Forum Discussion

Glowrdr's avatar
Glowrdr
Explorer
Aug 28, 2016

Considering a generator purchase - need advice

So, I've been contemplating getting a generator for my travel trailer (and just to have for convenience otherwise). I'm kind of torn between a couple of models, but a sale has prompted me to consider buying one (or two) today.

I know Honda is the cats meow, but I can't handle the price for my needs. If I was a full-timer, then it might be different. My buying a generator is probably a waste anyways, as I might only use it a couple times a year (but then again, maybe I'll use it all the time once I have one?)

Doing my research, I have put the Champion 3100/2800 watt w/ remote start on my short list. I like the idea of remote start, and feel this should be a decent size to run a 13.5k AC unit. This is the minimum requirement I'd have - no sense in getting a unit that can't run the AC in my book. Here it is for $900 on Amazon

But, I can get a Wen 2000/1600 (or 2) and run in series. There may be some benefit to having separate units in case I know I won't need AC - then I can just take 1 with. They would also provide more power when paralleled. Normally, they are $489 on Amazon. But I can pick them up for $380 today only. Wondering if this is a good enough deal to jump on? Do I pick one up at least, and get a second if I need it, or do I just grab 2 right away? Essentially I can have 4000/3200 power with the connect cables for $810. Here is the smaller Wen unit on Amazon

So what would you do? Go with a larger, single unit option? Or get the 2 smaller units and bridge them? I have no personal experience, so that's why I'm here asking. Thanks!
  • Glowrdr wrote:
    I updated my original post as I had incorrectly marked the first option as a Wen (its a Champion). Noise-wise, I think these will be fine. It sounds like they are a direct clone of the Yamaha ones, just at half the price.

    Had a friend call me after I posted this, and I do agree - I think the 2 smaller ones will suit me better. I'll check out the tech section and do some additional research there. Wasn't sure where to look here, and I've about hit my limit on what I'm going to learn from Google. Just needed some real world advice from people that have lived it - not someone that got their hands on one for a few hours to review it.


    You're not getting the quality of the Yamaha for that price. It looks like a decent generator, but even the Amazon reviews note differences. All being said, it should work well for your needs.
  • I updated my original post as I had incorrectly marked the first option as a Wen (its a Champion). Noise-wise, I think these will be fine. It sounds like they are a direct clone of the Yamaha ones, just at half the price.

    Had a friend call me after I posted this, and I do agree - I think the 2 smaller ones will suit me better. I'll check out the tech section and do some additional research there. Wasn't sure where to look here, and I've about hit my limit on what I'm going to learn from Google. Just needed some real world advice from people that have lived it - not someone that got their hands on one for a few hours to review it.
  • jauguston wrote:
    Something to consider when buying a portable generator is how noisy it is. How much noise do you want to expose your family to when camping. In the portable generator market quiet costs money. Honda EU series generators are quiet. Most cheap ones are not.

    Jim


    I checked out lots of inverter generators and couldn't tell much difference between the Champion 2000s and the Honda 2000s. The Honda may have been a smidgen quieter, but not enough to base a decision on. That being said, I ended up with the Hondas because even though twice the cost, I expect them to last far more than twice as long.

    Then I made sure my new trailer had an Onan and forgot about the trouble in lugging around two generators.
  • Something to consider when buying a portable generator is how noisy it is. How much noise do you want to expose your family to when camping. In the portable generator market quiet costs money. Honda EU series generators are quiet. Most cheap ones are not.

    Jim
  • For your case, go with the two smaller ones. You'll get more power out of them and they are easier to handle. You can take only one if A/C isn't required. Not sure about Wen, but check out the Champion units of the same size as well.

    Since you are only running them a couple times a year, make sure to get all of the fuel out of them and that the carbs are dry between uses so they don't gum up. Or at least use something like Stabil and run them once a month for half an hour.
  • Your first link is a Champion. Get two units, and search 'generator' in the Tech forum. We talk about this a lot.