24 volt system
muskiebob1
Posted 2/27/2018 10:57 AM (#894167)
Subject: 24 volt system




Posts: 83


Location: Des Moines Iowa
I am getting ready to switch to a 24 volt trolling motor. What size cable should I use going from one battery to the other? How do I charge this setup. Can I use 1 12 volt charger with the batteries connected?
danmuskyman
Posted 2/27/2018 12:19 PM (#894181 - in reply to #894167)
Subject: Re: 24 volt system




Posts: 633


Location: Madison, WI
Use a 6AWG wire to connect the two batteries. I’d also get a 2 bank charger to be safe. The wires from the trolling motor go to positive of battery 1 and negative of battery 2. Connect the remaining two posts with the #6 wire.
muskiebob1
Posted 2/27/2018 12:25 PM (#894183 - in reply to #894181)
Subject: Re: 24 volt system




Posts: 83


Location: Des Moines Iowa
It would be okay to use a thicker jumper wire, correct?
RyanJoz
Posted 2/27/2018 12:52 PM (#894188 - in reply to #894183)
Subject: Re: 24 volt system




Posts: 1716


Location: Mt. Zion, IL
muskiebob1 - 2/27/2018 12:25 PM

It would be okay to use a thicker jumper wire, correct?


the cable that connects the two batteries together should be at least the same awg as the wires to your 24v load. Short answer- yes the jumper can be larger gauge.
btfish
Posted 2/27/2018 2:08 PM (#894196 - in reply to #894188)
Subject: Re: 24 volt system




Posts: 410


Location: With my son on the water
The size wire you need is determined by the max amps your motor draws and length between the motor and the batteries. Every situation is a bit different. There are lots of charts on line but I would not guess. You should always round up and go one size heavier if you have a question. Too small of wire will cause problems but too heavy will not. On my rig the chart told me I needed 4 gage.

I would also seriously consider soldering all the connections and make sure you use marine grade wire.

I would also agree to add a 2 bank charger.
horsehunter
Posted 2/27/2018 4:40 PM (#894221 - in reply to #894167)
Subject: Re: 24 volt system




Location: Eastern Ontario
There is also a Marinco system that runs 2 twelve volt systems to the trolling motor socket and makes the 24 volts at the socket. another plug is available that you connect to a 12 volt charger and it charges both batteries at the same time plugging into the trolling motor socket.

Edited by horsehunter 2/27/2018 4:42 PM
btfish
Posted 2/27/2018 6:00 PM (#894233 - in reply to #894221)
Subject: Re: 24 volt system




Posts: 410


Location: With my son on the water
The Marinco plugs are nice but they are only rated for 40 amps. I smoked 2 of them with my Terova which draws 56 amps. I eventually took the Marinco plug out and rewire the circuit.
horsehunter
Posted 2/27/2018 6:47 PM (#894246 - in reply to #894233)
Subject: Re: 24 volt system




Location: Eastern Ontario
2018 Bp 24 = 60 amp
RLSea
Posted 2/27/2018 8:42 PM (#894281 - in reply to #894167)
Subject: Re: 24 volt system




Posts: 489


Location: Northern Illinois
The problem with plugs in general is that over time they loosen up and develop the potential for voltage drop. I'd much rather have lugs that bolt directly to the batteries and individual charger banks that bolt directly to the batteries.
JMacD
Posted 3/5/2018 7:08 AM (#895028 - in reply to #894167)
Subject: Re: 24 volt system




Posts: 114


Marinco offers a 70 amp 2/3 wire plug....see Amazon below. FYI

https://www.amazon.com/Marinco-Trolling-Motor-Plug-Receptacle/dp/B06...

The down side of this plug/receptacle: it isn't a twist connection. This is very similar to the T H Marine plug/receptacle that came with my 2001 Ranger...I haven't had any connection problems with mine but thought I'd mention it any way.
btfish
Posted 3/5/2018 6:34 PM (#895109 - in reply to #895028)
Subject: Re: 24 volt system




Posts: 410


Location: With my son on the water
Yup, since I had my issues a few years ago it looks like Marinco expanded what they offer. I installed a Battery Tender plug that is rated for 80 amps and has a screw mechanis to lock it in, very solid. But it looks a guy has several options now. Good to see.

Edited by btfish 3/5/2018 7:11 PM