Looking for a decent generator.. 5000 watts

[coobie]

Not really cheaper for the two about the same I think ($2000) but you do get some more wattage. The 3000 is quieter than a 2000 and you have one machine vs. two to maintain... the two reasons I went with the 3000. One advantage going the 2 by 2K route is you can grab one of them and take with you much easier (weight) than a 3000.

I have owned both the honda 3000 and the honda 2000 IMHO the 2000 was quieter.

 

[5030]

I've owned neither. I bought my Yamaha 2800I about 12 years ago and it runs like a top (just remember to add Stabil Marine formula to the crap e-gas) is all it takes.

According to what I've read (may be false, not sure but) from what I've read the Yamaha 2800I commercial unit I have (not the fully enclosed genny but the one in the cradle) is quieter than a comparable Honda. I have to say, it's extremely quiet. I can have it running outside the RV and I cannot hear it inside.

Always starts first pull and it's an easy pull with the auto compression release.

I see they haven't got any cheaper. $1500 is about average.

 

[sixdogs]

When you actually need a generator and are in the heat of the battle, you would pay or do anything to get one that works. So my free advice is to buy a Honda from the get-go. It's the only generator that consistently gets perfect reviews. All of the others have some sort of a problem but not the Honda. It will work when it's supposed to. When the water is rising and 1/2" from spilling over, the price difference won't matter.

 

[orangeandgreen]

Whatever brand you prefer, look at the end of the generator opposite the engine. If the end cap is attached with 4 bolts around the outside, it has USA made electronics. If the end cap is held on with 2 bolts near the middle, it has China made electronics.

 

[newbury]

Newbury, thanks for the tip, I didn't know Champion even made such a thing! I just finished ordering one because I've heard horror stories about people burning out the mainboard on their pellet stoves with a conventional generator.

Oddly enough, I couldn't find that particular generator on Champion's website

Now I guess I need to put out a Craiglist ad to sell my old Champion generator

Actually I think Champion only makes that for Costco. During my "looking it up" I ran across an internet post saying that Costco has Champion put in a better alternator.

you don't need those features, because this is a < 5% THD generator, this is a MUCH better unit than the DuroMax deal at Ebay right now for $20 less. I have the larger 7000 watt version of this and looked at the output on an oscilloscope - it's actually a nice, relatively clean sine wave, unlike the rest of the ChinaGenerators. Costco has different alternators put on the units sold in their stores, so a model that is sold on Amazon and Costco may appear to be otherwise identical, but the Costco version is spec'd at < 5% THD and produces much cleaner power.

Champion gas "Clean Sine" < 5% THD 3500 running /4375 peak watt generator for $350 shipped at Costco - Slickdeals.net

 

[Sawyer Rob]

I read in a magazine (don't remember what one) a shoot out between all the smaller "inverter" gen sets...

The Honda 2000 beat out all the others in having the "cleanest" sine wave, with the cheapo ones the worst...

BTW, Yamaha came in second...

SR

 

[newbury]

I read in a magazine (don't remember what one) a shoot out between all the smaller "inverter" gen sets...

The Honda 2000 beat out all the others in having the "cleanest" sine wave, with the cheapo ones the worst...

BTW, Yamaha came in second...

SR

Do you remember if they tested the Costco version of Champion?

 

[dragoneggs]

I have owned both the honda 3000 and the honda 2000 IMHO the 2000 was quieter.

Are you talking about the EU3000iS with ecothrottle on? I believe you but specs say otherwise I think. I love my 3000iS!

 

[5030]

I read in a magazine (don't remember what one) a shoot out between all the smaller "inverter" gen sets...

The Honda 2000 beat out all the others in having the "cleanest" sine wave, with the cheapo ones the worst...

BTW, Yamaha came in second...

SR

I've run everything from my RV microwave to my laptop on the Yamaha with no issue so while it might have come in second behind the Honda, no issue with me. On Generator's to go website the Yamaha gets 5 stars (what ever thats worth)..... Definitely 5 stars with me. Like I stated before, 12 plus years and no issues and thats a lot of use. I don't have an hour meter on it but I imagine over 1000 hours. I use it in the summer for the RV and in the winter hunting/camping with the RV plus around the farm for remote power for skilsaws and electric drills.

I change the oil twice yearly and it gets a new sparkplug about every 2 years. I've cleaned the USDA spark arrestor 2 times and adjusted the valves once. It has the 12 volt battery charge but I've never used that. Runs over 9 hours on economy throttle (load sensing) and regular throttle is about 7.5 hours a tank.

I'd buy another one in a heartbeat but I'd say this one will outlast me....

 

[dragoneggs]

I've run everything from my RV microwave to my laptop on the Yamaha with no issue so while it might have come in second behind the Honda, no issue with me. On Generator's to go website the Yamaha gets 5 stars (what ever thats worth)..... Definitely 5 stars with me. Like I stated before, 12 plus years and no issues and thats a lot of use. I don't have an hour meter on it but I imagine over 1000 hours. I use it in the summer for the RV and in the winter hunting/camping with the RV plus around the farm for remote power for skilsaws and electric drills.

I change the oil twice yearly and it gets a new sparkplug about every 2 years. I've cleaned the USDA spark arrestor 2 times and adjusted the valves once. It has the 12 volt battery charge but I've never used that. Runs over 9 hours on economy throttle (load sensing) and regular throttle is about 7.5 hours a tank.

I'd buy another one in a heartbeat but I'd say this one will outlast me....

No argument... Yamaha's aren't cheap either. I will say it again... you generally get what you pay for.