Belt slipping/Alternator??

Hey all- Had a weird thing happen to me. Stopped at a gas station before work to get a drink. When I came back and tried to start the engine, all the lights dimmed and it wouldn't start. So, I popped the hood and checked the battery cables and they were tight. I got lights on and went back and tried to start it again. It started, but if I even let off the gas it would die. I finally got it to start and maintain idle and drove it to work, and all seemed good. Then I remembered this--it had rained earlier, and when it rains my serp belt must get wet somehow, and it squeals for awhile. I have no idea why it does this because it's real annoying. Anyway, the belt's only a year old, but it was sqealing when I was first driving it. So I figure it was slipping pretty bad and not turning the alternator for power. Am I correct? And if so or not what do I do about the belt slipping? And why does it always get wet? Any ideas would be appreciated.

water pump might be bad try to shake the pump pully if it moves is bad

I had a similiar issue with the 1 month old belt slipping/chirping.  After checking everything and not finding any problems with pulleys....etc.  I switched to a Gatorback belt and have had no problems since that time.

Good advicedoes anyone know how/why it happens ONLY when it''s rained? Or wet from fog/mist? Driving me nuts........!!

Water can act like a lubricant when it gets on the belt.  There is just something about certain belts and the way the serpentine setup works on these trucks that lends itself to squeal in wet conditions. 

I had the same problem and a Goodyear Gatorback belt solved the problem.  The Gatorback is a good belt!

Thanks Kyleis the Gatorback something I can get at parts store, or is it a special order?

Just have to check and see if you favorite parts store carries Goodyear belts.  Most do.

I always tell myself that I will only put good parts on my truck if I have to repalce them. WHen it came tiem for a new belt I went with a Gatorback (expensive little bugger though) but I have to say it is a very nice belt.

Quality cost more - it is a better belt.

When you drive in the rain water goes through your grill, through the radiator and hits the pullys and almost everything else. Im sure it aint the water pump otherwise you would be adding anti freeze daily pending how often you drive it. One option would be to check your tension pully. If its loosing its strenth your gunna hear slipping espcially when the belt it wet. If theres no prob with the tension pully consider purchasing a new belt, within a year they can go bad.
Andy