New Serpentine Belt?

[dalenoel]

With some long trips, 6500 miles, coming up and all the posts regarding serpentine belts I think I should have a spare with me.

I already keep tires less than 5 years, TMPS, Silverleaf for data, fluid changes and test regularly have roadside assistance in case of emergency, and keep extra filters with me but have no idea what size belt to get.

Is it better to measure the one on the coach or to ask Cummins what is needed.

2003 Neptune ISB300, 36'

Thanks for for the help.

[Grit_dog]

Dusty R wrote:
Got to ask a question.
Has anyone had one actually break? If so, how many miles did it have on it?

Never seen one break that wasn’t the result of some other failure, taking out the belt.
Old habits I suppose, but a new belt and idler and tensioner pulley on an older or higher mileage vehicle is cheap insurance. Which I realize sounds silly if not replacing everything that spins like the alternator and steering pump. But...

[Grit_dog]

dalenoel wrote:
I'm going to see if the labeling is still on the belt. Need to get into the closet to get access as this is a rear radiator. If not then will have it changed at next service.

To some who suggested the results of a pickup truck, this is different in a rear radiator as there is no hood, easy access or ability to work easily. You need to stand on your head in a closet or be under the engine reaching up.

Not being sarcastic but just realistic.

Sounds like even more reason to replace it pre emptively then. If it’s original.

[1320Fastback]

I've had serpentine belts break at work before. Our equipment has Cummins 3.8L diesels but is a rare failure. Never had one break on my personal vehicles since they got away from V belts.

[agesilaus]

I did but it was many years ago and I don't even recall what car I was driving at the time. It was one of the old V belts. I assume the engineers have improved the product since then.

[Dave_H_M]

Good question Dusty. 😉

[Dusty_R]

Got to ask a question.
Has anyone had one actually break? If so, how many miles did it have on it?

[dalenoel]

I'm going to see if the labeling is still on the belt. Need to get into the closet to get access as this is a rear radiator. If not then will have it changed at next service.

To some who suggested the results of a pickup truck, this is different in a rear radiator as there is no hood, easy access or ability to work easily. You need to stand on your head in a closet or be under the engine reaching up.

Not being sarcastic but just realistic.

[valhalla360]

1320Fastback wrote:
Before our big trip a few years ago I changed the belt on my truck myself a few days before departure and kept the old one as the spare. I do not agree with waiting till is starts shedding rubber because that is what will leave you stranded.

Maybe if you pop the hood every time before you start the engine waiting for it to start shedding works...but I know no one who does that, so we did what you did. Put the new belt on and kept the old as an emergency spare. No sense buying a new belt and then let it age out sitting in storage.

Plus if you do it at home, you get an idea of what you need and how to do it, so if it does fail, you are better prepared to replace it.

[Grit_dog]

Idk if the other ISBs are like the Dodge trucks, but the dodge Cummins don’t love anything other than OEM or Gatorback, now Continental, belts. Others work but they are finicky, squeak and squeal in anything other than ideal conditions.
Food for thought if you’re replacing it.

[1320Fastback]

Before our big trip a few years ago I changed the belt on my truck myself a few days before departure and kept the old one as the spare. I do not agree with waiting till is starts shedding rubber because that is what will leave you stranded.

If they make on I suggest the Gates Green Stripe for your rig.

[agesilaus]

If you have the ability and tools to change it on the side of the road then carry a spare. If not why bother?

You can call an ERS and get them to change it. I have one in the back of the truck I'll get a mechanic to swap out next time we are at the home port. I changed all the fluids and at the 10 year point I fuigured it can't hurt to replace it.

[monkey44]

Just blew an A/C belt sitting in my driveway, idling, at 60K miles. Will replace it now, and add the serpentine belt and regular service. Will save the one off, and carry it with us. We plan a cross-country trip soon, and would be NICE to have the proper belt as a spare, even a temp spare.

[CA_Traveler]

dalenoel wrote:
Is it better to measure the one on the coach or to ask Cummins what is needed.

If the labeling is gone take it off and buy the exact same one.

Cummins may not know what belt you have due to Monaco added equipment.

[time2roll]

Roger10378 wrote:
If you have the ability and tools to change it on the side of the road then carry a spare. If not why bother?

Sometimes it is easier to find service help than parts. Especially at late hours or holiday etc.

For the OP: Have the belt changed at your next service. Save the old as a spare. Then you know it fits.
Generally I believe minimum life on these is 10 years and 100,000 miles. So unless you are approaching that I would not have any concern yet.