I'm in the market for a generator, and being "Mr. Costco" have been interested in a new offering for costco.com: the Cummins Onan P3200ie Inverter Generator that operates at 58db.
I've also been looking at the Honda eu3000is, which everyone says is a great, reliable unit. It also operates at 58db, so it's equally if not more quiet.
These two generators are at about the same price. The Cummins actually costs about $100 more than the Honda (which I can buy from a local dealer), but it comes backed by Costco's customer service warranty.
Which generator would you recommend, and why?[/font][/color]
The two generators are rated at the same dB at full load, but unless the Cummins/Onan has the same eco-throttle that the Honda has, it may be much louder under an average load condition.
Don't forget to look at the Yamaha 3000 w/boost, some say it is even quieter than the Honda and will provide more oomph for AC start up.
Honda and Yamaha have great reputations and service centers everywhere.
John
__________________ Travel is in my blood, adventure is my passport, aluminum is my favorite construction medium, and therefore, an Airstream was my destiny.
I built several spec-houses on a Honda generator. When I wanted one for RVing I bought a low hours Honda 3000i with extras for $1500 on Craig's List. Starts easily, runs quietly and economically, can be serviced anywhere, and has a great resale. Kinda like an Airstream: You don't have to explain why you bought it or convince anyone of its value.
The two generators are rated at the same dB at full load, but unless the Cummins/Onan has the same eco-throttle that the Honda has, it may be much louder under an average load condition.
Good point John. They are very quiet with low loads. I've heard heard my eu2000i at full load (see Night Terror on the Gunflint Trail). It could have been louder I guess. I'm not sure air conditioning would be worth doing with all that noise. I'd sit out under the awning or jump in a lake first. Depends who your neighbors are or what you compare it to -- I can't forget a straight pipe diesel engine running an irrigation rig two miles away. Whew!
I believe the Costco units have a Robbins-Subaru engine in them; I went with Kipor brand 2600w rated inverter generator for $700 shipped off eBay, they are clones of Hondas under license. But a Honda will last for 5000-10000 hours depending while the others may be termed 'disposible'....
Thanks for the replies. After reading up on the Yamaha 3000i SEB, it may be the winner. Operates at 51db, and the boost feature (boosts power to 3500 watts for up to 10 seconds) will no doubt be appreciated when it's time to fire up the A/C.
Wow... and here after reading this thread's title I'm thinking... like... maybe a one-ton Dually Dodge vs. the Honda Ridgeline??????
Roger
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AIR 2053 “A generation which ignores history has no past and no future.” Robert Heinlein 2006 Bigfoot 25B25RQ towed by a 2001 Born Free 23RK moho
I'm in the market for a generator, and being "Mr. Costco" have been interested in a new offering for costco.com: the Cummins Onan P3200ie Inverter Generator that operates at 58db.
Onan contracted out to have these made: they do not have the quality for which "Onan" is known.
Additionally, my buddy, who is in the know with Onan, tells me that if the repair tech determines that more than two hours of labor is needed for repairs, they will scrape (as in not repair) the generator.
What's really funny about the title is that after weighing Cummins vs. Honda!, I'm favoring a Yamaha. I will strive for more inclusive titles in the future.
Thanks Spiffy...the Onan is fading to third place in my book.
What's really funny about the title is that after weighing Cummins vs. Honda!, I'm favoring a Yamaha. I will strive for more inclusive titles in the future.
Thanks Spiffy...the Onan is fading to third place in my book.
Good choice....but remember....all of the gens in this size range are heavy, around 150 lbs, at least the Yamaha has two big handles and great wheels, but even though it is heavy, I would buy one again.
John
__________________ Travel is in my blood, adventure is my passport, aluminum is my favorite construction medium, and therefore, an Airstream was my destiny.
Good to know about the weight... We tow with a pickup truck (Ford F250) so the generator is going in the bed. We plan to chain / bolt it in place, so hopefully we won't have to move it very often.
Good to know about the weight... We tow with a pickup truck (Ford F250) so the generator is going in the bed. We plan to chain / bolt it in place, so hopefully we won't have to move it very often.
Yep, that is what we do, just leave it in the bed and get a second power cable to cover the extra distance to the front of the truck bed even when the truck is not coupled to the AS. The bed and cab actually insulate the sound even more, you can't even hear the gen running at 5 feet in front of the truck, of course except when you the boost hits for the AC start.
The front wheels of the Yamaha 3000 lock so it is very stable with tie downs and we use a cable lock with chain end to the factory corner hold downs in the bottom front of the bed. We cover the gen with a round BBQ cover when not in use and while on the road, works well as a good stealth device, the bad guys think it is just a BBQ.
John
__________________ Travel is in my blood, adventure is my passport, aluminum is my favorite construction medium, and therefore, an Airstream was my destiny.
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