Generators-best place to buy?

[67L48]

All of these inverter generators will produce similar sound output at comparable power levels. Whether or not they are quiet is a different topic. A couple db here and there difference won't be noticeable to the human ear (no, volume doesn't double every 3 dbs ... that's not how the ear and human volume perception work).

Originally Posted by johntaylor

Gasoline produces 114761 BTU/gallon. Propane produces 87664 BTU/gallon. A gallon of gas produces 31% more energy than a gallon of propane, and therefore runs the generator for 31% more time than propane.

Not sure if that's exactly how that works. The energy/volume also affects power output. So, it's more of a mix of those two effects. Gasoline runs for around 18% more time per gallon of fuel, not 31%. But gasoline puts out around 10% more power (watts), too.

The time is also a bit misleading, too. Most people are interested in continuous run-time. These generators have 2 gallons or less capacity for gasoline. The 20 lb tank of propane has 4.7 gallons. So, my more efficient gas engine may not power my furnace through the night ... but running on propane, it will. So, what do people care about? hours/gallon or hours/tank? Gasoline wins the first, propane wins the second.

[K_and_I]

Originally Posted by TitanMike

I personally bought one of these:

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/...?ie=UTF8&psc=1



Yeah, one might build something cheapeer but this is well engineered, nicely finished, and sturdy enough to stand and jump on.

24" x 24" and holds my Champion 3500 Watt Inverter with plenty of room for air circulation when I run it on the platform. Need to remove? Two bolts.

I see you have a Flagstaff 25BDS. I have a Rockwood 2604. I could be wrong but I assume our bumpers are the same. Mine is about 1/8" steel and it is cut into the supporting pieces coming from the frame. I put the Mount-N-Lock supports on and do carry 2 bikes on occasion. I am definitely interested in carrying a generator there, but wanted to visit with someone who has done so with the same kind of bumper arrangement. Can you elaborate on what you have and what modifications you have done? Any long/rough trips? Sill happy with the rack with generator on it? Did you sound isolate it from the rack? Any information will be much appreciated.

[RFishstick]

I bought a Firman dual fuel 3200/2900 gas, 2900/2600 LP, electric start, 30 amp outlet from Costco.com for $649.99 shipped. I thought it was a good deal.

[H20loo]

I run my generator in my truck bed while dry camping. My Honda always worked well but the small vibration could be felt in the trailer. When the Honda died I replaced it with a Predator 2000 which does everything the Honda did and without vibration. Although I am a big Honda small engine fan, I think the Predator seems to be quieter and easier on gas.
I liked the Predator 2000 enough that I bought a 3500 and it also is extremely quiet . I wish it had remote start but the electric start is nice. It also would be nice if I could pair these but I don’t think that is possible on any manufacturers products that have different wattage
From my experience, the Honda is overpriced and provides a substantial profit margin to the retailer.

[SlowrideHD]

Originally Posted by djemgoss

This is where I bought my Champion 3400:
https://www.powerequipmentdirect.com...33/p67307.html


$799.00 and free shipping in the 48 states!

I see your gen is now listed at $899. But this one below is listed at $599. Your thoughts?


Champion 100302 - 3500 Watt RV Ready DH Series Open Frame Inverter Generator with Quiet Technology

[Blackrock]

I carry two Honda 2000 generators on the outer ends of my bumper. I fabbed up the mounts which are bolted on in such a way as to reinforce the bumper ends. This setup has been up and back to Alaska on the ALCAN Highway, in and out of McCarthy, Ak and across the Old Denali highway without any problems. I carry the spare in the truckbed and have and old metal milk crate on the back bumper for gas cans.

[5picker]

Originally Posted by SlowrideHD

I see your gen is now listed at $899. But this one below is listed at $599. Your thoughts?


Champion 100302 - 3500 Watt RV Ready DH Series Open Frame Inverter Generator with Quiet Technology

Open frame (contractor style) generators are OK for private tracts of land where no one else would be around but NOT appropriate for campground use. Too noisy!

This generator seems to be a compromise between an Inverter and an open frame

I would only consider an Inverter style generator when camping around others.
I've not read any reviews on the one you mentioned.

[NMWildcat]

Best answer for a good generator deal is to just keep searching the internet. Which means you need to decide what you want first, know the price ranges, when things go on sale, and then just find the best price. Of course this means you have to research and watch the market for awhile. We buy all big ticket items this way.
My personal choices for inverter generators would be Honda, then Yamaha, then Champion. Last on my list would be Generac and Predator. Just my opinion based on years of watching all my RV friends experiment

[bikendan]

Originally Posted by SlowrideHD

I see your gen is now listed at $899. But this one below is listed at $599. Your thoughts?


Champion 100302 - 3500 Watt RV Ready DH Series Open Frame Inverter Generator with Quiet Technology

That open-frame generator is WAY louder than the other one, by 5 decibels! . Which is a lot since it's based on a logarithmic scale.
That's why it's cheaper. Just cause they call it an inverter generator, doesn't mean it's quiet.

[RangeMaggotBob]

Originally Posted by emm-dee

I found the best prices for my Honda paired setup on Electric Generator Depot. They include some pricey extension cords, the parallel cable and covers. Fast and free shipping.

I checked them. Nothing special about their prices. I don't know about the rest, but you're not gonna find a Honda for much less than everybody is charging, right around a grand. I bought both mine from Ukiah Motor Sports in CA. Free shipping, no tax, etc. I think I saved maybe a hundred bucks cheaper than everybody else. And there was recently a recall on the Hondas, and Ukiah takes care of that before they ship.

[RangeMaggotBob]

Originally Posted by Blackrock

I carry two Honda 2000 generators on the outer ends of my bumper. I fabbed up the mounts which are bolted on in such a way as to reinforce the bumper ends. This setup has been up and back to Alaska on the ALCAN Highway, in and out of McCarthy, Ak and across the Old Denali highway without any problems. I carry the spare in the truckbed and have and old metal milk crate on the back bumper for gas cans.

It appears by your model number you have a rear kitchen. I couldn't imagine 2 generators running on my back bumper right below my window in the living area, no matter how quiet they are. Unless you're just using those mounts for storage/transporting.

[RangeMaggotBob]

Originally Posted by jmillgs

I know Honda’s are quite expensive but also really quiet. Are these other brands mentioned as quiet?

No. They are not. You'll hear a lot of "It's ALMOST as quiet as a Honda..." But they are not.

[moose074]

Generator I bought from northern tool is 52decibal pretty quite

[bikendan]

Originally Posted by moose074

Generator I bought from northern tool is 52decibal pretty quite

It would help others if you posted what generator you are talking about.

[moose074]

Originally Posted by bikendan

It would help others if you posted what generator you are talking about.

Yes you are correct it’s a power house mine is the 2000 watt

[frank4711]

We have 4 of these in the family ... 3 with 5th wheels https://www.harborfreight.com/3500-w...tor-63584.html so quiet ... my grandson says they are Honda clones and he can get any repair/rebuild parts at the local mower shop ... mine stays on the fold down rack and works great ... run it on the rack plenty of clearance ... tested it last weekend and worked great very slight vibration in camper just enough to put me to sleep ... they go on sale all the time... Electric start so quiet ... plug and play with 30amp adapter included ...

[Blackrock]

Originally Posted by RangeMaggotBob

It appears by your model number you have a rear kitchen. I couldn't imagine 2 generators running on my back bumper right below my window in the living area, no matter how quiet they are. Unless you're just using those mounts for storage/transporting.

Yeah I just use these racks for transport.

[Beachbourbon]

https://generatorgrid.com/rv/

[bikendan]

Originally Posted by Beachbourbon

https://generatorgrid.com/rv/

Sorry but they review 5 open-frame contractor-style generators, which have no business being recommended for RV campground usage.
And not once was their loud noise levels listed as a Con.

[Beachbourbon]

Decibels test extremely unscientific, but shows a fairly quiet generator acceptable for camping

https://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=...&v=BMjieazqBcs