Opinion on best inverter generator

[open01]

I installed a Generac 3500W inverter generator in the front of our 72 31ft. Sovereign international. It is in the space where the spare tire normally goes, under the bed/setee. It runs our AC fine, is nor visible from the outside, runs on propane.

[Milo1952]

Don't know which is Best.
This is the criteria I used.

Affordability- how much does it cost ?
Brand - name brand with solid reputation.
Weight -Not too heavy
noise- subjective I am hard of hearing, so what is not too loud for me may be too loud for you.
Flexibility- gas only or dual fuel.
serviceability-network of service centers or authorized repair facilities.
Desirability- Do you like the appearance. Will it do the job you need it to do.

Taking all this into consideration my choice was (drum roll please ...)

CHAMPION 3400 DUAL FUEL

It resides in the back of my pickup, so weight is not a big issue.
If I run out of gas ( I carry a 5 gal can ) I switch to propane.
About $900 bucks
The name Champion
get it serviced just about anywhere.
Good looking machine that gets the job done.

Decide what is important to you, Then you will have found YOUR best
generator.

[AirMiles]

Originally Posted by Keyair

Harbor Freight 3500.

Allegedly quieter than the Honda.
Under $700, so 1/3 the price of the Honda...

Can be converted to Propane.


Lots of people love em, and have had good service.
I'm running the little HF 2000, and its been stellar so far.
2x 2000s are not enough to supply my Motorhome, sadly.

I am seriously considering 2x 3500s to replace the aging, noisy Kohler 7000.

I boondock at NASCAR race campgrounds and get the opportunity to "experience" all brands and types of generators. The Harbor Freight 3500 is one of the best sounding and quietest generators on the market. To my ear, it is as pleasant sounding as the Honda 3000. It is quieter than my Champion 3400 Dual Fuel. I prefer my Dual Fuel because I only run it on propane. The Harbor Freight 3500 is a great choice for those wanting a super quiet inexpensive gas powered generator.

[Keyair]

Apparently, this is the correct Tri-Fuel kit for the HF Predator 3500
https://www.motorsnorkel.com/motor-s...-kit-4364.html

[MAHofer]

[QUOTE

But since I'd rather not spend spend $3,000 on a generator, I bought an $800 Champion 3400W Dual Fuel Inverter generator instead. My Champion generator is slightly less pleasant than the Honda. I make up for this slightly less pleasant sound by running the generator in my truck bed and by using it very infrequently since I self-installed 400W of solar for $2,000. My Champion generator was only used for 10 hours while my solar provided the power for the rest of my 100 days of boondocking this past year.

Bottom line, my 400W of solar is completely silent and my preferred power source. I'd rather spend $3,000 on solar, including a Champion Dual Fuel Inverter generator, than spend $3,000 on the best sounding generator on the market.[/QUOTE]

This was exactly our thinking and process as well for our 2018 33’ AS. We did equipp both AC units with Easy start and recommend them.

[Life is a Highway]

Absolutely love our micro Air. One Honda 2000 is all we need now. Although like Moosetags says. The fuel tank is small.

[dznf0g]

Originally Posted by Life is a Highway

Absolutely love our micro Air. One Honda 2000 is all we need now. Although like Moosetags says. The fuel tank is small.

Fix for small fuel tank

[stewartprice]

Originally Posted by WanderGators

Hi,

We will be picking up our 33' 2019 Airstream Classic in several months and will become full-time RVers and are asking recent Classic purchasers/owners what the best inverter generator is? After doing research this morning it appears that at least a 3500 watt may be sufficient, but we want to make sure that we are buying the sufficient wattage/amps. Any advice will be appreciated. We have reviewed the Champion, Honda, Westinghouse and Briggs/Stratton. Thank you.

D&B

Champion 3400W Dual Fuel Inverter generator with the remote or just the gas with remote. Super super handy but very heavy. I prefer to stay away from smelly gas and use propane. Other option is the Honda propane with a remote shutoff but you will need to install an Easystart from Micro Air in the AC for the surge of you use just a 2200. It is quite possible you may need only one Honda 2200 with the Easystart but you still have to get out there and crank it up. :-( But they are light and quiet.

[11001eagle]

I have a 2018 Classic 33 and I have the Champion 3500 Inverter portable gen set. It easily runs the 13,500BTU air conditioner and all the other systems in the unit.

[winedog]

Have fun full-timing, the sense of freedom is wonderful. But, don’t tell Airstream you’re full-timing because they will void your warranty.

[stromboli]

2018 Classic 33

I chose a Honda 7000 and had a “hangar” kit installed that serves as the hoist point. I have a hitch mounted hoist. Once in the truck bed, it is cable locked. It lives at the end of the bed requiring the tailgate to be open to operate.

It’s expensive
It’s heavy
It’s thirsty

It works ... pulled into San Antonio, TX in August with the temperature of 101. Simultaneously ran both AC and was able to microwave dinner.

It’s expensive!

... but delivered everything when I needed it

[Bigventure]

Check the treads. I started a thread about the Champion 3400 dual fuel. The deal I posted is still good. You need to get it before the end of the month.

No I wont post a link. No I won’t hand hold you though the deal. If you want it search it out.

[DougC27]

Originally Posted by AirMiles

I prefer the sound of a single larger generator over a pair of smaller generators. If money was no object, I'd own a 3000W Honda converted to propane from Genconnex https://genconnexdirect.net/honda_pr...tm#xl_EU3000is. To me, this is the best sounding generator on the market.

But since I'd rather not spend spend $3,000 on a generator, I bought an $800 Champion 3400W Dual Fuel Inverter generator instead. My Champion generator is slightly less pleasant than the Honda. I make up for this slightly less pleasant sound by running the generator in my truck bed and by using it very infrequently since I self-installed 400W of solar for $2,000. My Champion generator was only used for 10 hours while my solar provided the power for the rest of my 100 days of boondocking this past year.

Bottom line, my 400W of solar is completely silent and my preferred power source. I'd rather spend $3,000 on solar, including a Champion Dual Fuel Inverter generator, than spend $3,000 on the best sounding generator on the market.

We're on our maiden voyage with the Champion 3400 Dual Fuel. Running out from the propane port on the a-frame and loving it!

@AirMiles, can you point us in the direction of a thread with details of your solar set up?

[jrkott]

We have a 2018 Classic FB Twin and two Champion 3500 dual fuels ($1000 each) with a parallel kit. In cooler weather, we take one Champion and it charges the batterries, runs one ac and anything else using propane. When it gets hotter we bring the second Champion to run both AC's. We leave the generators in the truck bed with the tailgate up and the rear tonneau cover flap open. The noise is directed up and no-one has complained about sound. We run a cable lock through the handles.

[Bigventure]

The deal I posted is the same generator for $684 delivered.

[CampingJoe]

I would recommend the Honda, Yamaha or Subaru inverter generators. Many of the others are inferior material quality. Not to put anyone down, that is not my intent but most of the Chinese brands (Although sold under US brands) use inferior materials for example: softer steel and plastic and poorly engineered electrical components. I personally have the EU3000is which I know is a bit of a pain to move around at 134 lbs. but the very low 48 dB rating was very important to us when camping. And with 3.5 gallons I can run a/c, tv, radio, magic bullet, toaster, etc at the same time and hardly hear it running for 10 hours or more depending how long I have the a/c running. Using 2 smaller generators is a lot lighter but higher dB’s and more frequent refining of gas.

[CampingJoe]

campingWorld has the EU3000is for $2019 and Noerthern tools for $2045 put often Northern Tools has $100 off coupons if you sign up. I got mined for $1998 and $50 off and a $250 Instore uses coupon

[gypsydad]

Originally Posted by CampingJoe

I would recommend the Honda, Yamaha or Subaru inverter generators. Many of the others are inferior material quality. Not to put anyone down, that is not my intent but most of the Chinese brands (Although sold under US brands) use inferior materials for example: softer steel and plastic and poorly engineered electrical components. I personally have the EU3000is which I know is a bit of a pain to move around at 134 lbs. but the very low 48 dB rating was very important to us when camping. And with 3.5 gallons I can run a/c, tv, radio, magic bullet, toaster, etc at the same time and hardly hear it running for 10 hours or more depending how long I have the a/c running. Using 2 smaller generators is a lot lighter but higher dB’s and more frequent refining of gas.

CampingJoe...still would have the same problem of running both AC's with that 3000. Trouble with the Honda 3000 (besides cost) is the weight and carrying gas. You could install a propane conversion kit, but still would need 2 to get both AC's going. If you install the Easy Starts, one could get by with 2 smaller Honda or Yamaha 2000 models; these also can be converted to propane thru Genconnex…. Or, you could get 1 Champion 3400 Dual Fuel for a lot less money and weight, then your Honda 3000...just saying you don't need to get a Honda 3000; the Champions are also very popular, do an excellent job, are cheaper, and no issues finding service facilities if needed. Many here understand the value here...nothing against Honda...it's just $$ and weight! Remember; the Dual Fuel Champions are <$900 each...

[napabill]

Amazon has the EU3000iS for $2149 with shipping. I like the Hutch Mountain propane conversion over the others, since it is dual-fuel and easy. When they become available again the EU2200i/c combo kit is just about the same price if you don't mind a pull-start.

[RVforfun]

Harbor Freight yes I know...
Bought two 3500w inverter preditor generators. That's 50amps combined. Quiet, cost effective, and with a two year warrenty on each with tax AND BOTH FOR less then 2K. What more can you ask for. ALL I CAN SAY IS THEY ARE QUIET, RATED WELL AND WELL WORTH THE BUCKS.