Owning an HJ versus a BJ

[CGilless]

I drive a BJ60 in Portland, and it's been great. I'm looking to buy a new rig, and really like this one HJ60. However, I'm not sure about the 24 volt thing. As the BJ is 12 volt, there is nothing to think about for stereos, headlights, etc. But this HJ is 24 volt... will this complicate my life with regards to getting a new stereo, plugging in my phone in the cigarette lighter, buying replacement headlights when needed? Or should I buy a 24 volt to 12 volt stepdown for some of those items because the 24 volt thing is totally worth it? Thoughts?

Thanks!
Chad

 

[FF LC FREAK]

I have a 24 volt BJ42 here in the Portland area. I have a 30 amp 24 to 12 converter for the stereo and such. Light bulbs aren't that big of deal. You just have to order them in advance and have a stockpile on hand in case you blow one. I'm sure you could find them somewhere in Portland, but for me its just easier to buy a box of them and have them on hand. As far as the phone charger, most are compatible with the 24volt system. My motorola charger is good from 9 to 32 volts.

I'd say the biggest hurdle is the other electrical parts. Alternators, EDICs, wiper motors, etc. If those go bad, there isn't anything you can buy locally off the shelf.

Bottom line, for me the 24 volt system is a non-issue. Once I installed the converter, I put in another fuse block and a couple of power ports and have had no issues. I'd say, go for it!

 

[77cruiser77]

HJ60's with a 24 volt system have 12 volt headlights. It's the HJ61's with 24 volt headlights.

Go for it. I prefer the 24 volt system overall as their advantages you won't get with a 12 volt system and the disadvantages can be remedied with a 24 - 12 volt converter. I just picked up a converter from Princess Auto that plugs into your 24 volt cigarette outlet and pumps out 12 volts into three sockets.

As a note all 24 volt vehicles I have come across have a factory converter under the dash for the stereo so unless you have some huge system you should be fine in that department too.

 

[Eric Winkworth]

What are 24V benefits?

 

[roscoFJ73]

What are 24V benefits?

You get to have your own special forum attached to the diesel forum LOL

 

[Deny]

What are 24V benefits?

24V winch.

The other one I found while buddy in his ford blew up on the way to a trail, ended up his bearing welded to the spindle, so we took a regular ac grinder he had in his truck spliced the wire into my 24V system and ran the grinder so he could remove the bearing, grind the spindle smooth so we could put a spare on and continue on to the trail. Probably would have been the same with an inverter on a 12V system but hey seemed cool at the time

 

[canucksafari]

The other one I found while buddy in his ford blew up on the way to a trail, ended up his bearing welded to the spindle, so we took a regular ac grinder he had in his truck spliced the wire into my 24V system and ran the grinder so he could remove the bearing, grind the spindle smooth so we could put a spare on and continue on to the trail. Probably would have been the same with an inverter on a 12V system but hey seemed cool at the time

I am going to have to try that.

 

[Biche]

I have the CDN HJ60, so the 12V are: headlights, stereo, behind the temp. control bulb.

I will install the 24V->12V converter and remove the evil 12V headlight center tap (switch to 24V headlight).

As far as I'm concern, 24V is not a big issue. But not all parts are readily available at your local part store.

 

[canucksafari]

As far as I'm concern, 24V is not a big issue. But not all parts are readily available at your local part store.

Sure they are ... at your local industrial and agricultural parts store. You just have to look outside of the malls.

 

[blis]

24V winch.

The other one I found while buddy in his ford blew up on the way to a trail, ended up his bearing welded to the spindle, so we took a regular ac grinder he had in his truck spliced the wire into my 24V system and ran the grinder so he could remove the bearing, grind the spindle smooth so we could put a spare on and continue on to the trail. Probably would have been the same with an inverter on a 12V system but hey seemed cool at the time

24V starter, hell, you can drive with it if needed... It also provides enough Oomph to get your car started in arctic temperatures...

 

[Wheelingnoob]

I would have no issues with a 24V truck at all. Parts are easy to come by if needed, lots and lots of industrial equipment still runs 24V. Parts like Alternators and starters can be rebuilt at any repair shop that specialises in Alt or Starters. There are some hard to come by parts now but most can be soused out of Canada easily.

 

[New80Owner]

Are the wires gauge spec higher for a 24v?

Since V x A = W

If the device, say the starter for a 1HZ is 2.5kw, then (2500w/12v)=208A

So a 1 gauge wire is needed. If 24v, only a 5 gauge is needed.

???

 

[Biche]

Are the wires gauge spec higher for a 24v?

Since V x A = W

If the device, say the starter for a 1HZ is 2.5kw, then (2500w/12v)=208A

So a 1 gauge wire is needed. If 24v, only a 5 gauge is needed.

???

AFAIK, you are correct, but for the stock harness, it's the same as a 12V rig.

 

[tlc42]

What are 24V benefits?

For the same power (Watt's) you only needs half the amperage (A) comparing with the 12 volts.

 

[AJAEbj42]

Shorts are much more entertaining at 24V, ask me how I know!

 

[kim]

Shorts are much more entertaining at 24V, ask me how I know!

LOL!

Ok, how do you know?

 

[ildhane]

Shorts are much more entertaining at 24V, ask me how I know!

This,

And i have not had any problems or issues with the 24V on my HJ. There is 24V anternaltives for almost any application, you just have to look for it.

 

[canucksafari]

Shorts are much more entertaining at 24V, ask me how I know!

... and I learned I could weld without a welding rod. Any decent set of side cutters will work fine.

 

[The11thNickel]

When you've got a cold start to do, the 24V starters are pretty awesome once they get going. . . Scary even.

 

[Eric Winkworth]

After a bit of reading around I found the answer to my own question. "What are the benifits of 24V" I am sure some of you already know the below information, but for those that don't it's an interesting read! I found the information on a Humvee website!

"Humvees are 24 Volt systems, making them compatible with MOST of the military vehicles in service. The military is trying to standardize on equipment, for ease of fueling, and maintenance issues like jump starting, and battery charging. The Army has settled on 24 Volts, and JP-8 for fuel. JP-8 runs their helicopters, and will work just fine in diesel engines (a bit less power, but MUCH cleaner). Sure, they have some legacy systems left that use gasoline, and 12 Volt starter/electrical systems, but they are being retired.

To further confuse the civilian issue, diesels have historically used 24 Volt systems. This is because of the higher compression. While it is true that two batteries, whether parallel (12 Volts), or series (24 Volts) wired will produce the same power, it is MUCH easier to transfer power at higher voltages. The brushes and contractors suffer much less abuse if the CURRENT is lower. [This is one reason the power companies use high tension (high voltage) transmission lines.] The other reason 24 Volts is used is because the wires can be smaller. Smaller wires for battery cables are good, it makes motor design and construction much easier, like the starter motor.

However, especially in light trucks, 24 Volts was just too much trouble for the owners and users. Radios need special attention, through the use of a second alternator, or a special switching power supply to provide them with 12 Volts. Bulbs are special, somewhat hard to find, and more expensive. Further, bulbs are the ONE CASE where higher current is better. The filament has to be thicker to produce the same light, so they are physically stronger and will take more vibration before breaking. "

12-volt and 24-volt systems

Interesting, so from what I gather relays , alternators, starters essentially everything to go wrong with an automotive electrical system other then light bulbs, will last longer on a 24V vehicle! Hence why the military uses it. Also smaller conductors cut down slightly on building costs and perhaps vehicle weight...

I guess that explains why the altenator and starter on my truck lasted just over 20 years and 300 000km's!

Thanks 24V!