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Small Generator/inverters

Discussion in 'Outdoors' started by tacofish, Nov 26, 2018.

  1. Nov 26, 2018 at 3:21 PM
    #1
    tacofish

    tacofish [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I have a 5000w generator, lucky for me i never had to use it yet but have lent it to friends in need several times.
    The problem is its loud as hell.

    I'm looking to get a small 2200w gen that could be used in emergencies.
    This has enough power to run what is necessary.
    I know the Hondas are best and reliable but are also expensive (Around $1000)
    There are a bunch of others out there but the reviews are all over the place.
    Does anyone have 1 they use and can recommend?

    Can u rate reliablity,low noise
     
    ORtoCOTaco likes this.
  2. Nov 26, 2018 at 3:24 PM
    #2
    Stash419

    Stash419 Well-Known Member

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    As you said Honda’s to me are second to none when it comes to noise. Keep the one you got and search YouTube for ideas on boxes that reduce the sound. I built one years ago that is made out of wood, foam, and egg cartons. It worked great to reduce the noise especially when camping.
     
    abodyjoe and ORtoCOTaco like this.
  3. Nov 26, 2018 at 3:25 PM
    #3
    Tallgrass05

    Tallgrass05 Well-Known Member

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    I've had a Honda 1000 watt generator for 18 years and it has been flawless. It gets used every year and is quiet and reliable. Pony up the bucks for the 2200 watt Honda, you're getting reliability, which is desirable in an emergency.
     
  4. Nov 26, 2018 at 3:29 PM
    #4
    Elkyri

    Elkyri Living on the Raggedy Edge of the 'Verse

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    I have a 6500w generator I use for running my well pump and necessary household appliances when the grid power fails. I also have a Honda EU2000i I use to run power tools when I'm working away from grid power. I've had it for about two years, near as I can recall.

    The little Honda has been fantastic. Not light but light enough to lift into the back of a UTV or truck with one hand. Very economical in terms of fuel consumption. Very easy to start. I wear earplugs when I use it but I wear plugs anytime I'm around anything that makes a constant noise. I would rate it as very quiet compared to similarly sized generators. It has been totally reliable. With a special set of adapter cables (sold separately) the Honda models can be ganged together to provide additional power if required... I don't know if that is a feature common to other generators or not.
     
    ORtoCOTaco likes this.
  5. Nov 26, 2018 at 3:37 PM
    #5
    relkins0413

    relkins0413 Well-Known Member

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    I don’t have any experience with the Honda’s, but I know you can’t go wrong with them.

    What I have is a Champion 3100w inverter. I got it New this spring and use it mainly for Boondocking with my camper. I put probably 50+ hours on it this summer and I never had one little hiccup. It’s not overly loud whatsoever and will power everything I need. It will run around 8 hours on a tank of fuel with the AC going in the camper, but that’s a pretty heavy load so anything less and it should get quite a bit of run time.

    This model is of course a little larger than a 2000w model, but there’s a nice handle that folds out and it has wheels on the opposite end to ease in moving it around.

    I researched these for months before settling on the Champion. The consensus I came up with was that next to a Honda, Champions are probably the most well reviewed generators.
     
  6. Nov 26, 2018 at 3:57 PM
    #6
    Clearwater Bill

    Clearwater Bill Never answer an anonymous letter

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    This.

    Just keep an eye out for sales.

    If you want quiet and reliable, it's worth every penny.
     
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  7. Nov 26, 2018 at 4:06 PM
    #7
    4x4Runner

    4x4Runner Sam’s gone, man. Moderator

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  8. Nov 26, 2018 at 4:10 PM
    #8
    tacofish

    tacofish [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Hey thanks for all the replies

    I have used the outlet in the truck but it could hardly power my circular saw
    I'm looking for some thing that could run a few light, charge my phone computer and keep my fridge cold

    I have looked but never see them on sale
     
  9. Nov 26, 2018 at 4:15 PM
    #9
    4x4Runner

    4x4Runner Sam’s gone, man. Moderator

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    I was being sarcastic with my post. Hence the linked thread.
     
  10. Nov 26, 2018 at 4:43 PM
    #10
    tacofish

    tacofish [OP] Well-Known Member

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    ohh
    my bad
     
  11. Nov 26, 2018 at 4:46 PM
    #11
    Bannerman

    Bannerman Tasteful Thickness

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    Honda is best no doubt. That said I paid half that for a Powerhorse which is Northern Tools House brand, and it’s been flawless. Use it regularly for camping and tailgating.
     
    Toyko Joe likes this.
  12. Nov 26, 2018 at 4:58 PM
    #12
    Notoneiota

    Notoneiota Well-Known Member

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    I'm in the same boat. I have a 3500w Champion that is so loud I hate using it. The last two years I have borrowed a Honda EU2000 from a co-worker and it is so nice and quiet. I have a primative hunting shack and need something to keep the lights going for 3 to 4 days a year. I've looked at the other off brands and just don't want to chance it. A local shop does 15% off everything once a year. I'm going to grab a new Honda EU2200 when they do.
     
  13. Nov 26, 2018 at 5:40 PM
    #13
    relkins0413

    relkins0413 Well-Known Member

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    I believe those are the same as the Harbor Freight Predators, which also get great reviews.
     
  14. Nov 26, 2018 at 5:47 PM
    #14
    Bannerman

    Bannerman Tasteful Thickness

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    Not so sure about that, but I do think it’s the same as the Yamaha.
     
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  15. Nov 26, 2018 at 5:56 PM
    #15
    relkins0413

    relkins0413 Well-Known Member

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    Yeah, I forgot I believe it’s just the 3500w models that are the same.B1E840CE-B11A-4DA5-BFB7-160FD0F9DCA4.jpg
    1B93AC94-3AFE-4290-8F2E-389A7D439854.jpg
     
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  16. Nov 26, 2018 at 6:22 PM
    #16
    CorpsTaco

    CorpsTaco Well-Known Member

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    I have had the Harbor Freight Predator 2000 inverter for two years now. I have not run it extensively, but during one power outage I ran it for 16-17 hours straight. I start it every few months and it starts up every time no problem, sips gas and runs quiet. With the HF coupon I paid around $440. I had been eying the Honda version for a while, but could not bring myself to drop the $1,000 on one, so figured I’d give the Predator a shot.

    For what it’s worth, Consumer Reports recommends the Predator. Not over the Honda, but it measures up well and is a good buy according to CR.
    DBB9FDFB-C92A-4661-90A8-CAA13F58FE40.jpg
    https://www.consumerreports.org/inv...-eu2000it1a1-recreational-inverter-generator/
     
    tacofish[OP] likes this.
  17. Nov 26, 2018 at 11:11 PM
    #17
    TK-422

    TK-422 Toyota! Oh what a feeling.

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  18. Nov 26, 2018 at 11:17 PM
    #18
    Jmad1997

    Jmad1997 Well-Known Member

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  19. Nov 27, 2018 at 5:10 AM
    #19
    tacofish

    tacofish [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Now i'm more confused than even!! haha
     
  20. Nov 27, 2018 at 6:58 AM
    #20
    ralfnjan

    ralfnjan Well-Known Member

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    Ha! You ought to ask that question on an RV forum! Threads go on for months.
     
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