Opinions on lightweight portable inverter/generators

The parts distribution evolved over the years.
I do rebuild small carburetors for decades and in the past, new orings for B & S engines was annual thing.
Now, when after 15 years of use the carburetor on my Honda 3000 start acting, I could not find rebuild kit. Had to buy whole new carburetor. It wasn't too expensive, but still.

2112 wrote:

If I have a problem, I can go to a local Honda dealer and get my Honda generator repaired

It may sit there for 2 weeks before they can get to it regardless of brand

My point was call them and they will tell you if there is a local service center near you. We have 2 local small engine shops near by that service Champions. Do they have parts on hand? I do not know.

One shop also sells and services Honda products. The other is just service.

That hasn't been my experience.

Many years ago, we were in Richmond, VA for a NASCAR race. It was a very hot weekend and we were camped at a flea market about a mile from the track, where there was not a bit of shade. One of my Honda generators would not stay running. I took it to a local Honda dealer, where I had never been a customer. He took the part I needed (carburetor spacer) out of a brand new generator to get me going. I left with a repaired generator, and he did it under warranty)!

Go into a local shop that sells generators other than Honda or Yamaha and ask about parts or service. Every one I have encountered (and I am sure there are exceptions) stocked few common parts and farmed their service out to an outside repair shop.

We also have several local small engine shops that work on Champion products, along with just about every other thing that has a small engine. I don't know of any that stock anything more than parts that fit many engines (like spark plugs, starter rope, common filters, etc.

Again, I'm not saying Champion, or any other product, is not a good product. What I am saying is parts and service availability is not anywhere close to what Honda or Yamaha has. Although, I have had very good service from my Hondas, I have not found any product that can't have problems and usually when you really need them.

If I have a problem, I can go to a local Honda dealer and get my Honda generator repaired

It may sit there for 2 weeks before they can get to it regardless of brand

My point was call them and they will tell you if there is a local service center near you. We have 2 local small engine shops near by that service Champions. Do they have parts on hand? I do not know.

One shop also sells and services Honda products. The other is just service.

2112 wrote:

curt12914 wrote:
A friend of mine has a 2400 watt Champion with remote start. The generator has been really good and I would love the remote start over going out to pull start my Hondas.

My biggest concern with the Champion (and many other brands) is parts and labor availability. if I have trouble with my Hondas (and I have had very little), I can always find a Honda dealer close by. To me, the dollars I could save are not worth one ruined trip.

Just call 1 877-338-0999 for Champion parts and local service. They sent me a pull cord assembly free of charge.

That is precisely my point.

If I have a problem, I can go to a local Honda dealer and get my Honda generator repaired. Champion has no local dealers. The stores near us that sell Champion products stock no parts and have no in-store service.

If I was in the middle of a camping trip and depending on my generator (which I have done many times), my trip would be ruined.

My friend has had good luck with his Champion and I think they are a good product, But without a local dealer, parts and service netork, I will pay more for a Honda (or Yamaha).

Since this is about small and light weight generators.... I have this 700w propane inverter generator that weighs 25 lbs. and runs 58 to 65 db. I only use it for battery charging if the solar does not hold up. Glad to not carry a gas can since I already have propane. No issues with extended storage.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Baja-900-Watt-Propane-Powered-Inverter-Generator-BAI911LP/306283803Try to find it on sale or with a coupon.

Kayteg1 wrote:
I can sit on my Honda EU3000 having it under lower load and I can make conversation in normal voice.
Seem the 1000W Sportsman is louder, but that might be due that is always running on loads above 50%.
Most of the time I can hear camping noises from spots hundred ft away louder, than my generators.
Do you snore?

some years ago I was out walking around a sea of campers sitting in a field with generators running at the first motorcycle race of the year (it was cold). I walked up to this one Group and the conversation moved to generators. I asked if he was going to start his Honda 3000 later that night? he laughed at me, it was already running. could not hear it over the lawn mower generators all around him.

specta wrote:

Camper_Jeff_&_Kelli wrote:
Few things I detest more when camping out in the sticks than the sound of a generator drawling away for hours at a time. Can't hear the sasquatch sneaking up on me.

It sucks when it not your generator. ;)

I have my solar setup which does the trick most of the year. The closest I come to a generator is idling the truck for a while. Not efficient I know but it works well enough for the short periods of time I do it. Far quieter too.

curt12914 wrote:
A friend of mine has a 2400 watt Champion with remote start. The generator has been really good and I would love the remote start over going out to pull start my Hondas.

My biggest concern with the Champion (and many other brands) is parts and labor availability. if I have trouble with my Hondas (and I have had very little), I can always find a Honda dealer close by. To me, the dollars I could save are not worth one ruined trip.

Just call 1 877-338-0999 for Champion parts and local service. They sent me a pull cord assembly free of charge.

I can sit on my Honda EU3000 having it under lower load and I can make conversation in normal voice.
Seem the 1000W Sportsman is louder, but that might be due that is always running on loads above 50%.
Most of the time I can hear camping noises from spots hundred ft away louder, than my generators.
Do you snore?

Camper_Jeff_&_Kelli wrote:
Few things I detest more when camping out in the sticks than the sound of a generator drawling away for hours at a time. Can't hear the sasquatch sneaking up on me.

It sucks when it not your generator. ;)