Powering Accessories - 12V Battery vs Voltage regulator

TurkeyBuggy

Hey everyone...I'm on my first cart build. I'm trying to decide on a 12V add on battery or a Voltage Regulator/Reducer (48VDC to 12 VDC). I'm gona use it to power my headlights, tail lights, 12 accessory plug...Spot Light...and what ever else I can mount on this buggy! I'm rewiring the whole cart, have one slot open 4.5 inches by 12 inches by 14 inches tall to mount a battery. Which way do you think I should go? Battery or voltage regulator?

BGW

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Frizbgolf

I would go with a seperate 12v battery, for a couple of reasons, it will reduce the amount of rf interference on a radio, and it will not be a drain on the battery pack that multiple accessories would cause.

TurkeyBuggy

Yeah but what about having to use 2 chargers? Is it worth the trouble? or
is it worth the second charger effort to not draining the main power pack?

What kind of battery?...deep cell something (I have a small space to put it) or a motorcycle type battery? What kind do most of you use?

sunking

It is give and take, and you have to decide.

Using the converter depending on how much 12 volt current you need will rob your run time. But if space is limited it may be the best choice.

If you go with the 12 volt battery route do not use a starting battery like a motorcycle battery. You want a true deep cycle battery. I use a Trojan 1275 but it does not sound like you have the space.

DirtKurt

I'm going to be doing this soon to. I plan on mounting a 12 battery, just have to figure out where. I'll let you know what I come up with.

ccwilly

I'm planning on adding a deep cycle 12 volt in a battery box. Plan is to put it in the bag well under the rear seat with easy access to quick connects.

SpoiledRotten

I use the RV/Marine battery. I'm very satisfied with the setup.

LostHusker

You can do it either way, the downside to with spare battery is you have a second charger to contend with, with installing a reducer you know that it is pulling from the hole pack. People always say well it will reduce your runtime! Well how much do you plan on using your accessories, I mean, you tap your brakes now and then, do you plan on a bunch of night driving? I like the reducer setup just for the factor that I will not need to deal with another charger. I see you have camo buggy, so I am assuming that you will use for hunting, if you are worried about the brake lights, install a toggle switch somewhere so that you can disable them while hunting. Just a thought and my .02. Hope this helps.

Fishing Dude

Could put a reducer to the 12v battery for charging with a cut off cicuit from solenoid.

golfcarfixer

I have a voltage converter 30amp. it runs off of the whole set. I have headlights,taillights,stop,turn,4ways.voltage meter,cig lighter,etc. It has been on for 2 yrs and works really good.I mounted the converter to the bottom side of the pass. floor.Everything else is hooked into the fuse panel.