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M35A2 + small inverter

cavtrooper78

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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

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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

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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

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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.
 

LowTech

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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.

"Sent w/o me knowing"
 
Last edited:

cavtrooper78

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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

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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

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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

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Oklahoma
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

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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:

Screenshot_20240930_174236_Chrome.jpg


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

Solar panel hookup
 

cavtrooper78

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LowTech

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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.

IMG_20241003_164414609_HDR.jpg

IMG_20241003_164533377.jpg

IMG_20241003_164523739.jpg

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LowTech

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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.

IMG_20240309_154534010_HDR.jpg

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

"Sent w/o me knowing"
 
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