I've been a car camper most of my life. And, those adventures have usually taken me and friends off road so there's no convenient electricity to power all our devices. My first solution was to install a Marine Battery in the diamond plate tool box mounted on a cargo carrier inserted in the trailer hitch. This battery was recharged through wiring to the alternator. Worked beautifully, supplied all the power I needed, but I couldn't take it with me on the trail.
Needing to upgrade my vehicle recently, I decided to see what was available for 'portable' power, for those trips away from my vehicle rather than install the Marine Battery again. It didn't take me long to discover the plethora of choices available in portable batteries made for all of us who enjoy the outdoors or need extra power on the patio while we're BBQing.
I studied for some time as there were many features of these new battery packs that one must consider for their particular needs. I wanted a unit with the greatest capacity I could find that also could be recharged through some kind of solar system, as our group is usually 2-6 people, all with iPhones, iPads and cameras. The other purpose I had for the battery was to power a small 12V fan inside my vehicle to keep my doggies cool during the warmer weather. (Yes, the windows are also open).
After reading lots of reviews, I chose the Jackery Explorer 500 and will be adding the companion Portable Solar System for next summer's hikes. So far the Explorer 500 has more than surpassed our hopes of a well performing and adequate power source. I've been using it with the grand kids devices on short trips and for the doggie fan and it has been excellent. We've taken it to our primitive cabin, which has no electricity yet, but has our solar panels installed, and the Explorer 500 took care of our device needs all weekend.
We are extremely delighted with Jackery's Explorer 500 and feel we have yet to know it's true capacity! If you need a lot of power then the Jackery Explorer 500 is the Model to choose. If not, Jackery has two smaller capacity units that are sure to please. I understand that an Explorer 300 is coming out in March as well!
Rugged, durable, great capacity and performance, reasonably priced, super customer service! What more could you ask for??? Enjoy Jackery!
JANUARY 2020 UPDATE: After purchasing this terrific Power Station from Jackery, I received a very personalized email from them asking how I was enjoying the unit and was there any questions they could answer. As you can see from my initial review, I've been extremely happy, even impressed with the easy of use and functionality of this unit. Knowing that I was a very satisfied customer, they asked if I'd be kind enough to write a detailed review.
Within hours after my submission, I received a surprise email from the Jackery Team, thanking me for my honest review and was rewarded (which I had no idea was coming my way), with two unbelievable gifts: A Jackery Bar 6000mAh portable charger and A Jackery Giant+ 12000mAh portable charger!!! Pics are coming.
Folks, Most sellers send us prewritten but sincere 'thank yous' for our purchases, nicely printed discount cards for our next purchase or, if we're lucky, perhaps a small physical token of appreciation. As a previous business owner myself, I can see that the Jackery Team have done their customer relations and marketing homework very well. To receive such high quality gifts as a bonus to my purchase is unprecedented! I honestly don't see how you can go wrong with Jackery's outstanding products and top notch customer service. Do yourself a BIG Favor and give them serious consideration if your in the market for these kinds of products!
| Brand | Jackery |
|---|---|
| Wattage | 500 watts |
| Fuel Type | / |
| Power Source | Solar Powered, Battery Powerd |
| Recommended Uses For Product | Camping |
| Item Weight | 13.3 Pounds |
| Voltage | 110 Volts |
| Output Wattage | 500 |
| Special Feature | Low noise level, Portable, voltage to 110V and output to 1000W Peak, No fumes, Low maintenance |
| Included Components | 1* User Manual, 1* AC & AC Cable (2 Parts), 1* Explorer 500, 1* Car Charger Cable |
| Color | Black |
| Product Dimensions | 11.8"L x 7.6"W x 9.2"H |
| Material | plastic |
| Model Name | Explorer 500 |
| Engine Type | / |
| Total Power Outlets | 1 |
| Frequency | 60 Hz |
| Engine Power Maximum | 1000 Watts |
| Starting Wattage | 1000 Watts |
| Manufacturer | Jackery |
| Part Number | Explorer 500 |
| Item Weight | 13.3 pounds |
| Item model number | Explorer 500 |
| Size | 11.8"L x 7.6"W x 9.2"H |
| Style | Explorer 500 |
| Item Package Quantity | 1 |
| Special Features | Low noise level, Portable, voltage to 110V and output to 1000W Peak, No fumes, Low maintenance |
| Batteries Required? | No |
| Warranty Description | 2 year manufacturer |
