So, I've been contemplating getting a generator for my travel trailer (and just to have for convenience otherwise). I'm kind of torn between a couple of models, but a sale has prompted me to consider buying one (or two) today.I know Honda is the cats meow, but I can't handle the price for my needs. If I was a full-timer, then it might be different. My buying a generator is probably a waste anyways, as I might only use it a couple times a year (but then again, maybe I'll use it all the time once I have one?)Doing my research, I have put the Champion 3100/2800 watt w/ remote start on my short list. I like the idea of remote start, and feel this should be a decent size to run a 13.5k AC unit. This is the minimum requirement I'd have - no sense in getting a unit that can't run the AC in my book. Here it is for $900 on AmazonBut, I can get a Wen 2000/1600 (or 2) and run in series. There may be some benefit to having separate units in case I know I won't need AC - then I can just take 1 with. They would also provide more power when paralleled. Normally, they are $489 on Amazon. But I can pick them up for $380 today only. Wondering if this is a good enough deal to jump on? Do I pick one up at least, and get a second if I need it, or do I just grab 2 right away? Essentially I can have 4000/3200 power with the connect cables for $810. Here is the smaller Wen unit on AmazonSo what would you do? Go with a larger, single unit option? Or get the 2 smaller units and bridge them? I have no personal experience, so that's why I'm here asking. Thanks!

Your first link is a Champion. Get two units, and search 'generator' in the Tech forum. We talk about this a lot.

For your case, go with the two smaller ones. You'll get more power out of them and they are easier to handle. You can take only one if A/C isn't required. Not sure about Wen, but check out the Champion units of the same size as well.Since you are only running them a couple times a year, make sure to get all of the fuel out of them and that the carbs are dry between uses so they don't gum up. Or at least use something like Stabil and run them once a month for half an hour.

Something to consider when buying a portable generator is how noisy it is. How much noise do you want to expose your family to when camping. In the portable generator market quiet costs money. Honda EU series generators are quiet. Most cheap ones are not.Jim

jauguston wrote:Something to consider when buying a portable generator is how noisy it is. How much noise do you want to expose your family to when camping. In the portable generator market quiet costs money. Honda EU series generators are quiet. Most cheap ones are not.JimI checked out lots of inverter generators and couldn't tell much difference between the Champion 2000s and the Honda 2000s. The Honda may have been a smidgen quieter, but not enough to base a decision on. That being said, I ended up with the Hondas because even though twice the cost, I expect them to last far more than twice as long.Then I made sure my new trailer had an Onan and forgot about the trouble in lugging around two generators.

I updated my original post as I had incorrectly marked the first option as a Wen (its a Champion). Noise-wise, I think these will be fine. It sounds like they are a direct clone of the Yamaha ones, just at half the price. Had a friend call me after I posted this, and I do agree - I think the 2 smaller ones will suit me better. I'll check out the tech section and do some additional research there. Wasn't sure where to look here, and I've about hit my limit on what I'm going to learn from Google. Just needed some real world advice from people that have lived it - not someone that got their hands on one for a few hours to review it.

Considering a generator purchase - need advice | Good Sam Community

Houston_Remodel
Explorer
Aug 29, 2016
The major consideration is usually weight of the genny. Unless your sons are old enough, the Honda 3000 would be a bit tough to handle alone at 90 pounds. Two 2000's are easier for one person to wrangle on their own.

The next consideration is run time on a full tank. Our 3000 runs for 17 hours without AC, 6 hours for steady AC use.

We have a genny box in the bed of the TV. Once loaded into the truck at home, it stays put until the end of the trip. No lifting needed.

Found ours on Craigs List for $1100 barely used
DannyA
Explorer
Aug 29, 2016
I have looked at them all for a while and decided to buy the Champion 3100 electric start. Going to check and see if local places will price match.
starcraft69
Explorer
Aug 29, 2016
Costco has the 3100 in stock at stores right now for $699.00
Glowrdr
Explorer
Aug 29, 2016
This is exactly the predicament that I'm in! 3100 or (2) 2000's. For the price that I'm getting though, I think I will end up with the 2 smaller units. Have to be ordered this evening for the price, but I think my research has me convinced that I'm not making a bad decision. Thanks everyone for the feedback. This will end up being a $700+ impulse buy, but in the end, it still saves me a few hundred bucks (instead of waiting until next year to buy)
starcraft69
Explorer
Aug 29, 2016
jauguston wrote:
Something to consider when buying a portable generator is how noisy it is. How much noise do you want to expose your family to when camping. In the portable generator market quiet costs money. Honda EU series generators are quiet. Most cheap ones are not.

Jim

This is such a JOKE of a statement!!!! Have you compared the noise of 2 Hondas to 1 Champion I think not. It takes two Hondas to run a AC but only one Champion, just think about that for a minute. I went from A Honda 2000 to a champion 3100 and will not look back. The last two times i used my Champion i have had a Honda guy come buy and comment how quit. And that they are thinking of switching and how do i like it.
I heard once that the reason Honda guys think they are so quiet is because they cant hear them over the sound of the
cash register!!!
pbmazda32
Explorer
Aug 29, 2016
I've been running a 3100w Champion for over a year now. It runs the 15,000 btu AC on my camper plus a few other small things. I'm happy with it. Only issue I had was finding out it wouldnt run my AC at higher elevation (Flagstaff, AZ). Contacted Champion about it and they sent me a high elevation jet kit for the carb for free. takes about 5 minutes to change the jet if i need to, but now it works at elevation just fine. I have it mounted on the A frame of my camper. i built a shroud of sorts the keep the weather off of it and then lined the inside of the shroud with a dynamat type material. made a substantual difference on the noise coming in the camper.
Glowrdr
Explorer
Aug 28, 2016
I actually checked on the Onans (I work for Cummins and would get a discount) - but they recalled the only portable model they made, and left the market. I'm not looking for a full size one as I'm just hauling it around in my truck when needed. Really wanted one, just not in the cards
Dog_Trainer
Explorer
Aug 28, 2016
jshupe wrote:
Glowrdr wrote:
I updated my original post as I had incorrectly marked the first option as a Wen (its a Champion). Noise-wise, I think these will be fine. It sounds like they are a direct clone of the Yamaha ones, just at half the price.

Had a friend call me after I posted this, and I do agree - I think the 2 smaller ones will suit me better. I'll check out the tech section and do some additional research there. Wasn't sure where to look here, and I've about hit my limit on what I'm going to learn from Google. Just needed some real world advice from people that have lived it - not someone that got their hands on one for a few hours to review it.

You're not getting the quality of the Yamaha for that price. It looks like a decent generator, but even the Amazon reviews note differences. All being said, it should work well for your needs.

I think the quality of the Champion is fine. Somewhere you draw the line. The champion has as many good reviews as the so called top. The most negatives I read come from people that do not own one. If you are going to spend the big bucks then go to an Onan.
2oldman
Explorer II
Aug 28, 2016
Glowrdr wrote:
Noise-wise, I think these will be fine. It sounds like they are a direct clone of the Yamaha ones, just at half the price.
Maybe, but I don't think Yamaha and Honda are going to quit making generators any time soon.

Read the Amazon reviews a little more closely. Although they are reported as "quite", the units don't necessarily live up to their wattage ratings. Not unusual for products that are "good for the price."
Boon_Docker
Explorer III
Aug 28, 2016
I have been using 2 Champion 2000 for few years now with great results. They start on the first pull in the spring. They run my 15k AC with no problem and are just as quiet as the over priced Honda.

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