Need alittle help with 12V add ons and the m35

[MrM4]

I recently installed a 9 inch lift on my M109 and I thought it would be wise to have backup camera to use a rear veiw mirror. Basically something that would mount above my hitch and run all the time so I could see behind me for traffic or if I have to backaround alittle in a parking lot, things like that.

I've been reading allot of threads about guys using equalizers and 2nd 12 volt Alternators, I've read about TMs mod and pretty much any thread I could find on 12v stuff. So far I'm lost ( juice is not my department to start with). I really dont think I want to add another Alt and the Equilizer sounds like a fair amount of $ for something I think I could do with a converter alot cheaper.

My idea was to buy a 24v to 12 converter capable of handling the load and use it to feed a separate 12v battery that I could run my back up camera system off of and maybe a couple of KC Day lighters for night use (12v of course).

Is there any reason a person could not safely do this?

 

[merlot566jka]

the 12v alternator kit from TM America was simple, cheap and works great... I wouldnt have done it any other way...

I run lights, guages, inverter, heaters, cellphone chargers, and anything I need on my 12v system. I use an optima yellow top for the battery. I can jump stranded vehicles too. its handy.

 

[319]

Check with HeadWizard, he had 35amp 24V to 12V converters for sale.
Newmar brand: Newmar’s DC-DC Converters – Standard Series – converts 20-50 VDC to 12 or 24 VDC for powering communication / navigation equipment, on negative ground systems. The standard DC to DC converters are ideal for powering voice, data and

 

[gimpyrobb]

I have the 24v-12v converter from Headwizard and it is great(and can be setup to maintain a 12v batt), but the 12v alt is a great option. If you have much need for 12v, the dedicated system is the way I would go. The converter puts out 35amp, if you use much more, that will tax the battery.

 

[quickfarms]

"the 12v alternator kit from TM America was simple, cheap and works great... I wouldnt have done it any other way..."

merlot566jka Can you post a link to this kit?

 

[merlot566jka]

It was done through pm's here on the forum. He is a member here. I think if you search for alternator kit it will come up. Or maybe dual (duel) alternator... It's a 10si alt, 60a.

 

[GHILL55]

I went with the 24-12 vdc converter route coupled to 2 Optima yellow tops for the on board electronics. CB, Stereo, camera and alarm system. Liked it so well that I'm using a 2nd converter in my camper setup to run lights, stereo, alarm and Ham radio gear - this system is hooked up to 6 Optima yellow tops mounted under one of the bench seats - the other side is a 24vdc battery bank system for the back up diesel heater system and 24v flood lights.

 

[eagle4g63]

I have the 24v civilian alternator kit from TM America, great kit, I still need to get off my butt and grab one of his 12v kits so I can have both. The sad thing is he lives about 5 minutes from my house and I drive by him almost everyday

 

[deuceaid]

how many amps do you need for the kc lights You are thinking of, that sounds like the bigest load, and will determine what you need. once you have 12 volts you may want to add stuff down the road and the 12 volt alt may be the way to go ( it will be my setup when I get around to it)

 

[MrM4]

I need to find out more about the load for the KCs. The Main thing is the camera at this point but I dont want to find out that I need a bigger coverter down the road or to find out that a Alt setup would have been cheaper, large converters cost larger dollars ofcourse.

 

[59apache]

cheaper and equally reliable as the 12V alternator from TM America is not really possible.

http://www.steelsoldiers.com/deuce-modification-hot-rodding/56451-2nd-alternator-12v.html

there you will find the info's you need. 3rd Battery in the box, bracket, wiring

 

[212sparky]

I use a converter for my loads such as stereo, inverter, gps. But my driving lights i 12 volt run in series (as long as they are a matched set) on the 24 volt truck system. It keeps the load off of the converter and is simple to set up.

 

[steelandcanvas]

I need to find out more about the load for the KCs. The Main thing is the camera at this point but I dont want to find out that I need a bigger coverter down the road or to find out that a Alt setup would have been cheaper, large converters cost larger dollars ofcourse.

Buy what you require for the loads you intend to use and go one size up to allow for expansion. Also, remember you won't be using all the loads at the same time. Find all of you amp draws on your equipment, write them down on paper and play around with the numbers. For example: I won't be using this thing while using that thing, I might want to use these two things together, etc. Good luck! Don't make it anymore difficult than it is, it's all numbers.

 

[Seth_O]

I did all the research and decided the 12v alt was the way to go. I liked the isolation from my 24v power - so even if I totally drain the battery or something catostrophic happens to my 12v power, my truck can still start itself up and drive home.

Also, be honest about what you want to do - I started thinking through what I would like to do and realized I could easily use enough juice to require an alt (gps/cell phone, 12v lights, 12v cab heater, trailer hookups, winch, etc.....) TM's 12v setup is cheap, effective, provides virtually limitless amounts of civvy power and is a relatively simple install. Highly recommended.

 

[deuceaid]

12v cab heater, trailer hookups,

Thanks, I never even thought of that,,,,,it would be real nice to be able to tow civy trailers ,,,,and if I`m feeling like I wont get shot in the process (in Kalifornia) I might give someone a jump start

 

[59apache]

I did all the research and decided the 12v alt was the way to go. I liked the isolation from my 24v power - so even if I totally drain the battery or something catostrophic happens to my 12v power, my truck can still start itself up and drive home.

Also, be honest about what you want to do - I started thinking through what I would like to do and realized I could easily use enough juice to require an alt (gps/cell phone, 12v lights, 12v cab heater, trailer hookups, winch, etc.....) TM's 12v setup is cheap, effective, provides virtually limitless amounts of civvy power and is a relatively simple install. Highly recommended.

and sooner or later a cooler, ASO

these are exactly the reasons for my 12V setup.

 

[59apache]

But my driving lights i 12 volt run in series (as long as they are a matched set) on the 24 volt truck system. It keeps the load off of the converter and is simple to set up.

and if one fails, both are dark......sounds funny. driving in the dark from one second to the other.

 

[59apache]

I need to find out more about the load for the KCs. The Main thing is the camera at this point but I dont want to find out that I need a bigger coverter down the road or to find out that a Alt setup would have been cheaper, large converters cost larger dollars ofcourse.

according to their homepage Lights « Daylighter « KC HiLiTES: Auxiliary Lighting, Off Road Lights, HID Off Road Lights, Fog Lights, LED Light Bars, Driving Lights, Light Bars, Wiring Accessories, Flashlights, Torches

daylightwers are availible in 100W resp. 130W = 8,3A resp. 10,8A EACH

 

[Hoefler]

Cant find TM America-can you send link?

 

[hoop]

Steel Soldiers::Military Vehicles Supersite - View Profile: tm america

I also used his brackets...works great.
Had them in stock a couple of weeks ago and ships fast.