Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > 4 wheels > Heavy Overland Vehicle Tech
Electrics again Electrics again
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Heavy Overland Vehicle Tech Tech issues, tips and hints, prepping for travel
OVER 3500kg vehicles, e.g. Tatra, Unimog, Iveco etc.
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 2 Mar 2017
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Bristol UK
Posts: 146
Question Electrics again
Hi all

I am in the process of wiring the van, question is, as some things (fridge, webasto heater and pump are 24v and everything else is 12v can I make everything chassis return, or do I have to make one lot earth return and the other chassis?
Idealy I would make everything earth return, but that's not the way the 12v has been wired.
I will probably make the 24v earth return, but just curious about whether it would work?

Cheers

Bruce
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 2 Mar 2017
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: christchurch uk
Posts: 299
Years ago I had a merc 608. I had 24 vehicle and lesuire the only thing I had 12v was the stereo running from a vtronix voltage dropper Voltage Converters, battery guards & DC Power Supplies UK. all the house lighting was 24v. As far as I remember the dropper had a negative return. The advantage of the system was that I could charge both sets of batteries direct from the alternator using a boat battery switch, a very simple solution that never let me down. I realise this does not really answer your question but gives you another idea. I dont think I would mix the negatives, but I am no expert. You could call them for advice.

Graeme
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 2 Mar 2017
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Australia
Posts: 1,131
Depends...

Are there separate 12 and 24 volt batteries and alternators?

No? Then is will depend on how the 12 v is tapped off the 24v. If tapped of the earthy side of the 24 v then you can use a common earth return. Note that what ever battery is supplying the 12 v, that battery will be drained more than the other battery .. leading to a battery imbalance. You can reduce this by swapping the batteries around .. make the leads long enough that you can simply swap the leads around - saves the weight lifting. You may find your present system has the 12 v supply capable of being swapped form on battery to the other ... again this is for battery balancing of charge.

Yes? Then you can wire it as a common return. No problem.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 3 Mar 2017
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Bristol UK
Posts: 146
Angry Back to earth
Thanks both

The 12v comes from a dropper attached to the 24v house batteries, these are charged from solar and a 24-24v charger from the vehicle batts. Sounds roughly the same as yours Graeme.

Thinking about it I can always take the 12v wires which have been run to the chassis and make a common earth back to the dropper, probably safer as the vehicle is 24v neg earth I think, will have to check it's not pos.

Electricity does my little head in!

Bruce
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 14 Mar 2017
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: christchurch uk
Posts: 299
I would just keep the 12v side seperate....sounds like it will be easy as you already have a dropper installed. Make sure your dropper can handle the amps you need on the 12v side.

Graeme
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Help! Electrics completely dead on xt660z Phantom309 Yamaha Tech 2 14 Jan 2016 19:49
1990 Suzuki DR800 electrics shanekfalcon Suzuki Tech 2 17 Oct 2014 05:47
TTR600 electrics in the rain Richard Washington Yamaha Tech 5 17 Apr 2012 20:11
TS 185 Electrics fxrskrsa Suzuki Tech 4 28 Nov 2011 23:06
DR350. Upgrading electrics. kentbiker Suzuki Tech 0 20 Nov 2011 12:24

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-14
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 18:17.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top