Alternative to Honda/Yamaha generators??

[herkvet]

I recently saw this Generac generator in a local store and was intrigued by its much lower price compared to either of the "top" brands. I am shopping for a generator for my 2014 25' FC and was wondering if anyone had actually bought a Generac and what their experience was. Seems like it could power up the AC and do everything at a much lower entry $ of $589 with a two year warranty. Thoughts? Thanks for any and all imput.
Jim

Generac Power Systems | Portable Generator | iX Series | iX2000 | Generac Power Systems
Generac's iX Series 2000 Watt inverter technology takes the raw power produced by the generator and passes it through a special electronic microprocessor to provide clean and stable power, safe for computers and other sensitive electronic devices.

Features:
• 2000 watts of clean power to safely power sensitive electronics.
• Electronic circuit breakers protect against overload.
• Low oil shutdown protection prevent engine from damage.
• FlexPower to save fuel and reduce noise.
• 12V DC charging outlet.
• Control Panel Indicator Light.
• Run time at 50% load 4.7 hours.
• Emissions Certification: 49-State

[wahoonc]

I have a regular Generac construction style generator... I have not been happy with a lot of the "features" they put on them. They have a tendency to be poorly designed and executed. Things like long plastic handles for a fuel shut off that stripped the first time it was used, feet that fold over if someone pushes on the generator, etc.

Another brand that is getting decent reviews is the Champion line of inverters generators. I have seen several of them first hand and at half the price of the Yamaha/Honda they are a lot of bang for the buck. One major issue is the small fuel tank size, and because they don't have a fuel pump using a extended run tank is a challenge.

I can sympathize with the cost of red or blue, they are expensive initially, however they seem to last forever with minimal added cost. I have a Honda construction generator that is almost 20 years old with over 4,000 hours on it still going strong. It still starts on the first or second pull, even after sitting for months at a time.

Aaron

[Skater]

Previously discussed.

[64airstream]

We have a Honda 1000 Inverter model that we've used for several years to recharge the battery, etc. This summer, we bought a Ryobi 2200 Inverter model for a little additional capacity. It works well, and is very quiet. They have an extendable handle and wheels. The handle is a little on the flimsy side, so I expect that will eventually break. Overall, a good unit, at just over half the price of the equivalent Honda.

Roy

[overlander63]

Originally Posted by Skater

Previously discussed.

What he said.

[r carl]

Buy a generator that has a 3yr warranty.

[AnnArborBob]

Whatever brand or style (inverter vs. contractor) of generator you get, be aware that a 2000 watt unit will not run your AC properly. You might get the AC to start up using the 2,000, but there will be insufficient power and you will probably damage the AC unit. Some people run the 13.5 AC units with 3,000 watt generators but most people use a larger unit or a pair of 2,000's running in tandem.

[68 TWind]

I have a Champion 2000W that I purchased at Sam's club about 3 years ago. Cranks the first pull and I have had zero problems. I paid a little less than $500 for it. It weighs just a few pounds more than a Honda but not much and is quiet. I see they now have a 3000W inverter model. I would have bought that if it had been an option so that I could run the AC.

[B00merang]

Good Morning, Herkvet
Since you invested in a beautiful new 25' FC why look to cut corners now? Why not keep doing it right and continue to buy quality so you won't second-guess yourself down the road. I bought the 2@2,000W Honda units, and save weight by only taking the Companion with me to charge batteries, make early morning coffee etc during my spring, winter, and fall trips when I don't need AC. If you go that route, heed AnnArbor Bob's advice, tho. Jon

[dannydimitt]

Have had two of the Champion 4000/3500 watt generators , they both start first pull 100 % of the time , will run the AC and microwave without a problem , will run a long long time on a tank of gas , the only drawback is they are noisier than the high priced Honda's. simply can't justify in my mind paying 2000. bucks if a 300 dollar unit will provide all the electricity we need .

[Moflash]

You can buy a Honda or Yamaha and use it for years and they retain their value whereas the off brands that you save a couple of hundred dollars buying are worth nothing (if they still even work).So being cheap (frugal)is more expensive and kinda foolish.

[Drathaar]

Regardless of what ever brand you choose, don't leave fuel in the tank and/or carburetor for extended periods. Both the Honda and Yamaha generators have a tendency to gum up fairly quickly (couple of months) when not used. Then you get to either tear down the carburetor, or have someone do it. I also recommend using a fuel treatment like Stabil.

[dznf0g]

Originally Posted by Drathaar

Regardless of what ever brand you choose, don't leave fuel in the tank and/or carburetor for extended periods. Both the Honda and Yamaha generators have a tendency to gum up fairly quickly (couple of months) when not used. Then you get to either tear down the carburetor, or have someone do it. I also recommend using a fuel treatment like Stabil.

I leave gas in my tanks all the time...over winter. I run the carb dry, and have Stabil as well as Chevron Techron in the gas....and yes , it IS 10% ethanol gas. Never an issue in any of my small engines. 2 strokes get Seafoam and Stabil.
(shouldn't use Techron in 2 strokes)

[tyggeln]

There's a thread on a Smart Tools Generator available at COSTCO. Doing a quick compare the Generac is about 5 more pounds, 400W more but no spec on noise, for the ~same price give or take 10 bucks.

Generac is a well known name and I would think its worth a look, especially if you can get it from a seller with great warranty and return service.

I'll probably go for the generator on sale at COSTCO (has a Yamaha motor) for just that reason. Looks like its available in CA too.

[herkvet]

After a long day at work I have enjoyed coming home and reading this thread. Thanks everyone for their comments and thoughts. The FC 25' is put to bed for the winter,unfortunately, so I have lots of time to decide what I will be doing before the long trip out west next year. Next time I post I'll do a search first.

[Drathaar]

Rich, you're fine with just running the carb dry. I do prefer to not leave gas in the tanks.

[Silver.Sanctuary]

Originally Posted by dannydimitt

Have had two of the Champion 4000/3500 watt generators , the only drawback is they are noisier than the high priced Honda's... simply can't justify in my mind paying 2000. bucks if a 300 dollar unit will provide all the electricity we need .

I can see how you might feel that way, but I don't even run my Honda 2000s except mid day because I don't want to bother other campers. If you have electric service, you don't need to run the generator, so I expect you are talking about unimproved sites. Solar users would consider my units loud, but Champions are considerably louder unless you built a sound absorbing box of some kind, and it seems more places are restricting generators due to the inability to enforce rules that differentiate between loud versus quiet generators.

[dannydimitt]

bought a 5000 watt Coleman generator with flathead Briggs and Stratton engine from the Home depot in 92 or 93 when a hurricane was due the next day . The noisy old beast still works perfectly and have on numerous occasions plugged it into my welder plug in the garage and fed all the lights , frig and freezer , and the well pump motor . Of coarse only after shutting off the main breaker to the commercial power source . Have always run the carb. dry and drained the tank because it might be a year or two between uses .

[dznf0g]

Originally Posted by Drathaar

Rich, you're fine with just running the carb dry. I do prefer to not leave gas in the tanks.

Yes, If you remove the side cover and disconnect the white connector in the lower right corner (ignition cutoff circuit) when you turn off the black shutdown knob it will turn off the gas only, and not shut off the engine. This allows you to run the carb dry. Re-install the connector when it stalls.

[Moflash]

If you add a little Seafoam fuel conditioner ($10 at any auto parts store)to your gens and then run them for a couple off mins before you put them away they will always run perfect when you need them again.Lasts up to 2 years.I have used it in everything from Lamborghini's to chain saws for the last 15 years,