Smarter Tools AP2000i Inverter Generator @ Costco for $600

mlts22 wrote:
That $600 price is difficult. $400, and it would be OK, $600 is teetering on that edge of a price point where one might as well pay the extra bones and go for an eu2000is, and have the job done right.

Explain 'done right', especially when the Honda is about $1000, which by my reckoning is far away from any teeter point in my book.

l see from other messages from you and others here that some Champion genset is favoured. l take it that such a unit that is as small and quiet as this one and the Honda are?

Tell you why I ask - IF I were to buy a genset it would have to be this size, quiet, good on gas and affordable, because frankly speaking my philosophy on camping does not really support generators at all. They area bit of an affront to the natural environment, in my opinion. If I were to get one it would be to charge my batteries while l boondock.lw summer I'd be hooked up to 30A service so my ac would be available. Best option would be full-on Solar power, but a $600 genset is cheaper in initial cost.

I'd get the proven Champion unit way before I'd consider that genny.

That isn't a Yamaha branded generator. It might use a Yamaha engine, but is a Sinepower generator, which (to me at least) seems like one of many Chinese imports. Good luck finding parts and service on that one.

Champion has a far better service record than yet another no-name Chinese genset.

To boot, the CPE models are cheaper too. The 2000 watt Champions are fairly big, but they do stack and I've not read any issues when comes to relability. I read stories about dead no-name Chinese generators which have turned themselves into generator shaped objects all the time.

the Champion 2000w inverter generator is cheaper AND can be paralled with another unit, while the Smarter Tools one cannot be paralled.
http://www.farmandfleet.com/products/705424-champion-power-equipment-1700w-2000w-inverter-generator.html?utm_medium=shoppingengine&utm_source=googlebase&gclid=CJDgnIbLybsCFRNqfgod5BkA8Q
and Champion has a great customer service/support reputation.

IMHO, i don't any reason to buy this one, over the Champion unit, other than the engine being a Yamaha unit.

Line and connection losses alone will likely put it over. There is an extensive champion thread that's searchable on here. Have a look I've been extremely happy with my champion I only wish I'd bit the bullet and bought its mate back when I actually had need for it as I can't justify it now and have occasional need for the extra wattage.

That $600 price is difficult. $400, and it would be OK, $600 is teetering on that edge of a price point where one might as well pay the extra bones and go for an eu2000is, and have the job done right.

Any 2,000 watt generator is going to be more than adequate for any camping/RV need EXCEPT running the AC. This is because the ACs used in RVs draw about 2,000 watts in surge current on startup of the compressor, so a 2,000 watt generator might handle that alone, but ANYTHING else going on at the same time will overload it and kick it off-line.

And something else is ALWAYS going on at the same time.

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