Does anyone know about ARK Portable battery boxes and where to buy them

[surly]

I plan on using this basically for a dual battery system for my truck. Aside from the fact that you can't jump off it with out physically taking the battery out and doing it manually, what if any draw backs are present from using this as a dedicated second battery/fridge battery? Basically if I plan on just using it as a second battery, would going a dedicated second battery route be better? I plan on running an aux fuse block off it for lights in the back of the truck and what not.

I like the Arkpack approach for a few reasons:

• The dual battery setups I looked at were more expensive. We have about $600 in the Arkpack and battery vs $1000 plus for dual batteries.
• D.B. setups tied the battery to the (in my case) Jeep. I like the ability to leave the fridge in camp as well as run a few lights or use it at home when the power goes out.

The only disadvantage I see is where you might mount it and that is likely a small one depending on your rig and preferences.

 

[Brett From Ark]

I like the Arkpack approach for a few reasons:

• The dual battery setups I looked at were more expensive. We have about $600 in the Arkpack and battery vs $1000 plus for dual batteries.
• D.B. setups tied the battery to the (in my case) Jeep. I like the ability to leave the fridge in camp as well as run a few lights or use it at home when the power goes out.

The only disadvantage I see is where you might mount it and that is likely a small one depending on your rig and preferences.

Hi Surly

Thais is great feedback thank you for sharing your experiences with others.

Regards

Brett from Ark

 

[austintaco]

I plan on using this basically for a dual battery system for my truck. Aside from the fact that you can't jump off it with out physically taking the battery out and doing it manually, what if any draw backs are present from using this as a dedicated second battery/fridge battery? Basically if I plan on just using it as a second battery, would going a dedicated second battery route be better? I plan on running an aux fuse block off it for lights in the back of the truck and what not.

You can jump yourself, but you need to use regular battery cables. I carry a very long pair of 4 gauge cable. My Ark Pak is in the back seat. These cables, if needed, can go to the front of the vehicle and start charging the battery. However, you have to let them sit for a bit, depending on how low your battery is. With the longer cables, you can also jump somebody, vehicle to vehicle, on a trail run without having to move vehicles around in the event that you are stuck in a straight line with no room to move.

 

[austintaco]

My Ark Pak SB50 Anderson setup

I wanted to add to the discussion about using the Anderson connections. I think they are not used enough by owners of the ARk Pak because they are not commonly found in the US. I followed the link in this thread and I ended up purchasing several sets of the grey 6 gauge connectors. Please note, I think the 6 g is overkill, but I just followed what was posted and I had already purchased the cheap battery cables that I would use for wire. Additionally, Anderson plugs are color matched, meaning grey mates with grey, yellow mates to yellow, etc.

For starters, this is my setup under the hood. I have a Sears Die hard platinum going to a Blue Sea 12 slot distribution block. My ARB compressor runs off the battery, but all of my other accessories come off the Blue Sea block. I have two 6 gauge positive cables that run from under the hood. One goes to the back of the Flippac for power when not using the Ark Pak. The other, along with the negative, goes through the Blue Sea and a relay into the cab.


I don't have a picture of the in cab switch, but I bought an ARB sized/style rocker that switches power to the relay under the hood and then sends power to 6 gauge cable that goes to an Anderson plug behind the passenger seat, next to the Ark Pak. In this photo, you can see where the fridge and the Ark Pak ride:


In this photo, you can see the TWO sets of anderson connectors that meet by the Ark Pak. The set plugged in originate by the battery, they are the ones that go through the switch and the relay. These would be plugged in if I wanted to charge via the Anderson plug while driving. The other set, with the green tape run from the Ark Pak to the back of the Flippac.


What this allows me to do is either charge my Ark Pak while driving, or I can connect the green set to the ark Pak, and run power to the back of the flippac thus making the Ark Pak the house battery.

This is a rough setup of the back of the flippac. The Blue Sea 6 slot distribution block has a set of Anderson connectors coming off it. This allows me to choose my power source. Under normal day to day use, without the Ark Pak in the back, I just connect the fused positive cable from the starting battery and a grounded 6 gauge cable to the Anderson connector going to the distribution block.
After we get to camp, I can switch the connections and use the set of cables coming from the Ark Pak. In the picture, I only have one set of cables with the anderson connectors in place. The other set is waiting for one more connector to arrive by mail.

You can see the pair without a connector in this photo:


I still have to clean up the wiring, but I was in the mood to post, so here ya go.

Finally, when not in use, I keep the Ark Pak in a closet on a small moving dolly. I put a plug in the closet just for this purpose. In the event of a power outage, and this has happened, I just roll the ark Pak out and we are good to go.



I was hesitant about using the Anderson Connectors. Making the crimps was a process in the vehicle since I could not use a vice, but I now have a set of Anderson Crimpers and a die set for the sb50 in the mail. I highly recommend Terry at Connectpros if you are wanting to order your supplies for a project like this.
If you have any questions, please ask and we can open up the discussion.

 

[RawC]

I wanted to add to the discussion about using the Anderson connections. I think they are not used enough by owners of the ARk Pak because they are not commonly found in the US. I followed the link in this thread and I ended up purchasing several sets of the grey 6 gauge connectors. Please note, I think the 6 g is overkill, but I just followed what was posted and I had already purchased the cheap battery cables that I would use for wire. Additionally, Anderson plugs are color matched, meaning grey mates with grey, yellow mates to yellow, etc.

For starters, this is my setup under the hood. I have a Sears Die hard platinum going to a Blue Sea 12 slot distribution block. My ARB compressor runs off the battery, but all of my other accessories come off the Blue Sea block. I have two 6 gauge positive cables that run from under the hood. One goes to the back of the Flippac for power when not using the Ark Pak. The other, along with the negative, goes through the Blue Sea and a relay into the cab.


I don't have a picture of the in cab switch, but I bought an ARB sized/style rocker that switches power to the relay under the hood and then sends power to 6 gauge cable that goes to an Anderson plug behind the passenger seat, next to the Ark Pak. In this photo, you can see where the fridge and the Ark Pak ride:


In this photo, you can see the TWO sets of anderson connectors that meet by the Ark Pak. The set plugged in originate by the battery, they are the ones that go through the switch and the relay. These would be plugged in if I wanted to charge via the Anderson plug while driving. The other set, with the green tape run from the Ark Pak to the back of the Flippac.


What this allows me to do is either charge my Ark Pak while driving, or I can connect the green set to the ark Pak, and run power to the back of the flippac thus making the Ark Pak the house battery.

This is a rough setup of the back of the flippac. The Blue Sea 6 slot distribution block has a set of Anderson connectors coming off it. This allows me to choose my power source. Under normal day to day use, without the Ark Pak in the back, I just connect the fused positive cable from the starting battery and a grounded 6 gauge cable to the Anderson connector going to the distribution block.
After we get to camp, I can switch the connections and use the set of cables coming from the Ark Pak. In the picture, I only have one set of cables with the anderson connectors in place. The other set is waiting for one more connector to arrive by mail.

You can see the pair without a connector in this photo:


I still have to clean up the wiring, but I was in the mood to post, so here ya go.

Finally, when not in use, I keep the Ark Pak in a closet on a small moving dolly. I put a plug in the closet just for this purpose. In the event of a power outage, and this has happened, I just roll the ark Pak out and we are good to go.



I was hesitant about using the Anderson Connectors. Making the crimps was a process in the vehicle since I could not use a vice, but I now have a set of Anderson Crimpers and a die set for the sb50 in the mail. I highly recommend Terry at Connectpros if you are wanting to order your supplies for a project like this.
If you have any questions, please ask and we can open up the discussion.

Austin, nice to meet you and welcome to the discussion.

I have my Jeep being wired today (Oct 6th) from the vehicles electrical system through a security enclosure (Tuffy) that'll connect to the ArkPak via 50a Anderson plug. I noticed a post of yours on another thread and spotted this one and wanted to reach out. I have a new ArkPak with a 125ah LiFePO4 battery that just arrived about 3 weeks ago. Working through Brett at ArkPak eventually the pak will reside within the security enclosure (soft top on my Jeep Wrangler) that can be recharged via Anderson plug from the vehicle or a permanently installed 40a AC charger (it's coming). I'll simply swap out the two when changing charging methods. I'll also have solar panels that'll connect directly through the outside terminals. The AC & Solar will be set up for external connects on the outside of the Jeep with RV style face plates that will have the appropriate connections to the ArkPak within the security enclosure. Thank you so much for posting and the pictures. Hopefully I won't need you as a reference source however it's always good to know there's someone to reach out to. Once everything is wired, I'll post a few pics Thanks again for sharing...

 

[austintaco]

That sounds like a very cool setup. From reading through this thread a few times to familiarize myself with the uses of the Ark Pak, I realized how underused the anderson connection was. I like the option for solar charging, but for our use, once the 50 amp anderson plug is hooked up and the engine is running, it recharges itself rapidly. Please share your photos when your install is done. I am going to work a bit on mine today if I get the yard finished.

 

[Brett From Ark]

HI to all following the thread

i know i have said this a few times now but i really feel its very important to say so people know how important it is.

Iam so happy to see other users sharing there individual stories of how they use the Ark Pak, it really is good to see everyone sharing there information the more we do this the more we help each other out great work to all that sharing information, please keep it up.

As always safe travels and any questions please ask them.

Regards

Brett from Ark

 

[Corey]

G'day Brett, hope all is well with you!
And thanks for a great product, my Ark has come in very hand for both camping and for powering a chain of Goal Zero LED lamps during power outages, and keeping the cell phones charged up.

 

[lchavez]

ok, I did not read the entire thread, but I have a question about which model to buy. I have an xterra and engine space is limited. This looks like a great option for the secondary battery. I am mainly going to be powering a ARB 50 Qt. fridge and perhaps a few devices such as GPS, InReach, phone (no laptops). Will the 715 be enough, or should I be considering the 730? What has been everyones experience with real world use?

 

[Brett From Ark]

ok, I did not read the entire thread, but I have a question about which model to buy. I have an xterra and engine space is limited. This looks like a great option for the secondary battery. I am mainly going to be powering a ARB 50 Qt. fridge and perhaps a few devices such as GPS, InReach, phone (no laptops). Will the 715 be enough, or should I be considering the 730? What has been everyones experience with real world use?

Hi Lchavez

it was great speking with you over the phone today, iam glad i could help answer your questions.

if you have any more questions please ask.

Regards

Brett from Ark

 

[lchavez]

Ordered the 730, now to find the exide xmc 31. Does anyone have any suggestions for a retailer in AZ? So far the only place I can find it is Amazon.

 

[Captain Obvious]

Went with a VMAX from Amazon, excited to test it. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ACNO2AO?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00

 

[lchavez]

looks like most of the retailers in Arizona no longer carry Exide......strange. About the only thing I could find was at Sears Diehard Gold AGM part #02850033 going for $199.99. Arkpak arrives tomorrow so I am going to give this one a try. Guess we do not have a high enough demand here in AZ for high end batteries.

 

[moabian]

Try Northern Arizona Wind and Sun. I've bought several Sun Xtender batteries from them for solar setups in my small guest house and in my observatory. I totally forgot about them until I had already ordered an Odyssey battery for my 730. I may switch it out with a Sun Xtender battery. I had originally planned to go with a Lithium Ion battery from Starkpower, but received NO responses to any of my requests for clarification about dimensions via email and could not reach anyone via telephone at any of their extensions. I left several messages and they ignored them all. Northern Az Wind and Sun has very good customer service and ships fast.

 

[lchavez]

Picked up the Diehard Advanced Gold today and it is happily charging now at about 76%. I like that the 730 display shows the charging and use watts. It started at nearly 100w from the wall and has now leveled out to about 43w. My ARB 50 powers up at about 65w and levels out at 50w. Will be handy to see how much wattage I am actually getting out of my solar panels when charging. The DieHard Advanced Gold AGM Model #50033 battery appears to be a re-badged Deka made by East Penn. Lithium would be great for reducing weight. Going to see how long it will run the ARB when it hits full charge.