The charge battery and brake lights came on when I was way out in the Utah wilderness this morning. Thinking it was my old battery, I drove to a Napa and put a new battery in. The charge battery and brake lights stayed on. I decided to try to make it back home in the fresh battery. The volt needle on the dash was lower than normal but stayed in the same position until later in the day when it began to drop gradually, until the engine began to struggle and I luckily just got to a hotel. I pulled the battery and checked the voltage and it shows 11.57v I expected lower. Is it safe to assume the alternator is out? Is there anything else I can check? I have the battery on a trickle charger now, and 200 miles left to home.

 

Not just the alternator, but the small plug in the back of the alternator body. I've seen it come loose. That will cause the lights to come on, and the battery to not charge.
You should also check the fusible link, that runs between the heavy, bolt-on terminal of the alternator and the fuse box. Also, you might want to check the fuses in both the fuse box in the engine compartment, AND the fuse panel in the cabin, under the driver's side kick panel.
Finally, make sure the grounds in the engine compartment, 4 I believe, and the one under the driver's side kick panel, near the fuse panel. Most importantly, check the ground between the alternator and the power steering pump mount above it. Very important.

Let us know what you find!
Pat☺

 

Clearly, the battery is getting no charge. Have you checked all fuses???

Can you run 200 miles on a freshly charged strong battery??? Maybe.

Run no lights, AC, or anything other than what the engine demands to run.

Good luck to you!!

 

Thanks for the help! I went through and checked everything mentioned, left the battery on a trickle charger overnight in my motel room but alas, still got the warning lights. I decided to not roll the dice on driving it back as the last stretch is through barren desert, and took it into a local shop. Turned out to be the alternator. Should be back on the road shortly. I suppose this is a good excuse to continue my trip and camp another night or two. Thanks again.