I've got a 1984 M1010 with a 24 vdc electrical system presently. I am wanting to build a camper with heat, A/C, hot water, refrigerator, stove/oven and I have some questions on the voltage I should use.
I have converted the M1010 to an 24 vdc system using two (2) 160 amp alternators with each charging a 12 vdc battery with isolated grounds. The batteries are wired in series providing 24 vdc.
I want this vehicle to be dependable and easily maintainable. If I stick with a 24 vdc system, I can find most of the needed accessories in 24 vdc applications but if one of my alternators goes down I will lose power in a short time. I am thinking I can rewire, fairly easily, to a 12 vdc system and run one (1) alternator for the truck system and one (1) alternator for the house system and end up with duplicate charging systems that can be shared if I have problems. I have not purchased any equipment yet so I can go either way.
Question: Which way should I go? The 24 vdc system would use less wiring and smaller wiring but have no backup. I could source a third alternator and carry it as a spare of course for backup......or I could convert to 12 vdc and have dual systems with a spare always running.
I do plan on solar power at some point which I think would make more sense going the 24 vdc route but can work at 12 vdc also...
........Your thoughts?
I have converted the M1010 to an 24 vdc system using two (2) 160 amp alternators with each charging a 12 vdc battery with isolated grounds. The batteries are wired in series providing 24 vdc.
I want this vehicle to be dependable and easily maintainable. If I stick with a 24 vdc system, I can find most of the needed accessories in 24 vdc applications but if one of my alternators goes down I will lose power in a short time. I am thinking I can rewire, fairly easily, to a 12 vdc system and run one (1) alternator for the truck system and one (1) alternator for the house system and end up with duplicate charging systems that can be shared if I have problems. I have not purchased any equipment yet so I can go either way.
Question: Which way should I go? The 24 vdc system would use less wiring and smaller wiring but have no backup. I could source a third alternator and carry it as a spare of course for backup......or I could convert to 12 vdc and have dual systems with a spare always running.
I do plan on solar power at some point which I think would make more sense going the 24 vdc route but can work at 12 vdc also...
........Your thoughts?