Small Gen Opinions ? UPDATE--Should I Switch?
Update- 7 Feb 17 alternative gen maybe? ------------------------- Original OP: Local shop is selling these for $200 (Can) next week. (about $152 US) http://www.powerhouse-products.com/power...
Forum Discussion
Ok exchanged that first one, this one works. Guys at the store broke out this one from its box and we added oil and gas and got it going at the store. So back home, ready to test.
It runs ok and powers the 35 amp Vector 1092A at 20 amp setting and also the bigger VEC1093DBD at 20 amp setting. For some reason that 35 amper does only 18.2 at the 20. The 1093 does 21.0 at its 20.
The gen is loud but at a lower pitch so it is bearable. Not a high pitch screamer. I tried a plastic laundry basket over it with a couple bath towels over that and that took the edge off the noise a bit, but the real cure is just get farther away like 30 feet. Anyway, I will try to re-invent the sound box--haven't checked out SoundGuy's yet.
I think my Honda 3000 is fairly quiet, but I think the smaller Honda 2000 and 1000 are kind of loud. Probably not as loud as this little guy though--hard to say without having a line up to compare them.
Used my Kill-A-Watt Unloaded voltage was 120.8v
1092A- output DC 18.1a. 118.4v, 4.07a, 320w, 59.9Hz, PF 0.66, 448VA
1093D- output DC 21.0a. 118.4, 4.16a, 3222w, 59.9hz, PF 0.65, 492VA
I ran it for about 45 minutes, no problems. Mr Wizard was right- it won't run that load with Eco on, it sort of died out. Had to leave Eco off the whole time. Since it was fully loaded, I expect no benefit from Eco anyway.
The Unit is about the same size as the VEC1093DBD only the VEC is taller with its taller handle. Might take the 1092A instead even if it does fewer amps depending on space available in the TC. The gen does fit in the storage box at the back of the truck camper, which was a requirement.
It did conk out when I tipped it over a bit and the low oil light came on, which shuts off the engine. Ran ok level, oil was full ok.
Owner's manual says keep it level. (Also out of the rain/snow)
It conked out when I went up to 35 amps on the 1092A, as expected. I forget if it was the circuit breaker or the engine. Anyway, easy restart.
Physically, the unit seems well-built and has a quality to it IMO, not a tin can job. You get goodies in the box with it--spare spark plug, a little oil bottle pourer, a set of DC charge cables (which won't get used of course) a decent owner's manual.
It runs ok and powers the 35 amp Vector 1092A at 20 amp setting and also the bigger VEC1093DBD at 20 amp setting. For some reason that 35 amper does only 18.2 at the 20. The 1093 does 21.0 at its 20.
The gen is loud but at a lower pitch so it is bearable. Not a high pitch screamer. I tried a plastic laundry basket over it with a couple bath towels over that and that took the edge off the noise a bit, but the real cure is just get farther away like 30 feet. Anyway, I will try to re-invent the sound box--haven't checked out SoundGuy's yet.
I think my Honda 3000 is fairly quiet, but I think the smaller Honda 2000 and 1000 are kind of loud. Probably not as loud as this little guy though--hard to say without having a line up to compare them.
Used my Kill-A-Watt Unloaded voltage was 120.8v
1092A- output DC 18.1a. 118.4v, 4.07a, 320w, 59.9Hz, PF 0.66, 448VA
1093D- output DC 21.0a. 118.4, 4.16a, 3222w, 59.9hz, PF 0.65, 492VA
I ran it for about 45 minutes, no problems. Mr Wizard was right- it won't run that load with Eco on, it sort of died out. Had to leave Eco off the whole time. Since it was fully loaded, I expect no benefit from Eco anyway.
The Unit is about the same size as the VEC1093DBD only the VEC is taller with its taller handle. Might take the 1092A instead even if it does fewer amps depending on space available in the TC. The gen does fit in the storage box at the back of the truck camper, which was a requirement.
It did conk out when I tipped it over a bit and the low oil light came on, which shuts off the engine. Ran ok level, oil was full ok.
Owner's manual says keep it level. (Also out of the rain/snow)
It conked out when I went up to 35 amps on the 1092A, as expected. I forget if it was the circuit breaker or the engine. Anyway, easy restart.
Physically, the unit seems well-built and has a quality to it IMO, not a tin can job. You get goodies in the box with it--spare spark plug, a little oil bottle pourer, a set of DC charge cables (which won't get used of course) a decent owner's manual.
