What size generator to run AC??

valhalla360 wrote:

theoldwizard1 wrote:
You can't not argue with the durability of any of the Honda generators, but there are other good units on the market.

Not claiming Honda's have poor durability but you don't have an equal samples across brands.

Honda inverter generators have been around for around 20-25yrs, so having the stray story about one that's been kicking around for 15yrs is not surprising.

Many of the other brands haven't been around for 10yrs, so of course, there are no stories of them lasting for 15yrs.

I doo.
In my line of work, we use generators almost exclusively for jobsite power. And generally they are Hondas with the odd Yamaha here n there if it's a little 1k or 2k.
And invariably, box store genny get purchased from time to time. Generally an immediate need has someone running to Homie Deport to get whatever will get them by. And they never last near as long (anecdotally as we don't catalog the lifespan of small tools), not even close.

For occasional and recreational use, I'm sue there are plenty that "work", but there is no comparison.
And power output to rated capacity. Had a job where we needed a bunch of little 1k-2k gennys. And being cost conscious, went and got some Costco "Yamahar" units. They worked fine for the little jobs powering flagger station lights. They wouldn't put out full power though when used to a high % of their rating.
But I've probably bought, used, wore out or destroyed more portable generators than most people have actually touched. So not the avg weekend warrior experience.

I believe this is a get what you pay for scenario. And your needs may not support spending the extra money.
For the camper genny when we got our first camper almost 10 years ago, I had the same dilemma. Spend almost $1000 on a Honda/Yami 2k or less than half on an off brand. Instead I bought a used Honda with under 100hrs on it for about $100 more than a china bomb genny.
Hasn't been used in 2 years now, that I remember. Had it stored with AV gas in it. Son used it this week to run the lights at the mtn bike track. 1 squirt of ether to light 'er up and off to the races.
AND if I don't want it, I got $400 into it and probably sell it for $500 tomorrow.

JMO