Need Portable Generator Recommendations

[SkipperD]

Hello All,

I have a 2020 Jayco 264BH with an AC/DC refrigerator, 15k AC and want to do some boondocking, so I need a new portable inverter/generator.

I'm updating to 2x100 LiFePo batteries, solar and now want a portable generator/inverter to run AC and charge batteries when needed. I'm researching portable generators in the 3500 watt range as well as dual fuel options.

My Criteria are:
1) reliability - which brands and models can handle RV life
2) capacity - ability to start and power 15k AC - not clear if some models rated at 3500 can run the AC without being in full throttle rather than Eco-mode
3) weight - I want to store on an upgraded rear carrier and be able to lift out at campsite
4) noise - I had a Generac years ago I could hear from the next county...

I've been reading recent reviews of dual fuel Champions 3400-3500 units that are priced at $1000 but seem to have quality and customer service issues during 2020 (maybe China/Covid issues?). I know nothing about Onun/Cummins. I've had Hondas (2000 and 2200) and you live and die by the gas you use in them.The Honda 3500 is a beast at 155ibs and $2200.

Can I get your feedback on your generators...what model, what are you powering with it, where do you store it and how much trouble to lift it out and runing, the noise level, and reliability?

Thanks in advance for your thoughts and suggestions.

p.s. It's my first post on Jqayco Owners but I have learned so much reading your threads and appreciate the help you all provide the community. Keep safe, y'all.

[SuckyFisherman]

I am currently*in the same position*as you, From my research*I have come down to the Predator*3500 and the Champion dual fuel. I am leaning towards the Champion*only because of the duel fuel.*

[Shokyle1]

I have a champion 3500 digital hybrid. I have had it for 3 years. I have had no problems. It is pretty quiet. I do wish I would have got the remote start. It will run my 15k a/c on eco mode. I lift it in and out of my pickup bed myself.

[Route 66 Traveler]

Last summer I installed a SoftStart unit in my Coleman 15K AC. It will now start and run all day on a 2000 watt inverter generator. My 3500 watt Predator Inverter generator weighed in excess of 100 pounds. The 2000 watt is much lighter and easier to handle. The SoftStart was very easy to install and to me worth every penny.

https://www.softstartusa.com/rvlife/?utm_CamperReport

[Jagiven]

I purchased a Champion 3400W dual fuel this past fall. I have about 15 hours on it (add a clock). It has no issues running my TT. After the 5 hour break in period, I ran the AC in the driveway with no issues. This fall, while charging the batteries, I was running my 1500 watt portable electric heater, and my electric heat strip in my AC unit. I had to be pushing the max output while using propane, never tripped a breaker. You could hear it ramp up, under the heavy load. It was louder than what I liked under full load.

At full load, at a 100 feet you knew there was a generator running in the area. If just sitting and charging the batteries, at a 100 feet you could not hear it.

Only thing I do not like about it is the 96 pounds. My preference would have to purchase two 2000 or 2500 Watt units (could not find any). I would have started off with one. I would have seen if I had any issues running my AC, and added a second if needed. Each weighed less than 40 pounds. They would have taken less space in the garage, as they would fit nicely on the shelves, and it would not take two of us to get it in the TV. The smaller ones when just sitting at idle just charging batteries have a lower dB rating (quieter). Cost of two and a paralleling kit would have been a little bit more, but convivence would have made up for it.

Let us know what you decide on, and what your thoughts are once you have a chance to use it.

[pconroy]

For a handful of reasons, I had to get one in an emergency. No Honda's, no Yamaha's in the states we were traveling through. They were my first choice!

Finally found one store in mid-CA that still had some Predator 3500's in stock. So I took a chance; I usually avoid anything from Harbor Freight that's electric. In this case, I really had no choice. Everything else was out of stock.

Three years in, I'm very happy with the decision to spend $750 for the 3500 watt generator. It's always started, first "pull" (electric start) and has enough juice to run the RV.

It's 100 pounds (the Honda 3000 is 130 lbs) which means I can still lug it around. It's as quiet as the Honda.


Will it last as long as the Honda??? Probably not - but I expect it to last long enough to meet my needs. Besides, at the price I can by THREE Predators before I'm upside-down compared to the Honda.


[ If I had it to do again, I think I'd buy two 2000 watt units and a parallel kit... ]

[cbeers]

For my needs I purchased 2 I power 2000’s and run parallel. Light weight 58lbs, both for $713

[ultrarider]

Might want to check out the Firman. I’m looking myself right now. The Westinghouse duel fuel would be my first choice, but it seems it’s been discontinued. It’s either the Champion or the Firman duel fuel.
The firman has the much better reviews. I’ve been watching a lot of comparisons on YouTube and also firman is a product sold by etrailer. JMO

[Midnightmoon]

I went through this decision over the last couple of years and ended up going with 2 2200w inverter generators and a parallel kit. I couldn't be happier with that decision. The light weight and ease/flexibility of use has really been a benefit.