3000W Chinese Gensets Info.

professor95 wrote:

blulaker wrote:
I would like to ask you some questions about how to choose the correct genset for a 3 KW home back up unit (I know you talked about markings on the motor to show manufacture somewhere but I cant find it!). It seems like you guys have a favorite (JD?) manufacture from China and it is sold under many different names and outlets. I am a bit overwhelmed by all the info....if you could give me some guidance on what to look for on these units to ensure I get the one you guys feel is the best I would apreciate it.

Oh boy.... you sure know how to put a guy on the spot.

I could NOT even begin to tell you which brand is best. But, I can share that I am personally partial to Champion Power Equipment due to their practice of building and selling only under their own name, excellent tech support and warranty along with their positive response to the needs of the RV community. The 120 volt only units like my 40008, sold by UltraFab, and the new Home Depot models have the cleanest output of any Chinese genset I have had the pleasure to examine. I can't give you the technical reason (maybe Mr. Wizard can?) but these two models have an alternator that is wound differently from the others.

The WEN Power Pro sold by Pep Boys Auto is also an excellent, well built unit. Tech support and parts are a little harder to come by.

DuroPower carries a ton of different genset models. Check them out at their web site. Most any type and model is available on-line. They also have an extensive parts catalog on their web site. Negative comments about DuroPower have been minimal.

Jiang Dong perhaps builds more gensets under an assortment of labels than any other Chinese company. Look at the engine serial number. If it begins with the letter "J" stamped into the block (NOT dot matrix numbers) chances are it is a Jiang Dong unit.

BTW, I had the opportunity to spend a few hours with an Onan Homesite genset a few weeks ago. I liked the GFCI on the 120 volt outlet, but that was about all that impressed me more than other Chinese built brands. The engine serial number began with a "J", so Jiang Dong is a good possibility for the builder. There is no voltage selector switch, so the power is split between two outlets. I did not have a chance to "scope" the output. Funny thing, the owner did not realize he had bought a Chinese built genset. All he looked at was the emerald green color and the Onan name. He was kinda POed when he discovered he had paid $600 for pretty much the same thing he could have bought in a different color for half that amount.

Hope this helps. Just be reminded these are OPINIONS not necessarily facts. I guess you know the saying about opinions? Everyone has one just like an ............

The Onan Homesite 6500 that I own is manufactured by Chongqing Loncin General-Purpose Engine Co., LTD. I can attest to the quality of this genset, having mine in use for over two years now. It has the 120/240 voltage selector switch. I have not experienced any problems (manufacturing or shipping) with the unit. It is the only chinese made generator that I have found advertised with a heavy duty cast iron cylinder sleeve. As far as price is concerned, the Homesite is a bit more expensive than other chinese made gensets, but Costco.com (where I bought mine for $679) regularly has these gensets at a more affordable price than other online vendors.

byates