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Old 03-14-2014, 02:10 PM   #1
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Smarter Tools 2000w inverter generator w/parallel capability at Costco

this generator was metioned a while ago, stating that it was capable of being paralleled.

i was aware of the previous version, which was NOT parallel capable.

well, apparently it has been changed now and IS parallel capable.
it was selling for $619 at Costco but didn't have the parallel setup available.

this make it a true competitor to the Honda or Yamaha, especially since it has a Yamaha engine and a claimed noise level of 51db.

Smarter Tools Don't work harder. Work smarter.

don't think their website reflects the new parallel capability.
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Old 03-14-2014, 06:13 PM   #2
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Saw this at costco too...I'll try to upload a picture

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Old 03-14-2014, 08:20 PM   #3
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Here ya go.

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Old 03-15-2014, 08:55 AM   #4
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Interesting in that Costco's website shows only the 3000W and 7500W Smarter Tools generators available in their stores. Since my nearest Costco is 1.5 hrs away, I like to know that items are there when I go. The Smarter Tools website does not list Costco as a dealer, only Home Depot (online only), Sears and ATG (never heard of).

I found this gen interesting although in the video they say it will run a camper air conditioner which I doubt.

It does have similar specs to the Yamaha Inverter EF2000iS and the Honda EU2000i but a lower cost. It is a benefit that it can be paralleled and then for sure could run a a/c unit.

Thanks for posting this genset.
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Old 03-15-2014, 02:10 PM   #5
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Costco's website is no reflection of what the stores are carrying.
their website has stuff that none of their stores carry and the stores carry stuff that's not available on their website.

and it varies between stores even. some carry 6v golf cart batteries and some don't. some carry the Champion 2000w inverter gennie and some carry this one.
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Old 03-15-2014, 04:57 PM   #6
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bikendan - thank you. Unfortunately since there are no box stores in my area, I like to see what is there before I travel over an hour to them.

I did see a Ryobi RYi2200 at my local Home Depot. The sound level at 50% load is 60 dB which is about normal conversation level. It also has parallel capability and may be able to run an a/c unit. Anyone have this? Perhaps this should be a new thread?
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Old 03-15-2014, 06:17 PM   #7
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Originally Posted by wbdvt View Post
bikendan - thank you. Unfortunately since there are no box stores in my area, I like to see what is there before I travel over an hour to them.

I did see a Ryobi RYi2200 at my local Home Depot. The sound level at 50% load is 60 dB which is about normal conversation level. It also has parallel capability and may be able to run an a/c unit. Anyone have this? Perhaps this should be a new thread?
60db at 50% load is loud for an inverter generator. HD's website says it has an Operational Volume of 63db!

Ryobi 2200-Watt Gasoline Powered Digital Inverter Generator-RYI2200 at The Home Depot

that's almost as much as the open-framed Champion 3500 65db noise rating.

and i seriously doubt it will run even a few 13.5k a/c's.
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Old 03-16-2014, 05:00 AM   #8
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Originally Posted by bikendan View Post
60db at 50% load is loud for an inverter generator. HD's website says it has an Operational Volume of 63db!
I got the 60db figure from Ryobi. Other generators:

Honda EU2000i - 59db at rated load, 53db @ 1/4 load
Smarter Tools - 51 dB
Yamaha EF2000iS - 51.5 to 61 dB

So yes the Honda seems to be the quietest but all seem to be in the range of normal conversation dB levels. The problem is that there really is no standard for dB measurement to be able to compare models consistently.
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Old 03-16-2014, 06:58 AM   #9
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Any idea how much the parallel kit for the Smarter Tools genset is selling for?
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Old 05-22-2014, 08:12 PM   #10
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Any update on this generator? Our store has them for for $585. Curious how they run alone & parallel.
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Old 05-22-2014, 08:33 PM   #11
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I was at Costco tonight. They have 2100 Inverter generators parallel capable for $529.00 and this is Canadian Dollars so on greenbacks that would be about $400 USD.

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Old 05-22-2014, 08:51 PM   #12
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shoot id buy one just on principle if they were 400$ here!!...LOL...I was picking up some "kirklands" aa and aaa batteries yesterday for our trip and they are still 529 here....
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Old 06-25-2014, 11:21 PM   #13
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Got two

Hello all,

I know it has been a while since this topic has seen a post, but I recently picked up a couple of the AP-2000iq generators. A friend of mine (several actually) have sets of the Honda Eu's. I did a close side by side comparison.

The AP2000iq model is able to be paralleled with a cable that runs $59 bucks from Amazon (or costco online). Unfortunately, the cable has a funky twist style connector for the female end...unless I am missing something, I will have to make an adapter.

The Honda is only minimally quieter at no load with the eco setting engaged. Hard to say actually quieter, but the Honda appears to have a slightly lower idle. However, at load (eco throttle deactivated) the smarter tools seems to be slightly quieter. Overall for about $800 savings over a pair of Honda's I gave them a shot. Same specs as the Honda's. Inside is a complete Yamaha built MZ80 motor. Not as cute as the Honda's but then neither am I!!!

With Costco's return policy, you can't go wrong.

Cheers,

James
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Old 06-26-2014, 06:45 AM   #14
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Take a look at the Champion 3100 inverter. bought one last year and it will run my 15k ac and other items. i get compliments when boon docking how quite it is. at low idile it is a few db louder than a Honda but i would have had to buy 2 units instaed of one. The champion has all the features as the above but one better. has an 30amp rv plug made into the generator. come with a 2 year warranty
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Old 06-26-2014, 08:00 AM   #15
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The champion is a great little generator. I check one out, but considerably louder than the Honda and Smarter tools. I usually only run one of the 200 watts so size is a plus.
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Old 06-26-2014, 08:10 AM   #16
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Originally Posted by Prothos View Post
Take a look at the Champion 3100 inverter. bought one last year and it will run my 15k ac and other items. i get compliments when boon docking how quite it is. at low idile it is a few db louder than a Honda but i would have had to buy 2 units instaed of one. The champion has all the features as the above but one better. has an 30amp rv plug made into the generator. come with a 2 year warranty
And the newer 3100 have a remote start feature too....!..

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