Adding Turn Signals?

[Brad]

We plan on adding turn signals to our 53 M135. It is still 24 volt, but I believe we can just go off the first battery for power, and install a 12 V system? But not sure about that? Will the ground cause a problem, being that all the other lights, etc, are 24V?
Also, and suggestions on a good quality switch and other equipment would be appreciated.
Thanks

 

[kendelrio]

We plan on adding turn signals to our 53 M135. It is still 24 volt, but I believe we can just go off the first battery for power, and install a 12 V system? But not sure about that? Will the ground cause a problem, being that all the other lights, etc, are 24V?
Also, and suggestions on a good quality switch and other equipment would be appreciated.
Thanks

I would be hesitant to imbalance my batteries that way. Blinkers aren't a big draw, but over time can lead to battery damage. If you're going through the trouble to install, why not install 24v blinkers so everything matches electrically?

 

[Barrman]

The M35 trucks didn’t have blinkers when first introduced. A kit was developed to turn older units into blinkers trucks As time went by. I can see that kit working on the M135 trucks.

The existing brake light bulbs and wiring work for the rear. Does the M135 have 3 wires going to the front light buckets? Running lights, blackout lights and a possible blinkers/flasher light.

The blinker system for the M35 trucks just plugged into the existing wires.

 

[canadacountry]

agreed with @kendelrio theres still a lot of 24v bulbs for most purposes out there just as well, considering that various highway trucks often run on them as well (even 24v round/rectangle markers can nearly be found anywhere, just noting)

 

[Brad]

I'd have no trouble staying with 24V. Would an aftermarket switch designed for 12 V work for 24V?
As for the wiring, our truck is needing some re-wiring work as it is. I think I'd be better off just wiring in / adding, a totally seperate system. Much simpler I think, whether 12 or 24 Volt.
Thanks ya'all.

 

[Barrman]

A M35 front harness would probably work with simple modifications in a M135.

 

[kendelrio]

I'd have no trouble staying with 24V. Would an aftermarket switch designed for 12 V work for 24V?
As for the wiring, our truck is needing some re-wiring work as it is. I think I'd be better off just wiring in / adding, a totally seperate system. Much simpler I think, whether 12 or 24 Volt.
Thanks ya'all.

As far as switches go, one of the site sponsors sells 24v military turn signals no need to try to modify or wonder.

 

[67Beast]

Should be fairly easy using the military standard turn signal switch and flasher unit. Here's a vendor that lists them.
https://www.eriksmilitarysurplus.com/tusiswm3m8et.html
https://www.eriksmilitarysurplus.com/tusiflcoun11.html
There is a wiring harness that connects the two units and should be fairly easy to track down as well.
Edit, found one on John's site, you might as well just get all three pieces from him. https://shop.midwestmilitary.com/product/turn-signal-harness/

 

[Barrman]

Thanks for the links Dave. That is the path I was suggesting.