Jackery instead of generator
I was wondering if anyone is using a system like the jackery instead of a generator. If so, how is it in national park campgrounds that don’t have electricity?
Forum Discussion
Hi wildfntz,
Your question sounds simple, but it needs to be put into context of what you are trying to do with a Jackery unit. The Jackery in it's basic form is a portable battery bank. It is sized to deliver a pre-determined amount of electricity before it runs out of electricity and then has to be recharged.
Now enter, how much electricity do you want to deliver over what time period. And how will you recharge back into the Jackery (battery bank) all the power you used and how long does that take with what you have to recharge it with? In order to sustain the same power use need over time, you have to have equal to, and ideally, greater than, the ability to recharge the Jackery fast enough to not run out of power before the recharge is complete.
You mentioned camping without electric hook up's. Some of us call this boondocking, others call it camping off grid, they all mean the same thing, you are getting the electric power you need to camp with from somewhere other then the electric hookup. Now enter how many hours, days, weeks etc. you want to be off grid. Here is the issue with a Jackery, or even a battery bank on the camper, how long/how big will the one you buy last? And how long will it take to recharge it?
In order to sustain days and days (weeks or months) of being off grid, you have to create a power use plan and recharge plan to be sustainable in all weather conditions you will be camping at. If you are using a camper, such as a travel trailer, fifth wheel, etc. the Jackery by itself and even some with a small solar panel to recharge is going to have a hard time being sustainable. The recharge fast enough is the issues and in all weather conditions in which you camp.
If you are tent camping and only need power to recharge cells phones or other small devices, a Jackery may get you through enough days to meet your needs and then recharge it when you get back home. This is a very different situation then off gird camping in a camper with lights, water pump, fridge, LP furnace etc.
I hope this helps explain a little of what you will need to determine if a Jackery will work for you.
John
