Inverter generator decision

[nirion]

I recently sold my small non-inverter generator and am looking to pick up a new inverter one.

I am considering three different ones right now.

1) Wait for another Wen 2000 deal at Woot or similar for about $389

2) Sportsman 3000 max/2800 running for $499 (on sale at Home Depot through 4/9, normally $799-849)

3) Champion 3100 max/2800 running for $699 at Costco


I have a larger non-inverter generator, so this one would be use occasionally with the camper or for other things when I only need lower wattage, quieter, or longer run time per gallon.

The 3,000 watt ones seem like the better choice because of the 30 amp RV outlet (I have the 50 amp to 30 amp adapter that would fit) and the overall higher output. I have heard the Champion is a better quality, but for my limited use, is it worth 40% more cost?

The Harbor freight one is a little cheaper and lighter, but also less output.

I am leaning towards the Sportsman, but appreciate the input.

 

[Falcon67]

I've had good luck with non-inverter Champion units. The 3500 we have has run our race trailer nicely, been in use for 3 years. It's run as much as 3+ days straight. We can't afford an EU7000, so we upgraded to a Champion 6500/8125 for use with the new trailer. $5000 vs $750 LOL.

 

[woodrail]

Honda 3000 or a pair of 2000. It will only hurt once (for a while ) there is no substitute.

OK, a yamaha. These are very good also......

Pick your favorite color. Your camping neighbor will thank you.

 

[nirion]

While they are very nice, $2000 for the blue or red is a lot more than I'm looking to spend for my limited use. The camping use will probably less than just around the property where there is no electric.

 

[Bobaloo22]

I'm thinking very hard about buying the champion also. Going to use it to run my 13,5ac in my travel trailer. I have only heard good things about them but still not 100 percent sure.
Bob

 

[p_mori7]

Get 2 Champion 2000's and the cable to connect them together. Use one or both depending on the situation.

 

[cajunfirehawk]

I had one Honda eu20001 that had me living like a king with an a/c window unit after katrina for over a month, it works so well I have another one in the garage in the box, never been started. YMMV

 

[theoldwizard1]

The 3,000 watt ones seem like the better choice because of the 30 amp RV outlet (I have the 50 amp to 30 amp adapter that would fit) and the overall higher output.

What brand/size A/C do you have in your RV ? If it is a 13,500 BTU A/C then a 2000W generator will likely start it IF YOU ADD A "SOFT START" TO THE A/C !!

The 3,000 watt ones seem like the better choice because of the 30 amp RV outlet (I have the 50 amp to 30 amp adapter that would fit) and the overall higher output.

Definitely a bonus ! If you have a big RV, it likely has 15,000 BTU A/C and you will need a 2 generators slaved together or a 3000 what unit.

I have heard the Champion is a better quality, but for my limited use, is it worth 40% more cost?

The Wen is identical to the new HF 1600/2000W inverter generator, just different color plastic.

The problem with HF and Wen, is servicing location.

My gut says, buy the HF unit with the extended warranty. The size is very attractive ! Just be prepared to buy a second one if it won't start your A/C !

 

[theoldwizard1]

Poking around, I found a Westinghouse 2400i at Home Depot for $600. Might be a bit iffy for a 15,000 BTU A/C

 

[stage20]

hondas are on my local craigs all the time for 6-700, i would highly recommend. they run as they should, and are the quietest out there, no matter what other manufactures ratings are.

 

[Showkey]

The Westinghouse, Honeywell plus several others all rebranded are maginal at best. Read the reviews on Amazon and there locations.

 

[nirion]

My fifth wheel a.c. is 15k, so the 3000 watts ones are looking appealing.

I'm going to look around for a home depot coupon to make the deal a little better and am leaning towards that route.

I'll also peruse Craigslist for any uses eu3000 or similar Yamaha.

Thanks all!

 

[American Locomotive]

I've seen more than one of the cheap off brand inverter generators burnt up. Usually the inverter fails.

If I wanted an inverter generator, I'd probably go Honda or another Japanese brand.

 

[1969]

I've seen more than one of the cheap off brand inverter generators burnt up. Usually the inverter fails.

If I wanted an inverter generator, I'd probably go Honda or another Japanese brand.

FYI.......... Honda generators are made in China and India. I was going to by a Honda, but started looking them over and guess what........ China and India.

 

[vettex2]

China and India can make decent stuff or junk.
If Honda has them make it, it's decent.

 

[Showkey]

Agree ^^^^^^^^ the cheap units use cheap, poor quality components, it's the only way to build to that cheap price point.

My two Honda EU2000 were made in Japan ........but.........have seen there are multiple world wide locations where they are made.

One EU2000 will start my 15k RV AC unit when the SC unit is equipped witha soft start capacitor.

 

[theoldwizard1]

China and India can make decent stuff or junk.

True ! You have to be careful how you spec your item, down to the smallest detail. Then you have to have proper Quality Control and Quality Assurance. Finally, you need to do "sampling" of the items at your local warehouse/distribution center. These things all add cost, which is what the bean counters are trying to afford by going to China or India to start with.

 

[doorfx]

Agree ^^^^^^^^ the cheap units use cheap, poor quality components, it's the only way to build to that cheap price point.

My two Honda EU2000 were made in Japan ........but.........have seen there are multiple world wide locations where they are made.

One EU2000 will start my 15k RV AC unit when the SC unit is equipped witha soft start capacitor.

Really? My Honda 2000 wouldn't even start my 13.5 RV AC even after I installed a soft start cap. My buddies 2600 Yamaha would just barely if nothing else was on.

 

[American Locomotive]

FYI.......... Honda generators are made in China and India. I was going to by a Honda, but started looking them over and guess what........ China and India.

I said "off brand", not Chinese. Honda has a reputation for quality, and they work hard to maintain that regardless of where a product is made.

Honda ensures the machines meet their standards and use high quality components. The offbrands just fling thrm out the factory without a care.

 

[Falcon67]

My fifth wheel a.c. is 15k, so the 3000 watts ones are looking appealing.

I'm going to look around for a home depot coupon to make the deal a little better and am leaning towards that route.

I'll also peruse Craigslist for any uses eu3000 or similar Yamaha.

Thanks all!

The 13.5K BTU unit in our race trailer pulls 21A in 100F weather. Guy we race with has a 15K in his 28' trailer - he has his eu3000 for sale because it will not start/run the AC unit. He runs off an EU6500 inverter. It's also for sale, $3200.

 

[nirion]

I decided I didn't really want to go the route of two 2000 watt units in parallel. I also looked at a Honda eu3000, but couldn't justify the $2000 price tag for my occasional, non-essential use.

This left me with the Champion for $699 (which I was leaning towards) and the Sportsman (on sale through yesterday for $499). I ended up ordering the Sportsman because Kroger had 4x fuel perks ($500 gift cards = $60 in fuel savings) and my Chase card had a 5% cash back offer for grocery stores this quarter (since Kroger qualifies, another $25 in savings), putting the total price with tax closer to $450 (after the fuel savings and cash back).

It should be delivered this week and I'll give it a try. If it doesn't work well, I'll take it back and go with the Champion. I'll post back after I get it.

Thanks all

 

[wyliesdiesels]

I recently sold my small non-inverter generator and am looking to pick up a new inverter one.

I am considering three different ones right now.

1) Wait for another Wen 2000 deal at Woot or similar for about $389

2) Sportsman 3000 max/2800 running for $499 (on sale at Home Depot through 4/9, normally $799-849)

3) Champion 3100 max/2800 running for $699 at Costco


I have a larger non-inverter generator, so this one would be use occasionally with the camper or for other things when I only need lower wattage, quieter, or longer run time per gallon.

The 3,000 watt ones seem like the better choice because of the 30 amp RV outlet (I have the 50 amp to 30 amp adapter that would fit) and the overall higher output. I have heard the Champion is a better quality, but for my limited use, is it worth 40% more cost?

The Harbor freight one is a little cheaper and lighter, but also less output.

I am leaning towards the Sportsman, but appreciate the input.

The 125v 30a RV outlet (NEMA TT-30r) isnt as versatile as a 125v NEMA 5-30r or 125v/250v 14-30R since its only found on RVs....just means u have to carry an adapter around if u want to use it with other equipment...

The Westinghouse, Honeywell plus several others all rebranded are maginal at best. Read the reviews on Amazon and there locations.

Anything Westinghouse is probably not a good idea to buy right now since they are going through bankruptcy....amazing, that a company, which is one of only a select few in the world who can build nuclear reactors, is going through bankruptcy....corporate america....

 

[American Locomotive]

The Westinghouse brand of generators likely has nothing to do with the Westinghouse that just filed for bankruptcy. The Westinghouse "brand" is licensed to companies all over the world. As far as I can tell, TECO currently controls the Westinghouse brand for generators and motors.

 

[slow]

Keep an eye on Amazon, I picked up a new inbox honda eu2000 companion for 599 last year. Sold by third party but filled by amazon. Other dealers were playing pricing games and charging $399 for shipping, but mine was free prime shipping!

 

[finn]

I bought two of the 2000w Champion inverters for my fifth wheel a couple of years ago..

Surprisingly, Menards had the best price online / deliver to store. I think they were $399 each at the time.

Dead nuts reliable so far, and relatively quiet, but not as quiet as the Honda, which is over 200% of the cost of the Champion.

I run one in the evening and morning to charge the camper batteries, and both for the a/c.

 

[mike93lx]

Hi, It is important to consider all aspect of inverter and your requirements. Before buying any inverter you have to check reviews of all inverter brands at inverterreview.com. This may help you to pick best inverter.

This doesn't reek of spam at all

 

[finn]

This doesn't reek of spam at all

Agree. Looks like a “don’t click on this” type of link.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Report it dont reply

 

[sselander]

If you look in a Westinghouse generator manual it has this info:
MWE Investments LLC
777 Manor Park Drive
Columbus, Ohio 43228
service hotline: (855) 944-3571

google that and you will find a business description which also states they also do business as West Pro Power Systems and are an importer.
So they are just licensing the Westinghouse name.

 

[nirion]

I ended up with the Sportsman. I have probably only put 15i-20 hours on it. I used it while we were building our house and also in the barn without power. It starts my 15k rv ac, but not my craftsman 30 gallon/5hp compressor. It is quiet, but not Honda or Yamaha quiet. It is fuel efficient.

It doesn't start on the first pull like my old Coleman non-inverter, but usually after 5 or 6 pulls.

 

[checkthisout]

Got a used Yamaha 3000 ISEB about 4 years ago for $1000.00 (used barely). I made it remote start with automatic choke and what not.

The thing I like it about it is the fact that it has large handles on either end. Casters that roll over anything and it has the unique feature of being able to boost to 50 amps for around 30 seconds or so by utilizing energy from it's starting battery to supplement output.

It starts large trailer A/C units in high heat without breaking a sweat.

 

[Falcon67]

I've had good luck with non-inverter Champion units. The 3500 we have has run our race trailer nicely, been in use for 3 years. It's run as much as 3+ days straight. We can't afford an EU7000, so we upgraded to a Champion 6500/8125 for use with the new trailer. $5000 vs $750 LOL.

LOL, then we spend the $4000 on an EU7000is after all.

 

[Bretny]

Westinghouse also makes a 4200w inverter for about $610. Home depot sells it. The model is ipro4200.

 

[Bretny]

Ops thats igen4200 not ipro4200

 

[theoldwizard1]

Westinghouse also makes a 4200w inverter for about $610. Home depot sells it. The model is igen4200.

Looks identical to the Champion 4000/3500 which is over $100 less.

 

[Falcon67]

Westinghouse also makes a 4200w inverter for about $610. Home depot sells it. The model is ipro4200.

True - open frame inverter is better than a non inverter. But the 62 dB listed is not THAT much better than the 68 dB for a regular Champ 3500. In comparison, our eu7000 runs about 58 dB at full song, way less at partial load. And it will vary engine speed based on load applied. Not cheap but worth every penny so far.

 

[finn]

It’s a logarithmic scale.

62 is a LOT quieter than 68.

58 is pretty impressive too, though, but so is the cost premium.

 

[theoldwizard1]

One thing many people do not know is that many (most ? all?) inverter generators can run "paralleled", so two 2000W generators make 4000W. Why ? some of us old farts can't hoist a 3000W or 4000W generator into the back of a pickup ! Also, even though inverter generators throttle down, if you only have a 1000W load, only run ONE !

 

[mike93lx]

Looks identical to the Champion 4000/3500 which is over $100 less.

that's really interesting, thanks for sharing. I've never seen open frame inverters.

I've been thinking about something smaller, as other than my well, I don't need 240V and my current generator is just too damn loud.

I think 3500 watts would get my by ok.

 

[Bretny]

3uThats a decent champion.

I thought this was an inverter generator thread not a generator noise thread.

Westinghouse does sell a Ipro4200 that has quite a bit more run time but looks the same as the igen4200.