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Old 04-11-2016, 03:50 PM   #1
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Generator comparisons

I know there are some older threads here so that's why I wanted to try an update. I'm looking for folks to chime in about their generators. I imagine that most have either a Honda or a Yamaha. But what about the Generac or some other fairly reliable models?


I see the Generac is priced at about $500 at the local Costco. Has anybody had one? As far as decibel levels, there is probably some difference but the problem with those comparisons is that there is no standard by which they are actually measured (the distances from the measuring equipment can vary).

So talk to me!
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Old 04-11-2016, 03:57 PM   #2
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I run two Honda eu2000. I run one and parallel the two when I need the extra power for the ac. They are 5 or 6 years old and run great. They are a premium but I love them. I do not know ANYTHING ABOUT the Generac, but people Love their champions. If you YouTube loveyourRV, Ray just did a nice review of his champion's after their use over the last year or so.

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Old 04-11-2016, 04:33 PM   #3
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What model Generac are you talking about?
Generac makes a lot of different generators.

If you're asking about inverter generators specifically, the Champion line of inverter generators are the most popular, next to the H & Y units.
Much cheaper and great customer service. They've also been around for awhile and have proven themselves.
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Old 04-11-2016, 05:02 PM   #4
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Generator size

Quote:
Originally Posted by bikendan View Post
What model Generac are you talking about?
Generac makes a lot of different generators.

If you're asking about inverter generators specifically, the Champion line of inverter generators are the most popular, next to the H & Y units.
Much cheaper and great customer service. They've also been around for awhile and have proven themselves.
The 2000-3000 watt inverter size.
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Old 04-11-2016, 05:10 PM   #5
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Champion 3100 is the way to go (inverter generator). Had a Honda, it died I bought the Champion and couldn't be happier. $600.
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Old 04-11-2016, 05:13 PM   #6
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I have been using a Honda EU3000 for the past 10 years with no problems. I could get by with an EU2000 for the RV, but the 3000 is emergency standby for the home, and I need the wattage there. I do have to lift it with a winch because of its weight, but that only happens a few times a year.
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Old 04-11-2016, 05:19 PM   #7
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Get a Boliy best bang for the buck and will run a 1500 BTU AC Electric start or pull start 3600 SI Almost as quiet as A Honda and cheaper than buying two Hondas. Look it up and you can also get one with adapter to add 2nd tank and will run for 36 hrs. Bottom Line Trading name of dealer. Free shipping also Later RJD
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Old 04-11-2016, 05:48 PM   #8
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I bought a HF 2600 watt inverter-generator last fall... they go on sale for $400 from time to time.

I got to use it a few times this winter while camping near the Everglades area.

I had to put a hard start cap on my AC unit... that is covered in another post

not nearly as quiet as a Honda or Yamaha, but was quieter then other generators I heard in the campground around me, especially the ones in MHomes. I added another 25 foot of AWG 10 extension cord and a dogbone standard 120V adapter to my 25 foot camper cord (the HF genset only has standard 120V plugs) to at least move the exhaust noise to the back of the campsite pointing away from other campers. One tank of gas would last over 5 hours. Did not use the AC, but did use the Max-aire fans, fridge and microwave.
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Old 04-11-2016, 06:10 PM   #9
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+1 for the champion 3100 inverter generator. Nice and quiet in econo mode, but will a spool up my AC at altitude no problem. Always starts within 3 pulls even after sitting all winter. Only use ethanol free stabilized fuel. Champion has fuel shut off so you can run it dry for storage. Takes a Little over half a quart of full synthetic oil at each oil change, good for a season.
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Old 04-11-2016, 06:33 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by sfsgm View Post
The 2000-3000 watt inverter size.
not sure where you're finding a Generac inverter generator over 2200w.

all the ones that are above that, that i could find, are NOT inverter generators.
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Old 04-11-2016, 06:43 PM   #11
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I love the Honda's but the costs to get into them in Canada is close to 3 grand with extended run tank. I opted for a Powerhouse 4 kW Invertor with Fuel Injection. One tank running full load with AC will last 10 to 14 hours. Cost was $1200 CDN at the trailer show. Runs great, remote electric start.
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Old 04-11-2016, 06:47 PM   #12
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sfsgm

the Generac iX2000 probably will NOT run an AC unit, but if that does not bother you I have seen them in action and they are pretty quiet and certainly capable of powering anything up to the AC unit... and Costco price of $500 makes it affordable
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Old 04-11-2016, 07:23 PM   #13
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Champion just released the 3100 Watt Inverter Dual Fuel model. You can run either Gas or Propane. Its electric start, weighs 93# and the noise level is 59dB. It just went on sale at Cosco for $150 off the already cheap Cosco price so its $849 (ships free). I have had the 3100 gas only version for 2 years (paid $750). If I could sell mine, I would go for dual fuel in a heart beat.

Champion DUAL-FUEL 2800wt Running / 3100wt Peak Digital Inverter Generator, Electric Start, RV Ready, Parallel Capable, CARB & EPA Certified, Low Decibels
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Old 04-11-2016, 08:27 PM   #14
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Boliy inverter from BLT is what I use and prefer. Has larger continuous power capacity then others in its class.
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Old 04-11-2016, 10:16 PM   #15
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Hbillsmith, will that run a TH set up for a 4kw onan?
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Old 04-11-2016, 10:28 PM   #16
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running a boliy 3600 nice inverter quiet running and fair easy on gas
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Old 04-12-2016, 12:50 AM   #17
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Running Champion's, quiet and reliable.
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Old 04-12-2016, 01:18 AM   #18
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Quote:
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Hbillsmith, will that run a TH set up for a 4kw onan?
Champion Inverters are external portables. Onans are usually installed internal in a cavity prepped and vented. You would not run a portable external in a cavity designed and setup for an Onan.

As far as running it external and addressing what can run, its 3100 watts on gas and 2800 watts when running propane. It will run one A/C at a time. LED televisions and lights no problem. Put your hotwater heater, frig and furnace on gas.
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Old 04-12-2016, 06:37 AM   #19
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Hbillsmith, good info. Thank you.
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Old 04-12-2016, 06:44 AM   #20
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How does an "inverter" generator differ from a "normal" generator? I eventually plan on getting one of the generators from Harbor Freight.
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