I'm building up my cruiser for camping and I've got a pair of 4S LifePO4 packs that are identical. I haven't settled on a proper BMS yet.
The other day I ordered a dual ARB compressor and the next day realized that I'd ordered the 24v version. Bit of an accident.
I also have a Warn 8274 winch that I'm about to rebuild and can easily convert it to 24v since I'm replacing the motor.
This got me seriously thinking about going for a 24V aux/house system.
Advantages of going 24V:
24v winches are faster
Amp loads are cut in half
Wiring can be smaller/stay cooler at same size.
Reduced effect of voltage drop - improved efficiency.
My fridge will run on either 12v or 24v.
24v inverter is trivial to buy
24v solar is trivial to configure
12-24v DC-DC converter cost is similar to the 12-12v converter I was already planning on to support the LifePO4.
Disadvantages of 24v:
Some systems are locked into 24v use only, can't switch over to the main battery if there's a failure.
My battery packs are built from high output 200A rated Headway cells in 4p configuration. Winch load isn't an issue.
Emergency starting could be done from a single battery pack.
Since I haven't collected the various DC-DC bits yet I don't really have any major additional cost here. I will probably spend a bit more on a larger 12-24v DC-DC converter since I'd be running the winch off that system.
Final thoughts - I'm planning on 24v in my camp trailer, so I'd also be able to pull spares from either system if needed.
The other day I ordered a dual ARB compressor and the next day realized that I'd ordered the 24v version. Bit of an accident.
I also have a Warn 8274 winch that I'm about to rebuild and can easily convert it to 24v since I'm replacing the motor.
This got me seriously thinking about going for a 24V aux/house system.
Advantages of going 24V:
24v winches are faster
Amp loads are cut in half
Wiring can be smaller/stay cooler at same size.
Reduced effect of voltage drop - improved efficiency.
My fridge will run on either 12v or 24v.
24v inverter is trivial to buy
24v solar is trivial to configure
12-24v DC-DC converter cost is similar to the 12-12v converter I was already planning on to support the LifePO4.
Disadvantages of 24v:
Some systems are locked into 24v use only, can't switch over to the main battery if there's a failure.
My battery packs are built from high output 200A rated Headway cells in 4p configuration. Winch load isn't an issue.
Emergency starting could be done from a single battery pack.
Since I haven't collected the various DC-DC bits yet I don't really have any major additional cost here. I will probably spend a bit more on a larger 12-24v DC-DC converter since I'd be running the winch off that system.
Final thoughts - I'm planning on 24v in my camp trailer, so I'd also be able to pull spares from either system if needed.