24 volt electrical system and 12 volt accessories

I still have the original 24 volt electrical system in my A1 and am reluctant to convert to 12 volt since the 24 volt is unique. The 24 volt system uses 2 12 volt batteries wired in series.

When I was installing a cb in my Jeep my first thought was to run the power source straight from the first battery since at that point there's only 12 volts. I did a little research and found out by doing that the batteries will eventually get out of balance. The 1st battery would have a reduced charge and the 2nd battery could even start to over charge. I found a solution in the form of a 24 volt to 12 volt reducer. I got the smallest availbale (10 amps) since the cb draws low amps and I don't plan on putting winch or other large electric user on the Jeep. The smaller units are reasonable in price ($30 if you shop the net) and are passively cooled. I hope it does the trick. I'm just passing this on as FYI for anybody that is thinking about doing the same. Here are some pics for the peanut gallery:

 

I have the slave but removed the battery cables from it. My slave receptable has a tin door with a piano hinge on it that covers the receptacle opening. When I got the Jeep I thought it was normal but I haven't seen another one like it. It's missing the locking handle so I use a bolt to keep it from flopping in the wind. I'll take some pics and post them when I get a chance.

 

Here are the slave receptacle pics:

 

After the military mine was used by the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Dept. in a park and they're the ones that gave it the current paint. I have a feeling quite few retired rigs ended up with municpalities.

 

That's my understanding as well. I bought my Jeep directly from an auto broker that aqcuired it through an auction of surplus govt. vehicles so am the first "civilian" owner. I called the Sheriff's dept. right after I bought it trying to get copies of any documentation they have on the Jeep (i.e. service & maintenance, use history, etc.) and was told they do not release that info. My written request under the freedom of information act was ignored and I have not bothered to press the point.

 

so Don have you got both batteries tightly secured for the Rubicon? R)
Jim S.

 

Yep, strapped on and bolted down. No arc in my future!