2. I’m looking for a combination (if it exists) 12V / 24V power source / battery charger to test the electrical system and later use as a battery charger.  I was asked by a supplier what Amp’s I need.  Can anyone answer that question?

 

Joe,

 

You should know the power requirements in light (no pun intended) of the wires and breakers you have chosen.  The best test device is to use the battery and then recharge it since the battery and the bus can handle large start up loads for motors and such. 

 

If you are going to use a sealed battery (like B&C), I would suggest that you never leave the usual automotive charger on unattended since they can destroy the battery (and possibly the building within which it is located) by not stopping the charging process.  T'is best to monitor the voltage and not let it exceed the charging limits of the battery.

 

A simple way is to get two 12 volt chargers and run them serially to get 24 volts.  Otherwise, I am sure a Google search would locate task specific chargers.

 

While my 12 V system (sealed B&C battery buried behind the passenger seat) has been charged with a monitored automotive charger from time to time, last year I installed a battery pigtail and connector located in my console glove box.  I can plug in a 1 amp motorcycle "Battery Tender" and leave it over night since it monitors the charge and just keeps the battery "topped up."