My truck's alternator gave out on a dirt road 30 miles from help

I was out near Moab last Thursday hauling gear when the dash lights flickered and the engine died. Had to hike to a ranger station and pay $400 for a tow to the nearest shop. Anybody else had a breakdown in a really inconvenient spot?

3 comments

3 Comments

nelson.wren12d ago

Think you should've packed a spare alternator if you're taking a truck that far out.

jessica92112d ago

My 97 F-250 ate its alternator about 80 miles outside of Winnemucca at dusk. Had enough daylight left to swap it on the side of the highway with basic hand tools. Ten minutes and I was back on the road, no tow needed.

abby_morgan1812d ago

Man that's exactly what I was thinking. Had a buddy who blew his alternator crossing through Montana in the middle of nowhere and it was a whole nightmare trying to get a tow to a shop that even had one in stock. Took like two days and cost way more than just throwing a spare in the truck bed would have. Maybe it's just me but I always pack one now after seeing how much of a hassle it was for him. Alternators are one of those things that can just go without warning too so it feels like a no-brainer for a long remote trip. Plus they don't take up much space so why not.