which portable generators do people have

[George2615]

If I was buying one right now, I'd would see what HD has, then buy it try it, if not what or satisfied, then you can take it back, swap it for a different one that will work for you, but up here right now generators are far and few between. When you do find something post it here so the rest of us will know.

It seems like HD and Lowes stock very few generators. Their websites list many generators but say not available at my store and only a few can be ordered for delivery to my store for pickup. I'll post what I end up with.

When you say camping do you mean a campground or your own place? Seems only the inverter gens are quiet enough to use in a camp ground. My FIL has a dual fuel Champion, it has yet to see gas in the tank. Starts up very quickly on propane and runs cleanly. It is loud though.

Yes, I mean at a campground. It looks like I'll have to buy 2 generators. A 3500/3000W inverter gen for the camper with 48-57db noise level and a 10-12K for the house at 74db. Then I'll sell my Miller Bobcat.

 

[Sawyer Rob]

Your Bobcat will make a better quality generator than a "china made" one, you are replacing it with...

SR

 

[Oldpath05]

That the same type my FIL has in half the wattage. Quiet is one thing it is not.

I went to that Champion site It said somewhere in the list of bla bla bla>>>>>>"noise level of 74 dBA from 23 feet, which is a bit louder than a vacuum,"<<<<<<That tells me it's loud, @23ft it's still louder that a vacuum, what kind of vacuum, a shop vac, those things are screaming, not a good sales pitch with that comparison..........

 

[Oldpath05]

A 7000 watt generator, or a 7000 watt generator inverter, what the diff Biff? why make things more complicated by adding the word inverter, I have enough on my mind now like will the sun come tomorrow...............

 

[Sawyer Rob]

Make mine an "inverter", cleaner power and it will use less fuel!

SR

 

[Garandman]

What are you using for the twist lock cable? The one we have was made by the first electrician we hired, and like everything else he did, it doesn稚 work.

Harbor Freight has a 25 ft for $40, while Reliance is $100 (40 ft).

Reliance Controls 4� ft. 3�-Amp Generator Power Cord-PC3�4� - The Home Depot

25 ft. x 1� Gauge Generator Duty Twist Lock Extension Cord

A 7000 watt generator, or a 7000 watt generator inverter, what the diff Biff? why make things more complicated by adding the word inverter, I have enough on my mind now like will the sun come tomorrow...............

Much quieter, much lower fuel consumption, electronics-safe power, and much higher cost / watt output.

 

[check]

What are you using for the twist lock cable? The one we have was made by the first electrician we hired, and like everything else he did, it doesn稚 work. Harbor Freight has a 25 ft for $40, while Reliance is $100 (40 ft). Reliance Controls 4� ft. 3�-Amp Generator Power Cord-PC3�4� - The Home Depot 25 ft. x 1� Gauge Generator Duty Twist Lock Extension Cord Much quieter, much lower fuel consumption, electronics-safe power, and much higher cost / watt output.

Sounds good. How much more $?

 

[KubotainNH]

A 7000 watt generator, or a 7000 watt generator inverter, what the diff Biff? why make things more complicated by adding the word inverter, I have enough on my mind now like will the sun come tomorrow...............

The difference is because it's a DC to AC inverter the engine can run at any RPM unlike the others that have to run at 1800 or 3600 rpm to maintain 60hz. This means it can be governed to run at the RPM that does the job instead of full tilt like the other ones. So the pluses are quieter, cleaner electricity and they sip fuel. Downside is they cost more especially if you need 220v.

 

[fried1765]

IF only that were true!

SR

I have a Honda ES6500 generator (12HP Honda)
A 3500W Porter Cable CH3501S with a 6.5HP Honda.
A 2200W Yamaha YG2200i (inverter type)
All have very low hours, and do get regular maintenance.

The best story though, is about my dad's Craftsman lawn tractor with 15HP single cylinder Briggs.
I inherited it when my dad passed away 33 years ago.
A 1972 model 15HP single Briggs, bought new, and still running strong now, 45 years later.
From the type of yearly use, I estimate the 15HP Briggs to have 1500+ hours.

 

[Oldpath05]

The difference is because it's a DC to AC inverter the engine can run at any RPM unlike the others that have to run at 1800 or 3600 rpm to maintain 60hz. This means it can be governed to run at the RPM that does the job instead of full tilt like the other ones. So the pluses are quieter, cleaner electricity and they sip fuel. Downside is they cost more especially if you need 220v.

That sense, but as usual there's always a catch, I need 240v for hot water heater and well pump, so who makes a 7000 watt generator inverter?