otrfun
May 12, 2013Explorer II
Ideal Inverter Generator
Like a lot of others I'm looking for the ideal inverter generator.
For many, the hundred dollar question and major prerequisite seems to be: "Will it run my 13,500 BTU a/c?"
Some Yamaha fans anguish over whether to invest in two EF2000's for $2100, or save some hard-earned money and take a gamble whether the much less expensive Yamaha EF2400iSHC ($1350) or louder EF2800i ($1550) will run their a/c. Or, just go with the more expensive, heavier, and higher wattage EF3000iS/EF3000iSEB ($1900-$2200), which have better odds of running their a/c.
Then there's the die-hard Honda fans who have a similar choice, with the exception Honda doesn't have anything to compete with the lower-priced Yamaha EF2400iSHC or louder EF2800I. So they're left with either the two EU2000's ($2150), the much heavier EU3000iS ($2000), or much lighter (compared to the EU3000iS) EU3000i "Handi" ($2300).
The most popular combination seems to be the paralleled, dual Honda EU2000 setup--with proven reliability, high resale, but IMO just too much money ($2150) for the occasional r/v'r.
Then there's the made in the far east competitors. Cost is a huge attraction. But, reliability/service and overstated surge capability seem to be major negatives.
What is a guy/gal to buy for their hard-earned money?
Anywhoser, I was just about ready to pull the trigger on a Yamaha EF2400iSHC, when I saw this latest inverter generator from Champion. It's the 75531i, a 3100 max./2800 rated watt inverter generator with a 30 amp TT-30R connector, cast iron cylinder sleeve, 1.6 gallon gas tank with 8 hr run-time at 25% load, 58 dba (full load??), 84 lbs., and Eco mode. Very similar in weight and style to the Honda EU3000i "Handi" (with handle and wheels). Currently being sold online for around $950-$999. From what I gather, Champion has a decent reputation for warranty service/parts. Obviously, being a new model reliability is an unknown. Even assuming little surge head-room, 2800 continuous watts would seem to be more than enough run the vast majority of 13,500 BTU a/c's out there.
I've already read one informal online review of an individual who reported he was able to run his 15,000 BTU a/c with the 75531i with the Eco mode on.
Is this inverter generator potentially the cat's meow (in terms of price vs. performance)? Or . . .
For many, the hundred dollar question and major prerequisite seems to be: "Will it run my 13,500 BTU a/c?"
Some Yamaha fans anguish over whether to invest in two EF2000's for $2100, or save some hard-earned money and take a gamble whether the much less expensive Yamaha EF2400iSHC ($1350) or louder EF2800i ($1550) will run their a/c. Or, just go with the more expensive, heavier, and higher wattage EF3000iS/EF3000iSEB ($1900-$2200), which have better odds of running their a/c.
Then there's the die-hard Honda fans who have a similar choice, with the exception Honda doesn't have anything to compete with the lower-priced Yamaha EF2400iSHC or louder EF2800I. So they're left with either the two EU2000's ($2150), the much heavier EU3000iS ($2000), or much lighter (compared to the EU3000iS) EU3000i "Handi" ($2300).
The most popular combination seems to be the paralleled, dual Honda EU2000 setup--with proven reliability, high resale, but IMO just too much money ($2150) for the occasional r/v'r.
Then there's the made in the far east competitors. Cost is a huge attraction. But, reliability/service and overstated surge capability seem to be major negatives.
What is a guy/gal to buy for their hard-earned money?
Anywhoser, I was just about ready to pull the trigger on a Yamaha EF2400iSHC, when I saw this latest inverter generator from Champion. It's the 75531i, a 3100 max./2800 rated watt inverter generator with a 30 amp TT-30R connector, cast iron cylinder sleeve, 1.6 gallon gas tank with 8 hr run-time at 25% load, 58 dba (full load??), 84 lbs., and Eco mode. Very similar in weight and style to the Honda EU3000i "Handi" (with handle and wheels). Currently being sold online for around $950-$999. From what I gather, Champion has a decent reputation for warranty service/parts. Obviously, being a new model reliability is an unknown. Even assuming little surge head-room, 2800 continuous watts would seem to be more than enough run the vast majority of 13,500 BTU a/c's out there.
I've already read one informal online review of an individual who reported he was able to run his 15,000 BTU a/c with the 75531i with the Eco mode on.
Is this inverter generator potentially the cat's meow (in terms of price vs. performance)? Or . . .