Generator Recommendations

[The Muffin Man]

This summer I plan on spending a generous amount of time trail riding as well as camping for several days at a time. I've been considering to buy a portable generator to tag along with me while I'm out on my endeavors. I've already encountered plenty situations where a generator would have considerably helped me, and figured since I have some spare cash that now would be a good time to bite the bullet.

Anyways I am not really familiar with the generator market and was hoping some of you gentlemen would be able to assist me. Off the bat I'm really looking for a quality generator, that I can depend on if I'm in an unfortunate situation. I know it isn't going to be cheap, but I can't chance dependability period. I also need the generator to be a sine wave inverter, as I will be powering items such as laptops, cell phones, and other sensitive equipment. I've estimated that about 600 watts is my max power needs, so I believe anything 800watts and higher would fit the bill. Price wise, I'm looking for something that is around $1000.

So far I have taken interest in the following generators...

Yamaha EF1000iS

Yamaha EF2000iS

Honda EU2000i / EU1000i

 

[Teken]

You did a lot of research by what you have posted. Both of those units are top performers, and you really can't go wrong with either. Comes down to features, looks, and price in my view.

If and when you get it, do a review as I have only known two people who own those units and both rave about them.

 

[wellstig1]

I have the 1000 watt version of the honda version you posted and have ZERO complaints about it. The very low noise is the best part about it.

 

[mkirkpatrick]

I have a 2000i honda, good little unit, i use if for location lighting for shoots. I know alot of guys at the local tracks that love these things. Quiet, easy on gas.

 

[EZH]

From your list, my choice would be the Honda 2000. More power than what you need so you would never worry about overloading it. That's a good thing. Also, it's super quiet and from experience always starts on the 1st or 2nd pull.

A couple years ago these guys had the best price I could find.

http://www.mayberrys.com/indexnew.htm

Eric

 

[rodm1]

You did a lot of research by what you have posted. Both of those units are top performers, and you really can't go wrong with either. Comes down to features, looks, and price in my view.

If and when you get it, do a review as I have only known two people who own those units and both rave about them.

And a repair facility close. I'm probable going with the Honda there are more add ones for it and lots of people have reinvented it.

 

[barney rubble]

I have the 2000 Honda and love it.

 

[The Muffin Man]

Thank you guys for your insight. I am more favorable to the 2000watt models versus the 1000watt, as the price difference from both brands is only $200 more at the most. I'm also considering the higher watt models since they would be beneficial if my house or neighbors/friends were to loose power for an extended period of time.

Parts availability for both generators are very good, especially the for the Yamaha generator (I know of at least three dealers within 10m miles of my house that do carry parts for the EFx000 series.) There also are parts and service centers for both brands in the area that I regularly go trial riding, so overall I think I am set on that subject .

 

[Teken]

Give us some pictures and over all review of the unit once you get some hands on time with it, OK!

It's always good to read about a GJ member who has first hand dealings and indicates the pro's and con's of equipment that is out there.

 

[JD6619A]

I've heard many good reviews of the EU2000i. I was thinking about getting one for the tent trailer, for next years camping.

 

[Rudyjr]

We have two of the 2k Honda's on our field service trucks at the utility I work for. They are used hard every day and in all kinds of weather and they perform flawlessly. All of our line garages use them as well and we never see them come in for repairs.