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

[ChristMatt]

Hey Brett - I've been looking for a non-generator solution for tailgating and camping for a while and this seems to fit the bill. I'm basically just looking to run a 32" LED TV for a few hours, maybe a blender or crock pot, and charge devices...mostly will use it weekly in the fall and then store it during the winter and spring.

That said, the 715 seems to fit the bill nicely. I've been looking at a bunch of AGM batteries and was hoping to get some specific recommendations if anyone is game to offer them up. I'm not tied to a specific brand, but don't want to overbuy on a capacity I don't need and don't want to buy something that won't fit.

 

[ChristMatt]

Model number or specs on the TV for amp draw and voltage?

I was looking at the Samsung UN32J5205. The listed specs aren't all that complete - but it looks like the EnergyStar estimate is 52kWh/year and the max draw might be 55 watts.

 

[AML]

I am having an issue and wanted to see if anyone else is experiencing the same thing. It seems as though my battery is showing its peak charge now as 12.7 volts. That is down now from a high of 13.2. I keep it plugged in when it is not in use. 2x now it has gone in to alarm and the only way to clear the alarm was to turn it off and then tell it a new battery was installed. The battery is less than a year old and is a Die Hard AGM battery 100ah group 31. Normal expected loss or too soon. Battery seems to run out of juice quickly. Especially since it isn't starting from as high up. I tend to use the battery to run either a waeco 50 or an 18.

Thanks

 

[Brett From Ark]

Specs?

Hi Skygear

please refer to post 483 for the specs

Regards

Brett from Ark

 

[Brett From Ark]

Hey Brett - I've been looking for a non-generator solution for tailgating and camping for a while and this seems to fit the bill. I'm basically just looking to run a 32" LED TV for a few hours, maybe a blender or crock pot, and charge devices...mostly will use it weekly in the fall and then store it during the winter and spring.

That said, the 715 seems to fit the bill nicely. I've been looking at a bunch of AGM batteries and was hoping to get some specific recommendations if anyone is game to offer them up. I'm not tied to a specific brand, but don't want to overbuy on a capacity I don't need and don't want to buy something that won't fit.

Hi ChristMatt

you would have to check the wattage required to run your blender and crock pot, as the inverter on the Ark Pak 715 is limited to 150 watts of constant power.

in terms of battery to consider please find several links below

DieHard Marine Battery Size 31m

http://www.sears.com/diehard-platinum-marine-battery-group-size-31m-price/p-02850131000P

Exide Edge AGM dual purpose or Exide mega cycle both group31

http://www.amazon.com/Exide-FP-AGM24DP-Sealed-Marine-Battery/dp/B00HAIGJF0

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0..._m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=1FSBY6G15VQZ7ZH6XAKN

Odyssey AGM model number 31M-PC2150ST-M

http://shop.odysseybattery.com/p/31m-pc2150st-m


i hope the above information helps you out

Regards

Brett from Ark

 

[Brett From Ark]

I am having an issue and wanted to see if anyone else is experiencing the same thing. It seems as though my battery is showing its peak charge now as 12.7 volts. That is down now from a high of 13.2. I keep it plugged in when it is not in use. 2x now it has gone in to alarm and the only way to clear the alarm was to turn it off and then tell it a new battery was installed. The battery is less than a year old and is a Die Hard AGM battery 100ah group 31. Normal expected loss or too soon. Battery seems to run out of juice quickly. Especially since it isn't starting from as high up. I tend to use the battery to run either a waeco 50 or an 18.

Thanks

Hi AML

i would like to give you some information and i hope it helps you out. 10.8 volts is 0%, it meana battery is empty, if the battery has 12.6 volts or more it is 100% charged, the battery should be on a float cycle of approx 13.2 volts.

when you are not using the Ark Pak it should be left plugged into mains home power point with the LCD screen on and this will maintain your battery for you, if you have the LCD off then the smart charger is not on and your battery is self discharging which is not good for your battery.

you should charge the battery back up ASAP and see if it holds its charge, if it does not you may need to get the battery load tested from a battery company/shop, you should also ask for a copy of the load test report just in case it is need if your battery has a faulty or dropped cell and fails the test, this way you have the load test report and your battery may be covered under warranty.

if you have any more questions please ask.

Regards

Brett from Ark

 

[ChristMatt]

Hi AML

i would like to give you some information and i hope it helps you out. 10.8 volts is 0%, it meana battery is empty, if the battery has 12.6 volts or more it is 100% charged, the battery should be on a float cycle of approx 13.2 volts.

when you are not using the Ark Pak it should be left plugged into mains home power point with the LCD screen on and this will maintain your battery for you, if you have the LCD off then the smart charger is not on and your battery is self discharging which is not good for your battery.

you should charge the battery back up ASAP and see if it holds its charge, if it does not you may need to get the battery load tested from a battery company/shop, you should also ask for a copy of the load test report just in case it is need if your battery has a faulty or dropped cell and fails the test, this way you have the load test report and your battery may be covered under warranty.

if you have any more questions please ask.

Regards

Brett from Ark

Brett - what do you guys recommend for battery storage? Since I plan on using it seasonally, I'd be storing it in the winter and spring and wouldn't want to have it connected and topped off.

 

[Brett From Ark]

Brett - what do you guys recommend for battery storage? Since I plan on using it seasonally, I'd be storing it in the winter and spring and wouldn't want to have it connected and topped off.

Hi ChristMatt

the Ark Pak is fine to use seasonally this is no problem at all, the main thing to be aware of when it is not in use you should leave it plugged into mains home power with the LCD screen on this way the smart charging system will maintain the battery for you when you are not using it.

if you just leave your battery there not plugged into the mains power the smart charging system is off and not looking after your battery this means the battery will self discharge and this is not good for your battery.

can i ask why you dont want it connected to mains power and maintaining your battery ?

look forward to your reply.

Regards

Brett from Ark

 

[ChristMatt]

Hi ChristMatt

the Ark Pak is fine to use seasonally this is no problem at all, the main thing to be aware of when it is not in use you should leave it plugged into mains home power with the LCD screen on this way the smart charging system will maintain the battery for you when you are not using it.

if you just leave your battery there not plugged into the mains power the smart charging system is off and not looking after your battery this means the battery will self discharge and this is not good for your battery.

can i ask why you dont want it connected to mains power and maintaining your battery ?

look forward to your reply.

Regards

Brett from Ark

I guess I've just always been of the opinion if that something isn't actively being used you probably shouldn't have it plugged in somewhere. The idea of just keeping a battery plugged in doing nothing for 9 months (or whatever) strikes me as a bad idea and a waste of electricity. This is admittedly more gut feeling than anything rational.

 

[Brett From Ark]

Hi ChrisMatt

i do agree with on this 100% i had the same mind set as yourself but as the old saying goes " THE TIMES THEY ARE CHANGING" the Ark Pak at worse only consumes 120 watts of power and when the unit is in a stand by mode for approx 500 Hours it will only consume approx 12 to 24 watts of power, so it is not going to cost you hundreds of dollars a year in electricity to maintain your battery.

Regards

Brett from Ark

 

[Corey]

I leave mine plugged in at home all year long except for when putting it in the rig for a trip.

 

[Brett From Ark]

I leave mine plugged in at home all year long except for when putting it in the rig for a trip.

HI Corey

long time no chat how are things going ? i hope all is as well as can be, things are going well here in Australia the weather is warming up so looking to get out and about more myself.

Take care and hope to chat soon.

Regards

Brett from Ark

 

[Corey]

HI Corey

long time no chat how are things going ? i hope all is as well as can be, things are going well here in Australia the weather is warming up so looking to get out and about more myself.

Take care and hope to chat soon.

Regards

Brett from Ark

Hi Brett, only got out once this summer on a trip, end of July.
I injured my left knee, so I am king of hobbling around.
I can work at my job, but taking it easy, so probably will not be getting out to camp again until 2016.

Weather is great here in the PNW, the state has been on fire from wildfires, and there were even volunteers from Australia who came my state to help out with the fires.
Hope all is well with you too.

 

[Brett From Ark]

Hi Brett, only got out once this summer on a trip, end of July.
I injured my left knee, so I am king of hobbling around.
I can work at my job, but taking it easy, so probably will not be getting out to camp again until 2016.

Weather is great here in the PNW, the state has been on fire from wildfires, and there were even volunteers from Australia who came my state to help out with the fires.
Hope all is well with you too.

Hi Corey

that is not good news i hope the knee starts to heal sooner rather then later for you and that when it does you get the opportunity to get out and about more.

yes that has been on our local news over here as well they are saying its really bad and that is why the Aussies have gone over to help them out as some of it is in really remote isolated parts.

take care and if you need anything as always just ask.

Regards

Brett from Ark

 

[Mo4130]

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.