Coleman HP 3500 generator any good?

[lilcuda]

My boss just upgraded to a larger generator and asked me if I want to buy his lightly used Coleman HP 3500 generator. I've been thinking about buying a generator just to run the refrigerator and a few lights and my Comcast modem & wifi router, just in case California has problems keeping the power on.

It's got a Honda engine.

Is this a decent, entry-level emergency generator? If so, what is a used one worth?

 

[Noltz]

Short answer, yes it's worth having it. Cost is widely variable but look at comparable new and start at 50% of that. Any working and reliable generator is better than none. If it makes more sense to buy a large inverter and power it with your vehicle, that seems to be a growing trend.

Honda engine is great. You don't know the history so get it serviced or look up how to service it yourself. Coleman heads have been good to me & my family in the past. Dad runs a 7k (5500 run) Coleman as backup power at his house. Powers freezers and fridges, lights and his window AC. Little bro has a 3500 or 4500 unit and it's used at remote jobsites to run a single saw at a time plus some lighting. Just need to see what current you're drawing with critical loads on. And figure out a way to power your furnace with it.

 

[weadjust]

I've been thinking about buying a generator just to run the refrigerator and a few lights and my Comcast modem & wifi router, just in case California has problems keeping the power on.

My Comcast internet goes down during a power outage and having power to the modem and router will probably not get you to the internet

 

[dcg9381]

It's got a Honda engine.

Is this a decent, entry-level emergency generator? If so, what is a used one worth?

I've seen them with Subaru engines too. It's a decent entry level generator. Looks like it's already got wheels. Buying a new generator, I bought Champion 3500s, with 30A connectors. They sell all day long for about $300 (without wheels) - you can buy them for $250 or so on sale.

The motors typically outlast the powerheads and electronics. Make sure you change the oil after 10 hour break in and keep it stored without fuel in the carb bowl.

I see 3500 HPs sell at auction for $150-$200 or so with obvious use...

Generator prices are cyclical and kinda demand based

 

[theoldwizard1]

My Comcast internet goes down during a power outage and having power to the modem and router will probably not get you to the internet

Most cable company "wires" run on battery backup and/or generators.

Cell towers are required to have battery backup and/or generators/

 

[Falcon67]

If it's got a Honda in it, it'll be decent. We use a EU7000is at the track and have over 750 hours on it in the last two years. And it held up the refer's and computers in the house when we lost power. Way more expensive than a Coleman LOL. I've also had good luck with Champion units. We had a Champ 3500/4000 for about 3 years and ran the hell out of it. Not all that loud either. The 6500 Champ - runs good, good power, loud as hell.

 

[nadogail]

IMHO, they are decent machines.

Would I but one? No, because I built my own from Harbor Freight components.

 

[Showkey]

The Coleman is only half Honda........as the generator is Coleman or simply a China off the self generator.

The are multiple threads on the need for clean power to some devices.........clean part is the generator side.

 

[amh]

The generator is only a part of the cost. Unless you run your fridge, modem, router & lights off extension cords from the generator you will need to isolate from grid with a transfer switch you'll also need a generator male connector & housing as well as the generator cord & in house 10/3 wiring. That alone can add up to more than the $150 or so you would pay for the used generator.

If you do your own electrical work and are willing to live with a panel interlock rather than a dedicated mechanical or electronic transfer switch this may/can be cheap, if you farm this out the generator cost will be noise compared to the connection cost.