Small Generator Recommendation

[coobie]

I really like my FIL's Honda EU2000. Very quiet, light, inverter style that only runs fast enough to power what you are running. The thing sips fuel. I powerd a fridge, freezer, furnace and some lights with it and it would only rev up when one of the compressors started then it would idle back down. I only filled the small fuel tank once in a couple days of no power but did not run it at night. I have a Generac 4k that is kinda loud and only idles down when absolutely nothing is attached. I keep watching for an EU3000 so I can power more of the house but they cost $$$$.

DITTO on the honda!! I had a EU3000 and now a EU2000 best running and starting Gen. on the market IMHO.coobie

 

[Skyco]

I have the Honda EU3000is. Great generator. Bought it in 2006. Sad to say I haven't really maintained it very well. Only changed the oil once. Just sits out on my back porch. But every time I have tried to start it, it works like the day I got it, except for the electric start. I think the battery is dead. Now I just pull the cord, and it always starts with a single easy pull.

.

Ditto. My EU3000is OEM battery died pretty early...replaced it and that one died too.
I try to run all my power stuff monthly and rarely miss this goal, the EU must draw some all the time for some reason, haven't checked it.

I gave up and just pull start it, always fires up in at most 2 easy pulls. I don't need no stinkin' electric starter:laughing:

I also have Kipor 2kw unit..I don't know what it is but that thing will never start after a month of sitting until I spray some ether in the intake or wear my arm out pulling it. If run frequently it fires right up. Pretty quiet unit and I got a great deal on it at a closout. Definitely not a Honda though...

 

[AMR]

I have a 10 KW Honda for the house when we lose power and I have a 3 KW Honda for tailgating at games and stuff

The 10 KW will make you deaf but it powers a lot of the house with no problem, the 3 KW you have to check it to make sure it is running, it is a whisper, I love it

 

[donn12]

+1 on the $299 champion from TSC. the guys that built my barn were using the bigger one ($499). for the price it cant be beat. starts fast but a little loud. I use it for power in my barn for light etc.

 

[Slacker]

I've had a Honda 2000I unit for about six years now, I gotta give it credit where it's due.
Always starts up easily, low (and easy) maint. I've put loads on it that it should never have seen and it did the job. I recommend it, both thumbs up.

 

[madpogue]

I also have Kipor 2kw unit..I don't know what it is but that thing will never start after a month of sitting until I spray some ether in the intake or wear my arm out pulling it. If run frequently it fires right up. Pretty quiet unit and I got a great deal on it at a closout. Definitely not a Honda though...

I have one of those eBay Chinese made suitcase-style inverter units, similar to the Kipor; exact same experience. Runs like the dickens when it starts, good on gas, but more than a week or so between starts and it's a b!+ch. Even got a new carb on warranty; no change. The local Farm & Fleet is selling them now, and they have a small engine repair dept.; I'm thinking maybe they're getting versed in maintaining them and I'll see if they can work any wonder on it.

As I understand it, the Champion gens are Chinese-made exact part-for-part knock-offs of their Honda counterparts.

 

[Travelover]

There is a ton of info on generators here:

RV.Net Open Roads Forum: Tech Issues: 3000W Chinese Gensets Info.

but, upshot is that the Champion generators, though Chinese, are made to a higher quality standard than most Chinese generators.

You can't go wrong with a Honda or Yamaha, either, it is just a matter of $$$$

 

[Will_C]

Thanks for all the replies. I was afraid I would great things about the Honda-$$$ are up there. Any experience with Generac? I see they have a 2k inverter that can be purchased for around $550.

Will

 

[Travelover]

Thanks for all the replies. I was afraid I would great things about the Honda-$$$ are up there. Any experience with Generac? I see they have a 2k inverter that can be purchased for around $550.

Will

Also look at Craigslist. I frequently see Honda inverter generators with very low hours (homeowner backup) for about 1/2 new price.

 

[tungularafishcamp]

Our eu2000 has been bullet proof for 5 years startin with just a few pulls at 30 below and on the 2nd pull most other times. Really love how quiet and portable it is. For a quick job too big for cordless tools I grab that instead of running extension cords.
Rick