[pestes]

I feel like I've seen others discuss driving without the alternator connected, but wanted to validate my beliefs before doing so for very far.

I have the setup where the small fan belt just runs the dash air and alternator. The clutch on the A/C is whining like a banshee. Tried to get it replaced before leaving Knoxville but they could not get one quickly. Also had them try to bypass the compressor with a short belt but the way the alternator is mounted, the tensioner doesn't really move the alternator further from the drive belt.

Long story short.... The screech of death from the clutch is absolutely horrendous. So instead of becomong the attraction at the park we were about to pull into, I removed the belt about 4 miles away from the park.

I was originally planning on putting it back on for driving, but it really is horrendously loud and I'd love to save the effort. We only have 2 more driving days (but lots of miles) before pulling into Camp Newell. So I was thinking:

1. Keep merge on when parked and plugged in.
2. Run the generator for some portion of drive time to keep house batts trickled up.