[pairodice]

I ran the tests and sent them off ot Penntex for analysis this morning. Will update here when we get the results. I have to leave tomorrow to head to Alabama so hopefully we will be able to keep the batteries charged for the trip using the generator and the merge switch.

[DogKnots]

You will be fine with the merge switch and generator.
I asked the same question a while back and was told it's ok. I've verified by having my alternator disconnected for about 6 months (due to problem with the dash ac compressor pulley) and haven't had any charge issues.
That's part of the beauty with the newell...built in redundancy with everything.

[Richard]

Jonathon,

You can run two belts directly to the alt and bypass the aircon pulley. When I had that setup, I kept two shorter belts in the spare parts bin for that purpose.

[pairodice]

Thanks Richard, any idea the number for the shorter belt? My front A/C doesn't work anyway and I bet I would get at least 10mpg more without it (kidding)...

[Richard]

Perhaps Airplaneguy (the current owner of that coach) can look at the belts in the parts bin and tell us. I left them with the coach when he picked it up.

[Fasteddie]

I talked to Roy at Penntex yesterday and he is the guy you want to talk to there!
He was extremely helpful and took a lot of time explaining things to me concerning the alternator and regulator setup.  Below are my notes:
The Slides use the START/Chassis batteries to do their business, the alternator needs to be producing 14amps to push them out!  My amp guage is dead on the dash (maybe it is because my alternator is dead?)
I have a PX35-285 alternator and a Lestec (out of business) regulator.  
        Penntex alternator (Talk to ROY!) 
*** Pierce Fire Truck uses these!  PX3S-285  so they are readily available and rebuildable
Some Alternator distributors can rebuild and diagnose problems others are only distributors (have to ask)
Pearland Alternator - they can drop ship it: 800-966-6672 Alternator: $1004  Regulator: $132.72  (they can diagnose on bench only and rebuild or replace
Newell had a replacement for this about the same price...
DFW distributor:  BCTruck Electric service (Irving): 866-434-2782 
Check on rebuild/repair:  This alternator CAN be rebuilt (forgot to ask how much)
When talking to rebuild shop tell them it is similar to Leese-Neville 2500 - 2800 JB series (frame style and build style are similar) 
This one puts out 170?amps at 500RPM (most put out much less)
Lestec Regulator (out of business since 2004) 
Pentex PX-4000 regulator - check pricing  $
Pearland Alternator suggested a possible replacement: PrestoLite- prestolite.com Leese-Neville 8 to 4900 Number: 4867JB  this one has the regulator and voltage check built in...
TESTS: http://penntexusa.com/Charging_Tests.pdf 
I plan to run the tests this morning and hopefully get it charging again. 

There is a great alternator repair and builder in Dallas Tx  They rebuilt my alternator on my 98 newell. They also make an alternator that has a built in regulator that will replace the one you have. Talk to David, their web site is alternatorservice.com  phone 214 630-6771

[Fasteddie]

Alternator Service in Dallas did rebuild my Lestek BRUT 270 alternator. the cost was $860 and they  rebuilt it while I waited. it took about 2 hours to do.

2360 W Commerce
Dallas, TX 76106
214 630-6771

also
3006 N. Main
Fort Worth TX 76106

http://www.alternatorservice.com

[afrench]

My coach kept spiking the amp draw to to 15-18 amp and kept overloading invertor and shutting everything down. Changed the regulator in the wal mart parking lot Christmas night and fixed the problem on the spot.

[Fasteddie]

Update on my previous post on alternator the cost of $860 was a new replacement. The charge to rebuild was $352. That was in 2013 and is still charging great.

[pairodice]

Thanks Afrench and Ed, how did you check the regulator to see the spikes, I know the inverter goes off