Do what a lot of the lads do, 2 12 volt batteries with a couple of isolators, one isolator runs the batteries in series (24v), one runs them in parallel (12v) ... swap over when you need to winch or charge ... Or use a 'marine' style isolator and wire it such that position 1 runs one battery in 12v, position two runs 2nd battery in 12v, position 3 runs both batteries in 24v .. both batteries always on charge, but set the wiring such that one of the batteries is the main car and one is for the winch and accessories only.

Like this one, but rated higher for the winch usage, this was the first I saw .. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MARINE-PO...ITCH-175AMP-/310114077109?hash=item48343d49b5
 
Paul D said:
Do what a lot of the lads do, 2 12 volt batteries with a couple of isolators, one isolator runs the batteries in series (24v), one runs them in parallel (12v) ... swap over when you need to winch or charge ... Or use a 'marine' style isolator and wire it such that position 1 runs one battery in 12v, position two runs 2nd battery in 12v, position 3 runs both batteries in 24v .. both batteries always on charge, but set the wiring such that one of the batteries is the main car and one is for the winch and accessories only.

Like this one, but rated higher for the winch usage, this was the first I saw .. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MARINE-PO...ITCH-175AMP-/310114077109?hash=item48343d49b5
Click to expand...
I see mate that switch is exactly what I'm after. All that will happen is the engine will cut out when I switch to 24v because I'll be disconnecting the 12v from the engine, or will it still run?
 
Can't remember how exactly, but you can wire it such that the car electrics is always on one battery and stays 12v, but that the 24v side is only connected to the winch, so the engine can run whilst still giving the winch 24v.
 
Paul D said:
Can't remember how exactly, but you can wire it such that the car electrics is always on one battery and stays 12v, but that the 24v side is only connected to the winch, so the engine can run whilst still giving the winch 24v.
Click to expand...
I've just thought how to do it actually, nice one cheers for everyone's help
 
Mercedes used 12V running and 24V starting on their bigger vans like the 608D, that involved normal 12V electrics and two batteries, both normally in parallel but put in series for starting.

Albright International are the contactor maker of choice if you don't want to buy a Mercedes/Bosch unit.

You can get Durite B2B 12V to 24V chargers.

I'd go the series/parallel route if it was me. Our Mercedes 614D motorhome project has 24V electrics but 12V for the habitation side.

Peter
 
at work (car pick up lorry) in are yard has a big winch.
but reading the side it states it can run on 12v or 24v and you don't have to change anything
 
Interesting point from Terr - why not hook it up to a test 12v supply and see what happens - I can't see it doing any harm, and it might just work fine.
 
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