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MC5 bus conversion with all 24v except for head lights that run on alternator that is 12v. Pros's and con's of this kind of set up? First one like this I have run across. All opinions or welcome. Tell it like it is
Thank Kevin

Do you mean that there is a separate alternator and battery just for the headlights, at 12 volts?  Not the way I would do it, but why not?  I think that 24 volts is better than 12 volts in every way except for the ease of buying house accessories.  Everything on the bus uses less current, smaller gauge wires, or develops more power potential with the higher voltage.  Starter motors have an easier time, lights last longer, etc.  Two batteries are better than one except when you have to pay for them! 

I get around the hard-to-find house accessories by running the 12 volt loads from a 24 volt house battery bank with a Vanner equalizer.  All there is that uses much current is the furnace fan.

Brian

Thanks for the info Brian. I will research the Vanner equalizer. Is that just a plug in adaptor or is it hard wired in to your plugs.

Kevin

Kevin,

I am confused.  What do you mean by plugs?  Are you really talking about the 120v receptacles?  Which MC5 do you have?  Do you have 2 alternators?  The main alternator should be 24v.

That's basically what I have Kevin. I have a 24 volt alternator for the bus and also a 12 volt alternator for other stuff. I use relays (24 volt to 12 volt) for both the front headlights (12 volt) and rear trailer lights. Also charges up the house batteries. It works fine for me. I don't have a clue about the cost of a Vanner equalizer or any knowledge about them but I know I can always buy a 1 wire alternator for $65 anywhere and wouldn't have a clue where I'd get a Vanner. I'm sure either system works fine. I just went the direction that I know something about.

Got to talk to owner some more, answered all the questions. I made my questions more Perice this time. Not sure if he knows the the tec. side of it all. It does have an inverter.
the house plugs are 110v ac. Was converted in 1990 By P.O. He has had it last 5 years and  put 6k miles on it. Well get a video of it some time next week. If that looks good I will go take a look. Its about a 10 hour drive. Just got to take it slow and make sure I check it all out. Afther 2.5 years of looking and learning I do hope this is the one. Not that many mc5 out there but only time will tell and for the most part time is cheeper than a bad bus lol.

Thanks Kevin