These Go to 24!

In Spinal Tap, Nigel Tufnel is always bragging about his amplifiers "These go to 11!" We all know that the markings on the knob have no effect on the actual ability of the amp to put out high sound pressure levels (SPL) but it does give Nigle bragging rights and maybe helps him feel better on stage.

Some of us with military G's have similar distinction because the old military G-Wagons were outfitted for radio gear and feature 24V power. Unlike their British cousins that have 24V just for the radio gear and 12V for the truck, the G-Wagons feature a 24V throughout. This means, we have 24V starters, blowers, lights, alternators, wipers and glow plugs. I've owned both 12V and 24V 300GD wagons and while the 24V is kind of a pain to maintain, it does have some advantages.

First let's talk about the challenges.

• If you leave your lights on and the batteries drain, you will need two cars or two batteries to jump start the truck. (I keep two sets of jumper cables in my car.)
• When replacing the battery, you will need two rather than one.
• Just about every electrical part from the light bulbs to the starter are harder to source and expensive to replace.
• There are a limited number of 24V entertainment options. 
• You will need a to charge your batteries one at a time if using a wall charger. 

Now the advantages.

• The 24V starter seems to be better at turning over the engine. 
• I've always been able to start the car even when it super cold, even when it below zero fahrenheit. Do the glow plugs work better, I'm not sure. 
• I had two batteries wired in parallel with a quick disconnect relay in a 12V 300GD so it always had current to spare, but the dual 12V batteries in the 24V G wired in series seem to perform better. 

The electrical system in the 300GD is very simple. That is why many of us like it so much. Once started, an OM617 engine does not even need electricity to operate. There are no computers, no fancy electronics, and no ignition system. In fact, a vacuum system is used to turn the engine off. So having a 24V 300GD is really not a big issue. You would think that having a 24V car and getting accessories is a big deal, but when you think of all the 24V tractors and trucks on the market, it is really not that big of a deal.

Need a 24V phone charger? No problem. Need a radio? Simply get a 24V tractor radio. There are even options with bluetooth and USB interfaces. Want to upgrade to LED headlights? Many LED kits support 24V. Here are some resources to help.

Dash Lights

Dash lights seem to go out on just about every G-Wagon. While I have not been able to find a good 24V LED replacement, I was able to find 3rd party replacements. CEC Industries #2741MF Bulbs, 24 V, 1.2 W T-1.5 shape fit right into the back of any of the instruments for illumination or indicators on your G. They are a great value and look the same as the factory originals. 

24V Tunes

Hitachi, Komatsu and Kato tractors all feature 24V electrical systems and owners need music. So a quick search for tractor radios will show many options. The Esperia Heavy Duty 2 Way Car Truck Radio Excavator Radio is a good option and maintains the utilitarian look of your truck. Even though it is a single DIN radio, it will take a little work to mount, but it is rugged, sounds pretty good and will look great in your dash. Note that it has a strange wire harness that I could not find a plug for. I ended up cutting the wires and installing my own harness for easy quick disconnect. Also there are is no EQ at all. I mounted a couple of waterproof outdoor patio speakers behind the seats and it sounds pretty darn good. 

LED Headlights

Simply look for any H4 headlight that supports 24V. I found the Gppower 80w 6400LM car Cree Led Headlights bulbs 12-24V and they work great. They are not any brighter than 12V LED options but they are WAY better than the standard halogen bulbs and use a LOT less current. 

I've heard some 24V G owners converting their trucks back to 12V. It would not be that difficult but after owning a 24V version, I would say the advantages are way better than the inconveniences. Sure you can probably update the entire truck to 12V for the price of a 24V alternator and heater blower, I'll keep mine at 24V thank you. Because while my 24V 300GD does not run any faster than a standard 12V version, Like Nigel, I do feel superior to everyone else because let's face it, "This One Goes to 24!"