We are shopping for a generator to run the A/C and a few other small things on our 29' Excella while we aren't on hookups. I've calculated it out, and it seems that a 3500 watt generator would do just fine -- but I'm having a hard time deciding on a brand. Everyone keeps talking Yamaha and Honda, but we're on a budget, so those are a bit out of reach. But I've found 3 options we can afford:
I've been trying to compare the noise level (not sure what the Troy-Bilt is, but the other two seem low at 67 dBA), the run time on one tank, the weight (all seem about equivalent on these issues). The Gentron is superior in the fact that it has a 30-amp plug, so we wouldn't need an adapter like we would with the other two to hook directly into it, but I've never heard of this brand before. Also, there's the issue of whether propane or gas is going to be more affordable in the long run, and which will be easier to deal with. Any input would be greatly appreciated!
The best generators are quiet.
Having said that, my generator, a Lincoln welder is noisy and industrial.
The Chinese are copying the Japanese and you can get one of those for about 1/2 to 1/3 the price of the Honda. No telling how long it will last though.
I tripped over a running Honda at a barn raising, that is how quiet they are.
How about buying a used Honda? Do you need the noise that bad?
Our generator is only used during work and power outages, when the noise is necessary.
R
__________________
Robert
"Talk is cheap, Airstreams are expensive," Wally Byam.
Buy in haste, repent at leisure; been there, done that.
"You cannot rush quality," fastRob.
I've been trying to compare the noise level (not sure what the Troy-Bilt is, but the other two seem low at 67 dBA), the run time on one tank, the weight (all seem about equivalent on these issues). The Gentron is superior in the fact that it has a 30-amp plug, so we wouldn't need an adapter like we would with the other two to hook directly into it, but I've never heard of this brand before. Also, there's the issue of whether propane or gas is going to be more affordable in the long run, and which will be easier to deal with. Any input would be greatly appreciated!
Compare those figures to the Yamaha EF300iSEB at 51-57 db to figure out why it is so popular. Honda 2000's even in parallel are quiet.
__________________ Craig
AIR #0078
'01 2500hd ext. cab, 8.1 litre gas, 5 sp. Allison auto
3.73 rear end
Mag-Hytec rear diff cover
Amsoil Dual by-pass oil filtration system
Amsoil synthetics all around
265 watt AM Solar, Inc. system
The Gentron is made by Chang-Zhou in China. I have seen them and held them in my hands. I don't care for them, they are, in person, a cheap-looking unit. You get what you pay for. If you want a good quality, quiet, long-lived unit, go with a Honda, or Yamaha, or equivalent. They are more expensive, for a reason.
Also, I can stand next to our Honda while it's running, and carry on a conversation (remember I am hard of hearing). I can do the same with my sister-in-law's Honda 3000.
Thanks for the advice -- any suggestions of the best place to go to get a good price on a Honda or Yamaha -- either online or a chain store that we might have in the Washington DC area? What is the best "decibel" rating I should be looking for? Everything I read made it sound like 67 was quiet -- but I can see that there are clearly some that rate even lower. I do want quiet -- I'm just not in the market to be able to spend over $1000 on a generator right now. Thanks!
What is the best "decibel" rating I should be looking for? Everything I read made it sound like 67 was quiet -- but I can see that there are clearly some that rate even lower. I do want quiet -- I'm just not in the market to be able to spend over $1000 on a generator right now. Thanks!
Decibels work kind of like the richter scale for earthquakes. Every 10 db is a doubling in volume. 67 is twice as loud as 57. Our Honda is quieter than the roof fan in our coach, the fan drowns out the noise of the Honda. To be honest, it IS a noisy fan, but not that bad.
It seems that a couple of years ago, Honda made their dealers stop posting prices on the 'net, so you'll have to call around. I have seen Honda 2000's for $899, but you have to call to get the price. Find someplace that offers free shipping, and a price match, make sure they have what you want, and call around to see if you can beat the price, then call them back with the lower price, and name of the dealer that had it.
A 2000 will not quite run your air conditioner, and is kind of overpowered for running everything else. Maybe you could look at a Honda 1000, they are even quieter than a 2000, will also run most everything on your coach, though not all at once, weighs a bit over half what a 2000 does, and uses even less gas. They can be had for well under $600.
Sooo, your choices would be to find a 3000 watt generator that will run everything, that will take two people to lift and move, for about $1800, or a smaller one that will run everything but the air, but one person can easily lift and carry, for half the cost (or less).
We used generator used during remote field tests that is rated at 75db full load and I can tell you from personal experience you do not want to be near it for more than a few minutes. We run a partial load so I expect it was in the mid 60db range but even at that it is almost impossible to carry a conversation and without a doubt, the announcement that the testing is complete is via the "Turn off that d@%^" Generator" statement.
We just sprung for the Honda EU00is and you can sit on it and converse
BTW our old generator was also a Honda, an EB6500
__________________ Hi Ho Silver RV!
Vernon, Sarah, Mac the Border Collie and- 'Epiphany' the 29' Airstream
Check out Pressure Washers, Portable Generators, Mowers, Lawn + Garden | Northern Tool + Equipment site for a store near you. A friend just picked up two Honda 2000 gens and parallel kit for a little over $1,300 during a grand opening of one of their new stores. I don't know what their regular price would be. You could also buy one now and one next year if that fits your budget.
__________________ Craig
AIR #0078
'01 2500hd ext. cab, 8.1 litre gas, 5 sp. Allison auto
3.73 rear end
Mag-Hytec rear diff cover
Amsoil Dual by-pass oil filtration system
Amsoil synthetics all around
265 watt AM Solar, Inc. system
Terry please advise me where I can get a Honda 1000 for "well under 600 bucks". I got my money in hand!! DG
Our local Camping World has them on "sale" (maybe they bought too many?) for $569.00. Also, Northern has them for around the same price, maybe $10 or so cheaper.
Terry , thanks CW out here does not appear to have that deal! That's a great price!And the Northern tool sit does not list the H1000. Guess I'll check back with Mayberries and a few other places. BTW there is a "california" specific H1000. can you believe that bull. yup more money, Thanks again
just called ?Northern H1000 is $699.99 plus 23.04 ups -nope
__________________
In any firefight,
nobody cares what you did yesterday,
or what you may do tomorrow.
The only thing that matters
is what you are doing right now.
Proud Appellation American
Last edited by doorgunner; 06-29-2007 at 12:51 AM.
Reason: more info
Terry , thanks CW out here does not appear to have that deal! That's a great price!And the Northern tool sit does not list the H1000. Guess I'll check back with Mayberries and a few other places. BTW there is a "california" specific H1000. can you believe that bull. yup more money, Thanks again
DG, You mentioned a trip to Tahoe in another post why not check the prices there?
LAUGHING WAY OUT LOUD!!! Milo, I can tell you never purchased anything at Lake Tahoe. Why not drop yours off the truck saturday morning while I'm making the espresso's!! See you at the crack of dawn saturday my friend!
__________________
In any firefight,
nobody cares what you did yesterday,
or what you may do tomorrow.
The only thing that matters
is what you are doing right now.
Quick Links
Linear Mode
