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JeepCB's avatar
JeepCB
Explorer
Feb 07, 2014

Powerhouse 3100 inverter gen review?

Ok, so here goes......
After much research I decided to buy the Powerhouse 3100 inverter generator.

Here is what I like about it:
It is a full 3k, should run my A/C(13,500 btu).
4.4 gal fuel tank, should run all night if I need it to.
Remote start.
Good price from CW, $1072.00.
Quiet, 56 db.

Don't like:
3K wouldn't start A/C initially(I had to install hard start cap).
4.4 gal tank makes it heavy.
Bigger than I thought.
Quiet? Louder than I thought it would be. (CW guy warned me though).

Final thoughts..... It has wheels but man is it heavy. 129lbs empty, 30lbs more for fuel boy it adds up and really makes it hard to get into bed of pickup. I just didn't want the hassle of twin 2k's. I see a ramp in my future.
Ok so 56db isn't so bad right? No, as long as you don't put it next to your buddies Honda 2k. Though it ain't Honda quiet, I think for about $1000 less, it is plenty quiet. I will be looking to fab a clamp on muffler or something down the road just to see if I can improve it.
So after hooking it up to my 5er and overloading as soon as my A/C even thought about starting, I went online and ordered a Supco spp6 hard start capacitor ($12). I spent more time ordering it then installing it. It was super easy, just push two wire terminals onto connection. Now it not only starts 13,500 btu Coleman a/c, but will start the A/C with microwave and coffee pot on at the same time!
So am I happy? Yes, I think it has great value and quality for the price. It isn't an open frame generator so my neighbors shouldn't be too upset, it can run all night if I need it to and in an emergency can power home fridge/freezer/light/heater. Oh yeah and it do it by remote!
Hope this helps someone out

Stay warm America,
Billy
  • RoyB's avatar
    RoyB
    Explorer II
    Here on the East Side of the US we don't get to to run our generators at most public camp grounds without electric hookups except from 8AM to 10AM and then again from 4:30PM to 7:30PM... Never allowed anywhere after 8PM at night even at the natl Forest areas.. Not much time to cool things down running the air conditioner when camping off the power grid...

    With this in mind I beefed up my trailer operations to include smart mode charging and more batteries and being able to run things from my INVERTER and then recharging my batteries each morning when allowed to run my generator for around three hours. None of this of course didnt include the Air Conditioner or high wattage Microwave etc...

    Apparently you guys on the west side of the USA with more wide open spaces have better luck running your generators when you want to....

    Roy ken

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