M35A2 + small inverter

[cavtrooper78]

i suck as an electrician so I have a question after a short cursory search. I have a small 400W inverter I’d like to wire to the batteries, and I’d like to put it in. Thing is I’ve done it on a 12 volt system (easy) and not a 24 volt system. Is this something I can do?


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[NDT]

Easy enough to wire it in, just don’t use a 12 volt unit. Your alternator is also not real happy with high loads unfortunately.

 

[cavtrooper78]

Easy enough to wire it in, just don’t use a 12 volt unit. Your alternator is also not real happy with high loads unfortunately.

I have two, but I doubt they’re 24 volts. 24 volt inverters seem expensive, but I might not be looking hard enough.


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[LowTech]

Can I ask what you want an inverter for that only works when the truck is running? I've put inverters in but only on "house batteries" for things that need ac when parked up.

 

[cavtrooper78]

Charge our phones, small stuff like that.


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[LowTech]

Then I think what you really want is a 24 - 12 volt reducer (don't remember off the top of my head what they're called). Checked, they are known as Step Down Converters.
I have one installed that does just that as well as powering my CB and my nav tablet.
Do a search and some will definitely come up, then you'll know what they're called and you can refine the search.

One thing I learned is to put an on/off switch between the batteries and the unit or it will slowly drain your batts while sitting.

I'd get you more info on mine but I'm all the way across the country right now.

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[cavtrooper78]

I tried to install a step down converter and it did not work. The step down converter actually fried my little 400w inverter. Chinese junk off of Amazon can be so frustrating sometimes and other times they work time a charm. I think I’m just going to forgo it.

 

[LowTech]

With the step-down you shouldn't even need the inverter, just some 12v dc outlets wired to the 12v side of the converter. I have a double ported USB outlet and an older standard, the so called cigarette lighter outlet, as well as my CB wired to the 12v side. If you want to get fancy put a fuse block in between instead of fuses inline to each item.

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[cavtrooper78]

With the step-down you shouldn't even need the inverter, just some 12v dc outlets wired to the 12v side of the converter. I have a double ported USB outlet and an older standard, the so called cigarette lighter outlet, as well as my CB wired to the 12v side. If you want to get fancy put a fuse block in between instead of fuses inline to each item.

"Sent w/o me knowing"

Well the little inverter had two plugs and 3 USB 3.0 ports that I wanted to use. It’s moot at this point though. I sent the step down converter back and there the inverter in the bin.


U.S. Army Retired
M35A2

 

[cavtrooper78]

With the step-down you shouldn't even need the inverter, just some 12v dc outlets wired to the 12v side of the converter. I have a double ported USB outlet and an older standard, the so called cigarette lighter outlet, as well as my CB wired to the 12v side. If you want to get fancy put a fuse block in between instead of fuses inline to each item.

"Sent w/o me knowing"

I ordered a new one.

Also I have a question. I know guys do battery cut off switches, but what about a solargizer type thing? I ordered a solar trickle charger, but does that have to be a special 24v solar cell, or can I just connect one lead to the positive on one and one to the negative on the other?


U.S. Army Retired
M35A2

 

[kendelrio]

If you are looking for USB charging, you can do it with this from Amazon:


I ordered one and installed it in my M715 hooked up to my switched power off of the power switch.



If you want to be REALLY fancy, you can get a data port cover and put it in and mount it and it looks OG MILSPEC

 

[kendelrio]

I ordered a new one.

Also I have a question. I know guys do battery cut off switches, but what about a solargizer type thing? I ordered a solar trickle charger, but does that have to be a special 24v solar cell, or can I just connect one lead to the positive on one and one to the negative on the other?


U.S. Army Retired
M35A2

A solargizer needs to output 24v. Otherwise ot will get to 12 and stop. Here's what I use in my 5 ton:




Here's a comment where I showed how I hooked it up:

Solar panel hookup

 

[cavtrooper78]

If you are looking for USB charging, you can do it with this from Amazon:
View attachment 932644

I ordered one and installed it in my M715 hooked up to my switched power off of the power switch.

View attachment 932645

If you want to be REALLY fancy, you can get a data port cover and put it in and mount it and it looks OG MILSPEC
View attachment 932646

View attachment 932647

That’s exactly what I want.

 

[kendelrio]

That’s exactly what I want.

No need for a reducer or inverter. Input is 12-24vdc and it charges FAST!

 

[cavtrooper78]

No need for a reducer or inverter. Input is 12-24vdc and it charges FAST!

do you have a source for that data port cover? I know there are several different sizes.

 

[cavtrooper78]

A solargizer needs to output 24v. Otherwise ot will get to 12 and stop. Here's what I use in my 5 ton:

View attachment 932649


Here's a comment where I showed how I hooked it up:

Solar panel hookup

Thank you!

 

[kendelrio]

do you have a source for that data port cover? I know there are several different sizes.

I bought mine from a guy online. When I get back to my shop, I can measure for you.

 

[cavtrooper78]

Thanks!

 

[LowTech]

Similar to my setup but since the CB needed 12v I did the step-down converter. The toggle turns on the step-down and then supplies power for the CB, tablet (or laptop), phone, and extras. The ports are also illuminated w/ red light for nighttime visibility.
I also see from the photo that I need to upgrade my duel port USB, it was cutting edge when I put it in.







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[LowTech]

And this is the solar panel I use to keep the truck charged and ready to go.
It's a mil grade P-3, folding, 24v solar panel. I put a port into the cab wall and a charge controller inside so that I never have to worry about overcharge.



I do have several of these that I'm going to list up for sale when I get around to it.

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