3000W Chinese Gensets Info.

[professor95]

professor95 wrote:
EDIT ADDED 45/5/2013- When this thread started in March of 2005, I never expected to see it survive this long or amass the quantity of information that has been shared here.

In the eight year run of this thread we have amassed almost 10,000 postings and surpassed a million views. This creates somewhat of a dilemma for anyone who has just discovered the forum.

Since the amount of information is virtually overwhelming, I suggest you set your preferences for this thread to read "newest first" and then begin to page backwards.

What you will find in these pages is a wealth of info on virtually any make or model of Chinese manufactured synchronous (non-inverter) generator in the 3,000 watt performance class. Info will include how to rewire series coils to parallel to obtain maximum wattage from a single 120 volt outlet. Tips on further reducing sound levels, how to care for these generators, which ones are "RV ready" and provide the best overall performance for the dollar invested. Which companies NOT to deal with, where the best prices are, how to safely wire the generator into a home or RV, how to check your RV for electrical faults, sources for generator accessories, which 20/30 adapters are safe to use and which are not. How to convert a gasoline generator to propane or NG. This is only the beginning. The forum has a life of its own with the focus sub-topic switching frequently. Still, the main topic of utilizing the amazing, inexpensive Chinese gensets is always there. The amount of creativity and innovation presented in these pages is indicative of the talents shared in the diverse backgrounds of the folks who make up our combined RV community.

Many of the original brands and models of Chinese gensets mentioned in the introduction and early pages of the thread have since disappeared. New EPA and CARB emissions requirements, company bonds assuring the emissions warranty will be honored even if the company goes out of business, and fierce competition in the industry have changed the playing field. Champion Power Equipment has become the apparent "trophy team" providing an ever expanding retail outlet, an ample parts supply, a strong warranty and excellent customer service. CPE has continued to improve their product and now offers a new model (#46538) with exclusive convenience, safety and performance features aimed at the RV market. Big names like Cummins/Onan, Honda and Generac all now have Chinese built open frame synchronous gensets available. Ironically, the prices often found on these gensets has not significantly changed during the past eight years - even with the devaluation of the American Dollar and new EPA/CARB requirements.

I also encourage you to use the search function and even the advanced search options to find information. Key works such as "rewiring", "PowerPro", "Champion", "Onan Homesite", "Duropower", "ETQ", "Jiung Dong or JD", "Tractor Supply", "Costco", "Lowe's" and "Home Depot" are all examples of keywords that will give you specific information on different models being sold by retailers today.

Or, you can fill your glass with your favorite beverage (keep more close by - maybe some munchies as well :D, sit back at your computer, tell your wife (or significant other) that you will see her in the morning and spend the next 10 or so hours reading through the postings.

No one on the forum gets mad if you ask a question that is a repeat. Please do not hesitate to post to the forum. All questions are considered important and those active on the forum will do their best to respond with a valid answer.

Also note we are not out to knock the Honda, Yamaha, Kipor or other brands of high end digital gensets. We recognize the quality of these products and their suitability for quite, efficient RV use. But, there is a flood of reliable, inexpensive and comparatively lower cost gensets coming out of China that are excellent alternative choices for the RVer wanting power to run an air conditioner, microwave, etc. without excessive noise or breaking the budget.

Oh, one last thing. The folks on this forum are true gentlemen. We do not flame one another or the product discussed - period. Ugly contributors usually have their comments and remarks ignored by our masses. It is not a forum to start arguments to obtain a clear win. We do disagree on many issues, but we have all agreed to do that in a respectable manner.

We now have the introduction of more and more inverter gensets. There is a rather extensive thread named "The Official Unofficial Champion 2000i Generator" on this forum. Today, I added info on the new Champion 3100i inverter genset. Discussion on this product may get moved to its own thread at a later date.

Many have looked upon this thread with distain saying Chinese is cheap and doomed to failure. I remember saying exactly the same thing about Japanese products a few decades back. But, over the past eight years the track record for Chinese built generators has shown otherwise.

Please, join us in a fascinating journey down the Chinese built genset road of knowledge.

This is the question I posted that got it all started back in March 2005.......

Randy

For a little over a month now, I have been somewhat intrigued by the availability of a 3000 watt, 6.5 HP generator at Pep Boys and Northern Tool for under $300.00. The engine on this generator looks identical to a Honda 6.5 HP OHV engine. Knowing that the Chinese have become very adept at “cloning” reputable technologies from other manufacturers, I was not surprised at the similarities. Neither store could give me any information on the generator nor did they have a “running” display model.

I have done a little research. This is what I have discovered:

Many of these generators are imported by ELIM International (www.eliminternational.com) out of Buffalo, New York from Jiung Manufacturing in China. (The unit at Northern is identical but carries the JIUNG name.)

The engines are indeed a Chinese knockoff of the popular 6.5 HP 196cc Honda Engine. “Supposedly” Honda has licensed the engine technology to the Chinese manufacturer of the product.

The Chinese company that makes the ELM3000 generators is a rather large, diverse, long-standing company with a reputation for “above average quality” Chinese made products (Jiung Manufacturing). There are many more Chinese companies making almost identical gensets.

The generators at PepBoys do have a six month limited warranty. But, it is only on the engine (not the generator) and requires paying for shipping to and from Buffalo. Probably not a very practical thing to do if you have warranty issues.

ELIM does supply replacement parts (a PDF parts manual is available on the ELIM web site). No prices are given for replacement parts nor is there an “availability listing”.

The generator head itself is a brushless design. The only really significant wear parts in the generator are the bearings – most likely universally available.

The published dB rating is 67 at 23 feet. This is “reasonably” quite for a generator of this size as most comparabl.... The 67 dB rating is the same as Honda gives their 3000 watt CycloInverter with a “look alike” eng...

[Katdaddy]

Somewhere in here is a discussion on a box to minimize the sound of the generator. Can anyone tell me which page so I don't have the read the whole thread again.

Thanks!

[Emptyspaces]

jking2000 wrote:
I dropped by the my Local PepBoys and they have the Power Pro 3500 series, the sales man also showed me a Power Pro 5500 series from the same company. I am looking for an affordable RV generator as well as House Backup generator for Storm Season. Will this one work for both needs? Thanks for all the Information!

James, that gen might be OK for a house backup providing you're only planning to run the fridge, freezer, TV, fans, and some lights. What these generators won't do is run a central A/C or whole house electric heat. (You would be surprised how many people think they will). To do that you'll need atleast a 15-20kw generator. I have one that drives off a 30hp diesel tractor PTO to meet that need.

For camping, it might be a little on the heavy (and possibly noisy side for public campgrounds). The best thing to do is research a lot on the Internet and do the math as far as adding up your power needs. Always keep in mind A/C compressors and other electric motors require a considerable amount more current at start than when running. A trick I use on the camper is to turn up the A/C thermostat, start the A/C blower then reset the thermostat whick kicks in the compressor. This reduces needed start up current. Since the blower runs full time only the compressor cycles.

[Emptyspaces]

Followup on ELM3000 customer support. Talked with Mark Krohn (thanks VicT) Wed. and had already sent the parts I needed. He appologized for not emailing me back. Parts arrived in the mail yesterday. That's first rate customer support. One thing someone buying a gen like this should consider is customer support and parts availability. Appears Elim International is putting forth a good effort.

Also does anyone know of another source for the Power Maximizer 30-15 Adaptor Here sold by rvsurplussalvage.com? I can't bring myself to pay $15 shipping for an item that should ship for around $5.

[jking2000]

I dropped by the my Local PepBoys and they have the Power Pro 3500 series, the sales man also showed me a Power Pro 5500 series from the same company. I am looking for an affordable RV generator as well as House Backup generator for Storm Season. Will this one work for both needs? Thanks for all the Information!

James King

[ib516]

My Elim3000 arrived today. 6 days to get it to Canada, not bad. Mind you I paid almost as much for shipping as I did for the Gen. Anyway, onto the Generator itself.

It arrived on it's side, there was no "THIS SIDE UP" label on it anywhere, so I could imagine why VicT had the oil all over his. Mine had a bit of oil on it, but I washed it all off by overfilling it with gas...oops!

Takes very little oil (500ml or so - thats 1/2 a quart for you yanks;-)). It runs great, no smoke, all switches in tact, starts easily.

For any other Canadians thinking of buying this gen, I got it off of ebay from ELiminternational, total cost to my door, $573.23 CDN. That includes taxes (and Sask has a 7% PST), duty, brokerage fees, etc. I am quite happy.

My DW and Dkids have the TT in the CG right now, I am working nights, so I'll test it out running the A/C etc, and report back.

One more thing..thanks professor95

[hgarraway]

On Ebay there is a listing for an Omega Pro 3000 watt generator with pictures. It seems to have the same engine and generator head as the JD/ELIM units. It has a switch for 120/240 operation meaning all current can be made available to the one 120 outlet. It has 12 volts out as well, a nicer panel than the ELIM 3000 (IMHO), comes with wheels and a cover.

[mavapa]

Well, I just took the plunge today. I bought the Eliminator 3000 off eBay. Total including shipping was around $350. I think that is a pretty decent price for this type of generator.

[77charger]

Well i picked up my duro power 3500(same as the red powerwises)today.It does use the honda clone motor(juang dang motor),Has wheels with it,gas gauge,volt guage and large muffler.It does route all availible power to one outlet 30 amps unless you are using both outlets,not that loud either.Just added oil and gas started up with 2 pulls.
I let it run for about 10-15 minutes then plugged into trailer fired up a/c very easily didnt strain havent done anymore with it.They had the 3000 watt models in also they were 220.00 mine was 250.00.They charge 100 bucks for shipping.Was close enough for me to go pick up this morning in so cal.

[ZEKEDAWG]

I have had my powerwise 3500 for about 3 months. It just paid for it self last weekend. I ran it for probably 16 hours in the nevada desert. I went out for a ride on my dirt bike. I came back and it was about 85 degrees at 9 am. Sweating like crazy, I turned the AC on in my 18 ft wilderness, my kids were watching old tom and jerry cartoons, I ate my breakfast that the wife had made and after I ate I laid on the bed with the ac blasting away. IT WAS HEAVEN ON EARTH. I couldn't hear the generator outside. When you are outside you could hear it but it wasn't annoying. Anything past 50 feet and the noise disappeared anyways.

All in all there were 3 powerwise 3500 on the trip and they all kick a**.

Note: my gas guage leaked so I took some RVT and put it around the inside of the guage and on top of the tank , this fixed the problem. The guage sorta works but I can take the cap off to see how much gas I have left. Besides i think i used 3 gallons of gas in 10-16 hours run time.

[toprudder]

youth4him wrote:
I saw in "heartland america" that they carry a 1000w with 12vdc genset for $200. It's 15x12x14, so small, but no idea on the noise level. For those of you looking for a pretty small one and if you don't have a/c, that might be an option.

I have no info on it other than what's on the site, and just thought I'd pass it along...

The only negative I see is that it is a two-stroke.

[mavapa]

Woops. Accidental post. Sorry.

[youth4him]

Just an fyi:

I saw in "heartland america" that they carry a 1000w with 12vdc genset for $200. It's 15x12x14, so small, but no idea on the noise level. For those of you looking for a pretty small one and if you don't have a/c, that might be an option.

I have no info on it other than what's on the site, and just thought I'd pass it along...

http://www.heartlandamerica.com/item/default.asp?SKU=50536&r=a1&f=f

[Le_gosse_Creole]

Well my new ELM3000L came through last week. We took our TT for it’s first week long camping trip at our families home in the country. The old house sits on a little over 2 acres of land. I pulled in and set up near the work shed. I had to run the power and water lines about 100’. The a/c ran for 25 mins and tripped the shed breaker. The breaker is located inside the shed, and guess who didn’t bring a key. Good thing I brought the generator. Fired it up and was able to run a/c ,lights. refer and 20” TV. Had to shut down a/c for microwave use though. It ran with it but the gen set would strain to keep up. On a full tank of gas it ran 9 hours in 93 degree heat. I left the generator in the bed of my truck about 10’ away and could not hear it when the a/c was on. We left the TT there because we’re going back for the 4th. While at home I was showing a friend the ELM (he’s buying one soon) and it would not start. After 6 pulls the recoil sprung. Dang it! Ops, didn’t turn the fuel valve on. 😮 A call to ELM and in 12 hours I got a new recoil starter. 3 bolts and away it goes. Works great when it has gas! :B

[Emptyspaces]

Thanks VicT, I'll contact them today. Never did get a reply sent to Tracey Vaughan. I think she is over esales but you would think she would just forward my message to the right person.

mavapa, they are selling them on Ebay through there online store there.

Run a search on EBay for "Eliminator 3000". They are selling for $269.99 plus shipping which is steep but was the only way to buy one in my area. Shipping to North Louisiana was nearly $86 via UPS. I figured even if they had been available locally at $299 by the time I paid local sales tax and fuel to pick it up it would be close to the same.

Oddly, my daughter inquired about becoming a dealer since they operate two auto electric shops on the Gulf Coast (generators seem to sell well the day before a hurricane hits) and the "Dealer Price" for the EBay $269.99 unit is $299. Go figure!

[mavapa]

I supect that the more expensive, name-brand generators are of higher quality and probably of greater durability. However, they are considerably more expensive, especially for only occasional use, and they do not offer 220 V output. The final point is the clincher for me. Now if they would just get the ELM 3000 back in stock, I would order one.