I''m 84 and don't travel much anymore, but.... I love Jackery. I have two 1000 wh power stations, a 160 wh, two Bluetti stations, a 2400 wh and a second newer Bluetti that has a 2000 watt inverter. The reason for such an array of power stations is because I live in a very remote section of the Southern California Mojave Desert where the power has a habit of going off every summer during the hottest periods. The temp. in my area during July and August is normally 110 each day and around 100 plus over night. With my numerous battery powered backups, I'm able to run a small through the wall A/C, and my small freezer and refrigerator during the normal fairly short blackouts. I also have two Jackery 100 watt folding solar panels for solar charging, which so far I've never needed to use. At my age these devices are a real blessing for me. They're safe, mostly noiseless, and even for a technological moron like me, simple to use. As a fall back, I also have a small Honda Inverter Generator for use in charging the power stations if the power ever goes off for many days.

@321southtube

3 жыл бұрын

......have you considered getting one generator that runs off NG or propane to fulfill all your needs and compliment it with a battery/solar setup? Most of these units are overpriced and portability is there only plus. Drop all your coin on a stationary system that functions on its own when needed.

@newlife8318

3 жыл бұрын

I'm only just starting to try and follow all this expertise and brilliance. Amazing! Such independence and freedom!

@jimmielittle877

2 жыл бұрын

I watched a guy be able to run/start his air conditioner on his Airstream with a soft start system and a small inverter,and of course he has 3 or 4?solar panels! He has I believe 4 lithium batteries that can run his 15,000 btu air for over 3 hours if needed will out his generator!

@miriamalvarado6477

2 жыл бұрын

@Living Free , Man & His Dog Hello, please do explain how is the right set up. I recently purchased a 1000 with a two 100w panels but I need either one more battery to use with same solar panels, a bigger battery or just a whole set. I am new to this kind of systems. I have never use one but have a family of 6 want to get what I need while it’s available.

@puitekongstim

2 жыл бұрын

Can you sold to me sir

You put this out 2 years ago and it’s still helping people today. Thanks! This was the best video out of the innumerable other videos I’ve watched trying to get my brain around what I needed power wise for a few month road-trip in my Prius. I feel releaved that I can get my mind out of this rabbit hole and get some sleep now 😂

I have the Jackery 1000 for my van. I have used it to jump my other vehicle 2 times this winter, when I left items on that drained the car battery. It worked great!

Can’t wait to see the 200 watt solar panel! Great review and wish you all the best!

Thanks for the review. I'm just starting to shop for a portable solar generator and you answered a lot of my questions! Very helpful for somebody considering life "off grid"

So glad you're still making content for us in your down time. Much appreciated.

@cliffarnold7463

3 жыл бұрын

Agreed!

You go Lucy keep did in line, hope all of you are healing and getting better. Keep up the information videos everyone has there own experience and thoughts on camping gear and how to survive. Thanks 😊

Thanks for putting this review out. Truly was helpful. I'm getting ready to begin a vehicle build of some sort and power is one of my "needs" and your review was very helpful. Thanks again. Answered lots of questions.

Thanks for the updated review. I have the 300 and love it.

Thank you for your honest review. As always, you share the information that we need while keeping it interesting and entertaining! That ending rocked! I’m sorry I’ve headed down the dual battery trail. I wonder if it’s too late to send my stuff back.

@softroadingthewest

3 жыл бұрын

Well, dual-battery is still a completely legit approach. There are definite advantages. As much as Jason loves his Jackery units, he still has found dual-battery to be essential for what he does.

We have used the kzread.infoUgkxOTeIs0vv4_9B5hsmnLsk9r930uDQLu_Y for probably 30 hours with our camper and it’s been great! The noise level is really only noticeable when running the AC and other appliances like the microwave, hair dryer, or coffee pot. It’s not huge like other ones and it has wheels so even at 90lbs, I can move it!

Thank you sir, love gear reports after extended usage. Great info. For anyone else interested, Steve Wallis here on YT uses a Jackery as well, even powering a crock pot with it.

Great video, sounds like that's all I need,thank you for this

This review was perfect! I appreciate your honesty and believe that you gave an honest and thorough review. I got information I didn’t think of and will help me in my travels. You’re really easy to listen to and I’m excited to find the model that fits my family as we adventure around. If there is a coupon code or way that I can pass the credit onto you when I purchase I’ll be happy to return the favor. Thanks again for sharing. ~Sheeara, Alaska

Cant wait to see what your new vehicle will be!

Thanks for another great vid Donald. Great explanation on your setup. For storage I nave an idea for you. I have a pickup which as you know are square-ish and boxy. They lend themselves well to using milk crates for storage. They are in expensive, indestructible, and stack nicely. I think that jackery 500 will fit into a 16 quart milk crate which can be had at home depot for $9. Stack another on top for more storage and have the heavy jackery in the bottom crate.

Thanks for a great informative video I have been unable to make up my mind on one of the units but know you have talked me into it.

I bought my van yesterday! I'm so excited! Thank you so much for this detailed honest review. The 500 is what I wanted and this sealed the deal for me. Can't wait to start my nomad adventures!!

@softroadingthewest

Жыл бұрын

Congrats, have fun out there!

I had a dual battery setup in my truck, but when I switched to a 4runner I got a Jackery instead. I agree the flexibility of it makes the dual battery system unnecessary (not to mention more expensive and difficult to install). We lost power during one of the winter storms here in Oregon and used the Jackery to run a few devices in the house - couldn't do that with a dual battery system. Finally, when I sold the truck I removed the dual battery system - I don't want to be responsible for any misuse by the next owner. Not an easy system to install or remove. The Jackery just pick it up and put it in the new rig. Good review -- I tuned in for one you did a while back before buying my Jackery and glad I did.

Thank you I appreciate the update

Great review!!! Lol love the solo

Great video, thank you! Exactly what I need for overlanding and way easier than a dual battery setup. And right, there are many more electric devices than you may think of. So the 100 solar panel looks to be the perfect fit.

Thanks, Donald! I’ve been holding off getting the 1000 because of the cost. Seems to me that the 500 would be the best option for me after seeing your usage. 👍🏻

@sshaw4429

2 жыл бұрын

I have two 240’s…..great for me. I just ordered solar panel for them. Best thing EVER.

@adambayg9611

2 жыл бұрын

If your in the UK Buy them on Facebook marketplace as they are over half the retail price

@PS987654321PS

2 жыл бұрын

@@sshaw4429 good for you, bot.

I have been thinking of one of these and you gave excellent information. I do wish that they made it with a fold down handle or strap to be able to store it better, I hope that Jackery will make this change and a few of the others you mentioned like the shutdown issue.

Great review…I just received my Jackery 500, two week ago. Going camping with it next week. Used it on a motel trip with my daughter and we Plugged in all our devices for recharge overnight. In three days it only reduced the power level to 91%. Was not recharged for those 3 days.

i really like your videos. this one made me a subscriber. Your opinion is honest and what i’m looking for. keep up the great work.

Great video as usual brother! I just want to say that couple weeks ago here in Texas, we were hit with a crazy snow Storm and had no power for a week. The Jackery 500 kept our electronics charged and we were able to use the power from the Jackery 500 to cook when we ran out of propane and charcoal burkettes on our grills. Also because of y'all's videos and y'all's use of the Jackery 500 , I found about Jackery. We were able to recharge the Jackery 500 while we were keeping warm in the car , like many Texan's were. Just wanna thank y'all for reviews and use of product's that work and in many cases can save ppls lives. I'm grateful to Jackery 500 for an amazing product and that I was able to take care of my family. 👍👍👍 Sorry for the long post😁

@softroadingthewest

3 жыл бұрын

That's awesome to hear! I mean, not the weeklong power outage or that crazy storm, but that the Jackery ended up being a usable solution for that scenario.

@Bikerdad_85

3 жыл бұрын

@@softroadingthewest Thanks. Yea the Jackery 500 was awesome 👍

@klw1463

2 жыл бұрын

May I ask what device/model item you used to cook food with that your Jackery 500 powered? Interested in finding a low watt cooking option, and having a hard time finding one.

@KEscano88

2 жыл бұрын

Quick question, what electric pan did you use to cook? I'm in Florida and have a Jackery 500 for hurricane prep but don't know what to buy. Thanks for your help.

@user-by8yq3vn5j

4 ай бұрын

@@klw1463 It's two years later and we have two 500s coming (you can't hook the two together for power). I looked at various hotplates 500 (peeks to 1000), 1000 (out of the question - too many watts) so neither will work. I just looked at our tea kettle (electric) and the 500 is just too small. Video was great. It will recharge our cellphones and laptops. I think I'll be able to hook up a lamp with it. I purchased them because we have a friend who loves them and I looked at other generators and opted for jackery due to support reviews. With their recent sale, it made sense to go bigger than a 200.

Great gear report. I love how Jackery keeps making small improvements to its units (mppt/usb-c).

I’m looking at getting one for a fridge setup. Thank you for the post.

thanks for the review , will be using a 1000 to completely power my camper van & camping life

Thank you for your honest review on this unit. Very helpful.

The ending was freaking awesome LOL. Great video, thenaks.

That shot of you running in slow mo, in the snow, was epic

Your review definitely convinced me, and I am done with researching power stations for going camping in South Africa, thanks!

Great review and video as always. I like that your videos aren’t full of over produced nonsense and fancy editing tricks. Just real footage of you doing the same things that I love doing. Stay safe out there and cheers from southern/central Oregon. Maybe we will bump into each other one of these days lol Cheers mate

Thats a very neat review man, appreciate your sincerity, thanks!

Awesome review 🤟rock on Donald

I've been using a 500W Jackery for busking with a Hammond Organ since the pandemic hit since all the clubs are closed. The Biggest issue I have but when you're using a solar panel to slow down the drain is that you get a false reading on the Display. Is shows a fluctuation between 99 and 100% when the power is actually much lower like around 50 or 60%. I had a couple of embarrassments with this until I figured out you need to reset the display to get a true reading of how much power you have.

Bought a 500 for our van camping, the Bluetti Ac50S is what I’m getting after my research. This system no matter the brand seems like a perfect solution for our traveling!

thank you for the time stamp with conclusions!

this is the first video i have watched that somebody mentioned the problem with the fridge not drawing power and the jackery shutting off. thanks for mentioning that.

I have to say I love your videos looking forward to you getting a new rig 😊

Great content, this has changed my mind on these devises. I have a single battery 1000 amp, 4 usb and 3 12V outlets in my truck plus a 500 watt inverter. So far I have enough power but I don't have near the items you have to keep charged.

@crabbingclammingboatcampin4962

2 жыл бұрын

1000 amp battery??

I have the 500. Looking forward to using it in my Keep for all my needs. Thank you so much for the video.

@treasuretim3

2 жыл бұрын

hey do you think i could run something like a rice cooker off it? I am looking for a means to cook food if the power went out for an extended period of time and i think it could probably power a rice cooker or water boiler for 20 minutes but I'm curious what you think.

@luzrucci5534

2 жыл бұрын

@@treasuretim3 it depends on how many watts it uses. Sometimes it says so on their label. Try using it once. The Jack will tell you how much you are draining the battery...

@treasuretim3

2 жыл бұрын

@@luzrucci5534 appreciate your reply - after doing further research i found out it can in fact work no prob. Thanks again

Excellent video really impressed with the jackery because of your review cheers 👍

Yip the Jackery is looking more like a good option every day! Thanks for the info👍🏻 ps. Hope the rig saga is looking positive😉

I bought mine last summer based on Donald's endorsement and it is a critical part of my camping gear and also I used it a lot at home. I paid full price for it. One note. If you use a 12volt usb adapter you get get some more USB outlets

This video helped make my decision on size of solar generator! THANK YOU!!!

I love this! I work in film and TV and am building out a van to live in and travel. I have never owned a Jackery but I have used them before and they are amazing!

@softroadingthewest

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks! I've been very happy with my Jackery units. I know that a lot of people doing the live/travel in a van thing end up preferring more of a hard-wired dual battery system, and I can see how that makes sense too for someone living out of their van. I definitely love the ease of using my Jackeries though. Good luck with the van, have fun & stay safe! :-)

Fantastic review. So helpful. Thank you.

Great review, very helpful, inspired me to purchase one

Man, you are costing me money! Finally decided to bite the bullet and buy one of these along with a similar fridge to what you have, after seeing this video.

Thank you for this content. It was very helpful.

Very good review. That 2-3 hour shutoff observation was important. Great preview for new products! Oh, and... party-on.

Great review portable easy power is best, hope all is going good as always be safe 👍👍

Great job on the video. Very helpful info.

I just placed an order for this little monster 500w and its 100w solar panel... Thank you for showing this video

Great review. I love the ending 😂😅

TY for taking the time to do such a thorough review. 🙂I am a prep-per and survivalist, and have wasted too much money on different ways to sustain enough power for the things I needed out there on the road. $35 here, $60 there, and sometimes $150 over there add up, but sadly do not amount to an item like this. (Not to mention All the little gadgets to find and store, and All Their cords and adapters, etc. **shakes bad road trip memories away** lol) I may have to pay over time, but I think most people would be silly not to at least be researching these items. Prep-per or not. Now I Have to go see what your road trips were like lol 😄🚙

Definitely buying one now. Thank you!

I just picked up a 300 a few weeks ago for my adventures. I absolutely love it so far and see myself upgrading to a larger one day. Mine doesn't appear to shut off over time, or maybe I just have not noticed. You make great enjoyable videos! keep up the good work!

@softroadingthewest

3 жыл бұрын

I'm pretty sure the newer Jackery units don't have this issue. My 500 is an older design. The 300 appears to be a fabulous little device. My friend Jason (Primal Outdoors) uses his 300 probably more than any of his other Jackery units.

@bobsnextadventure

3 жыл бұрын

@@softroadingthewest Good to know! I also watch Jason and I'm sure he puts it to the test. Good to hear they hold up!

@genxiong2695

3 жыл бұрын

@@softroadingthewest What newer version are you talking about? The 1000 or do they make newer version of the 500? The shut-off overtime will definitely be a factor to think about when buying.

@softroadingthewest

3 жыл бұрын

I meant newer models like the 300 or the 1000. Those units came out after the 500. I presume the 500 for sale now is the same as my 500. The shut down is not a huge issue as long as you're aware of it. It only happens on freezing cold nights, which means the food in the fridge is staying cold enough anyway. I just need to make sure it's actually running before I start driving and have the heat going in the car. Any night that's anywhere near warm enough to endanger the food, the fridge ends up cycling on at least few times and keeps the Jackery awake through the night. What I've started doing lately on freezing cold nights is just move the Jackery from the car to my tent at bedtime, because I know food will stay safely cold even if the fridge is unplugged, and then while I sleep I can be actively charging my phone, ipad, etc, which die much faster on those cold nights. In the morning, the Jackery goes back into the car, gets turned on, and stays awake all day with the fridge plugged in.

@genxiong2695

3 жыл бұрын

@@softroadingthewest Gotcha. Make sense now.

Great video. Thanks for all the info.

Excellent! Thanks. Safe travels.

You've provided valuable feedback, Don, to those of us who own Jackery models. I've been satisfied with my Jackery 240 but would like to get the 500 model since adding a couple of gear items to my overland kit, specifically a DeWalt chain saw, battery charger unit and some new exterior lights for my awning. Thank you, Don!

@fenraven

3 жыл бұрын

I don't believe the 500 will run a chainsaw. Be sure to check the wattage.

@PS987654321PS

2 жыл бұрын

Idiotic

@PS987654321PS

2 жыл бұрын

You gonna power your seaplane as well?

Mate,that was one clear information you tube video. 👍🏻🇦🇺

We have a Jackery 500 with solar panel. We have found without trying to recharge the Jackery it will keep our 12v fridge going a full 5.5 days. With the sun in our neck of the woods in the summer it will never run dry. Takes about 6-8 hours depending on sun and cloud to fully recharge ( never allowing the Jackery to go below 20%). We have used our Jackery 500 to charge our phones, tablets, speaker system and our fridge, all while boondocking down the logging roads of Vancouver island. I have been very very happy with this product. My only complaint is the Jackery solar panels themselves are VERY VERY fragile on their flat sides. I have to make sure anyone who attempts to pick them up takes great care to no apply any pressure whatsoever on the panels flat side. With that I would still recommend the product to anyone.

I see the welding table has many uses. In this video, you have answered all questions about jackery charger . I was going to hook up a second batt in my 98, 4x4, I am now convinced I won't need one. And, my 120watt Go Power portable chgr will be more than adequate. The GP chgr also can rechgdual batt on my R Pod 180 when I travel with trl.

great review,

I love mine..can power a small round fan over a bucket of ice and Wah La! .. Air Conditioning for one solo camper and a small dog!

Thinking about a smaller one, but these Jackerys look really good.

Thank you for the comment! I was looking for a power station and was thinking about the Jeckery. Especially the fidgde use was interisting.

Overlanding - As a city guy, new to me. but sounds awesome. I'm going to use it....somehow great video, very helpful.

@2:40 ....finally, someone answers a fundamentally simple question for me that's been missing on the internet.....charging from car/truck to Jackery to 12v coolers.........thanks, appreciate it.

Great info, thank you!

Amazing review

Because of you and Jason I am considering buying one

Funny that you mention the "2 battery" idea, I use my Jackery 500 primarily to recharge my single Group 27 house battery through a connector with male cigarette plugs on each end that I use to trickle charge my house battery from my Jackery while the trailer is on a storage lot without 120v access. It's a Casita, battery access is a pain, trust me. I also have taken it with me while camping in a COE park where a storm knocked out 120v hookups. I dug out the 12v TV cables, plugged in the Jackery as usual to keep the volt/amps up for the reefer, TV and to augment the house battery and all was golden. I didn't have to run the heater (gotta down bag to throw on the bed) even though it was October, I was happy even as everyone else packed up and left. Can't knock it if it works. Be safe!

This was very helpful thanks

I sub'd/liked because you were honest and forthcoming about jackery supporting your channel. I'm looking at one to run my CPAP. Thank you.

Nice! Thanks for the update. Hard to believe it has been a year already! Might try and find split USB cables for doubling your charging capability. George.

@softroadingthewest

3 жыл бұрын

I don't know why I never thought of this. I'm constantly juggling USB ports. Somehow a splitter of some sort never crossed my mind. :-)

@fenraven

3 жыл бұрын

Excellent idea. Wonder if I could do that with the wall outlet too.

@swidahooverlanding2867

3 жыл бұрын

@@fenraven Yes as long you don't pull too many amps should work fine.

Hilarious ending. Lol Great review. Jackery just made another sale. Thanks.

Informative video!

Nice review on the Jackery. I have the same model. Bought it in 2019 and have been using it constantly since. I also have the Solar Saga 100. My only gripe is I wish Jackery would sell a charge controller. Reason is it could interconnect with the correct cables to charge my RV battery with the Solar Saga solar panel. Plug & Play can be awesome if available. The Jackery system is just great. Personally I think more than 1000 watts is overkill. Of course I roll alone and dont currently have a lady that needs to run a hair dryer and a microwave all day ;-) Thank you & Regards from Ody Slim

You can buy a usb hub that can power up to six off of one. Or get a 12 volt plug that can charge 2 more devices. Cheap. Thanks for the review. I have the 240 w/ 60 watt panels. Works for me.

@softroadingthewest

3 жыл бұрын

I don't know why I never thought of this. I'm constantly juggling USB ports. Somehow a splitter or hub of some sort never crossed my mind. :-)

@JohnJohnCrusher

2 жыл бұрын

Then you're splitting the meager amp output of one USB slot amongst several devices trying to be charged. Not ideal. Also if your fridge is constantly plugged into the 12v cigarette lighter output that's never available for a cigarette lighter USB charger. Jackery should just put 6 dedicated USB slots... For $500 they can include that. This is the age of USB powered devices after all

@bertkelly7650

2 жыл бұрын

@@JohnJohnCrusher You might have to correct me if I'm wrong, but those splitters will have the required voltage built in to supply the same power through out.

Was look at buying a 500 jackery and watching this video definitely going for the 500 jackery it look just the job 👍

Best video ever! Was trying to figure out if I could use the Jakery to jump start my battery, 5:47 answers that question…nope! Lol

Thanks for being transparent

This and a few other videos has sold me on this thing. I do go camping on occasion, however the main use for this will be at home. I live in a rural area and we seem to lose power with every storm. With storms getting worse we've lost power for multiple days more than once. So having the Jackery with the solar panel seems like it'd be a great stop-gap for charging devices when we lose power. I'd even get to keep internet so long as we have signal as I use a mobile 5G router with its own battery.

Thanks for the update. I looked at the Jackery 500, but ended up getting a Bluetti AC50 and its 120w solar panel. I needed a battery for my cpap out in the woods, and that's what I ended up with. You can do a lot with these little battery packs!

@softroadingthewest

3 жыл бұрын

That's awesome, I'm glad you found a solution that worked for you! Having power where & when you need it is so so nice.

@ElectricDanielBoone

3 жыл бұрын

@@softroadingthewest i didn't know these things even existed until I saw you and Primal using them on your channels. Started looking around and found HOBOTEC's channel to get even more scoop on them. I'm sitting up in the woods in my hot tent right now enjoying led lights and a 9vdc fan running on the battery.

I love mine. Ran two 12v refrigerators from my SUV (one with AC one with DC) while staying in a hotel. Dead in the morning but did the job through the night and just recharged while I drove to my final destination.

Good review!!....thank you

I've been looking at Jackerys for awhile now, and curse myself for not getting one every time the power goes out. I think the 500 is probably the best size for me and if I need more USB ports, I'll just plug my USB splitter in. It turns one into 5. Jon in rural BC, Canada

Great going to buy the 500Watt planning two run two freezers and my Inernet during any power cuts, not had any in years but the way things are going might this year.

I knew he could shred. Anxiously waiting for his “VH1 Behind The Music” episode. And you need to put together an official music playlist.

@Kiss__Kiss

3 жыл бұрын

You mean, "Behind the camping/Music" lol

@softroadingthewest

3 жыл бұрын

Haha, I'm a total total hack. I hoped it was obvious, but that's not me playing. :-) I can play a bit of guitar, but not like that. Put me behind a drum kit however and I can generally hold my own. :-)

The issue you have with that handle is also mine. I do have a campervan so space isn’t so much of an issue there but I’m also thinking of turning my vehicle into a micro camper because a few times I’ve really needed have use of sleeping facilities when I was driving my car. I might go for something like the Poweroak or Allpowers instead because the handles fold out flat making it more compact and easier to fit in those small nooks and cranny’s! Thanks for your video. Nat

Just bought the Explorer 500. Hope I never really need it, but you never know. I also have four 80 watt solar panels on my roof, but the batteries they were charging have long since passed away. LOL Looking to charge the Jackery with Solar. Thanks for the review, you have justified my decision!

Honestly I'm looking at this to power my guitar am lol. So that bit at the end was a nice addition!. Among the 1000 other applications I would use it for..

I was on the fence as to whether to get this one as my first but with this video you answered all of my questions that was needed thank you very much for talking on both sides the positive and the negative it really helped now to go put in my order

That's showing him Lucie! I like my small Jackery it is very useful around the house.

That's exactly what I do. Works well for me I'm driving daily as well; when I primitive camp. Wow! I have a gazelle tent too.