Generators

[Flatfive]

We just finished a nine-month cross-country trip with our 20-foot Prowler. Great fun and very few issues. We used a 110-watt solar suitcase (Renogy) which worked well and we rarely needed a generator. We sometimes had shore power but were able to go 3 days or so with just the collectors. Of course, it depends on the weather (clouds) and the location (trees). We need a lomger cable on the collector to enable us to pick a sunny spot even if we're in the trees. We started in early February and got home on Halloween, so we missed the days with little sun.
But this month, we went to the Anza-Borrego desert park in San Diego county. It was sunny but the sun angle was low and the batteries went dead after 3 days. 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?

[TomG2]

Flatfive; how do you intend to use a generator? There are none quiet enough to run in a "No generator" area and there are others that are too noisy to use in a truck stop. I usually park with hookups but wanted a generator to run at parking lots or away from other people along the way. The Champion 3500/4000 non inverter models work great for me. I dumped my Honda 2000i as I did not want to tie up nearly $2,000 to do what the Champion does for $300. I do NOT use it in a campground within one hundred feet of other campers. Two hundred feet and nobody will complain. Thirty amps of power, the same as most RV parks.

[ScottG]

SoundGuy wrote:

ScottG wrote:
But both pale in comparison to the newest Yamaha 2800 units. And yes, I have compared the performance of all of them.

Apparently not the noise specs - WAY too noisy. :R

The newest Inverter Champions and Yami's are both very quiet.
The non-inverter Champions are hideous.

[SoundGuy]

ScottG wrote:
But both pale in comparison to the newest Yamaha 2800 units. And yes, I have compared the performance of all of them.

Apparently not the noise specs - WAY too noisy. :R

[ScottG]

Buy your last generator first. That means dont buy a cheapo and then have to dump it and buy a good one.
Speaking in terms of 2000 watt gennys, the Champions are OK as are the Yamahas (which are better) but both lack the incredible surge capacity of the Honda.
But both pale in comparison to the newest Yamaha 2800 units. And yes, I have compared the performance of all of them.
If I could dump my Honda eu2000 for what I paid for it*, I'd sell it and get the bigger Yamaha.
So this is not the time to save a buck. You wont be sorry.


(*It is NOT for sale.)

[SoundGuy]

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

2oldman wrote:
Yes, you get what you pay for.

Or in this case, what the OP did not pay for. :W

[BC_Explorer]

I also own a Champion 2000. Great generator for the money. If any wants more info the 2000, there is 291 pages of reading here:

The Official unofficial CPE 2000i Generator Thread

[Boon_Docker]

Go on the net and read the reviews on the Champion 2000, you will be impressed. I own two and highly recommend them.

[352]

HARBOR FREIGHT GENERATORS ARE SHI EAT

[TucsonJim]

When I lost my Honda 3000 Inverter genset, I purchased two Champion 2000W generators and a parallel kit for right around $1K. You can pick up a 2000W Champion for $447 on Amazon with free Prime shipping. I ran a test with the two Champions in parallel against one Honda 3000 with the same load. The Champions measured 2dB more on my calibrated noise meter than the Honda. You can not discern 2dB with the human ear.

Yes, the Honda may last longer, but I can purchase several Champion generators for the price of one Honda 3000IS.

Jim

[Oasisbob]

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

[D_E_Bishop]

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.

[2oldman]

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

Yes, you get what you pay for.

[C_B_]

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.

[Oasisbob]

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

[dmck413]

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?