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!

The jockey wheel is one of the most important components of any trailer, and that is especially the case if you’re heading bush in a camper trailer or caravan. The thing is, not all jockey wheels are the same, and getting one that suits your specific needs is really important – after all, the last thing you want to ruin your trip away is a failing jockey wheel!

Here’s a look at some of the considerations you need to take into account when purchasing a new jockey wheel for your trailer.

Trailer Type

The biggest influencing factor to the type of jockey wheel you buy is the kind of trailer you’re buying it for. Obviously, a small single-axle boat trailer isn’t going to have the same needs as a large dual axle caravan. For example, a standard jockey wheel, such as the Ark Economic Jockey Wheel features a 250mm maximum height extension, a solid rubber tyre and is rated for up to 350kg making it perfect for lightweight towing. On the flipside, a 10” Heavy Duty Jockey Wheel is available in either fixed or swivel options and features a high 500kg load capacity and sealed bearings that protect the wheel in an off-road environment making it perfect for larger towing such as a big caravan.

Where You’re Planning to Travel

Your destination, or wherever you plan to take your trailer is another contributing factor to the type of jockey wheel you purchase. For instance, if you’re planning to head off road, then a standard wheel just won’t do the trick. Instead you’ll want to consider purchasing an off-road specific jockey wheel. An off-road specific jockey wheel, such as Ark’s XO Series, are specifically designed to handle anything the Aussie bush can throw at it. They’re super tough, but they’re also highly versatile with multiple height options, a highly maneuverable trailing yoke design, different yoke locking positions and are available in many sizes, weight ratings and cover most of the styles mentioned above. Alternatively, a pneumatic jockey wheel, such as Ark’s 10″ Pneumatic Jockey Wheels, feature a large 10in inflatable tyre specially designed to cope with difficult ground conditions. That makes them great for off-road use and even towing and camping on sand or other soft sites.

The Need to Maneuver Your Trailer

If maneuvering your trailer while it’s unhitched from your tow vehicle is something you need to do regularly, then this is another contributing factor to the type of jockey wheel you purchase. Your reasons for needing to maneuver your vehicle will vary. Maybe the location you store your trailer at home is difficult to get to, or the campsite you’re traveling to has limited maneuvering room. Either way, a jockey wheel suited to unhitched maneuvering is worth considering. Again, for off-road use Ark’s XO Series is a good option, as its trailing yoke design makes it highly maneuverable. Alternatively, a ratchet jockey wheel such as the Ark Ezi-Mover Ratchet Jockey Wheels is designed to easily maneuver trailers weighing up to 2 tonnes on an even surface with minimal effort. They’re easily operated by rotating the controls and feature four functions: forward, reverse, neutral and stop/lock.

Where to go for more information?

With extensive skills and experience, Ark are the experts when it comes to jockey wheels for your trailer.

Give the experts a call at Ark today to find the right Jockey Wheel for your trailer!

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.

If you’ve never been to the stunning Coffs coast, then you really need to take a look at your life choices! Coffs Harbour is one of Australia’s ultimate 4WD destinations, with some of the best beach camping you’ll do anywhere in the country, and some of the most challenging 4WD tracks you’ll get the opportunity to challenge. 

Despite the scenic stretches and untapped beauty that go hand-in-hand with Coffs Harbour camping, getting there and making your way through the off-road parts can be tricky. Think soft sand combined with beachside water and you’ve got a bog just waiting to happen. This is why travelling with a winch is an absolute must when traversing the stunning Coffs Harbour area in your 4WD. Not only will a winch keep you safe, but it will also make your adventure much more streamlined and enjoyable.

In this blog, we’ll provide tips, tricks, and must-dos for winch safety, as well as outline some of the best Coffs Harbour camping & 4WD hotspots to put on your list.

Exploring Coffs Harbour’s Scenic Camping Spots

Nestled along the New South Wales coastline, Coffs Harbour is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a myriad of breathtaking camping and 4WD destinations. While Pebbly Beach may steal the spotlight, this coastal gem has a treasure trove of other camping spots and trails that are equally captivating.

Diggers Beach

Diggers Beach is a haven for campers who seek a serene escape while remaining close to civilization. With its proximity to Coffs Harbour’s amenities, it’s an ideal starting point for those new to camping or 4WD adventures. Here, you’ll find picturesque coastal vistas, pristine sandy shores, and a range of scenic walking tracks.

Sawtell Beach

Sawtell Beach, just a short drive south of Coffs Harbour, beckons campers with its laid-back charm. Set up camp amid the coastal vegetation and enjoy the stunning ocean views. The nearby Sawtell village offers a charming mix of cafes and boutiques, making it a perfect blend of nature and local culture.

Boambee Creek Reserve

For those who prefer a more secluded camping experience, Boambee Creek Reserve is a hidden gem. Tucked away in a lush, subtropical rainforest setting, this camping spot offers tranquility and a sense of being at one with nature. Accessible only by 4WD, it’s a great opportunity to test your vehicle’s capabilities.

Pebbly Beach

When it comes to Coffs Harbour campsites, there’s one in particular that you’ve probably read about in 4WD magazines and seen on 4WD TV shows plenty of times: Pebbly Beach in the Yuraygir National Park, just north of Coffs Harbour. 

There’s a valid reason why this campsite gets so much attention. Not only does it have one of the most stunning stretches of coastline to set up your camper trailer or roll out your swag, but it’s an adventure just getting there!

Just How Tough is it Getting to Pebbly Beach?

There’s no two ways about it – Pebbly Beach is no walk in the park. This is a 4WD-only campsite, tailor-made for swags, tents, and well-equipped off-road trailers. Taking a full-sized caravan down this path? Well, you’d have to be as bold as a roo in the headlights to attempt that!

Getting to Pebbly Beach is an adventure in itself. You’ll need to navigate through some serious beachfront driving, cruising through soft sands like a seasoned pro. Then, it’s time to tackle a soft sand track through the foreshore that leads you to a saltwater estuary. Sounds simple, right? But there’s a catch – you can only cross this estuary at low tide! Nature’s clock is your guide.

Once you’ve conquered the salty creek, there’s still a fair bit of sand track driving ahead. Depending on the conditions, you might face gnarly washouts and all sorts of obstacles. But hold on tight, because the journey is worth every bit of effort.

When you finally reach the campsite, you’ll see why adventurers like you embark on this epic journey. Picture this: She-oak lined grassy sites, top-notch toilet facilities, and direct beach access that’s second to none. The beach itself earned its name from its unique coarse, pebbly sand, making it a haven for surfing, swimming, fishing, and whale watching. Pebbly Beach isn’t just a destination; it’s a slice of paradise you have to experience to believe!

So, if you’re up for the challenge, gear up, and let the rugged beauty of Pebbly Beach take your breath away. After all, nothing great ever comes easy, and this adventure is the stuff of legends!

Why a Winch is Essential for Coffs Harbour Camping & 4WD

You’re probably reading this thinking, ‘Okay, a bit of soft sand, a water crossing – sounds fun, but do I REALLY need a winch?’ Great question, and as a team who have been stuck in the soft sand of Pebbly Beach ourselves, our answer is a firm ‘yes’! 

The pebbly nature of the sand makes getting bogged a very undesirable circumstance. Essentially, once you’re bogged at Pebbly Beach, you’ll want to avoid trying to drive yourself out. This is because every time your 4WD wheels spin in that sand, they’re digging you in deeper until you’re so deep that a suction effect happens. Once this takes effect, even snatching yourself out becomes a hairy task. 

Our advice? Arm yourself and your vehicle with a durable, quality winch before setting foot (or wheel) on Pebbly Beach. 

A winch, securely mounted on your vehicle’s front end, is a powerful tool that can pull you out of even the stickiest situations. When the going gets tough and the wheels start to spin, you can rely on your winch to anchor your 4WD and give it the pull it needs to get back on solid ground.

Having a winch is not just about the convenience of self-recovery, either; it’s about safety and self-sufficiency. Pebbly Beach’s remote location means that assistance may not be readily available. With a winch, you have the means to extricate your 4WD and continue your adventure, ensuring that your Pebbly Beach experience remains memorable for all the right reasons.

So, as you gear up for your Pebbly Beach adventure for a bit of Coffs Harbour camping, make sure your trusty winch is in prime condition. It’s not just a piece of equipment; it’s your ticket to conquering the rugged beauty of this remarkable destination. When the going gets tough, your winch will be there to pull you through, ensuring your journey is filled with awe-inspiring vistas, not bogged-down frustrations.

Why a 9000lbs Winch is a Necessary bit of Kit

Now, you may be wondering what type of winch is best suited for this kind of rough off-roading trip. Or you might be feeling pretty chuffed with the winch you’ve already got. Before you get going, though, let’s take a  look at the best (and really the only) winch that will get you through the terrain of Pebbly Beach and other Coffs Harbour camping & 4WD tracks: a 9000lbs winch.

Having your 4WD equipped with a 9000lbs winch will ensure that you can slowly drag your way out of that suction pit onto the top of the sand, without spinning wheels and digging in deeper. The good part about the tracks leading into Pebbly is that they give you a number of options of places to winch from, too. As previously mentioned there are plenty of she-oaks lining the foreshore that you could run a winch strap around. Of course, it’s always wise to be travelling in a convoy, so being able to winch from another 4WD is ideal. Another option is to carry a sand anchor. These smart little devices are designed to dig into the sand to give you something to winch from.

Another thing to remember is that it’s important that your winch is a powerful 9000lbs one, like ARK’s XO Series 9000lbs Winch. As mentioned, getting stuck in the sand will have a suctioning effect on your 4WD which means your winch will be working overtime to pull you out, especially if you’re towing a camper trailer. Having that power is the best way to ensure your winch can do the job!

Other Reasons a Winch is the Perfect Bit of Kit for Coffs

Coffs Harbour has been called a ‘4WD Mecca’, and for good reason; there are hundreds of tracks for all levels of ability on offer from the relatively tame National Park tracks around Yuraygir to the infamous England Track which is only for those with a lot of experience and a heavily modified 4WD!

Having a winch installed on your 4WD gives you peace of mind when you’re tackling Coffs Harbour’s tough tracks, and it really is a versatile piece of recovery gear that every 4WD should be equipped with – especially if they’re planning on Coffs Harbour camping.

ARK’S XO Series 9000lbs Winch

Our XO Series 9000lbs Winch has been tried and tested on Australia’s toughest tracks by the team at ARK. It features a rated line pull of over 4 tonnes, a 3-stage planetary gear train with a 5.2hp motor, synthetic rope for ease of use and added strength and an aluminium fairlead to look the part.

If you’re planning to explore some of the gnarlier tracks that Australia has to offer, then talk to the team at ARK to see how an XO Series Winch is the ideal bit of kit for you.

Winch Safety Tips for Your Coffs Harbour Camping Adventure

When you’re gearing up for an off-road adventure in the rugged beauty of Coffs Harbour, having a reliable winch can be a game-changer. However, it’s essential to remember that a winch is a powerful tool that requires careful handling to ensure both your safety and the safety of those around you. Here are some winch safety tips to keep in mind as you embark on your Coffs Harbour camping expedition:

1. Know your winch inside out: Before you hit the trails, take the time to familiarize yourself with your winch and its operation. Read the user manual thoroughly, understand the controls, and practice using it in a safe and controlled environment. Knowledge is your best ally when it comes to winch safety.

2. Use proper safety gear: When operating a winch, ensure you and anyone assisting you are wearing appropriate safety gear. This includes gloves, sturdy footwear, and eye protection. These precautions are essential to protect against potential hazards like flying debris or tensioned cables.

3. Keep clear of the cable: When winching, always keep a safe distance from the winch cable or rope. Never place any part of your body near the cable path or allow others to do so. In case of a cable failure, the recoiling cable can be extremely dangerous.

4. Use a dampener: When winching, especially in recovery situations, always use a winch dampener or a heavy blanket to cover the cable. This helps absorb energy in case the cable snaps, reducing the risk of injury or damage to nearby objects.

5. Anchor points matter: Ensure that the anchor points you use for winching are stable, secure, and rated for the task. Never attach your winch to fragile objects, as they could break under the strain, leading to accidents.

6. Keep a clear path: Before engaging the winch, make sure the path is clear of obstacles and bystanders. Warn others in the vicinity of your actions, and ensure they maintain a safe distance during winching operations.

7. Regular maintenance: Your winch is a mechanical device that requires proper maintenance. Regularly inspect it for signs of wear and tear, and follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for maintenance intervals. A well-maintained winch is a safer winch.

8. Communicate clearly: Effective communication is vital during winching operations. Establish clear signals and communication with anyone assisting you. Ensure everyone understands the plan and follows it meticulously.

9. Be patient: Winching can be a slow and methodical process. Avoid rushing or using excessive force. Applying steady and controlled tension is more effective and safer.

By adhering to these winch safety tips, you’ll not only enhance your safety during your Coffs Harbour camping & 4WD adventure but also ensure a smoother and more enjoyable off-road experience. A winch is a valuable tool, but it must be used with caution and respect for the potential hazards involved.

ARK are the Off-Road Experts!

Here at ARK, we love to get off-road just like you! We regularly hit the tracks, testing all our gear in real-world conditions to ensure that every one of our products ticks all the boxes when it comes to touring Australia.

ARK is 100% Aussie-owned and independent, and we’ve been the leaders in trailer parts, towing gear and 4WD accessories for over 40 years. Whether it’s winches and winch accessories, trailer equipment such as jockey wheels and coupling, or 12V power systems and battery packs to enhance your camping experience, the team at ARK has you covered.

So, get out and enjoy the great outdoors of Pebbly Beach and Coffs Harbour with some premium equipment. Armed with our XO Series 9000lbs Winch and some must-have camping gear, you’ll be set for the adventure of a lifetime!