Founder of Ark Richard Arakelian a fitter and turner by trade saw a need and demand in Australia for tow balls in 1978
The ARK Power Distribution Hub is here. Download the Smart Hub app today
The Ultimate Tradie Canopy Setup Ideas
When it comes to setting up a canopy on your ute, there’s a load of information available out there on the internet. Just about every 4WD or camping website or blog has written a guide to setting up the ultimate touring canopy… but there’s a huge shortage of information when it comes to setting up your canopy as a tradie!
The thing is, having a functional canopy setup as a tradesperson is a must. Your ute is essentially your office, which makes your canopy your workplace, and equipping it with the gear you need to get the job done is essential. So we’ve decided to put together this ultimate guide to setting up your ute’s canopy for work. Read on for all the best ideas to take your tradie office to the next level!
Function, not Form
The first element to consider is what gear you’ll be housing in your canopy, which will determine how you set it up. For example, if you’re a chippy, the tools you need are going to be very different compared to those carried by a landscaper.
Unlike a touring canopy, designing your tradie canopy will come down to function, rather than form. Where a touring canopy is set up to look good, and provide easy access to things like a fridge or kitchen gear, a good tradie canopy needs to focus less on the looks and more on the functionality. For example, installing drawers that only become accessible once certain tools have been removed is not going to make your life easy!
When planning out your tradie canopy, make sure you list down all the gear your canopy will be housing. Consider housing tools and gear that you use regularly in an area where you can easily access them with minimal effort. On the flip side, it becomes less of a chore to move a few things to access a specific tool if it’s something you only use on occasion.
Power isn’t a “want” – it’s a “need”!
It used to be that having a power setup in your canopy was desirable, but not essential. If you ask us, those days are long gone. With petrol and wired tools becoming more obsolete every day, keeping your battery gear charged and ready to use at a drop of a hat is important. The last thing you want is for a couple of dead batteries to bring work to a standstill.
Setting up your canopy with a top-notch power setup will make sure the batteries for your tools are always charged, but there are additional benefits. You can install lighting in your canopy to make it easier to see on those early morning starts. You could install a fridge to ensure your lunch and energy drinks stay cool throughout the hot summer days.
The reasons why a decent power setup will benefit you as a tradie are practically endless. Let’s take a look at some of the power options you should consider for setting up your canopy.
Power Distribution Hub
Being able to control and monitor your power usage is essential when it comes to setting up a tradie canopy, as there is a wide range of power-hungry items that will draw from your setup. That’s where a 12V power management system like Ark’s SEMA award-winning XO Tech Power Distribution Hub is so essential.
The Power Distribution Hub is an all-in-one power management system, unlike any other 12V control box on the market. Firstly – and this is a key consideration when space is at a premium in your tradie canopy – it’s compact. It’s been specifically designed to fit just about anywhere, and because it’s Bluetooth features, you don’t need to access it to monitor your power usage – you can do that, straight from your smartphone.
Secondly, it has outputs galore! With four 10A controllable relays, a 50A Anderson connector, a 10A cig. socket, a 10A engel socket, a 15A merit socket, and dual 2.1A USB sockets, your power options are plenty. Plus, all outputs are protected with internal self-resetting fuses and an electronic controlled main relay for peace of mind.
Lastly, the Power Distribution Hub allows you to monitor a HUGE amount of information. Monitor in real-time battery voltage, current, power, time to discharge, total consumption, maximum current, total watt-hours, and used battery capacity. It even has the ability to monitor a water tank level! How smart is that!
Battery Box… or better!
Okay, so a battery box is good… but an ArkPak is better!
The ArkPak is essentially the ultimate battery box and the only one on the market that has a built-in AC-DC and DC-DC charger. It also features a 1000-watt pure sine wave inverter which means you can plug in your corded power tools directly. Other features include:
- 4 X 2.1A USB socket
- 1 X USB Type C
- Two 12V accessory sockets
- 50A Anderson socket
- Low voltage cut-out
- Manual isolator Relay
- Time tracker technology
- Battery management system
- 20 Amp smart charge system
The ArkPak is the ultimate power source for your tradie canopy, without the need for an extensive dual battery system!
Harness the Power of the Sun
Sometimes when you’re on-site, accessing power can be difficult, especially if you often work in remote locations.
That’s why having a solar power option is a smart idea. Tradies can often be deterred from setting up solar panels due to the space they take up – we’ve already spoken about how important functionality is for a tradie’s canopy. Let’s face it, the last thing you want is to install delicate solar panels on the roof of your canopy and lose the ability to carry a ladder or other long gear.
There is a solution, however. Ark’s Amorphous Foldable Solar Panels allow you to charge your batteries on the go without taking up the space of rigid panels. Available in both 30W and 60W versions, they provide up to 4.2A per hour of charge, and work in low light and partial shade. Plus, because they fold up as small as 40cmx15cmx3cm (30W version), they don’t take up much space at all!
Additional Build Considerations
In addition to power, there are a few other considerations you should make when setting up your tradie canopy. Let’s take a look at four elements that are key to having the ultimate tradie canopy.
Drawers
Drawers are a no-brainer when it comes to setting up your canopy for trades purposes. There are also a number of options available. If you’re looking for a quick and relatively inexpensive option, then many off-road and camping retailers sell single and double drawers which can be adapted to your specific needs. Of course, because tradies needs are very different to those of campers, having custom drawers set up to suit your specific needs is an even better option.
Lights
Installing 12V LED strip lighting in your canopy will ensure you have plenty of light available to find what you need in your ute – regardless of how early you start, or how late you finish. LED strip lighting is an inexpensive way to provide lighting and draws very little power ensuring you have power on hand for what you need most.
Fridge
A 12V fridge/freezer isn’t just a great option for campers. Let’s face it, as a tradie burning a lot of calories every day and needing to remain hydrated in hot weather, chances are you’ll be bringing a lot of food and drink to site each day. A 12V fridge is the best way to store your food and drinks, and while it may take up a fair bit of space, we definitely put it on the “must have” list rather than the “like to have” list.
Awning
It’s a simple fact of being a tradie – you’re beholden to the weather. Whether it’s heavy rain or scorching sun, you’ll be glad to have a place where you can get out of the weather and take a breather while you’re on site. Installing an awning or two on the side of your canopy is a smart and relatively inexpensive way to provide you with a little bit of shelter should you need it.
Ark Understands the Needs of Tradies
100% Aussie-owned and independent, ARK have been the leaders in trailer parts, towing gear, and 4WD accessories for over 40 years.
Whether it’s 12V power systems and battery packs to power your worksite or towing gear to ensure your trailer can get to any site, the team at ARK have you covered. Get in touch with us today to learn how our expertise can help you set up your rig to suit your needs!
Why this SEMA Award-winning Power Distribution Hub is a Game Changer
Anyone who has even a casual familiarity with the automotive industry knows of the famous SEMA Show which is held annually in Las Vegas. It’s one of the world’s largest automotive trade shows that attracts almost 2500 car manufacturers and aftermarket parts suppliers from around the world.
So, it’s fair to say that winning an award at the SEMA Show is no small achievement. Well, we’re incredibly proud to announce that ARK has been named the 2022 Global Media Award winner at the 2022 SEMA show for our XO-Tech Power Distribution hub!
What is this award all about?
SEMA’s Global Media Award sees 23 judges from seven different countries review and evaluate a whopping 3000 product entries, and the award is presented to the products that the judges will appeal most to the customer base in their home country.
“Vehicle customization and personalization has been growing worldwide,” said Linda Spencer,
SEMA director of international and government relations. “The global automotive specialty-equipment market is made up of enthusiasts who are passionate about the hobby. This passion can be found not only throughout the United States but also in countless spots around the globe including in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Melbourne Australia, and Stockholm, Sweden.”
It goes without saying that we at ARK are absolutely blown away by winning this award. “We are extremely proud that the XO-Tech Power Distribution Hub emerged among thousands
as voted on by a panel of international judges,” said ARK’s founder and owner, Richard Arakelian.
What is the XO-Tech Power Distribution Hub?
About this award-winning product, Richard says “The Power Distribution Hub is unique and offers the user an innovative and cost-effective solution for a 12V electrical system for their camping setup.” Launched on the Australian market in 2022, the XO-TEch Power Distribution Hub is designed to be an innovative, compact, lightweight, and easy-to-install 12V system for 4WDs and other recreational vehicles. The concept of the PDH is to eliminate the need for bulky control boxes, rocker switches, and even fuse boxes.
Why the XO-Tech Power Distribution Hub is a Game Changer
Simply put, the XO-Tech Power Distribution Hub is unlike any other 12V control box on the market. The ultimate all-in-one power management system allows you to control all of your on-board devices, easily monitor your power consumption, protect your battery, and provides a huge range of outputs as well as Bluetooth connectivity for remote control and monitoring via your smartphone. Here are a few reasons why the PDH is a true game-changer:
1. Unlike any other 12V Control Box
Unlike any other 12V control box on the market, the PDH is packed full of technology and features in a compact and sleek design.
2. Saves Space
Because the PDH is just 267mm long by 192mm wide and 60mm deep, it’s compact enough to fit just about anywhere! The PDH is the ultimate solution to maximise available space and minimise the clutter in your camping 12V setup
3. Smart Camping
Because The PDH provides automation for your 12V camping setup and wireless operation through Bluetooth connectivity, you can use your smartphone to monitor your battery and switch devices on and off from the comfort of your camp chair. This also eliminates the need to install bulky rocker switches, which saves you even more space! The ARK Smart Hub also allows the pairing of multiple PDH devices to your smartphone which can be renamed individually, customise the names of your controllable outputs, change battery protection levels, and load battery data such as size and type.
4. Fully Protected Outlets Galore!
As well as the four 10A rated controllable relays, the PDH features a 50A output rated Anderson style connector, a 10A rated cigi socket, a 10A rated Engel socket, a 15A rated Merit socket, and a dual USB socket with 2.1A connections. And unlike other 12V control boxes, all PDH outputs are protected with internal self-resetting fuses and an electronically controlled main relay which are shown active from an array of LED indicators easily visible on the face of the unit. The PDH outputs are completely protected and no ongoing maintenance or replacement of fuses is required!
5. Easy Installation
All you need is a battery wired up to a 50A Anderson style connector with an inline fuse to install the Power Distribution Hub. Connect the battery to the input Anderson style connector and you’ve got yourself the ultimate 12V camping setup with added levels of automation and battery protection for your auxiliary battery!
6. Monitor your Batteries… and your Water Tank!
With the Power Distribution Hub, you can monitor battery voltage, current, power, and time to discharge – all in real-time. It also allows you to monitor total consumption including minimum and maximum voltage data, maximum current data, total watt hours, and used battery capacity in amp hours since last charge. All this information can be viewed on the scrolling OLED display directly on the unit or wirelessly through a smartphone. But here’s the really cool part: the PDH gives you the ability to monitor a single poly water tank. This provides you full control over your usage and the ability to monitor your water levels from the unit directly or wirelessly through a smartphone.
What makes ARK leaders in Portable Power?
ARK Corporation has 45 years of expertise in the areas of Portable Power as well as trailer and off-road accessories. As market leaders in these areas, all our products are engineered, designed, and tested in Australia’s vast and harshest conditions to ensure our range of innovative products meet and exceed the industry’s highest standards.
What to look for When Selecting Your Trailer Coupling
For many people who like to hit the tracks with a camper trailer, caravan or boat in tow, improving on the standard trailer towing gear you’re using is often necessary. Because we’re all different, and we all have different desires when it comes to hitting the tracks and heading to our favourite campsites, our towing needs are also different. For some people, the adventure of taking the gnarliest tracks to our favourite campsite is part of the fun, while others will prefer getting to camp as quickly and easily as possible so they can crack open the esky and wet a line. That means that the towing gear that comes standard with your trailer may not be the ideal gear for you, and when it comes to towing there’s one component that is hugely important to get right – your trailer coupling.
What is a Trailer Coupling?
A trailer coupling is the essential link between your trailer and your tow vehicle. It’s the component that is fitted to the leading edge of the A-frame of your trailer, and which connects to the tow hitch on your tow vehicle.
It’s REALLY important to mention this: the trailer coupling is NOT the tow hitch. Time and again we see so-called “expert” 4WD and off-road publications and shows referring to the coupling as a “hitch”. This is incorrect. The coupling is the component on your trailer, whereas the hitch is the component on your tow vehicle. It’s a pretty basic distinction, but something that people get wrong a lot of the time.
What does a Trailer Coupling do?
As already stated, a trailer coupling connects to the tow hitch on your tow vehicle, but the thing is, it’s far more important than just being a connector. It needs to be able to withstand the loads you’re towing, whether it be a small little 700kg box trailer with no brakes or a 3.5t off-road caravan with a full kit out and electric brakes.
It also needs to be able to handle any articulation that you demand of it, something that is especially relevant if you’re planning to tow off-road whether that be on soft sand beaches, or rough and complex 4WD tracks.
The Different Types of Trailer Couplings
There really is a lot of different types and styles of trailer coupling on the market, all with different strengths and weaknesses. Which coupling works best for you will depend on your needs, i.e. what and where you’re planning to tow. There are also different couplings to suit different types of tow hitches, from your standard 50mm ball hitch to an off-road specific polyblock hitch. We’re going to look at three main types of couplings: fixed couplings, over-ride couplings, and off-road couplings.
Before we do, it’s worthwhile to take a quick refresher on the legalities surrounding brake requirements on trailers. In a nutshell, there are essentially three levels. For trailers that are hauling a weight of under 750kg (including the trailer weight), no trailer braking system is required. For trailers that are hauling a weight of between 750kg and 2000kg (again, including the trailer weight) the trailer must have either a mechanical or hydraulic braking system fitted. And lastly, for any trailer that is hauling over 2000kg (you guessed it – including the weight of the trailer), it’s a legal requirement for your trailer to be fitted with electric brakes that are controlled by an electric brake controller.
With that out of the way, let’s take a look at the different coupling types.
Fixed Couplings
The most common type of coupling, simply because of how basic they are. A fixed coupling, such as Ark’s 3 Hole 50mm Coupling simply bolts onto the chassis of your trailer and connects to the standard 50mm ball hitch of your tow vehicle. A basic fixed coupling is relatively limited in how much articulation it offers, so it’s best suited to towing up to 2,000kgs on the road.
There are also fixed couplings that are capable of towing heavier trailers with electric brakes, such as Ark’s Electric Coupling with Ratchet Handle for 50mm Ball Hitches. This hitch is rated for up to 3500kg trailers that are fitted with electric brakes, and like the basic coupling works with the standard 50mm ball hitch. These couplings also offer relatively limited articulation, which means they’re best suited to on-road towing of things such as car trailers.
Over-Ride Couplings
Over-ride couplings are the next step up from a fixed coupling and are designed to activate the mechanical or hydraulic brakes on your trailer via an inertial-activated mechanism. As we know, any trailer that is hauling weights of between 750kg and 2000kg are required to be fitted with mechanical or hydraulic brakes, and an over-ride coupling such as Ark’s 50mm Over-Ride Coupling is designed specifically for this.
Here’s how they work: As the driver brakes, the coupling feels the inertial force the tow vehicle is applying to it, and it compresses a spring within it. When this spring is compressed, the brakes are triggered.
Off-Road Couplings
There are many different types of off-road couplings that are specifically designed to tow your camper trailer, caravan, or boat on the vastly varying 4WD tracks Australia has to offer. Off-road couplings are designed to provide a great degree of articulation across all three axiis (i.e. yaw, pitch and roll), and they achieve this in varying ways. Off-road couplings will often require a matching style of off-road hitch.
One common type is the polyblock style of coupling. Rather than utilising the standard 50mm tow hitch, the polyblock coupling utilises a plastic block that connects to the hitch via a through-pin. A coupling of this type provides a full 360 degrees of roll, which goes a long way to preventing your trailer from rolling in extreme off-road conditions.
The second type of off-road coupling we’re going to look at, and our personal favourite, is the fully articulating 50mm ball hitch off-road coupling, such as Ark’s 3.5t XO Off-Road Coupling with Parkbrake. There are a number of benefits to this type of coupling. Firstly, unlike many off-road couplings, it works with your tow vehicle’s standard 50mm ball hitch. That means there’s no need to change the hitch on your tow vehicle. That makes things much easier if you’re towing an off-road caravan while you’re on holiday, but need to tow the little box trailer to the tip on the weekend! Secondly, the XO Off-Road Coupling offers full off-road articulation, so you’re getting all the benefits of something like the polyblock coupling but without the need to switch out the tow hitch on your tow vehicle.
Want to Know More About Trailer Couplings?
At Ark, we test all of our products, trailer couplings included in the greatest testing ground there’s ever been – the Aussie outdoors! We love nothing more than hitching up the camper trailer and hitting the tracks as soon as the clock hits 5pm on a Friday (Okay, you caught us out – 1pm!)
100% Aussie-owned and independent, ARK have been the leaders in trailer parts, towing gear and 4WD accessories for over 40 years. Whether it’s towing gear such as couplings and hitches or 12V power systems and battery packs to enhance your camping experience, the team at ARK have you covered. Get in touch with us today to learn how our expertise can help you get off-road more often!