24v dual battery solution for my 60

[Tezza]

Hi there, I'm packing a 1989 Toyota Landcruiser HJ61 which I imported from Japan. It came wired up with 24v using 2x 12v batteries in series.

I would like to know if you can get good quality 24v batteries which would occupy the same space as a regular 12v battery. Then it would presumably be simple to replace the 2x 12v jobs with 2x 24v ones and whack an isolator in there (is that easy?). Obviously this gives me ye olde "accessories" circuit for ye olde fridge, inverter (for lappy), extra ciggy sockets and wot not.

Currently I have a 24v/230vAC inverter plus a 24v/13.8v DC converter which runs off the "main" power supply via the in-built 24v ciggy socket. Unless I'm careful to yank the main 24v ciggy plug out when not in use, it's prabably a flat battery waiting to happen (not good when nobody around can jump your 24v beast).

any suggestions, ideas, comments appreciated.

ps. I know stuff-all about electronics but I am always willing to learn if need be for any given challenge.

pss. I already posted this topic to another forum but I would like the benefit of this forum's expertise.

[murcod]

AFAIK all 24v vehicle systems use two 12v batteries in series to get 24v?

You could purchase four Optima style batteries perhaps and fit two each into each of your existing holders? Big $$$ though!

[Tezza]

AFAIK all 24v vehicle systems use two 12v batteries in series to get 24v?

You could purchase four Optima style batteries perhaps and fit two each into each of your existing holders? Big $$$ though!

hmmm, so maybe two red-tops and two yellow-tops.

it looks like I'll need four batteries anyway, but not re-using my existing ones is an expensive way to go. Still, it may be the best way in the long run :/

http://www.ferret.com.au/articles/38/0c00f238.asp
http://www.optimabatteries.com.au/Products/Products.htm

I'm having trouble finding pricing for these things :/