LIVING Off Jackery 1000 + SolarSaga Panels? Fulltime Truck Camper Review (w/ Discount Links!)

Pick up your discounted Jackery gear through the links below and you'll be directly supporting this channel and our adventures on the road. THANK YOU!
⚡️ Jackery Explorer 1000: shrsl.com/2ntfm (Amazon: amzn.to/37B69eZ )
☀️ 100 Watt SolarSaga Panel: shrsl.com/2ntfx (Amazon: amzn.to/2IhCtLh )
🔋 Complete Jackery Solar Generator (Explorer 1000 + 2 100w panels): shrsl.com/2ntg2 (Amazon: amzn.to/39Yjn8v )
Follow me on instagram for the latest updates on where we are: / backcountrybanter
Big thanks to Tara ( / full.swoon ) for her video contributions.
🚐 TRUCK CAMPER SUPPLIES WE USE 🚐
~ Diesel Heater: amzn.to/2URYS4e
~ Dometic Fridge: www.dometic.co... (Use code "backcountrybanter" for free shipping!)
~ MaxxAir Fan: amzn.to/36Tsg1w
~ Jackery Explorer 1000 Power Station: amzn.to/33bbuZi
~ Jackery SolarSaga 100W Panels: amzn.to/3jcLDpq
~ Butyl Waterproofing Tape: amzn.to/2GWv3f7
~ The BEST Caulk: amzn.to/3nKdLmL
~ Canvas Waterproofing: amzn.to/30UMtQJ
📸 MY CAMERA GEAR 📸
~ Main Camera - Sony RX100 VII: amzn.to/34kR0hR
~ Wide Angles/Timelapses - GoPro Hero 7 Black: amzn.to/31j1jkI
~ Lightweight Full Tripod - Zomei M6: amzn.to/2ElC3kL
~ Tiny Tripod: Manfrotto Pixi: amzn.to/3gfBUfX
⛺️ MY BACKPACKING GEAR ⛺️
lighterpack.co...
A Few Of My Favorite Gear Choices:
~ The BEST UL Headlamp: amzn.to/35Xwzof
~ The Only Stakes You Need: amzn.to/2QX5M7o
~ Ultralight/Cheap Carbon Fiber Trekking Poles: amzn.to/2TsBvPh
~ My Shoes: amzn.to/38a71pq
~ My Ultralight Jacket: amzn.to/30pfGl8
❤️ KEEP THE TRIP GOING ❤️
Become a patron and add your name to the video credits here: / joebrewer
Check out some of our favorite backpacking gear here: amzn.to/34QK7mt
Contribute to our "Truck Camper Adventure" fund here: paypal.me/Back...
🎵 MUSIC 🎵
Music from this video is from Epidemic Sound: www.epidemicso...
* Some of these links are affiliate links which means that if you make a purchase through them you'll be supporting this channel at no additional cost to you. Thanks! *

[@charliedinh1024]

*100% best **Generater.Systems** I have used. A test for hurricane prep here in Louisiana: three AC units, 5000, 5000 & 8000, 3 fridges, 2 device power setups, 4 flat screens....AND I had 40% of the power meter to spare.*

[@retiredusmc9090]

Great to the point review. I just bought a 1000w model with the two panels and this review convinced me I bought the right solar system.

[@ForeIndication]

I am on your page just did the 1000w Solar SAGA as well I have been following up on my purchase and it looks like this is one of the best choices out there.

[@chuck5553]

Warrior, how is the Generator going for you? SF 🇺🇸🍻

[@woodchip2782]

As to the space between the warped solar panels, just put a thick metal washer. It will stick to the magnets and fill the void.

[@PaulGuess1]

I have a Jackery 1000 and a new Jackery 2000 with four of the 200 watt panels. I watch all the reviews I can... and this is one of the best I've seen for just an honest opinion based on real use. Will look forward to more... thanks. ♥

[@thinkforyourselfjohn3163]

I agree with you one very informative review.

[@norkisserrano]

Get a Bestek 300W pure sine inverter, plug in to your cigarette lighter then charge your Jackery via AC with the rate of 300W while your running your vehicle. It charges so fast, that’s what I did and it works.

[@benjones8977]

Do you know if this is safe for your alternator? My cigarette lighter is 120 Watts.

[@norkisserrano]

@@benjones8977 -According to Hobotech here in youtube as far as I remember it should be capable of up to 300W

[@benjones8977]

@@norkisserrano I’ll have to do some experiments. Thanks

[@RogerBJones-fy2de]

@@benjones8977 what was the result of your testing?

[@RogerBJones-fy2de]

@@benjones8977 how do I determine the wattage of my cigarette lighter?

[@thinkforyourselfjohn3163]

This has got to be the best review on the Jackery that I've seen thank you so much. New subscriber God Bless you.

[@valeriestephens4857]

Thank you sir. This was the best review of the Jackery I've seen so far. I've already made up my mind to buy one and the more info the better because you always think of something and then you'll find a video and your question is answered and you did that for me. Thanks.

[@gilbertchcs]

Very well done. Excellent and informative narrative. Recently we have had a major snow storm here in San Antonio,... yes, San Antonio. Lost power for 3 to 4 days with intermittent power surges lasting less than an hour. The temps were in the 20's with snow. The Jackery came thru like a champ. Powered our phones, laptop and that most critical item of all, the electric coffee pot. I was able to top off during the intermittant power periods. This was a "120 year event" and I couldnt have been happier with the jackery 1000 performance. I am definately going to get a solar panel now. Thank you!

[@andreagarcia2176]

Glad you had this backup and that you were prepared, many were not so lucky(me included), I had the same thing happen to me here in Canyon Lake(not too far from SA) I'm really considering buying one after all this happened

[@kickinit333]

I cable tied a large computer case fan with 3 speeds that runs off one of the USB ports. At night, when the refrigerator and maybe a circulation fan or heated blanket are on, I set it on low so it's always cooling. It uses minimal current so no issues with draining the battery. When I use the A/C port at high wattage, I turn the case fan on high. In both cases, the Jackery fan never turns on and the case fan is much quieter than the Jackery fan.

[@aaronmilton8881]

You have inspired me to replace my agm leisure battery with a jackery 1000. I have a jackery 500 ( that I love), but I wasnt convinced it could power my whole van. As jackery are currently having a 20% sale It was an obvious choice . Great video and a great product.

[@Jobrewerful1]

Excellent Jackery review. Love that you’ve posted all of the links for the items you’ve proven worthy of purchasing. Sure makes it easy when buying and I like that you get a few pennies for all your hard word, time, and dedication to what you do. Jack that...

[@jerrymestas1231]

Just saw this video, awesome review. I got my 1000 about two months ago. I haven't had time to use it out in the field just around the house, it has been awesome.

[@williamskellyr]

With all that sun, where's your golden tan!??? Glad to see you two are healthy, safe, and reaping the rewards of all your hard work. Keep adventuring ...

[@BackcountryBanter]

That golden tan has remained elusive for most of my life 😂

[@JiTiKeRo]

As I was watching I was also wondering how the jackery was going to do in the very cold weather. I have a 5 yr old electric car, not a Tesla, and the cold weather really impacts the charge on the batteries. In mild weather it'll go 90 miles, but when the temps get down into the 20s about 67 miles. Nice review! My husband bought an electric mower this year. Additionally he bought an adapter that he puts on to the EGO battery. We bring this tent camping with us so we can charge our devices. Love it!

[@BackcountryBanter]

I still find the whole electric mower and adaptable battery packs so cool. It’s one of those concepts that make me feel like we are living in the future.

[@motot3adventure]

Glad I found your station. You were a huge plus for me watching your hiking videos in years past. Take care

[@TommyBoy82]

For the price The Yeti Goal Zero is around the same price but also has the option to add a Car integration kit so you can charge off the alternator at 600w + you can also use the Yeti Link to add as many Lead Acid Batteries you want to the system. Its nice to use on the road and in the house as a main PowerStation to handle all your needs.

[@obiwanjacobi]

Tip: partial shade on your solar panel may reduce its power considerably - depending on how the individual cells are stringed together. [2c]

[@gencrow9840]

try a slow cooker so u can plug it into ur car when driving or directly from solar and cook during the day only so u have 1 panel for cooking only

[@ADVNevada]

I need to head out again..... thanks for sharing.

[@zachariahlee3393]

Great video brother..I found that a good solar oven will save your battery for other unexpected needs. Keep it Real..in these unreal times.

[@seancrowley6]

thank you. finally I found a video that says I can charge and use at the same time. I figured I could but wanted to be sure. safe travels.

[@hgreen7439]

Great to know that the Jackery will run and instant pot!!

[@nihilisticsoup2919]

Slow cookers rule! You can slow cook your dinner while you drive!

[@JTMinnesota]

Well..it's come to this. I now live vicariously through three KZbinrs' videos: Thomas Heaton, Shug, and Backcountry Banter. Thanks, Covid-19.

[@BackcountryBanter]

👏 It’s an honor. I need to catch up on Shug’s videos. He was a huge inspiration when I was getting into hammock camping.

[@chrispiatt2235]

Goodness gracious, that's good watching!

[@AndyMcCavish]

So it's not just me then!

[@chrispiatt2235]

Looks like you live in MN, what a beautiful place! I did the SHT this Fall and was utterly stunned by how awesome it is. Amazingly, I had peak Fall colors, wind storms, rain, plenty of sun, and a snowstorm near the end. Alas, no Shug though.

[@KatyInNH]

Great information! FYI, You mentioned that Jackery is like the Apple the solar generator world. FYI, I recently saw on Jackery's website, that the founder of Jackery is a former Apple engineer.

[@BackcountryBanter]

Hah! Well that does make sense.

[@brendaj9369]

Can you tell me what extension cable to use to have the panels outside and the unit inside, 30 feet away. Thank you

[@Twobarpsi]

A couple points/questions: 1) maybe cook smaller meals on cold days? 2) how often do you need to turn the solar panels to follow the sun? 3) do the solar panels charge if not directly pointed at the sun? 4) seems like you have to sit with the solar panels while they charge. Does that infringe on your plans much? 5) windy days could be a problem? I've watched alllll your videos! The PCT was my all time favorite!! Thanks 👍

[@BackcountryBanter]

Thanks! I hope to revisit the PCT one day... 1.) That would certainly help but on the other hand the big upside of the instant pot is making large meals for the week. We’re experimenting with heating up our food & water in the sun to reduce cook time. 2.) We don’t really turn them that often and it’s more of a “if you happen to be outside give the panels a turn towards the sun” sort of thing. I’d guess we turn them 3-4 times a day often times less because the battery is full by 1pm. 3.) They do and actually quite well. You really don’t have to point them directly at the sun unless it’s a cloudy day and you’re trying to maximize their output. 4.) We just set them and forget them (with an occasional move) most days. In remote locations we’ll go off on day hikes and leave them charging. Even in populated areas we don’t sit with them though we may peek out and check on them every so often. (They plug into the side of the camper so the battery doesn’t have to sit with them.) 5.) Wind hasn’t been a big problem as the angle of the panels sheds most wind. On gusty days we have had them tip over maybe 2 or 3 times now. Not a big deal as they are pretty rugged. Even at the windy beach they did very well.

[@Twobarpsi]

@@BackcountryBanter thank you for the replies 👍

[@jeffro5032]

Brother.....just wanted to say thanks for the in depth review. I myself am looking at the Bluetti 2000w. But the little Jackery 1000w seems to do the job just fine.

[@C_C_SEA]

13:00 The virtu of patience - this was my big ask re the Jackery (it's expandability or lack thereof) and you dinked it. Also 15:45 "Adapatbility" ¡muy importante! Contnued yumminess - good on y'all ✨💯✨👍🖖

[@broinsocali]

Love mine. I have 2 of them, 4 Solar panels.

[@idahomountainelk]

I love the versatility of this. It would also be great to have at home, it could probably run my gas heater forever combined with solar. Could also run my house fridge in case of a power outage. My only concern would be theft when I leave it at camp but it looks like locking it through the handle to the trailer or a thick tree would be a decent deterrent.

[@FRSTCLASS-sx7rl]

Jackery advise against pass-through power. As it may damage cells.

[@danellefrost5030]

Good to know! From what I understand, the pass-through power option can be used once the unit is spent and there are no more charge cycles left. Do you know anything about that?

[@mrsverdin10]

Easy to set up. Started on first try. Love the dual fuel capability.

[@perfectlylonely]

And their customer service is fantastic! Quick and helpful responses.

[@BrettVaughnB100]

Thought I recognized those mountains ....your in my backyard

[@BackcountryBanter]

It is so beautiful around this area! (Well ok, all of New Mexico is beautiful.)

[@BrettVaughnB100]

@@BackcountryBanter Been a little cold though here lately ..I like your set up .. been through that area many times .. dripping springs rabbit ears ..

[@outsideMax]

The instapot idea might have sold me on the 1000

[@nancyingram966]

Regarding your comment about the magnets on the panels, I would make straps to fit around them to keep them closed during transport.... Maybe with some Velcro.

[@rescuehoundemtd]

A lot of people,are using a deep cycle battery as a back up with the jackery. I have a 1500 and a 500. Love them. And I have 4 of the solar sagas.

[@donniegraybeard9620]

You're my hero Joe.

[@duncdunc76]

Another Great vid and review👍👍👍 You do an Awesome job in reviews and your chans vids are always entertaining as well as informative! Keep up the Great job and Thanks for sharing!

[@BackcountryBanter]

Thanks! I really appreciate the kind words. 😁

[@wizrdlizrd8805]

Chill, but thorough review! I have almost the exact same power requirements (including the Instant Pot XD) so this video is exactly what I need.

[@kickinitwithkellyandjoey8691]

I litterally just recieved my jackery 1000 and 2 solars yesterday. I Haven't been able to open them up yet to even look at them due to work so Thanks for the info.

[@troyallen5806]

I see you chilling Mitch Hedberg. Nice work man.

[@bbollig9288]

You've convinced me that Jackery will be right for me!

[@ForeIndication]

Great review and I like the extra info on how long certain things require etc. thank you for sharing your experience.

[@tinabeane]

Good to hear how they have worked out for you. I have the Jackery 300 and love it.

[@bc_usa]

Great review. Nice socks. 😃

[@JHJohnson]

Hey great video I learned quite a bit thank you so much for doing this this is the route I want to go with my conversion van

[@edwardlooney4147]

You mentioned that you have a way to plug this directly into your fuse box. Can you explain that better and show how you do that? Also...I think you mentioned that you have a way to plug the solar panels into your camper when you have the Jackery inside the camper. Can you please explain? Maybe these 2 items could become another video, or maybe you already have a video showing the answers to these questions that you could lead me to. Thanks!!!

[@Sabbathissaturday]

I went through 3 reviews to find this one. The other reviews sucked. Thanks.

[@buckaroo5406]

I'm really enjoying your videos!! I have a 1998 Sun-Lite and have toyed with the idea of rebuilding it but, wasn't sure where to start. Like any renovation, you always encounter the unexpected problems. Thanks for the inspiration to just go at it!! Enjoy your adventure!!

[@tommurphy6972]

Very good info.. might have to take a look at them

[@travisanderson8305]

Hey guys! Great video. I'm a single man with a dog and about to embark on my own adventures. Considering Jackerys, and which 1 will be able to cover my daily needs. What I'll be running typically on a daily would be Dorm sized Fridge, 20 in tv, fan, ps4(for Blu-ray player) a few little lights, and just phone n tablet. MAYBE a small microwave periodically. Pretty sure the 1500 can do all that in a day. What I'm wondering, at a full charge, how long can I expect the Jackery to last until it needs charging again with those things daily? I hope you know bc I'm lost with electrical stuff. Thanks for considering, and all the best as you guys continue your adventures!

[@tedsamuels3203]

Thanks for your videos and sharing the info

[@LetBBB6345789]

Thank you so much. Your use case is very similar to mine and it answers all the questions (plus sounds like this type of setup requires much less power than I thought it did)

[@frankroper3274]

He is wrong about the daisy chain option. I have a small Jackery 204WH and a Bluetti 500WH. The Jackery has regulated 12V so when I want to run my 12V cooler I use the Jackery and hook the Bluetti to the Jackery to give me a usable around 630WH. I just used it last night and it works fine! The wire connections for the Jackery and the Bluetti are the same.

[@willieb.1700]

Good seeing you man, Glad to see that y'all are still out there!

[@kevinstruke1031]

You can daisy-chain them via the car charger cable.

[@AlergicToSnow]

Great review!

[@mixonmixon2723]

Perfect review, to the point and practical. Also sparring us from all the necessary specs us laymen folks don’t care about.

[@AdamusPrime76]

You can definitely expand the battery capacity. Lots of videos on KZbin.

[@aliceinchainz3003]

well my friend the cons answers are easy do what i did.. buy 2..... car charger to charge one solar to charge the other and having a contained back up is better that expanding i bought 3 jack 240;s ...lol and let me tell ya best decision i ever made. when u got one person using the drone one person gaming one person editing u cant go wrong and every one is happy and we use pure solar to keep all 3 topped off. always got power.

[@Jack-zc9el]

Dude, lol you are an excellent reviewer! Awesome. Subscribed

[@hike2bhuman110]

Love this review, hey 30% off solar sage 100W panel sounds awesome, will be happy to purchase a few of those and give kickback 👊🏼 your points on the kickstand are well founded. 2 questions, have you noticed a wattage difference/loss plugging the panels directly into the Jackery vs through the trucks on-board wiring? How long is the cable running from the exterior of truck to the solar panels? Nice to see that Tara is willing to give up her chair for filming. Stay safe 👍✌

[@BackcountryBanter]

Thanks Don! I was worried about voltage drop when adding the extra cable lengths to the panels but I haven’t noticed any difference in their output. Even with all of the extensions in use we’re pulling in 130-140 watts in full sun and comparable input on cloudy days. We use a 6’ cable from the Jackery’s “home” in the camper to the port on the outside and a 10’ cable between the panels and the camper port. This has been enough to give us plenty of range with the panels, we can pull about 2’ of cable out of the camper for more. The cables we used are 10awg which I opted for to reduce the potential of voltage drop. I feel lucky on the days Tara allows my inferior posterior to grace her throne 😂👑

[@BackcountryBanter]

Here’s the cable I used, no complaints so far: amzn.to/37GoW8t

[@hike2bhuman110]

@@BackcountryBanter Thanks, just added to my Amazon solar list. 👊🏻

[@TheEdelKampers]

Good Review. Thank you for sharing your pros and cons. 👍🏼Mary❤Fred

[@researchandbuild1751]

You should have those solar panels mounted on a moveable rack on the roof , they could just fold down over the side when in use, and flat on to the roof when not in use. Much faster to set up then

[@bc_usa]

Great way to get damaged. The panels aren't water proof.

[@researchandbuild1751]

@@bc_usa oh, I forgot about that part, lol

[@johndriggers6876]

This is a really good practical use review. Thanks.

[@Edward-uz4do]

I'm sitting on the deck charging the jackery and bluetti. Bluetti 2500 life is cycles.

[@wheelori814]

have you ever tried to cook on a single electric burner instead of using the insta pot? They are cheap in price, and you can also get a two burner one if you need more.

[@amedm1844]

Thought those Organ Mountains looked familiar. :-) Las Cruces native here. But now living in AZ. Thanks for the great review.

[@Idahoup]

Very informative. Thank you.

[@mjcfsutton]

What is the actual lifespan of this Jackery 1000 generator. Certainly it would depend on its usage so using it moderately, summer camping and emergency only home use - would you say 5 years, 10 years? Or more ?

[@bc_usa]

500 charges..Then it goes to 80% full charge. So you can still use the battery but not at 100% capacity.

[@stephenmason759]

Brilliant review.

[@GregDawson]

Very helpful review. Just ordered it yesterday so this was good reinforcement for the purchase.

[@nickjacques6087]

Thank you for the review. Appreciate you.

[@420BLUNTLEY]

Jackery is cool!

[@angelanelson2619]

Press saute while your cooking to bring temps hot

[@Edward-uz4do]

I love the solar sega 100 watt panels. I know they are not waterproof but each on gives me fr 60-70 watts. The 200 watt is junk. I am lucky to get 60 watt out of it. I have the 1000 watt jackery it is good The only problem is it only has 500 life cycles. All inall the jackery 1000 in fine.had it for 8 months now.

[@OttawaOldFart]

Sounds good so far. Do keep an eye on durability, I'd be curious if you notice the change over time.

[@BackcountryBanter]

👍 I’ll do a quick update eventually after some more time has passed.

[@davidsixtwo]

You could probably get a 12V laptop adapter so you don't need to run the AC ports.

[@BackcountryBanter]

That hadn’t even occurred to me lol. Good idea!

[@Stevenfrijol]

lots of Info... Nice video.

[@montrellfarmer1640]

thank you so much

[@theinnocent714]

My guess is Usb c output is usually made to charge small devices NOT laptops. Most laptop chargers are at a highter voltage not 5v or 12v.

[@Gonzilllaaas]

Sad to see you weren't wearing a hair net when you were cooking 😢

[@ScientistInvests]

Nice wallpapers on background :D

[@rowdyyates372]

I love the scenery, so beautiful! P.s. I like that term....stupid simple....sounds like what I need

[@PeteCiaramitaro]

Great set-up and informative. Question when you plug in the solar panels into the outside of the camper what type of a pass-through connection goes through the wall to receive the plug? Thanks, and safe travels.

[@mdolanot]

I noticed you didn't get a reply, did you figure it out? I have the same question. Do you love the Jackery 1000?

[@minhhop3208]

thanks for sharing. I am planning to buy one. !Is it too hot in the dessert? You have like cold weather wears? Have a good time!

[@byronhowe6753]

Good review thanks

[@stv111play]

solar battery not big enough to RV larger appliance. they are nice rigs and tink will be very common in near future.

[@montycrawford7623]

Great video friends. Very educational

[@tracielatham8415]

This video is so helpful, thanks!

[@bernadettetibazi7893]

Thank you! Excellent review!

[@TheUGFUGF]

Ur instapot was using 88% of your power, if you did not notice, much better to upgrade to the 1500 and sense you didnt pay for the 1000 it works out even better for you.

[@thesteviegband]

Great review. Thank you

[@cubano21786]

How much power does the fridge use running it all day? I am seriously considering buying one but I’m a little indecisive. I am planning on converting to full time van life and the electrical system is the only thing Im still shopping around for. Awesome video.

[@BackcountryBanter]

There are a lot of factors that cause it to vary, such as temperature, but on average I'd say the fridge uses about 10% of the battery (or less) overnight. During the day the power is being replenished by the solar panels but if it wasn't it would likely use around 10% of the battery as well. According to the fridge it is using an average of 0.7 to 0.8 amp hours per hour. Long story short I have been very impressed with how little power the fridge uses. It's to the point where I don't even have to think or worry about it draining the battery. Hope this helps and thanks!

[@cubano21786]

@@BackcountryBanter it does help. Thanks!

[@DavidWalker-wz9rl]

6 qt Insta! That's amazing

[@ihikefar]

Good video. Hey, have you noticed any water seeping in that side vent on the camper during a hard rain or while driving?

[@BackcountryBanter]

Thanks! No seepage during hard rains or when driving in the rain yet... BUT I did wash the camper and truck in a car wash and managed to spray quite a bit of water in it 😬

[@jeffwrinkle575]

Thorough review but that is what we come to expect from Backcountry Banter. Does Jackery service what they sell? If there is any issue with the system or panels can you return to have them repaired?

[@BackcountryBanter]

You know this is a great question. I know they do offer a 2 year warranty on their products but I haven’t had to deal with that process at all. I’m not sure if they will service products but they do mention replacing them under warranty. For what it is worth, I’ve contacted their support with questions and have always received prompt, friendly responses. I haven’t looked at any other companies warranties to see how Jackery compares.

[@jeffwrinkle575]

@@BackcountryBanter To invest $1500 in the Jackery 1000 + the solar panels I would want to keep the system longer than the 2 year warranty and knowing Jackery will service and/or repair their product past the warranty would be a deciding factor for me to purchase.

[@mustardman5366]

Lithium ion batteries aren't designed for cold weather. Keeping the Jackery at a normal room temp is the optimum way to use it especially if you are going to use the inverter.

[@nihilisticsoup2919]

You could easily build your own styrofoam enclosure for the jackery with vent cutouts. Styrofoam is so insulative it feels warm to the touch in a cool room! My cats love to lie on it

[@genelucky4002]

A name for your diesel heater please. And is your truck diesel powered?

[@BackcountryBanter]

Oddly enough the truck is gas and the heater is diesel so we have a separate small tank for the diesel. The heater brand is happybuy and I’ve been thrilled with it so far here’s the link: amzn.to/3mOeiDe It appears to be sold out now.

[@BackcountryBanter]

This one looks to be comparable since the HappyBuy ones are out of stock: amzn.to/36NTkyE