Expected alternator lifespan: Axis/Vegas RUV

[Korey & Tana Jackson]

Now that more than eight years has elapsed since the Axis and Vegas RUVs were originally introduced:

What is the expected stock alternator lifespan of a Thor Axis or Vegas?

Have you replaced an alternator on your Axis or Vegas?

If so, at what age?

Were there extenuating circumstances driving the alternator replacement, such as a wiring short, or heavy usage by coach batteries (lithium, AGM, or SLA-Deep Cycle)?

Is there any difference if on an E-350 chassis or E-450 chassis?

As a matter of perspective, my previous RV was a a Class C, with a Ford Econoline cutaway chassis. I owned it for over 25 years. I replaced its alternator once, so ... 12 years?

[ducksface]

Your sample here will be too small for any analysis other than outrage aimed at a common occurrence.

How will the info be used?

[Korey & Tana Jackson]

Originally Posted by ducksface

How will the info be used?

Preventative maintenance planning and budgeting purposes.

Is alternator replacement a common occurrence?
Why?

It has been well over a decade since I replaced an alternator on any vehicle. My SUV is over 25 years old, and that alternator has never been replaced, but I am told the average lifespan is 7 years.

[EA37TS]

Since it’s a standard Ford E series alternator this would be better asked on the Ford forums.

[16ACE27]

Originally Posted by Korey & Tana Jackson

Preventative maintenance planning and budgeting purposes.

Is alternator replacement a common occurrence?
Why?

It has been well over a decade since I replaced an alternator on any vehicle. My SUV is over 25 years old, and that alternator has never been replaced, but I am told the average lifespan is 7 years.

Not a common occurrence and not a "preventative maintenance" item. It is a corrective maintenance item that should easily exceed 100K miles and 10 years.

[ducksface]

You would preventively change an alternator?
If You're going to plan and budget, plan on purchasing your spare alternator today as they'll never be leas expensive with time.

Newbs;
Unless you're doing the same as the op, but on your daily drivers...
Take no heed.

There is no fear beyond any other vehicle You've owned or will own.

[Korey & Tana Jackson]

Originally Posted by EA37TS

Since it’s a standard Ford E series alternator this would be better asked on the Ford forums.

Fair point. Will look to posting there. Thanks.

While noting that Ford no longer sells Econoline vans; the E-350/450 are only produced as cut-away chassis and stripped chassis from their commercial vehicles point.

[Muggs]

Interesting question. Being in Florida, maybe experience from swamp conditions.

1991 Z-28 replaced at 16,000 miles. Traded at 75,000 no more issues.
1996 Z-28 never an issue traded at 85,000.
1996 Yukon 1500 sold with 170,000 never changed. Still on road at 270,000 with original.
1999 Tahoe lost alt at 85,000. Sold with 150,000 no more issues.
2007 Suburban swapped at 130,000 before long trip as charge voltage seemed to be faltering.
2014 Altima at 140,000 no issues.
2016 Vegas no alt issues, traded at 48,000 miles.
2019 Traverse alt quit at 50,000. Battery limp mode got me home (20 miles).

Hard to draw any real conclusion.

[BASSMAN]

I have a 2017 AXIS an my alternator is bad, some just quit charging and some will continue to charge but will drain the battery when its setting, thats what I have going on, one of the diodes in the bridge is bad an allowing current to flow back into the alternator when the engine is off, I looked at getting to it from the inside by removing the dog house and then from the outside by removing some of the air cleaner ducting, I do not see an easy way and its going to be a bitch, I did check on line and there are several possibilities depending on the amp rating and a new replacement is between $375.00 up to $500.00,

[Chateau_Nomad]

Due to the relatively new phenomenon of folks charging a 10kWh house battery bank with stock alternator, and some keeping the stock setup... alternator life can be incredibly skewed by "abuse" and what my 8th grade shop teacher used to refer to as "using a tool for it's unintended purpose".

My neighbor Jim literally beats the hell out of his truck I'm not even sure he changes oil. He buys a new one every four years. Mine is intended to be used to eventually haul me and my casket to the cemetery.

You can't always get useful statistics.

[Lt Keefer]

The last time I had to replace an alternator was so long ago it was a generator.

[ducksface]

Originally Posted by Lt Keefer

The last time I had to replace an alternator was so long ago it was a generator.

And
if you didn't drop shunt it one of two things happened.
It wouldn't work.
Or
It turned into a motor and turned by itself.

[Muggs]

Alternators can be overworked, 100 amp in racecar can last 6 months or 2 years depending on initial build quality from same builder.

My 7 year Vegas never went back to dealer as I cannot/will not wait on sometomes questionable service staff. There are plenty youtube vids to help. Traverse Alt quit at 50k, could maybe argue warranty. No local stock. Though pricing in $350+ range for rebuilt. Got new factory direct replacement from Rock auto for $201. I scratched head wondering how swap, looked at youtube and saw studs with star end come off to allow removal. 45 minutes to swap 5k miles ago. No issue.

I realise not everybody can do, even my time limited by too many birtthdays. My handz are not improving with time.

Hopefully new RV will match previous Vegas for overall reliability.