ARB fridge. Goal Zero Extreme 350 Power Pack
- Thread starter Christophe Noel
- Start date
Waltzing Matilda
Adventurer
FYI Costco is doing goal zero road shows this month. They offer about 25-30% discount based on last years prices, when I purchased an extreme 350 for $299 vs $370 and a 30 watt panel for $179 vs $239. Advantage is longer return policy at costco and satisfaction guaranteed vs 30 days w/Goalzero.
Schedule is here http://www.costco.com/goal-zero-schedule.html
Schedule is here http://www.costco.com/goal-zero-schedule.html
spikemd
Explorer
After 3 years of use, my Extreme350 isn't powering my fridge like it used to. But I think this is due to my neglect from not keeping it charged up. I left it in my rover for 2 months with no charge, not a smart thing to do with a lead acid battery. I charged it up before this weekend in Yosemite, but it was out of charge by the morning running the fridge.
I am going to get a replacement battery, thanks for posting the brand.
But I heard GZ upgraded the battery or changed brands between the 350 and Yeti 400. Anyone know about the upgraded battery?
Based on the previous posts, new batteries are under $60. I am definitely keeping the 350 going as it has worked very well for me the past few years. It is a lead acid battery, just like a car battery so don't expect it to last forever. I just replaced my rover battery after 4 years as well. Stayed with the Costco deep cycle, which is now interstate, so I just plugged the fridge into the main battery this weekend and fired the truck up once a day to be sure it was topped off. I didn't bring my solar panels as we were packed with 2 adults and 3 kids and it was just a weekend trip.
I am going to get a replacement battery, thanks for posting the brand.
But I heard GZ upgraded the battery or changed brands between the 350 and Yeti 400. Anyone know about the upgraded battery?
Based on the previous posts, new batteries are under $60. I am definitely keeping the 350 going as it has worked very well for me the past few years. It is a lead acid battery, just like a car battery so don't expect it to last forever. I just replaced my rover battery after 4 years as well. Stayed with the Costco deep cycle, which is now interstate, so I just plugged the fridge into the main battery this weekend and fired the truck up once a day to be sure it was topped off. I didn't bring my solar panels as we were packed with 2 adults and 3 kids and it was just a weekend trip.
spikemd
Explorer
After doing some research, found the Yeti400 is the same battery as the Extreme350, Ritar RA12-33. I found a vendor on eBay selling an 'upgrade' sealed AGM battery VMAX857 with 35mah and states a higher quality battery. I will probably buy this upgraded battery. Many good reviews of the battery on amazon from the fishing community who use it for trolling.
I also came across some info on the GZ website stating that you should NOT drain the battery through the Anderson power pole connectors as they are designed for chaining multiple batteries but do not protect the battery from excess drainage. This could be why my battery isn't working properly as I use a Anderson connectors directly to my ARB. I may go back to using the 12v cigarette plug to run the ARB from the Extreme350 while in camp and use the Anderson plugs for running the ARB while on the trails and the Anderson plugs for recharging the GZ while driving.
Will report back.
I also came across some info on the GZ website stating that you should NOT drain the battery through the Anderson power pole connectors as they are designed for chaining multiple batteries but do not protect the battery from excess drainage. This could be why my battery isn't working properly as I use a Anderson connectors directly to my ARB. I may go back to using the 12v cigarette plug to run the ARB from the Extreme350 while in camp and use the Anderson plugs for running the ARB while on the trails and the Anderson plugs for recharging the GZ while driving.
Will report back.
Last edited:
Honu
lost on the mainland
have a link for that ebay one 
spikemd
Explorer
I talked with GZ customer service. Though the lady didn't sound like an expert, she said I should be able to use the Anderson plugs without issues since they have adapters to power 12v device directly from those ports on the Extreme350. But it looks like that is different for the Yeti.
I ordered this battery from Amazon as it was the same but cheaper than the eBay. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00F8Q0VTQ
Will report back when it arrives and I rip apart my Extreme350. The battery has many good reviews from fisherman using it as a trolling battery.
I ordered this battery from Amazon as it was the same but cheaper than the eBay. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00F8Q0VTQ
Will report back when it arrives and I rip apart my Extreme350. The battery has many good reviews from fisherman using it as a trolling battery.
spikemd
Explorer
Sorry I didn't update this thread earlier. Please follow the links above.
DO NOT DISCHARGE THE YETI/EXTREME DIRECTLY FROM THE ANDERSON PLUGS!
The Anderson plugs are for chaining only and do not provide any battery protection for over discharging. I think that is why my battery died in the Extreme. I am making some 6mm to Anderson adapters to utilize the protection built into from GZ. I am also looking into buying another 35ah battery to connect to the Extreme or a new Yeti and chaining it to the Extreme to double my capacity to almost the equivalent of a Group 31 yellow top.
The battery I bought, a direct replacement and small upgrade (35ah vs 33ah), from amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00F8Q0VTQ
DO NOT DISCHARGE THE YETI/EXTREME DIRECTLY FROM THE ANDERSON PLUGS!
The Anderson plugs are for chaining only and do not provide any battery protection for over discharging. I think that is why my battery died in the Extreme. I am making some 6mm to Anderson adapters to utilize the protection built into from GZ. I am also looking into buying another 35ah battery to connect to the Extreme or a new Yeti and chaining it to the Extreme to double my capacity to almost the equivalent of a Group 31 yellow top.
The battery I bought, a direct replacement and small upgrade (35ah vs 33ah), from amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00F8Q0VTQ