Looking for a $100 generator

[Reprise]

Unfortunately, the 2-stroke HF is about all you'll find (new) for $100, unless you can hire the guy from the other post to go track another one down for you.

Best bet for a deal is to search your local Craigslist (or maybe a pawn shop -?) Wen has a physical presence located in my metro area, and they offer their clone of the Honda i2200 on my local CL for $299 (as a refurb, but with 1yr warranty). Onsite pickup only; I don't think they ship from that location, or I'd add a link for those interested.

I wound up picking up a Champion from Cabelas for $350 + shipping when they had them on sale a couple of months back. That's about the very cheapest I could find a new 2000W inverter-style genny for, from a well-regarded company.

Since I have solar, and only intend the Champion to be a backup, I didn't want to spend $900 for the Honda. I also wanted something I could easily load into / out of the truck, so went with the 2kW class.

Most CL ads I see around here in Chicago metro want $250 and up for the obscure no-name inverter-style (2kW), and about $650-$700 on up for the 2kW Hondas, depending on age / condition. The 3500 watt 'RV Ready' ones go anywhere from $650 on up, depending on brand / features (some are dual-fuel, etc.)

[5picker]

Here's my little Honda that I've carried around for 40 years. Powers my stand alone battery charger just fine.

I stated earlier it was a 400w. It's only 300w.
Nonetheless, it does the job.

Not only can't you hear it over by the tree line... you can't see it either!

[TitanMike]

Originally Posted by 5picker

Here's my little Honda that I've carried around for 40 years. Powers my stand alone battery charger just fine.

I stated earlier it was a 400w. It's only 300w.
Nonetheless, it does the job.

Not only can't you hear it over by the tree line... you can't see it either! Attachment 219783

I used to have one of those too. Carried it on my boat as a "just in case". Hard to find jumper cables long to start at least one of the engines if you rand the batteries down while anchored for a couple days.

Was nice and quiet too.

[OldBob]

I once had one of those 900 watt 2 stroke generators. My brother bought it but it was so loud and obnoxious he gave it to me. I had it for a very short time and gave it to someone else. In short, there is nothing to recommend that generator and even if there was no one around, it was a pretty poor product.

[KyDan]

Some years ago we had an epic ice storm. Trees and lines down all over the county. Some more remote locations did not get power for nearly TWO WEEKS.
I gave my little 2 cycle noise box to my son who used it to keep his chest freezer going. It worked and his meat did not thaw out.
There were chain saws and tree chippers and generators running all over the neighborhood. One more generator didn't matter at that point.
These tiny generators can and do fill a need. Just not in a typical camp ground as we've said here many times.

[gunslingertom]

I have seen a lot of ideas and tests for quieting this generators down and the fact is, they're loud because of the thin crank cases and cylinder walls. All the muffler in the world doesn't quiet them enough to make a difference. Spend some decent money and buy a small Honda or other good quality generator?

[BarabooBob]

Wait for someone to close out last years Champion 2000i and get it for about $350 delivered to the store. I bought one and used it extensively on our month long trip through the Rockies while camping without shore power. I was very pleased with the Champion and it was just as quiet as the Hondas.

[Nastynotchback1]

Originally Posted by BarabooBob

Wait for someone to close out last years Champion 2000i and get it for about $350 delivered to the store. I bought one and used it extensively on our month long trip through the Rockies while camping without shore power. I was very pleased with the Champion and it was just as quiet as the Hondas.

What size camper do you have?

[67L48]

Try searching your area for a used Honda EX650 inverter generator. 550 Watts nominal, 650 Watts peak. Probably $150 - $300. Good generator and, because it's an inverter, it's acceptable in CGs.

You can also try your local small engine repair shop(s). They might have some repaired inverter generators for sale.

Good luck.