Portable Generator Purchase Recommendations

[JosephC]

I am looking to purchase a small portable generator that is noise compliant within state and federal parks. I will use the generator probably less than six times per year. I need to run the generator to charge the batteries and not necessarily to run the air conditioner.

As such, I really do not wish to spend as much as i would if used more frequently. Based upon your EXPERIENCES, what make and model would you purchase and please detail your reasons. Thank you so much!

 

[Midnightmoon]

I have been very pleased with the Westinghouse iGen series of generators. I have both a 2500 and a 2200, both purchased at Sam's Club when they were on special.

Here is a link to a little review thread that I did on mine a while back.

https://www.jaycoowners.com/forums/f53/westinghouse-igen2200-78454.html

 

[Jagiven]

If you do not want to run a AC, you can choice just about any genny. You do want an Inverter style. They are quieter and produce clean electricity that modern electronics need. The higher the wattage genny the louder it will be, even at idle. So consider what size you really want.

If money was not an issue, I would say pickup a Honda 1000. Ultra quiet, clean power, very small. However, they are crazy expensive.

Personally I would look at something like a Champion dual fuel 2000-watt genny. You can always parallel a second one to provide enough power for an AC unit down the road if needed. Just charging a battery it will sit on idle and run quietly. I have only ran mine on propane, it sips propane, have had zero issues.

 

[435-fht]

If I only needed to charge batteries, a 1000 Watt Honda or Yamaha brand is what I would choose.

For less money, I bought a Champion 3500 Watt dual fuel generator. It has a 30 AMP receptacle for RV plugs, and operates on gasoline or propane. It's not the inverter type, but I can power my camper or home.

 

[JimD]

I have a Ryobi 2200 that is great. Fairly quiet when you set it to auto idle which it will easily do if all you are doing is charging batteries. The nicest feature is its bluetooth link to your phone. From there you can see the fuel level, power level, and even shut it down. So when you are done charging you won't have to exit your rig to shut it off, just push a button on your phone. The laziness in me loves this feature.

 

[Forester2]

Have been happy with Harbor Frieghts 2000 watt generator. Quiet, economical and with soft start will run my AC.

 

[JosephC]

Thank you everyone for your input!

I found my best deal on a 2500 Watt, (Not 2000), Champion, dual fuel invertor generator at Walmart for $499.00.