to 50% less than OEM) and are more broadly available across online retailers.

Measuring your air filter to find the correct replacement size is simple:

1. Grab a tape measure and note the filter’s height from end to end (including the caps).
2. Measure the outer diameter across the widest point.
3. Measure the internal diameter, the area that slips onto the stack or the housing.

Match up your numbers to your vehicle’s filter spec sheet.

If your truck is using a panel filter box, measure the length, width, and pleat depth. Double check your serial number to confirm you’re getting the right replacement.

Air Filter Life Cycle & Service Intervals

It depends on how much you’re driving and under what conditions. Most filters last around 15,000 to 30,000 miles. If there’s visible dirt and particle build-up in the pleats, or oily residue on the element, get the filter replaced.

Air Cleaner Lighting Styles & Light Kits

Interior air cleaner LED Glo Star lights create a unique ambience to your air cleaner housings. 

Mix light sizes, colors, or sequential LEDs to switch back and forth between the colors you want.

You can get a clean, blank panel or a single-light design.

Some air cleaners can be customized with laser-engraved brand logos and punched patterns as a way to personalize the rig to an even greater extent.

Air Breather Light Kit Options:

• Bullet LEDs
• Bullseye lights
• Elite Mini Lights
• Round, Oval or Slotted lights
• M3/M5 modules
• P3/watermelon styles

You can pair the front and rear panel designs with additional aftermarket exterior marker lights to find that perfect setup.

Breather Panel Mounting Kits, Brackets, and Stainless Straps

Securely mounting your panels is critical.

Be sure to always measure your strap centers and check whether your truck has a Donaldson or Vortox air cleaner. Many mounting specs are model specific.

This strap-mounted air cleaner panel with 3 watermelon lights fits the Peterbilt 589.

While some designs are strap-mounted, others are strapless—or rather, mounted on a separate bracket using bolts.

This gives a cleaner, smoother look.

How to Choose the Right Air Cleaner Panel Setup

• Factors to understand before you purchase:
  • Pick a Brand (Donaldson, Vortox, Nelson, etc.)
  • Filter by Truck Model (Peterbilt, Kenworth, etc.)
  • Size (13" vs 15")
  • Location of filter housing

Buyer tips: measure your diameter, length, and width of your air cleaner ahead of time.

Light Panels to Enhance Performance & Style

Top Budget-Friendly Air Cleaner Panels

The cheapest starting option is a stainless steel front air breather panel with empty light hole cutouts.

United Pacific Air Cleaner Panels

Phoenix Design Air Cleaner Panels

Roadworks Air Cleaner Panels

Turnpike Truck Trim Air Cleaner Panels

The Best Space-Saving Air Cleaner Panel Options

Smaller panels allow for better clearance of mirror arms, hood tilt, or other aspects of your truck. It's also a great starter option because you don't have to pay the price of full-length panels.

• 11-inch Nelson Panels
• 13-inch Vortox or Donaldson Panels

The absolute smallest panels you can get are at 11-inches in length, but more commonly at 13-inches.

Personalize Your Air Cleaner Panels with Aftermarket Upgrades

We carry related accessories like punched air cleaner screens and air cleaner wraps.

While you're upgrading your panel, you may want to entirely swap out your air cleaners.

Or, you might want to upgrade the style of your cab lights, filter element, or even the stainless steel mounts.

Match your lighting panels with additional exterior cab lights, polished stainless steel trim pieces, behind-the-grill accent lighting, and fender-mounted or hood-mounted accent lights.

Best Semi Truck Air Filters

This high-flow performance air filter with a washable internal element delivers a lot of long-lasting value when it comes to consistent filtration.

Donaldson Air Filter

Vortox Air Breather Element

Mounting Kits and Brackets

BEFORE YOU BUY: compare product styles and brands, read the reviews, and check prices across aftermarket vendors.

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Installation & Maintenance Tips

Find the right air cleaner assembly materials, from steel hinges to rubber gaskets.

Tools You'll Need:

• matching mounting hardware (bolts, washers, nylocks)
• wiring harness, inline fuse, ring terminals, heat-shrink, split loom, cable ties, rubber grommets
• masking/painter's tape, marker, measuring tape, small square
• drill and step bit (if you're adding new holes) or a deburring tool
• microfiber towels, mild soap, non-abrasive stainless/chrome polish
• dielectric grease, anti-seize compound

Installation Steps:

• Find the two stainless straps (bracket bands) on the air cleaner can.
• Put a small piece of tape over each strap and mark the centerline of each strap's bolt.
• Measure from center-to-center (bottom to top strap).
• Compare the dimensions to your panels' mounting hole layout.
• Hold the panel in place with a helper or painter’s tape.

Dry-fit the panel & check the clearances:

• Open and close the hood. Make sure the panel won’t catch.
• Look for mirror arm, fender, exhaust heat shield, and door interference.
• Sight it from the front and rear. It should sit straight and centered on the can.
• Mark any wire exit points and grommet locations with a marker.

Prep the Panel:

• Mark light hole positions using the panel template or a small square for even spacing.
• Drill the holes with a step bit. Deburr the edges.
• Add rubber grommets anywhere wires pass through metal.
• Test-fit each light in the hole. It should snap in snug with the locking tabs fully seated.

Bench-Wire the Lights

• On a table, plug each LED into its pigtail.
• Group grounds together (black or white, depending on the brand).
• Group positive leads by function (running, turn, brake).
• Solder or crimp with heat-shrink connectors.
• Add a dab of dielectric grease inside each connector to keep moisture out.
• Wrap the bundle in split loom for protection. Label “Left/Right” and “Front/Rear.”

Mount the Panel to the Can

• Put painter’s tape on the can under the straps to protect the finish while you work.
• Loosen the strap bolts just enough to slide the panel tabs under or align with bracket holes.
• Set the panel in place. Use nylon washers between panel and hardware if supplied (helps prevent scratches).
• Hand-start all bolts. Do not tighten one side fully first.
• Snug the hardware evenly from top to bottom so the panel sits flat and doesn’t “smile” or “frown.”

Secure the Wiring

• Plan a path that avoids sharp edges, moving parts, and heat (exhaust).
• Leave a small drip loop where the harness enters the panel so water can’t run into the lights.
• Route the loom along the strap or frame lines.
• Secure with cable ties every 6–8 inches. Use adhesive tie mounts or small P-clamps where needed.
• Pass through body panels only with grommets.
• Bring the harness to your fused power source or factory lighting pigtail.
• Install an inline fuse sized for the total light draw near the power tap.

Make Connections

• Match the functions: running / marker, turn, brake (if dual-function).
• Use sealed connectors or heat-shrink butt splices.
• Avoid “vampire” taps if possible; a proper splice is more reliable.
• If your truck throws a hyper-flash with LEDs, add the correct resistor or an LED-friendly flasher.

Final Q/A Test

• Reconnect the battery.
• Turn on parking lights. Verify every LED.
• Hit turn signals and brakes (if applicable).
• Wiggle the harness gently. Lights shouldn’t flicker.
• Open/close the hood again and do a quick road-vibration check at idle.

Final Tighten & Finish

• Tighten strap/bracket hardware evenly. Don’t over-torque.
• Snip tie tails.
• Remove masking tape.
• Stand back and sight the panel. Adjust if needed so both sides match.

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Air Breather Panel FAQs

Ready to Upgrade Your Semi Truck Air Cleaner Panels at 4 State Trucks?

We make it easy for you to start upgrading and personalizing your semi-truck with unique aftermarket air cleaner bracket designs.

Shop for high-quality aftermarket accessories to enhance your style on the road. Need help finding what you need? Call the 4 State Trucks team today.