What generator to get?

[kittydaddy]

Hi,
I'd like to get a generator.
I was told that a 3000 watt generator is the right size to get for a camping weekend which could also run the air conditioner for awhile.
Is that true?
Also, what brand/model is the best bang for the buck? Thanks.

[Winged_One]

DwayneN wrote:
We have had a Yamaha 3000iSEB for about four years now and really like it. When something like an AC starts the generator gets a 500 watt boost from the battery. It has electric start, a gas shutoff and is nice and quiet. It is heavy though (about 150 lbs). We have a topper on the truck so leave the generator in there all the time even when running it. When running inside the topper one can hardly hear it running from 20 feet away.

You run it with the "topper" on the truck?

What topper are you using?

I have the same generator.

[WTP-GC]

Depending on your configuration, you could consider a Cummins Onan 4000 unit, such as those installed in RV's. Yeah, its more money but if you do a permanent install, it will be quieter than the Honda and Yamaha, plus its bigger.

[LJAZ]

IMHO there are 2 things you need to consider, besides price. The first being noise, there is no doubt that an inverter generator will be much, much quieter. If you plan to run AC overnight that is big consideration. The second thing is how long it will run. If you're planning on running the AC overnight you will probably want a 3000W size with a large enough tank to run all night. You don't want to have to get up in the middle of the night to refill the gas tanks. You can get extended run fuel tank set ups for running smaller generators in parallel but for me that's a bit of a hassle.

I have the Honda eu3000 it has a 3.4 gallon tank and will easily run the AC all night during the hottest part of the summer in Arizona. I've no experience with any of the other popular brands like Yamaha or Champion, I'm sure they would work fine. Just check the gas tank size so you know how many hours you can get out of a tank.

[bodyshop_bob]

I was just about to pull the trigger on the open frame Champion 3500 from a big box retailer because it was a great price (less than $300) but the specs said it ran at 68db. I went to a tool rental place and had them start an open frame genny with the same Db specs and 68Db's is loud. Too loud even 20 feet away from the camper.
I'm glad I waited -- now Champion has a dual fuel inverter type 3400 max watts that runs at 59Db's. I'm waiting for the Fall sale and I'm buying that sucker. It's quite a bit more expensive ($1k).
BTW -- decibel rating is progressive. There is a big difference bwtn 59Db's and 68Db's.
There are some other off-brands sold by big box retailers that have great prices and horrid reviews. I'm pretty convinced Champion is a great buy dollar for dollar. Honda/Yamaha have stellar reputations but stellar prices, too.

[DwayneN]

We have had a Yamaha 3000iSEB for about four years now and really like it. When something like an AC starts the generator gets a 500 watt boost from the battery. It has electric start, a gas shutoff and is nice and quiet. It is heavy though (about 150 lbs). We have a topper on the truck so leave the generator in there all the time even when running it. When running inside the topper one can hardly hear it running from 20 feet away.

[tuna_fisher]

The new Gentac looks pretty nice, but I already have my 2 Hondas. If I was shoping I'd look at them.

[azrving]

I have a remote start Honda 3000 bolted in the truck bed powering a 13,500 ac unit.I also built a fan cooled insulated metal cabinet for it to make it quieter.

[netaq]

Champion 3100 is a great value.

We've had one for two years and no complaints.

It weighs about 75#.

[dave17352]

I have had my honda eu3000 for over ten years. Very quiet and has run flawlessly. I recommend either the 3000 which works great for me or the paired 2000 which work great for other people. I am sure the yamaha's would be good too.
There are other inverter generators that are less expensive but I know nothing about them.

[pitch]

Just consider how you will use it. 3000 3500 will weigh better than 100 pounds generally. Will you be leaving it sit for days or will it be in and out of the truck? Remember generators are high value targets for thieves.

[Grit_dog]

old guy wrote:
please get one that is quiet, it may help you get them home in one piece.

Right?
Cause you'd go smash that bad loud generator to pieces.........

But I agree, for your own sanity too. A construction generator works fine outsid the house when the power goes out, but the little Honda that just purrs is great when u want some late night microwave popcorn in the camper.

[old_guy]

please get one that is quiet, it may help you get them home in one piece.

[pianotuna]

Champion 3100 or 3500 with electric start would be my choice.

http://www.championpowerequipment.com/products/inverters/75537i-3100w-inverter/

[samsontdog]

I had a EU3000 Honda Gen worked great except in the mountains at 6,000 feet. So now I have two EU 2000 Hondas which I hook together . They run every thing. Or leave one home if your sure you want need the A/C