UHG Alternator problems

[Avltravelbuddies]

On the Facebook page there have been multiple problems coming from the second alternator on the class b’s. On my way to Alaska and starting to feel a little unsafe about this problem. Shows up daily but haven’t seen anything from Thor about a recall. Any news on this front?

[ducksface]

Multiple like 10 or like 1,000?
Daily? So close to 1,000 individual alternator problems in the past two years? Or just 3 loud people?
Which Facebook site?
If there's no recall, and yours isn't broken, what's the plan?
Is it to have Thor pre-emptively remove two good alternators?

With a daily Facebook posted new failure, someone must have posted a solution/plan and if this is Thor, chassis builder(ford? Who'd know?) Or aftermarket problem.

[Gusti]

Hi,

I have a 2022 Tellaro 20L . It is the second time I replaced Thor alternator parts inside the alternator and ALSO the alternator (became hot because Thor parts) … It is not normal ….

[16ACE27]

Originally Posted by Gusti

Hi,

I have a 2022 Tellaro 20L . It is the second time I replaced Thor alternator parts inside the alternator and ALSO the alternator (became hot because Thor parts) … It is not normal ….

Thor does not make alternator parts or alternators.

Alternators become hot due to being overburdened and insufficient cooling.

[EA37TS]

Originally Posted by Gusti

Hi,

I have a 2022 Tellaro 20L . It is the second time I replaced Thor alternator parts inside the alternator and ALSO the alternator (became hot because Thor parts) … It is not normal ….

When did Thor start installing aftermarket parts inside alternators?

[Gusti]

Thor puts new «*bearing type*» in the alternator to recharge the lithium battery

[16ACE27]

Originally Posted by Gusti

Thor puts new «*bearing type*» in the alternator to recharge the lithium battery

Yeah, that makes zero sense.

Is that like adding air bags to increase the GVWR?

[Gusti]

Thor started this when they removed generator to replaced by lithium batteries (I think during Covid period 2021-2022)

[16ACE27]

Originally Posted by Gusti

Thor started this when they removed generator to replaced by lithium batteries (I think during Covid period 2021-2022)

Yep, we know this. Added a second alternator to the engine sourced from off the shelf parts; dubbed the Under Hood Generator (UHG), to replace the RV generator. Thor did not make or alter the alternator, so any reference to Thor parts in the alternator is unfounded.

[Gusti]

You seems to be sure but call Thor and you know that it is not the case.

I’m in the middle of struggle between Thor and Dodge for that….

[16ACE27]

Why is Dodge involved? They had nothing to do with the UHG install.

[Gusti]

Sorry, I do not continue this conversation because you’re not understand what’s happened with Tellaron/Sequence B class van .

[16ACE27]

Originally Posted by Gusti

Sorry, I do not continue this conversation because you’re not understand what’s happened with Tellaron/Sequence B class van .

Sorry you do not like facts.

[ducksface]

Originally Posted by Gusti

Thor puts new «*bearing type*» in the alternator to recharge the lithium battery

All you need to do is post a link to something, anything, a bit of something, even if only vaguely related.

A link will allow us to favor you, help you, find other circumstances to back you.

You're beta testing a system most of us wouldn't take for free.
Your story stirs up people like the OP.

A link please to these bearings.

[Klondike Kat]

I have a 2023 Sequence 20J. Started howling from engine compartment this week. Took it to Dodge dealer to diag. He said it was the auxiliary alternator and/or tensioner. Since its the aftermarket product installed by THOR, its not under the dodge/mopar warranty. I called my local campingworld, he said this is the 8th one hes had do this and is hoping for a recall by THOR. Today, I just moved it and smelled of buring rubber, so I'm thinking the alternator seized and the belt is ready to snap. I cannot remove the belt as it is a serpentine to the main alternator. I'm gonna have it towed to dealer as its now a fire hazard.

[MJC62]

Originally Posted by Klondike Kat

I have a 2023 Sequence 20J. Started howling from engine compartment this week. Took it to Dodge dealer to diag. He said it was the auxiliary alternator and/or tensioner. Since its the aftermarket product installed by THOR, its not under the dodge/mopar warranty. I called my local campingworld, he said this is the 8th one hes had do this and is hoping for a recall by THOR. Today, I just moved it and smelled of buring rubber, so I'm thinking the alternator seized and the belt is ready to snap. I cannot remove the belt as it is a serpentine to the main alternator. I'm gonna have it towed to dealer as its now a fire hazard.

If it were me, I would find out the manufacturer of the failed alternator and contact them as well. Thor may have installed it and ultimately as the manufacturer of the RV should be responsible for the fix, but I would go to the source of the failed product and get them in the loop as well.

[Gusti]

Dear Klondike Kat,
I completely sympathize with you. What you have just said is a «*copy and paste*» of my experience. My suggestion, do like me: sell it as soon as possible and buy a system with regular batteries. The technology is not up to scratch !

[Mark54]

Originally Posted by Avltravelbuddies

On the Facebook page there have been multiple problems coming from the second alternator on the class b’s. On my way to Alaska and starting to feel a little unsafe about this problem. Shows up daily but haven’t seen anything from Thor about a recall. Any news on this front?

It is my opinion that the ones with problems are not set up properly by TMC at the factory. Wrong battery type, wrong amperage, insufficent thermal settings, etc etc. I have had mine for 2 years and no issues, even after changing to 600A LFP batteries, and moving all the electrics up inside my 20L.

The UHG can run very hot, so you can go into the Balmar monitor, or use the smartlink BT gateway module (SG3-0200) with accompanying app, and set the temps lower, and even add a switch to the brown cable to terminal #3 on the Balmar MC-618 regulator if you want to just not have it on.


https://balmar.net/product/sg200-bluetooth-gateway/

[jpzlaw]

Hi guys. Yes, what Mark54 said. There is a simple fix for this, possibly different from what Mark referred to. The regulator (in my case Balmar 618) has an adjustable setting for “MAX FIELD %”. It used to be call “belt load manager”. Its purpose is to control the horsepower loads placed on the alternator and to protect the alternator from extraordinary load. Lowering the percentage will cut back charging and thus heat production. It can be accessed on the regulator itself and adjusted with the tool, or with the Bluetooth gateway (sg300). You must get the gateway - crazy not to have. In addition to being able to make ALL regulator adjustments you get real time readouts for the sg200 gauge and the regulator.

[DavidEM]

The Max Field or the Belt Load manager should avoid alternator burnout if set right. But I prefer the more direct approach of Balmar’s alternator temperature probe.

David