Inverter generator

We've had the Champion 2000 for about 3 years now.
When I bought it, I never expected it to run my air conditioner so I haven't even tried. But we've never had a problem with it and it powers the camper and charges the batteries just fine. It is pretty quiet, although it burps sometimes when it runs. We bought ours new, not reconditioned but I think the reconditioned ones carry the same warranty. We even took it out west and it ran pretty well at mid-range (circa 8,000 ft) elevations.

I would have no hesitation in buying another one if I needed it, but now that they've developed more products, I'd probably buy the 3000 model. It has a good price for what you get.

Something people aren't always aware of is the "rated" power output and the real-world output aren't always the same. Hondas regularly handle loads like A/Cs that other units of similar claimed specs can't.

Then there's resale. I had a pair of EU2000 Hondas for 12 years. They still worked fine but just as a preventative measure I decided to sell them and buy myself two new ones.
I sold the 12 year old pair for $1400, then ordered two new ones for $1800.

If you consider I had two EU2000s for 12 years for effectively $400, I'd say they are not only best but cheapest too!
When I had the cash in my hands, I didn't even consider any Chinese knock offs. And I'm not a rich guy.

Thanks all. I'll keep my eye open and decide in a month or so. No hurry and I'll get my solar done and see how much I'll need one.

The Champion 2000 is a great little gen... and really quiet compared to most 2000 inverter gens that I have used. We have run it and a Generac ix2000 side by side and the Champion is substantially quieter. Both gens run about the same loads, I actually think the Champion does a better job than the Generac even though the Generac boasts a higher peak power.
My opinion (for what it's worth)..... Champion makes a great product and as long as you are not expecting to run your A/C with this gen you can't go wrong.
We used this Gen to power 2 rv's for 2 weeks last summer for basic charging of the batteries while occasionally using the coffee maker or Microwave (not together of course) with no issues. Sitting directly behind the trailer it was impressively quiet in our site, we could carry on a normal conversation sitting 10ft away from it. The people camped in the site behind us claimed that they could not hear it at all....

Unfortunately, the little Champion inverter won't start a lot of loads that the Honda eu2000i can handle easily.

I returned one of these after it wouldn't start an A/C unit or any power tools that have a high current draw at startup (miter saw, air compressor, etc.).

The Honda handled them all with ease. The Honda is also smaller and lighter and retains some resale value. Depending on where you live, you can probably find a used Honda in mint condition for around $700.

Here's an example on youtube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WyB3w_tJxYY

Boatycall wrote:
I have two Honda 2000's. I ran across this today, clearly china-Honda knock-offs, they look identical.

Generac used to be a good name brand, so i don't know why they'd be cloning Honda's, but I tell ya, for $350 for a Honda 2k knock off, I'd be tempted to try one.

Generac Honda knock off

Looks like 100's already did try and had them returned.
Ebay seller alone sold 50 refurbish and still has plenty left.

Vinsil wrote:

dmopar74 wrote:
Look into smarter tools generator on amazon. Powered by a yamaha engine and gets great reviews. I have never used one though.

$600. Seems legit, Yamaha power is nice without the cost. Thanks.

I picked up a pair of these last year for our trip to Alaska only used one, it took care of our needs. Good to have the second if we need AC.

wvabeer wrote:

Vinsil wrote:

hedge wrote:
I owned that champion, never had a problem but they are optimistic with there ratings. The 2000w wouldn't run my a/c whereas the 2000w Honda runs it in eco mode.

Doesn't seem that cheap to me I paid that for mine brand new in cdn dollars.

Seen quite a few broken hyundais would steer clear of that one

Sure something wasn't wrong with yours? I know my Yamaha wouldn't start my ac in eco mode at all...seems odd your Honda did but the champion wouldn't. Although, thanks for the input and something to consider. I don't have ac and don't plan on getting it but it would be nice to know if I did it would work.

I agree my 2000 Yami wouldn't in eco mode reliably but out of eco it worked flawlessly. I think I would spring for the honda or yamaha. MHO

Don't think there was anything wrong with the Champion it was practicaly new.

I actually believe it has to do with the size of the engine, if you check the specs you'll find that Honda uses a 100cc engine whereas the Yamaha and I believe the Champion as well use a 80cc engine. I think the bigger engine allows it to handle the heavier startup load easier for longer. Just a theory.

Vinsil wrote:

hedge wrote:
I owned that champion, never had a problem but they are optimistic with there ratings. The 2000w wouldn't run my a/c whereas the 2000w Honda runs it in eco mode.

Doesn't seem that cheap to me I paid that for mine brand new in cdn dollars.

Seen quite a few broken hyundais would steer clear of that one

Sure something wasn't wrong with yours? I know my Yamaha wouldn't start my ac in eco mode at all...seems odd your Honda did but the champion wouldn't. Although, thanks for the input and something to consider. I don't have ac and don't plan on getting it but it would be nice to know if I did it would work.

I agree my 2000 Yami wouldn't in eco mode reliably but out of eco it worked flawlessly. I think I would spring for the honda or yamaha. MHO

I can't speak to the one you are looking at but I have a 3100 and have been nothing but pleased with it. This summer will be the first real test of running AC with warmer outside temps. I have tested it running the AC here at the house and it works fine even in ECO mode. I probably have a little less than 100 hours on it. I read thousands and thousands of reviews! Well, maybe not that many but you get the idea. Overall everyone seemed pretty happy with it.