curt12914 wrote:
When I had problems with one of my EU2000i's, the carb had loosened and ruined the spacer and gasket. They did not have one in stock, but they took the pars out of a (new),generator they had in stock, to get mine going.
Don't get me wrong. I have consistently defended Champion generators as a low cost alternative (to a Honda or Generator). I have a frind that has one (on my recommendation) that has good luck with it.
I try to call a spade a shovel. There are good points to the Champion (price, acceptable noise level, customer support, etc.), but there are also (what I feel are) some downfalls. I know their customer support is reported to be good, but I don't feel that I should have to trouble shoot the problem with a tech's assistance. You pay more for a Honda or Yamaha, but dealers (that stock parts and do service) are easy to find, even in a very rural area like where we live (four Honda dealers within 30 miles that I can think of off hand).
Getting back to the original topic, I just don't think saving a couple hundred dollars for a new Champion inverter generator (compared to a Honda or Yamaha) that is new and unproven is something I would be interested in.
The original Champion's could be often found in the $200 - $300 range, which is a substantial saving over the $1700 price tag of twin Honda's. I would be willing to take a chance at that price, but I don't have any interest in the inverter generators at their present price, at least not until they have been around a few years to find out their longevity and reputation.
Believe me I looked hard at the "perfect pair", twin Honda2K's w/ the parallel kit. But the way the economy is hitting my family right now, especially being in construction, just couldn't see dropping the 2 grand on 'em. I'm not like all the richy retired folk out there that pull into a campground, push some buttons, roll out the slides, pop out the awning, plug in the hookups while sipping a mai tai the whole time. You know who you are! (my parents) I'm the guy with the beater truck, straggling in late because work took too long to find no good campsites left, trying to get her level, sewer hose won't reach, gettin' the bikes out before they put another dent in the cabinets, cranking the jacks by hand, forgot the wood for the firepit, tryin' to stop 3 kids from yellin' while drinkin' a pabst blue ribbon the whole time kinda guy.
I saw this coupon in the Costco book & finally dropped some coin on a cheapo, chinese made, noisy, sold in the good 'ole USA yellow generator. It's been a dream of mine for a while now to be self contained with most of the amenities including satellite tv, AC, micro, auto coffee pot, etc... Now I can. And for less than $400 I can sit in the comfort of my own tiny trailer, push my remote button & have all that. I just hope I don't offend anyone while doin' it. Oh crap, now I've gotta buy a bigger gas can, this 2 gal one ain't gonna cut it. And a longer cord...I don't wanna hear this thing crankin' all day. Looks like Father's Day came a little early this year in our household. Have fun out there. Be safe.
