Spotlight: Redarc Manager Alpha and GoBlock

Venturing off the beaten path is the allure of off-roading, going where regular cars and trucks can’t. Overlanding takes this idea to the next level, combining off-road adventures with overnight camping and living off the grid. While fun, it’s certainly not easy, with one of the biggest obstacles being a lack of power.

Anyone who’s ever tried primitive camping with zero hookups for water or electricity can tell you that it’s a challenge. I know, I’ve done it many times. That’s where two of Redarc’s newest products come in — the Manager Alpha and GoBlock.

The Manager Alpha is a brand-new battery management system that provides fast charging speeds and solid overall performance. Available with 50-, 75-, and 100-amp charging speeds — up to three times faster than previous models — this smart charger is designed to ensure users always have a source of power, no matter what they’re driving or where they are.

According to Redarc, the Manager Alpha is the only battery management system to charge via main AC power within the vehicle, through DC input, and solar power simultaneously. Combined with its 100-amp charging speed, this should make it a breeze to charge or power devices big and small, including secondary vehicle batteries, refrigerators, air conditioners, and cooktops. It also comes with a small screen that provides real-time information on battery level, charging status, and more.

The Manager Alpha is set to hit shelves later this summer with prices starting at $3,999 for the 50-amp unit. This is a big jump compared to the existing 30-amp battery management system from Redarc, the Manager30, which costs $2,295. The 100-amp Alpha is set to retail for $5,899, which likely isn’t worth it for most enthusiasts, despite its charging speed being more than three times faster than the existing unit.

Available now, the GoBlock is both an in-vehicle dual battery system and a portable power bank. With a 100 Ah (1,280 Wh) capacity and seven inputs/outputs, the GoBlock seems like a suitable addition to any off-road gear setup.

It can be charged overnight via the included 7.5-amp DC charger, or much faster using the built-in Anderson auxiliary input. The latter can handle 50-amp charging through a primary vehicle battery or solar panels, ensuring access to power as long as the sun is shining. Once charged, the GoBlock features a 12-volt, Merit, fridge, and Anderson output along with four USB-A ports to power just about any device or appliance. A kill switch on the back prevents devices from drawing power during storage, extending the life of the power bank.

Strictly as a portable power station, the GoBlock may not be the best option on the market at $1,999+. As an avid camper who doesn’t like being without power, I bring a Geneverse HomePower ONE 1,002-watt power bank with me on every trip, so I know firsthand just how useful the GoBlock will be. Mine cost me less than $1,500 with two 100-watt solar panels included, however, and it can do almost everything the GoBlock can.

That said, the GoBlock’s versatility as an in-vehicle dual-battery system makes it a viable option for overlanding enthusiasts who spend a lot of time on the road. Its ability to charge to full in just two hours or less through the vehicle’s charging system while driving is something other basic power banks simply can’t do.

The bottom line is that the Manager Alpha and GoBlock might be two of the best on-the-go power solutions available, albeit with high pricing. For most enthusiasts, it’s possible to piece together a cheaper setup that can do the majority of what these products from Redarc can do.

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