24Volt problem SOLVED

[Diesel Dude]

Hi everyone, I set up this project of being a younger guy and of course the need for a stereo and winch and of course some great offroad lights is a must. One problem 24VOLTS. Id like to hear what you guys think about this set up. A second alternator only putting oput 12volts charging the passenger battery and then all 12 volt accesories are run off of this battery. Should work right? Let me know what you guys think.

 

[crushers]

i like the look of the alternator, very clean, but it can be a problem when it comes to mud or deep water crossings (ask any mini truck drivers). i would locate a 3rd battery for the 12V accessories and keep the 2 batteries working as the factory designed it... i can not say WHY it won't work but something is just saying wrong...
cheers

 

[The Dude]

My 78 BJ40 was set up this way. It killed batteries and a 24 alt. Just get a 3rd bat and isolate the whole 12V system. I think it's a great idea...I use a converter for the same basic princable to charge a 3rd battery opn my HJ now. Works great!!

 

[dieseldog]

I agree with the dude and crushers. Get a third battery and run it as a completely separate circuit. The downside to the install (and a VERY clean install indeed) is that it obviates putting an AC compressor where it belongs. I know that you are in Calgary and therefore, it will be of little importance to you; however, down here in Houston, AC is a must. All four of my cruisers have it. I am seriously considering installing a series/parallel switch setup for my two 24 volt rides. Similar to those found in big rigs, the truck kicks off with 24 volts and then once started, the switch sees to it that 12 volt power is provided to the rest of the truck's electrical system. If I did it, I would have to swap out all my bulbs and throw in the cheaper 12 volt ones. Anyone ever done this in a cruiser? Let's hear the tale.

 

[burger]

Dieseldog ,I dont understand why you would want to change to 12 from 24? The system is a much better pwer source and the 24 volt lights and such draw less amps(thanks for that info stone). Running a converter allows you to not have to find 24 accesories and realistically how much amperage are you going to draw on a regular basis. You might use a winch a few time but not long term and most people that I know with big light sets hardly ever use them. Just my .02.

 

[dieseldog]

burger, I understand all you've stated; however, the problem isn't merely accessories--it's having to find, purchase, and keep on-hand 24 volt bulbs of all sizes to feed the need of two cruisers that use them. I have not converted yet. My BJ-42 has a DC/DC 24/12 converter already; however, I have an issue that it is not sized correctly for the continuous amp draw of the small accessories I have. Also, I have installed AC in this truck and the solenoid and fan unit run off of 12 volts; therefore, I have a higher amp draw than just a stereo and phone charger plug, etc.

In my BJ-73, I have a completely stock electrical system for now. I have a free hand and may simply purchase a high quality converter and be done with it. However, the thought still abides that it would be nice to change out the many small bulbs throughout the vehicle and have them run on 12 volts.

 

[crushers]

the 24V bulbs are an easy find, just shoot an email up and i can supply you as many as you want for a very reasonable price or you can go on-line and rind Greggs Distr. and order the bulbs from there. they carry a good assortment.
one nice thing about an isolated battery is your own boosting station right under the hood...

cheers

 

[Stone]

Dieseldog:

Hella makes a wide array of 24v bulbs to suit your needs. I use their H4 bulbs for my headlights and the H3s for the offroad/fog lamps. You will find that the 24v bulbs do last a lot longer than their 12v counterparts. I have a set of 130W 24v H3s in my IPF lights that look like they are easily 10 years old and still work. In the case of your offroad lights, I would simply switch out the bulbs (most of them are H3) to 24v 70W or 100W and have them work as 24v. If there is a regular 12v relay in the wiring harness of your lights, then you can easily switch that over to a 24v relay from Hella. If it's a specialty looking 12v relay, then you can power the coil/switch side of it from your 12v converter (this doesn't draw much current) and power your light with 24v.

Here's Hella USA's online catalogue:
http://www.hella.com/produktion/Hel...Products_Accessories/Products_Accessories.jsp

I'm sure there's several retailers of Hella products in your local area. Other more specialty bulbs are available through Toyota, and several of us have part numbers that should cross reference.

 

[Red Herring]

So... probably a newbie concern here... but when i switch out my lights, how will I know if they are 24 or 12 volt... I know newbie question ... Will it be on the bulb?

Thank you

Steve

 

[burger]

yes it will say on the bulb.

 

[Stone]

Yup..it will be on the bulb as Burger said. Your HJ61 will be 24v for sure.

 

[The Dude]

Yup..it will be on the bulb as Burger said. Your HJ61 will be 24v for sure.

Not for sure. I have seen two 61s with 12v headlights...don't know why, but they where.

 

[crushers]

interesting,
all the ones i have seen have been 24V...
not saying you are wrong just wondering why someone would go to all the bother of switching

 

[Stone]

Not for sure. I have seen two 61s with 12v headlights...don't know why, but they where.

I've haven't seen an HJ61 (or any other JDM Cruiser for that matter) with 12v headlights either...interesting. Did you find out where those 61s came from? Were they Japanese or from somewhere else?