generator Opinions for this newbie?

schab3ng3l · 08-31-2015, 01:33 PM

So I saw that costco is selling a generator and I have never heard of the brand and was hoping if I posted it here I might get a users opinion of the brand before I spent $ on it. I would love to hear what generators you use and why you like it. I'd also love to hear what brands to avoid. thanks in advance.

schab3ng3l · 08-31-2015, 01:36 PM

Here's the link sorry I forgot to post with my original message!

Champion 7000W Running / 9000W Peak DUAL FUEL Generator w/Electric Start

mike837go · 08-31-2015, 01:40 PM

That's a whole lotta genset for camping.

What size RV are you camping with? That genset will run two A/C units or 1 AC + the microwave...

The Champion brand has been purchased by others here. They'll speak for themselves.

tnchuck100 · 08-31-2015, 01:43 PM

The Champion brand is fairly well known. However the model you are asking about is a strict no-no if you are going to be in a campground and/or near other campers. The noise level of 74 dBA (decibels) is going to generate some unhappy neighbors.

Most campers favor the Honda EU series and the Yamaha. Champion does make an inverter generator that is much quieter than 74db.

I use a pair of Honda EU2000i in parallel. Has served me well with no maintenance issues whatsoever.

charles_cincy · 08-31-2015, 01:46 PM

9000 watts? Seems like considerable overkill...and you did you notice it weighed 220#?

If you're willing to spend that kind of money, consdier the 2800W inverter
Champion 2,800W Running / 3,100W Peak Digital Inverter Gas Generator (CARB-50 State compliant)

You won't be able to run your A/C and microwave at the same time but should handle everything else.

It's much quieter and lighter than the 9000W and provides cleaner power (which is important for electronics)

Inverter generators are prefered for camping since they are so much quieter and provide cleaner power. The "gold standard" is dual Honda 2000W, but that will set you back about $2,000.

schab3ng3l · 08-31-2015, 01:47 PM

Yeah it is but I don't know much about any of it and didn't want to spend $ especially this kind of $ on something that may not be the right option for us. Ours is a travel trailer jay flight 29 QBS. I thought it would be a good option because of the dual fuel options if we were to boon dock.
On another note not generator related but do you like the tacoma you have? I really like the new diesel tundra coming out and my husband really wants a Dodge Ram and I was hoping to hear from owners of toyotas and Dodges! We have a toyota higlander and are saving for a truck and borrowing my Dad's diesel F-350.

schab3ng3l · 08-31-2015, 01:51 PM

Thank you Charles and Chuck.
So I had no idea sorry newbie here and definitely don't know too much about generators. It seemed like a good option if we were to boondock somewhere in the middle of nowhere. I didn't know what to look for, my husband will be over the moon you recommended honda. He has a small one which I wasn't sure would be the right fit for our travel trailer and don't have the information on it. Thank you for your information and help on the brands and things to look for!

Hattie · 08-31-2015, 01:55 PM

This it getting into the season of sales for Christmas - watch the HONDA site, last year they not only ran a discount but provided 0-down/0% financing AND threw in freebies like generator covers. That's the route we went ~ and they are VERY quiet unless we use the microwave (hehe).

We love our diesel, won't ever go back to a gasser.

clubhouse · 08-31-2015, 01:59 PM

Costco will have the Champion 2800/3100 inverter generator on special in another month or two. It's ~$600 on sale, quite, will run a 13500 AC and users seem very happy. If I didn't already have a EU2000i, which has been the gold standard I would get the Champion.

charles_cincy · 08-31-2015, 02:06 PM

Another brand to consider would be yamaha. A bit cheaper than the honda's but not by much.

More to consider
1) 800w is enough to charge batteries while boondocking, no A/C probably no microware
2) single 2000w (peak, only about 1800w running), you still don't have A/C
3) 3000w, now you can run AC
4) 4000w (via dual 2000w) is a popular option...

Ela1948 · 08-31-2015, 02:27 PM

I have a 3000 watt Honda, a 2000 watt Champion and just purchased a 3100 watt champion. All are the inverter type which is what you would want if camping. I think that Hondas are virtually bullet proof if you do proper maintenance. I bought the 3100 Champion because it will run 1 AC and most other appliances in the RV if you use a little power management. The big reason is that it weighs 85 lb. vs the Honda's 140 lb.!! I am very pleased with its performance so far. And it is very cost effective at between $600 and $700 vs. $2000 for a 3000 watt Honda. Time will tell but at this point, I would look hard at the inverter type Champions.

mikew968 · 08-31-2015, 07:24 PM

i have a 2000 watt Honda and it is great. Had it for years. Mine will run 20-30 hours over a weekend and use 2-3 gal of fuel. Figure the size you need and go from there.

tbwill · 08-31-2015, 09:26 PM

Costco also has a Smarter Tools brand 2000W inverter that uses the same engine as the Yamaha but about $200 cheaper than the Yamaha. It can also be hooked up to another one like the Honda and Yamaha in case you want to run your AC. It has pretty good reviews and Costco has a great return policy.

edatlanta · 09-01-2015, 05:26 AM

I had a 6000kw non-inverter generator on a houseboat a few years back. This was just before inverter types were becoming available. It did the job nicely and being on a houseboat when it was being used we were typically on anchor in the middle of nowhere and not close to anybody. But....Let me tell you after a few hours you get tired of listening to that sucker. Even with it being located on the stern it would drive you crazy. Don't just be concerned about you neighbors in a crowded RV park, worry about your own sanity. The loud generators aren't worth it at any price. IMHO

Hattie · 09-01-2015, 10:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hattie

If you are set on getting a HONDA brand, then it is getting into the season of sales for Christmas - watch the HONDA site, last year they not only ran a discount but provided 0-down/0% financing AND threw in freebies like generator covers.

Déjà vu, today I got an email from our Honda dealer (Gardenland in Campbell, California) and it appears they have another sale season starting - maybe other Honda dealers have something going too.

Rhumphers9a · 09-09-2015, 05:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by schab3ng3l

Thank you Charles and Chuck.
So I had no idea sorry newbie here and definitely don't know too much about generators. It seemed like a good option if we were to boondock somewhere in the middle of nowhere. I didn't know what to look for, my husband will be over the moon you recommended Honda. He has a small one which I wasn't sure would be the right fit for our travel trailer and don't have the information on it. Thank you for your information and help on the brands and things to look for!

schab3ng3l- the old saying, "you get what you pay for" Honda 2000i & 2000i companion in parallel will run you ac and everything else except you'll have to turn it off while microwave is on then turn ac back on!!! Honda is more expensive, close to $2000.00 verses Champion $600.00 on sale but I believe they are made in China versus Honda which is the most trouble free & durable!!! I'd hate to get set up boon docking in the sticks somewhere and have to pack up or hope my batteries will handle the load for more than a couple days without an ac if needed!!! Your choice but my choice and many more that I spoke with chose the Honda's, at approx. 58 lbs. each versus over 200 lbs. and decible rating approx. on 64 decibels under a 1/2 load or more!!!

Edd505 · 09-09-2015, 05:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rhumphers9a

schab3ng3l- the old saying, "you get what you pay for" Honda 2000i & 2000i companion in parallel will run you ac and everything else except you'll have to turn it off while microwave is on then turn ac back on!!! Honda is more expensive, close to $2000.00 verses Champion $600.00 on sale but I believe they are made in China versus Honda which is the most trouble free & durable!!! I'd hate to get set up boon docking in the sticks somewhere and have to pack up or hope my batteries will handle the load for more than a couple days without an ac if needed!!! Your choice but my choice and many more that I spoke with chose the Honda's, at approx. 58 lbs. each versus over 200 lbs. and decible rating approx. on 64 decibels under a 1/2 load or more!!!

But wait if the Champion craps out another $600 that's $1200 for two new and I still got enough to buy a third if the second Champ craps. 3 Champions for the price of the Hondas.

micron · 09-09-2015, 05:59 PM

I have a Champion 2000 watt inverter that I used for my previous 184BH. It ran the Small AC in that with no trouble. I plan on getting a 2nd to run parallel for the added watts. The Champion is IMHO the best bang for the buck.

Seann45 · 09-10-2015, 08:09 AM

I have an older Champion, neglect it something fierce, and it still starts on the first pull every time..

Zoony · 09-15-2015, 07:14 AM

Why are propane generators not as popular?

Just starting to do my research, but geez... seems like propane would be the way to go. Way less maintenance (stuck carbs, old gas, etc.), you've already got the fuel on board your camper, and quieter I think.

What am I missing, exactly? Why does everyone seem to own a gas and swear by them?

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