another new alternator

can't believe we just put it another alternator.

put one in just over a year ago and van died yesterday.

is this common with this vehicle type or just our bad luck

why do alternator's go - my mechanic said it is because we drive the van alot and shut the van off frequently throughout the day.
could be 15 times in a day depending on job .

Where did you buy your alternator? My experience with Checker Auto's starters and PEP Boys' alternators is that you are lucky if they last a year. I prefer to buy NAPA or OEM for starters and alternators, a little more expensive than the discount chains, but well worth it for the extra life.

My original alternator is still on my '99 at 180k miles.

I've never washed the engine ... and there may be a connection. Water is one of the things that may hasten the demise of an alternator. ... of course, there are 100 other things.