Generators

Flatfive wrote:

We see Harbor Freight has an inexpensive generator but I read where people had bad experiences with them. Walmart has a "Sportsman" for a little more dough. Anyone used one of these?

I think this is a case of you get pretty much what you pay for.
A portable generator needs to be reliable and relatively quiet.
For that you must pay.

Or spend half as much and then have to be constantly screwing with it because it doesn't run good or has electrical faults. Your choice.

Flatfive wrote:
Now, we're looking for a generator. (We had borrowed a Honda 2000 for our big trip. They're great, but expensive)
We see Harbor Freight has an inexpensive generator but I read where people had bad experiences with them. Walmart has a "Sportsman" for a little more dough. Anyone used one of these?

Why abuse yourselves? ... if you consider the price of a Honda EU2000i excessive then consider a Champion 2000 watt inverter genset ... Supergen even sells refurbished ones for $369! :B

Interesting post will follow.

What about a Harbor Freight inverter gen? $500 not on sale and has good reviews.
http://www.harborfreight.com/2000-peak1600-running-watts-28-hp-797cc-portable-inverter-generator-carb-62523.html

I have the Harbor freight 2500 inverter. Runs good for coffee and microwave. will not run a/c unit. I am going to upgrade to the Champion 3100. Why not by a generator that will run everything?

My experience has taught me that generators are not an item to skimp on. There are several low grade units to tempt you. My suggestion is a used HONDA or YAMAHA. The knock off units just do not have the quality and are louder. Don't be that guy who has the loud gen unit that we all have to listen to. Best of luck

Oasisbob wrote:
My experience has taught me that generators are not an item to skimp on. My suggestion is a used HONDA or YAMAHA. Best of luck

X-2

C.B.

Flatfive wrote:
(We had borrowed a Honda 2000 for our big trip. They're great, but expensive)

Yes, you get what you pay for.

I have in the past felt that the HFT 2000watt generator was a good deal for the price of $429. I know that some feel that even Wen is better and blah, blah, blah. I also read all the, too loud, not reliable, spend more than twice as much you'll be better off.

Personally I think for my needs and where I camp, the HFT 2000w genny is good, however, the Champion may be not only be a better dollar value, which is appears to be, but has a pretty good reputation. Also I see that most of the responders to your post are trailer guys and maybe tend to camp where there are hook ups. We like dispersed and public camp grounds which have few hook ups if any. We need to either run our Onan or our engine or maybe something like one of the low cost 2000w inverters. I don't really think I want to spend $2000 or more for a genny that will get used maybe 30 hours a year.

My point is that many have ingrained prejudices and many tout their own wants and needs. I know hearing those points should help you decide but do investigation outside this community as well as inside this community. Read evaluations from others and not just the "my feelings".

I know that I'm going to start looking at the Chanpion today.

If you are set on purchase of a second rate unit I suggest spending time reading reviews. This may save you. db rateings can be deceptive depending on the distance reading is taken. Also quality will remain long after purchase price is forgotten. Best of luck.Lots of differing opinions on this topic. We all mean well