Short answer: buy the HomePower 3600 Plus for a 30-amp travel trailer or fifth wheel: it has a TT-30 outlet, weighs a lot less and still holds 3.6kWh. Buy the Explorer 5000 Plus for a 50-amp coach, for 240V from one unit, or for whole-home backup: it has 40% more capacity, twice the output and four times the solar input.
Side by side
| HomePower 3600 Plus | Explorer 5000 Plus | |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 3,584Wh LiFePO4 | 5,040Wh LiFePO4 |
| Expansion | Up to 5 Battery Pack 3600, about 21kWh | Battery Pack 5000 Plus units, up to 60kWh |
| AC output | 3,600W (7,200W surge), 120V | 7,200W (14,400W surge), 120V and 240V |
| 240V | Only with two units linked | Built in |
| RV outlets | NEMA TT-30 | NEMA 14-50 and L14-30R; no TT-30 |
| Household outlets | Four 120V 20A outlets | NEMA 5-20 |
| Solar input | Up to 1,000W across two DC8020 ports | Up to 4,000W total: two low-voltage ports (1,200W) plus a 135–450V high-voltage input |
| Rated cycles | 6,000 | 4,000 to 70%+ capacity |
| Noise | 30 dB | Not listed |
| Weight | About 77.2 lb | About 134.5 lb |
| Home transfer switch | Jackery 120V 30A Manual Transfer Switch | Jackery Smart Transfer Switch or 240V 50A Manual Transfer Switch |
Figures are from the Jackery listings at RV Parts Giant.
Where the 3600 Plus wins
- 30-amp RVs. The TT-30 outlet takes a 30-amp shore cord directly. The 5000 Plus needs an adapter from its 14-50 or L14-30R.
- Weight. About 57 lb lighter, which matters when you move it in and out of a pass-through bay.
- Cycle rating. Jackery rates its cells for 6,000 cycles against 4,000 on the 5000 Plus.
- Start smaller. You can begin with one 3600 Plus and add Battery Pack 3600 units later, or link a second station for 240V.
Where the 5000 Plus wins
- Output. 7,200W continuous and 14,400W surge handle well pumps, central air and shop tools that would trip a 3,600W inverter.
- 240V from one box, through the NEMA 14-50 and L14-30R outlets.
- 50-amp RVs. The 14-50 takes a 50-amp cord. Remember 7,200W is well short of a full 50-amp service, so you still manage loads.
- Solar. Up to 4,000W, and the 135–450V input suits long strings of rooftop or ground-mount panels.
- Home backup. The Jackery Smart Transfer Switch, which Jackery lists for the 5000 Plus series only, hands over within 20 ms.
How long each one runs
Hours = Wh x 0.85 ÷ watts. Usable energy: 3600 Plus 3,046Wh; 5000 Plus 4,284Wh.
| Load | 3600 Plus | 5000 Plus |
|---|---|---|
| RV fridge, 100W always on | about 30 h | about 43 h |
| Gas furnace blower, 300W | about 10 h | about 14 h |
| Well pump averaging 500W | about 6 h | about 8.6 h |
| 13,500 BTU RV AC running, 1,350W | about 2.3 h | about 3.2 h |
What about two 3600 Plus units?
Two linked 3600 Plus stations give you 240V and 7,168Wh, more than one 5000 Plus, and each unit weighs about 77 lb against 134.5 lb for one 5000 Plus. You need the Jackery Connector to link them. Jackery describes the pair as parallel units for up to 240V of output. For the 2000 Plus it adds that linked units combine their output only on 240V appliances, with one station carrying 120V loads; plan 120V loads around one unit's 3,600W unless Jackery tells you otherwise. We also sell a HomePower 3600 Plus Double Kit. Our answer on connecting two HomePower 3600 Plus units walks through the setup.
Which to buy
- 30-amp travel trailer or fifth wheel: HomePower 3600 Plus, with a Battery Pack 3600 if you boondock for days.
- 50-amp motorhome or toy hauler: Explorer 5000 Plus.
- Home backup through a transfer switch: the 5000 Plus with the Smart Transfer Switch or 240V 50A manual switch; the 3600 Plus with the 120V 30A manual switch for selected 120V circuits. Have a licensed electrician install any switch wired into your panel.
Matched panels are in the 3600 Plus solar generator and 5000 Plus solar generator bundles. Considering the 240V HomePower instead? Read 3600 Plus vs 3600 Pro Max. Wondering if a smaller unit will do? See HomePower 3000 or 3600 Plus for an RV. Comparing against Anker? See Anker SOLIX F3800 Plus vs Jackery Explorer 5000 Plus.
FAQ
Can the 3600 Plus run a 50-amp RV?
Only through an adapter, and only at 120V and 3,600W, so run one air conditioner at most and manage other loads.
Do the battery packs interchange?
No. Battery Pack 3600 units are for the HomePower 3600 Plus and 3600 Pro Max; Battery Pack 5000 Plus units are for the Explorer 5000 Plus.