We sell both: Anker SOLIX F3800 Plus Power Station & Kits · Jackery Explorer 5000 Plus
Genuine products with the manufacturer's warranty, shipped from Upland, California to the lower 48 states.
These are the two big wheeled stations people shortlist when they want one box that can back up a house and also go camping. Both run 120V and 240V, both expand with add-on batteries, and both weigh about 135 lb. They differ in raw size, in which RV plug they have, and in how they take solar.
Short answer: the Jackery Explorer 5000 Plus is the bigger machine, with more capacity, more output and a NEMA 14-50 outlet for 50-amp RVs. The F3800 Plus is the better fit for a 30-amp trailer, because it has a TT-30R outlet and the Jackery does not.
Side by side
| Anker SOLIX F3800 Plus | Jackery Explorer 5000 Plus | |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 3,840Wh LFP | 5,040Wh LFP |
| AC output | 6,000W, 120V/240V | 7,200W continuous, 14,400W surge, 120V/240V |
| RV outlets | TT-30R (120V, 25A, up to 3,000W) and L14-30R (120/240V, 25A, 6,000W) | NEMA 14-50 and L14-30R; no TT-30 |
| Household outlets | 6x NEMA 5-20R | 4x NEMA 5-20 |
| Solar input | 3,200W: two inputs, 11–165V, 17A, 1,600W each | High-voltage input 135–450V, up to 4,000W (Jackery); low-voltage inputs 16–60V, 1,200W combined |
| Wall charging, 120V | 1,800W | 1,800W |
| 240V generator charging | 3,300W, or 6,000W with an expansion battery, through the 240V Generator Input Adapter | See Jackery's manual |
| Expansion | Up to 6 BP3800 (3,840Wh each) | Battery Pack 5000 Plus (5,040Wh each), over 25kWh in total |
| Size | 27.6 x 15.3 x 15.6 in with wheels | 16.5 x 15.5 x 25 in |
| Weight | 136.7 lb | 134.5 lb |
| Warranty | 5 years | 5 years |
Anker figures are from Anker's F3800 Plus product page. Jackery figures are from Jackery's FAQ and a Jackery dealer's spec sheet.
Where the Jackery wins
- Size of the battery. 5,040Wh against 3,840Wh is about 31% more energy before you add a single battery.
- Output. 7,200W continuous and a 14,400W surge give it more headroom for well pumps, air conditioners and other motor loads.
- 50-amp RVs. Its NEMA 14-50 outlet takes a 50-amp RV cord directly. Remember that 7,200W is well short of a full 50-amp service, so you still manage loads.
- High-voltage solar. The 135–450V input suits long strings of rooftop or ground-mount panels, which means thinner wire over long runs.
Where the F3800 Plus wins
- 30-amp trailers. The TT-30R takes a 30-amp shore cord, the plug on many travel trailers, with no adapter. The Jackery has no TT-30.
- Portable solar. Its two 11–165V inputs work with folding panels such as the PS400 without building long series strings. The Jackery's high-voltage input starts at 135V.
- More household outlets: six 20A outlets against four.
- Generator charging up to 6,000W with an expansion battery and the 240V Generator Input Adapter.
Home backup
Both connect to a house through a transfer switch. For the F3800 Plus there is the Home Power Panel, the 10-circuit manual transfer switch and the F3800 Plus + Smart Home Power Kit. For the Jackery there is the Jackery Smart Transfer Switch, which Jackery says works only with the 5000 Plus series, and the 240V 50A manual transfer switch. Either way, anything wired into your panel should be installed by a licensed electrician. Our Anker SOLIX home backup guide explains the Anker options.
How long each one runs
We plan on 85% of rated capacity being usable: hours = Wh x 0.85 ÷ watts.
| Load | F3800 Plus | Explorer 5000 Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Fridge, 100W always on | about 33 h | about 43 h |
| 13,500 BTU RV AC, 1,300–1,800W | about 1.8–2.5 h | about 2.4–3.3 h |
| Well pump averaging 500W | about 6.5 h | about 8.6 h |
Availability
The F3800 Plus on its own and most F3800 Plus kits are between shipments at RV Parts Giant. The F3800 Plus + Smart Home Power Kit is available now, and the F3800 Plus Power Station & Kits page lists each option as it comes back. Check the Explorer 5000 Plus listing for its current stock.
Bottom line
- 30-amp travel trailer or fifth wheel: F3800 Plus.
- 50-amp motorhome or toy hauler: Explorer 5000 Plus.
- Mainly home backup with a big rooftop or ground array: Explorer 5000 Plus, for the capacity and the high-voltage input.
- Home backup plus camping with folding panels: F3800 Plus.
Weighing a smaller Anker? See F3000 vs F3800 Plus, or the newer S5000 vs F3800 Plus.
FAQ
Can I plug a 30-amp RV into the Jackery 5000 Plus?
Only with an adapter from its NEMA 14-50 or L14-30R outlet to a TT-30 cord. The F3800 Plus has a TT-30R built in.
Which is better for running a central air conditioner?
The Jackery, for its higher continuous output and surge. Check your unit's running and starting current with your electrician before relying on either.
Can I use one brand's batteries with the other?
No. BP3800 batteries work only with the F3800 series, and Battery Pack 5000 Plus units only with the Explorer 5000 Plus series.