EcoFlow Delta 2 vs Jackery Explorer 1000 for RV Camping: Real User Verdict
Quick Verdict: Which Should You Buy?
Get the EcoFlow Delta 2 if:
- You need faster charging (80% in 50 minutes)
- You want expandable capacity for longer trips
- Running higher-wattage appliances matters (1800W vs 1000W)
- You want smart home integration and app control
Get the Jackery Explorer 1000 if:
- Budget is your primary concern ($300-400 cheaper typically)
- You want a proven, reliable workhorse
- Simplicity beats features for you
- You’re doing basic charging (phones, laptops, lights)
Head-to-Head Specs: The Numbers That Matter
| Specification | EcoFlow Delta 2 | Jackery Explorer 1000 |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 1024Wh | 1002Wh |
| AC Output | 1800W (2200W X-Boost) | 1000W (2000W surge) |
| Weight | 27 lbs | 22 lbs |
| Dimensions | 15.7 x 8.3 x 11 in | 13.1 x 9.2 x 11.1 in |
| Battery Type | LiFePO4 | Li-ion NMC |
| Cycle Life | 3000+ cycles to 80% | 500+ cycles to 80% |
| AC Charging | 0-80% in 50 min | 0-80% in ~5 hours |
| Solar Input | 500W max | 200W max |
| AC Outlets | 6 | 3 |
| USB-C Ports | 2 (100W + 100W) | 1 (not PD) |
| USB-A Ports | 2 | 2 |
| App Control | Yes (WiFi + Bluetooth) | No |
| Warranty | 5 years | 2 years |
| Street Price | ~$999 | ~$599-699 |
What RV Campers Actually Say
The EcoFlow Delta 2 Camp
One recurring theme from RV forums: the charging speed is a game-changer.
“Pulled into camp at 6pm with 15% battery after running the mini-fridge all day. Plugged into shore power and was at 80% before dinner was done. Try doing that with literally any other power station in this price range.” — RV forum user, October 2025
The LiFePO4 battery chemistry gets consistent praise for peace of mind:
“Third summer with my Delta 2. Still hitting rated capacity. My buddy’s Jackery 1000 from the same year is down to maybe 70%. LFP was worth the premium.” — Reddit r/GoRVing
However, the fan noise comes up repeatedly as a complaint:
“Love everything about it except when it’s charging fast, the fans sound like a small jet taking off. Had to move it outside the RV at night.” — Amazon verified purchase
The X-Boost feature (which lets you run 2200W appliances at reduced performance) gets mixed reviews:
“X-Boost let me run my 1500W electric kettle, but it took noticeably longer to boil. Works in a pinch, wouldn’t rely on it daily.” — Reddit r/vandwellers
The Jackery Explorer 1000 Camp
Jackery users consistently praise reliability and simplicity:
“Four years, probably 200+ camping trips. Still going strong. No app, no WiFi, no BS. Charge it, use it, repeat.” — iRV2 forum member
The lighter weight (22 lbs vs 27 lbs) matters more than you’d think:
“My wife can actually carry the Jackery from the truck to the campsite. Tried a friend’s Delta 2 and she needed help. 5 pounds doesn’t sound like much until you’re carrying it 100 yards.” — Amazon review
But the slower charging frustrates some users:
“The Achilles heel. We’re never in one spot long enough to fully charge from solar. If you’re stationary it’s fine, but for actual travel days it’s a problem.” — Reddit r/RVliving
The limited AC output (1000W) also creates real-world issues:
“Couldn’t run our small coffee maker (1100W). Had to buy a 12V one specifically for the Jackery. Delta 2 would have handled it no problem.” — YouTube comment
Real-World Runtime Tests: RV Camping Scenario
Here’s what you can realistically expect to power on a typical 2-night weekend trip:
Scenario: Running a 12V Compressor Fridge (50W average)
| Power Station | Theoretical Runtime | Real-World Runtime* |
|---|---|---|
| EcoFlow Delta 2 | 20.4 hours | ~17-18 hours |
| Jackery Explorer 1000 | 20 hours | ~15-16 hours |
*Accounts for inverter efficiency (~85%) and temperature variations
Scenario: Charging Devices + Lights + Fan
Typical weekend load: phones (2), tablet, laptop, LED lights, 12V fan
| Power Station | Days of Use | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| EcoFlow Delta 2 | 2.5-3 days | With moderate conservation |
| Jackery Explorer 1000 | 2-2.5 days | Similar usage pattern |
Scenario: Running a CPAP Machine Overnight
CPAP users consistently choose the EcoFlow:
“Heated humidifier + CPAP draws about 70W average. Delta 2 gets me two full nights. The Jackery would be cutting it close for the second night.” — Reddit r/SleepApnea
| Power Station | CPAP Runtime (with humidifier) | CPAP Runtime (no humidifier) |
|---|---|---|
| EcoFlow Delta 2 | ~12-14 hours | ~18-22 hours |
| Jackery Explorer 1000 | ~11-13 hours | ~16-20 hours |
Solar Charging: The RV Game-Changer
If you’re doing any boondocking, solar input capacity matters enormously.
EcoFlow Delta 2 Solar Performance
- Max input: 500W
- Charge time with 400W panels: 2.5-4 hours (ideal conditions)
- Charge time with 200W panel: 5-7 hours
“Two 220W panels and I’m basically energy-independent. Full charge by early afternoon most summer days.” — Reddit r/overlanding
Jackery Explorer 1000 Solar Performance
- Max input: 200W
- Charge time with 200W panels: 6-7 hours (ideal conditions)
- Charge time with 100W panel: 12+ hours
“The 200W limit is the real bottleneck. Even with two 100W panels in series, you’re capped. Sunny day in Arizona and I’m still only getting 150-180W actual.” — Jackery user forum
The math doesn’t lie: EcoFlow’s 500W solar input means you can realistically achieve solar independence. Jackery’s 200W cap means you’ll likely need shore power top-ups on longer trips.
Cost Analysis: Price Per Watt-Hour
Let’s break down the actual value:
| Metric | EcoFlow Delta 2 | Jackery Explorer 1000 |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 1024Wh | 1002Wh |
| Street Price | ~$999 | ~$649 |
| $/Wh | $0.98 | $0.65 |
| Cycle Life | 3000+ | 500+ |
| Lifetime Wh | 3,072,000+ Wh | 501,000+ Wh |
| $/Lifetime Wh | $0.00033 | $0.0013 |
The surprising truth: Despite costing 50% more upfront, the EcoFlow Delta 2 delivers energy at roughly 4x better lifetime value thanks to its LiFePO4 battery chemistry.
The Expandability Factor
This is where the EcoFlow pulls ahead for serious RVers:
EcoFlow Delta 2 Expansion
- Add a Delta 2 Extra Battery (+1024Wh) for $849
- Total capacity: 2048Wh
- Same fast charging, same app integration
“Started with just the Delta 2. Two years later, added the extra battery. Now I can run the mini-fridge all weekend without thinking about it.” — Reddit r/GoRVing
Jackery Explorer 1000 Expansion
- No expansion battery available
- Would need to buy a second complete unit
- No daisy-chaining capability
Common Complaints: What Users Wish They’d Known
EcoFlow Delta 2 Gotchas
- Fan noise during fast charging — Plan to charge outside or when you’re away
- Heavier than expected — 27 lbs adds up when loading/unloading
- App can be finicky — WiFi setup frustrates some users
- Overkill for basic use — If you’re just charging phones, you’re overpaying
Jackery Explorer 1000 Gotchas
- Charging is SLOW — 7+ hours from wall outlet, seriously?
- 1000W limit is real — Check your appliance wattages before buying
- No LiFePO4 — Li-ion means shorter overall lifespan
- Solar input cap — 200W max hamstrings solar setups
- Screen hard to read in sunlight — Minor but annoying
The Weekend RV Camping Verdict
For the Casual Weekend Warrior
Jackery Explorer 1000 makes sense if:
- You camp at sites with hookups available
- Your needs are basic (phones, lights, fans, maybe a laptop)
- Budget matters more than features
- You value simplicity
For the Serious RV Enthusiast
EcoFlow Delta 2 wins if:
- You boondock or dry camp regularly
- You need to run higher-wattage appliances
- Solar charging is part of your setup
- You plan to keep this unit for 5+ years
- Fast charging between destinations matters
Our Recommendation
For most weekend RV campers: EcoFlow Delta 2
Yes, it costs more upfront. But the combination of:
- Faster charging (no more overnight charges)
- Higher output (actually run that coffee maker)
- LiFePO4 longevity (6x the cycle life)
- Solar capability (500W vs 200W)
- 5-year warranty (vs 2 years)
…makes it the better long-term investment. You’ll use this thing for a decade. The Jackery will need replacing in 3-4 years of regular use.
The exception: If you’re testing the waters with RV camping and aren’t sure you’ll stick with it, the Jackery’s lower price makes it a reasonable starter unit. Just know you’ll likely upgrade eventually.
Where to Buy
EcoFlow Delta 2
- Amazon — Often has bundle deals with solar panels
- EcoFlow Direct — Best for warranty support
- Street price: ~$999 ($799-899 on sale)
Jackery Explorer 1000
- Amazon — Frequent price drops
- Jackery Direct — Bundle deals available
- Street price: ~$649 ($499-599 on sale)
Note: The Jackery Explorer 1000 has been succeeded by the 1000 v2, which adds LiFePO4 batteries and faster charging. If buying new, consider the v2 ($799) which addresses many of the original’s weaknesses.
FAQ
Can the EcoFlow Delta 2 run an RV air conditioner?
Most RV ACs draw 1200-1500W starting and 500-900W running. The Delta 2’s X-Boost mode (2200W) can handle smaller units, but runtime will be limited to a few hours. For AC-heavy use, look at the Delta 2 Max or Delta Pro.
How long will each unit power a 12V RV fridge?
Both deliver roughly 16-20 hours of runtime on a typical compressor fridge drawing 40-60W average. The Delta 2 edges ahead slightly due to better inverter efficiency.
Can I charge these while driving my RV?
Yes, both support 12V car charging. The Delta 2 accepts up to 96W from the cigarette lighter (or 800W with the optional alternator charger), while the Jackery accepts 12V/10A (120W max). Neither will fully charge during a typical drive, but you’ll gain meaningful capacity.
Which is quieter?
The Jackery Explorer 1000 runs quieter overall. The Delta 2’s fans spin up noticeably during fast charging and under heavy load. For overnight use inside the RV, the Jackery has the edge.
Is the LiFePO4 battery worth the extra cost?
For weekend RV use (regular cycling), absolutely. LiFePO4 delivers 3000+ cycles vs 500 for standard lithium-ion. If you’re camping every other weekend, that’s the difference between 10+ years and 2-3 years of useful life.
Have questions about choosing the right power station for your RV setup? Drop them in the comments below.
Disclosure: We may earn a commission from purchases made through links in this article. This doesn’t affect our recommendations—we only suggest products we’d use ourselves.