Limping home when alternator belt fails.

[chainegang]

Can you back feed on board generator power through converter to engine battery when alternator belt fails so as to limp home? Water pump and power steering on separate belt.
Dodge B350 w/ 360 engine.

[Pauljdav]

It works to backfeed off the converter. I did it when the alternator failed. The belt was fine.

[YC_1]

Not sure what your rig is but if it has an aux start button for emergencies then just prop it in the on position. Or if the engine and chassis batteries are in the same box either jumper the positives or move the positive lead wires over to the engine battery posts. However you can get them to combine.

[wcjeep]

Usually, running engine is 20 amps, heater 20 amps, headlights and running lights on passenger car is 20amps. Why not buy the proper belt in the next town?

[tpi]

Maybe..

You have to determine what isolates the house 12 volt system from the vehicle 12 volt system. Some have diode, others have relay, and some may have a switch or no isolation at all. The diode would be problematic for backfeeding.

My class C uses a relay which clicks in when ignition is on, connecting the two systems. Getting engine started, then start generator and power converter should work. Probably best to operate least amount of vehicle accessories possible. I'm counting on it as a backup to alternator electrical failure.

[ScottG]

Yes, it will work. I once read about a fellow who idled his Harley in the back of his truck with jumper cables attached to do the same thing.

[othertonka]

On my 2004 Southwimd the convertor charges both the house and the chassis batteries. Since the generator supplies 110 power to the convertor, if you start the generator you also power the convertor and that should recharge your chassis battery taking the place of your alternator allowing you to drive. But in my case I only have one belt so if I lose that belt I cannot drive with no waterpump and no power steering, but if the alternator happened to quit then it would work in my opinion.

[BTPO1]

I agree with the above posts. I would turn everything off and only use the essential things. I suppose that you could hook up a battery charger and charge the battery from the generator. I had to do that once on my TC when the alternator went out. It didn't take long to give it enough charge to make it to a facility to make the repair. JMO

[Chopperbob]

I wouldnt try it. Dont know for sure.
Belts are not that hard to change.
Bob

[GordonThree]

good to hear your hydraulics are on a separate belt ... had a single belt engine throw the belt once, while driving at night, luckily not towing

how far of a limp is home? I wouldn't try back feeding, probably won't work or it might screw something up... just minimize electrical drain on the engine battery and get to your mechanic.