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jaycocreek's avatar
jaycocreek
Explorer II
Apr 08, 2020

Best Inverter Generator under $500 for a TC

I already have a Honda 2000is but I am wanting the best genset under $500 to take the load off the Honda and for a loaner to family and friends...

So what's the best bang for the buck?

Champion/Westinghouse/Wen etc..Cheaper(less expensive) is better but noise and especially reliability is at the top of the list..

Any actual experiences in a sub-$500 generator?

80 Replies

  • Kayteg..What's your opinion of that 1000 watt Sportsman?..Noise..Ease to start or any troubles...One place has them for $149
  • THIS GENERATOR was on sale for $150 over a year ago and even my old Honda 3000 performs flawlessly, for the price I could not refuse to buy it as light-weight (20 lb) and easy to carry backup.
    You are not saying what size you want, but those days don't think generator sales are going to happen, especially on West Coast where in California PGE used to turn power off for millions of people due to high winds.
  • Too noisy for his application. There are two kinds of generators, cheap and good. Pick one. I worked in the power equipment industry for years but am glad I am retired. There is so much junk on the market but price rules.
  • I watched two video's of that Westinghouse 2500/2600? running RV air conditioners..One 15K AC had a soft start though but the 13.5 didn't and it ran it..I was surprised..

    With Onan putting there name on them,I assume there good quality..
  • Slightly more, but at 2500 watt it MAY also run your AC in a TC.
    Westinghouse 2500
    There are other brands as well, but the extra watts may make this a great alternative.
    If you are looking at it more as an emergency home backup, then a construction type unit in the 4000 watt range with 230 volt capability may make more sense.
  • I got a Champion, and it seems to work fine. Haven't had to use it much, I have solar.

    Mike
  • I’m happy with my Westinghouse but hard to find a 2000 watt inverter model for $500.
  • Another Honda. Should be able to find one used for under $5, change the oil and service the carb. Cant get better than that.


    I sort of like my Yamaha's but they are now built in Mexico. My older one, of the same size and model was built in Japan.
  • The Wen and the A-Ipower both are under $400 and inverter which I like but I wonder about reliability on both..

    Onan came out with some Inverter generators that are cool looking but it turns out they are Westinghouse clones?..But they did put the well known Onan name on them making them alittle more expensive than the Westinghouse..

    Inverter style is a must.