Generator or Inverter

The big difference between the two models is the purity of the AC signal. Regular gennys make your standard 1 phase 120v AC. Usually good enough to power your TT. Some people would gawk at the idea of powering up sensitive computer devices such as laptops to this type of power. I think it's fine and do it myself with surge protectors.

A most simple explanation of the inverter genny's: produce 3 phase AC power and take those three phases to create a strong DC voltage that feed into an inverter. The inverter takes that DC voltage and creates a super clean distortion free single phase capable of powering sensitive devices. They are typically quieter than your average genny, lighter, and produce less power per cubic inch of the frame it is contained within. Much more technology involved in the inverter, so more money to purchase.

I've got both. I take the 4000w champion genny out when the rooftop AC is required. It's got wheels and a handle. It ways obout 130 pounds filled with 5 gallons of fuel. Technically I can lift it out of my truck, set it on the ground and roll it, but it's much easier with 2 people. The Inverter weighs about 50 pounds. Carrying handle. Only holds about a gallon of fuel. Super easy for me to manuever around myself. And much quieter than the regular genny. But doesn't have enough guts to power the rooftop AC unless I buy two of them and run them in parallel. Aint happening. I've got a couple batteries and 2 100 watt solar panels, so I've got plenty of power.

Some places only allow inverters due to noise. You might want to check on that.

SgtMark wrote:
I mainly camp in parks that have full hookups but I do go to refuge areas (off the grid)to fish and camp. Generator use is also limited there. I do appreciate all the input cause Inverter Generators are new to me. I think I'm leaning toward the Champion 4000/3500, its reasonably priced and should fill my needs.
Thanks again, I'm sure I will think up some more questions before I get this down pat lol.

They make a 3650/4500 now for the same cost as the 3500/4000. The 3650/4500 has a slightly larger engine, but the sound rating and everything else is the same. I run mine in a box that I built for it and it's pretty quiet. I picked mine up from Tractor Supply.

I have both a 2000 and 3100 Champion Inverter generators. They are great generators and for the price, they can't be beat. My 3100 is 85 lbs and I have no problem lifting it in and out of my truck. I had the champion 3500 contractor generator and it was way too noisy. If you plan to run sensitive electronics, go with an inverter generator, the sine wave is clean where it is not on a non Inverter one.

Pianotuna,
Those are very interesting test results. I wouldn't have expected that. Did you do that test yourself? I would assume those just happened to be the generators you had on hand.
I'd be curious to see something between a regular and inverter gen. of the same size. Comparing a 15kw to a 3kw seems like it could skew the results one way or another. Do you have any numbers for a 3kW non-inverter gen?

I have the 3500/4000 and would go for the 3800 they have now just for the head room. That said we are Boondockers and would never run the beast where others could hear it. It's not the loudest until it's not yours. lol

Our 8.5 KW Onan diesel gen/set in our coach is not very noisy the camper next to us can't here it run. but I always ask them if it is a bother prior to running it. yes, even during the day. But in 15 years we only have 47 hours on it. :)

I mainly camp in parks that have full hookups but I do go to refuge areas (off the grid)to fish and camp. Generator use is also limited there. I do appreciate all the input cause Inverter Generators are new to me. I think I'm leaning toward the Champion 4000/3500, its reasonably priced and should fill my needs.
Thanks again, I'm sure I will think up some more questions before I get this down pat lol.

Just get the Champion 2800/3100 from Costco for like $7-800 bucks, delivered to your door weather or not your a Costco member.. It has the 30A rv plug on it and quiet..

I can see the usefulness of a generator but I have never "needed" one for the camping we do. We lost power for several hours a couple of times but after all, we were camping.

If I were a boondocker, I would go with the most efficient model, if I camped with others, I would go with quiet. At home I have a 6 kw wheeled behemoth that weighs a ton not to practical on the road.