2nd alternator or equaliser?? ~ 24v system

[blurr1604]

Hey guys, auto electrics aint my strong point and i was wondering if someone could explain what would be a simple and cheap-ish solution to my problem.

My cruiser is a BJ71 jap import with the 13B-T, therefore has a 24volt electrical system, now i want to run an auxillary deep cycle battery to run a fridge etc. from the research i have done i believe there is two options?

1) to run a redarc charge equaliser 30amp model, with a 24v smart solenoid inbetween the 24v batteries and the equaliser, and then run from the equaliser into a single 12v battery, but this seems to be adding up in cost by the time i get the equaliser + solenoid + battery

2) i've also heard of people installing a 2nd alternator and just running this straight to the aux battery... this could seem like a cheaper alternative if i was able to get a 2nd hand alternator.
Is this is simple as it seems?

so has anyone experienced this and can offer some advice?

thanks a lot and sorry about the essay

[-Scott-]

The only difficulty with a second alternator is mounting the alternator. The rest of it is conventional - regulator, battery, charge light (to provide initial excitation of the alternator on start-up, but some systems seem to manage OK without it.)

[blurr1604]

The only difficulty with a second alternator is mounting the alternator. The rest of it is conventional - regulator, battery, charge light (to provide initial excitation of the alternator on start-up, but some systems seem to manage OK without it.)

ah k cheers, so when mounted does it have to run off one of the existing belts, would i need a longer belt? stupid question

[bazzle]

I can see your not too sure where to start..

Get an 24 to 12 volt down convertor off a truck (truck wrecker) and use that.

Bazzle

[blurr1604]

I can see your not too sure where to start..

Get an 24 to 12 volt down convertor off a truck (truck wrecker) and use that.

Bazzle

already got one of these to run 12v accessories, but they are unable to charge an auxillary battery, this is what the equaliser is for

cheers

[ausoops]

I can see your not too sure where to start..

Get an 24 to 12 volt down convertor off a truck (truck wrecker) and use that.

Bazzle

some models will charge a battery but only charge at 13.8v not 14.4(ish) so you don't squeeze that last bit of charge in. i regularly charge my 12v camping battery (12v40Ah SLA) off my 24/12v reducer.

however for a true 12v auxillary battery i would go with option one.