Best generator

time2roll wrote:
Is it too early in the thread to suggest solar?

No, man, it's never too early to talk about solar!

But if you suggest the S word, don't forget to mention a couple little things, like ho wmuch it costs to get enough "S", big enough inverter, and enough batteries to run your AC/microwave/etc....lol.

Tvov wrote:

valhalla360 wrote:

Tvov wrote:
Remember that a small change in "DB level" or noise level is actually big sound-wise - it sounds a lot louder.

It's actually the opposite. dB is a measure of power but to hear a difference in noise level is not linear.

I am not a sound engineer or anything like that. In my experience, just a one or two number change in "DB level" is very much noticeable.

I don't know the science behind, just what I've heard... lol!

You have sensitive ears then. Generally, people can't detect a 1dB change.

Plus simply moving the generator a few feet further away can lower the dB by a few points.

time2roll,

Certainly not--now the OP can afford solar on the funds saved by purchasing the Predator.

I wonder if Pinella's has a kit for the Predator to make it remote start?

https://generatorupgradesupply.com/products/remote-start-and-stop-complete

IMPORTANT NOTE:

Due to a shortage on parts within Harbor Freights Supply line in early May there was a temporary change to the engine of the Predator 3500. If your wheel brake is on the LEFT WHEEL while looking at the front panel, you have a different model and this remote start kit will not work.

We are working on a new kit for that model so please keep checking back unless you plan to return it for the regular model which is back in stores.

Is it too early in the thread to suggest solar?

Well, I purchased a Predator 3500. It has good reviews and the db level is 57
Have a friend that recommended. I may regret not buying a Honda but I'm going to try this one. Thanks for your input

our honda 3000 is 15 years old and used extensively each year with zero problems. our camping friends are now on their third generator but for some reason still cannot justify the cost of the honda.

Skibane wrote:

aftermath wrote:
My cousin saved something like $500 when purchasing a different brand on sale at COSTCO. His lasted about a year and a half. Couldn't get it serviced and no one had parts.

Yep - Some brands aren't much more than importers who buy a few CONEX boxes of generators from a factory in China, and slap their own label on the product before shipping it to customers.

I would emphasize that Champion is NOT in that category. They have an extensive parts inventory in Santa Fe Springs, CA, with many of those parts available for order online.

I've ordered parts from them several times online - they ship quick, and their prices (including shipping) are very reasonable.

Their service techs are also US-based, and are knowledgeable and helpful.

This is a familiar story. While there are lots of viable options one fact remains is that Honda as a extensive dealer network that can keep your genset going.
If you are a DIY guy Champion is a viable option if you are capable of #1 diagnosing the problem and #2 fixing/tinkering with things.
Most others are a **** shoot of varialbes betwen price and reliabilty and parts availabilty.
Yes Honda is more expensive ,but if you choose price and opt for savings be sure to have your own plan for getting service.

Decibels are not a linear measure of power, nor is our perception of loudness/volume linear. (For that matter, the amount of acoustic energy does not fall of linearly as one gets further from the source, either, but is proportional to the square of the distance.)

As a rough rule of thumb, somewhere around 10 dB or so difference is generally perceived as "twice as loud." A 3 dB difference is a little louder (despite being about twice the acoustic energy), 1 dB difference not very noticeable unless you're paying quite close attention.

valhalla360 wrote:

Tvov wrote:
Remember that a small change in "DB level" or noise level is actually big sound-wise - it sounds a lot louder.

It's actually the opposite. dB is a measure of power but to hear a difference in noise level is not linear.

I am not a sound engineer or anything like that. In my experience, just a one or two number change in "DB level" is very much noticeable.

I don't know the science behind, just what I've heard... lol!

aftermath wrote:
My cousin saved something like $500 when purchasing a different brand on sale at COSTCO. His lasted about a year and a half. Couldn't get it serviced and no one had parts.

Yep - Some brands aren't much more than importers who buy a few CONEX boxes of generators from a factory in China, and slap their own label on the product before shipping it to customers.

I would emphasize that Champion is NOT in that category. They have an extensive parts inventory in Santa Fe Springs, CA, with many of those parts available for order online.

I've ordered parts from them several times online - they ship quick, and their prices (including shipping) are very reasonable.

Their service techs are also US-based, and are knowledgeable and helpful.