Generator Questionds

MrWizard wrote:
don't worry about the 100w thats less than 1 amp difference
and its only a Branding thing
so the camping world model and the home depot model have different stock numbers
because home depot wanted it that way

there are more HD stores than CW stores, and IF HD wants something they can tout as an exclusive or even a different color (what ever) they have the buying clout to get a MFG to do that for them

I can guess, that distribution also plays a part
CW probably gets theirs from CPE warehouse
and HD probably gets a whole shipment via containers delivered from the DOCKS directly to their warehousing

The indicated wattage difference is strictly a marketing ploy. Camping World and Cabela's sell a 3500 Watt Inverter/generator and everyone else sells a 3400 watt unit. According to comments from a Champion "Tech" they are the same units with different markings for those companies. Since there is reserve capacity in all generators, over and above the marked capacities, it's easy for a company with large purchasing power to request (demand) a higher wattage marking so they can fool the consumer into thinking THEY have the better product. In the real world 100 Watt's is nothing. One extra 100 watt light bulb extra.

The main issue in a generator/inverter is whether it will start your heaviest inductive load which for most of us is the A/C unit. In my case I can start and run my A/C unit off a 15 amp "wall socket" so having an Inverter that delivers 25 amp or more is enough. (3100V-3400W) The rest is a "numbers game".

FWIW, my old 3500/4000 Watt Champ open frame is still running strong after 10 years. My new 3500W Champion Inverter is due Wednesday. As I get older the Electric Start and Dual Fuel for twice the run time on a tank of LPG was real enticing.