RV stopped running

Question

Last night, while driving, my 2002 190V slowly stopped working. The lights started dimming, and the warning lights came on. It stopped at the side of the road. Because it could be a danger, I called the Plymouth Police on 911. Officer Graig Lappolo arrived and called the tow truck. A Jeri Dan truck came and loaded the RV, and left. I could have called AAA or Good Sam, but felt the problem of a dangerious situation was more important. The tow company did not accept any tow insurance. I hope to collect on one or another after the fact and will report this on this discussion.

I went to the tow companys office this morning. They will call me when they have figured what had happened. My got feeling is the alternator or the isolator.

Anybody have this problem?

HEAPIE

tucsonjim · Answer

Yep, classic sign of a alternator failure.  I had two alternators fail on consecutive days on two separate vehicles.  I've been driving for over 45 years, and I've only lost one other alternator during that time.  It should be a quick fix for you.

mkguitar · Answer

so as shown, the vehicle can run for some time solely off the battery.

when the battery dies, so does the van.

owners can think about what to do...for instance many RV's have another battery in the back.

all you have to do is move it forward and hook it up.

in advance, look to see if it will fit- are the cables the same or do you need $6 worth of adapter to hook it up.

a roadside swap will take 15 minutes if you are prepared and you can get on your way.
a GM serpentine belt takes a single 15mm wrench and 5 minutes to replace.

if this is beyond your abilities, then be prepared to call for help- buy into a roadside plan- and use it.
in most cases calling a tow will end up with the same driver/truck, whether you call direct or use your roadside plan.
one will be cheaper than the other

when driving watch your gauges- if you see a problem- get to where you won;t be a hazard

an alternator can be destroyed by a bad battery or bad cabling- good to keep an eye in that stuff

think about carrying a kit with flares, cones or other warning devices for approaching traffic

mike

sodajerk · Answer

I do not have dash air, so in the Texas heat we run the generator to operate the roof air. At some point in the day the alternator failed, but the generator was also providing power to the converter and supplying 12 volts to the van. When we turned off the generator, I noticed voltage going down. If you have a generator, you have back up. New alternator at the auto parts store the next day. Good to go again.

mockturtle · Answer

I agree about the alternator.  Happened with my old Chevy Blazer.  In city traffic.  At rush hour. :(

stickdog · Answer

Should have had an idiot light or guage show lack of charging.

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RV stopped running

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