Portable generator recommendations

kerrlakeRoo wrote:
Champions, Predators and most other cheaper brands use Chinese engines which are clones of Honda designs. Most internal parts are readily available.
They generally seem to give good service, not to the same degree as the original, but at 1/2 to 1/3 the cost they are economical choices.
As to noise, the difference from 57 to 58 Db is not within my range to differentiate.
Then again I always thought it funny to hear someone that spends a lot of time riding a harley complain about the noise from a dirtbike.
No matter the brand, to someone, they are all noisy.

If you are looking at it for charging the batteries only though, why that large when a 2000 will do the job and be much easier to store and handle?

Just for sake of argument, 1 Db is a lot, if you are right at your point of tolerance. Also, newer Harleys did not come from the factory, loud/noisy, the owner made/had it made that way. All dirt bikes, even off road only dirt bikes may not be noisy. Mine is not noisy, but just kind of loud.:)

Oh, to answer OP, I would choose one of the many Champion quiet generators, due the the reputation, price, and Champion support.

Jerry

I have a Champion. Go for the remote start/stop. I think it was extra $40 for the option, but who wants to go out just before bed and turn the genny off? Cold am to make coffee, charge batteries, run microwave, whatever (late mornings, after campground is well-awake).

We run long heavy extension to put the genny about 25ft from our camper and others. DISTANCE makes the quietest generator ;)

This spring we had a solar powered rig beside us. He made a point of asking what kind of generator we had because it was VERY quiet. I apologized if it disturbed him. He said unless he was outside and walked to the back of his site and listened for it, he didn't even notice it was on, and even then it was very soft and distant ;)

It's more of a puff-puff than a clankity-clank. IMHO, it's often the harshness as much as the sound level that negatively impacts the peace around camps.

Good luck with your choice!

MFL My point was that no matter what you have, someone will object to it. I used the Harley example because I had a friend that rode one, and his was loud, be it modified or not, But he would complain about the noise when at my place for a BBQ or whatever because of the kids out back cutting up on Dirtbikes. (I had 30 acres behind the house with trails for them.)

There are some on here that seem to feel their Genny is a Stradivarius, and any other brand is a 747 taking off.
To somebody, they all make noise. The best you can do is get something as quiet as you feel you can afford, and then use it in whatever manner best minimizes its nuisance factor.

bassinrupp wrote:
I have a 3791 montana and are planning a couple day trips to some dirt tracks and looking to purchase a portable generator not a honda. Probably only put 20 hours a year on it thats the biggest reason for steering away from the honda investment

Day trips? You need to run the A/C all day? or what else? Two air conditioners? 50 amp trailer?

Most everything else can run on battery and propane for the day. Maybe just a second battery is needed.

kevden wrote:
I bought a champion and it works great. It is a propane powered one. I wanted a propane unit because we tow with a suv and had nowhere to store gas. The carb never gums up, the fuel never goes bad, and the engine oil looks new when I change it annualy.

Kevden, what is your experience running the AC unit with your generator? I am looking to buy a generator as well, and running on propane generates less power. I have heard mixed responses on this issue.
Thanks!

I also use the Champion 3100 Inverter with remote start. Works great and have not had a problem in the 2.5 years we have had it. Run it on average of 75+ hours a year. Change oil every 30-35 hours of use or twice a year.

DiskDoctr wrote:
I have a Champion. Go for the remote start/stop. I think it was extra $40 for the option, but who wants to go out just before bed and turn the genny off? Cold am to make coffee, charge batteries, run microwave, whatever (late mornings, after campground is well-awake).

We run long heavy extension to put the genny about 25ft from our camper and others. DISTANCE makes the quietest generator ;)

Good luck with your choice!

DiskDoctr, Question about using the remote start. Sounds awesome, but....
There is a choke knob. My experience with any motor with a choke, is that you generally need to use it! So, your description of starting the generator on a cold morning from the warmth of your trailer.....Really? No need to choke it? Gas or propane?
I am not being argumentative, just looking for real world use experience.
Cheers,

kerrlakeRoo wrote:
MFL My point was that no matter what you have, someone will object to it. I used the Harley example because I had a friend that rode one, and his was loud, be it modified or not, But he would complain about the noise when at my place for a BBQ or whatever because of the kids out back cutting up on Dirtbikes. (I had 30 acres behind the house with trails for them.)

There are some on here that seem to feel their Genny is a Stradivarius, and any other brand is a 747 taking off.
To somebody, they all make noise. The best you can do is get something as quiet as you feel you can afford, and then use it in whatever manner best minimizes its nuisance factor.

Yes that is a good point, and the Harley friend a good example! Our World is full of noise pollution, and people pick and choose what they will tolerate. Being a motorcyclist my whole life, I just had to offer my .02, about the myth of some motorcycles having to be noisy. Good on you, for giving your kids a place to ride and enjoy their dirt bikes.

Jerry

Ltrip wrote:

DiskDoctr wrote:
I have a Champion. Go for the remote start/stop. I think it was extra $40 for the option, but who wants to go out just before bed and turn the genny off? Cold am to make coffee, charge batteries, run microwave, whatever (late mornings, after campground is well-awake).

We run long heavy extension to put the genny about 25ft from our camper and others. DISTANCE makes the quietest generator ;)

Good luck with your choice!

DiskDoctr, Question about using the remote start. Sounds awesome, but....
There is a choke knob. My experience with any motor with a choke, is that you generally need to use it! So, your description of starting the generator on a cold morning from the warmth of your trailer.....Really? No need to choke it? Gas or propane?
I am not being argumentative, just looking for real world use experience.
Cheers,

the remote start models, have a electrically controlled choke. the button on the unit just activates the solenoid, as does the remote start.

I purchased a Predator 2000 from harbor freight just over a year ago. I've put about 150hours on it and I am very impressed. I've owned honda's EU1000, 2000 and 3000 all good generators and I tell you the predator can hold it's own. Only time will tell how it holds up but I'm very happy with it.