The best portable Generator
- Thread starter bmazor
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like what ron said, Honda generators are great but they are not cheap. for a 2k watt I would go for the Honda, I needed a 7.5k watt for my house and got a generac. depends ho. there is online charts for how much power you need for what equipment you are going to run
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Honda EU2000i. Can't beat these for performance, reliability and price.
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I chose the Yamaha 2K. It has features that the Honda doesn't offer. First, a fuel gauge. It also has a fuel shut off valve.
I've heard where the Honda has a plastic cam. I know there are many units out there with many hours on them, but that was a deal-breaker for me. $.02......
-Joey
I've heard where the Honda has a plastic cam. I know there are many units out there with many hours on them, but that was a deal-breaker for me. $.02......
-Joey
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Hydro Junkie
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I have a matched pair of the Honda 2000 series. One is the Invertor, the other the Companion. By using the available wiring kit, you can run them together for twice the amperage. I power my camp trailer with them, can run everything at once. If I only use one, I can run everything but the A/C or microwave, that is unless the wife wants to use her electric appliances. The nice part is they are lite enough to lift without needing two people
Ron Olson
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Harbor Freight. I use an 800 watt/900 peak generator and it has plenty of power for me. You can usually get it for less than $100.00.
It's not a Honda but doesn't have the price tag either. It's not as quiet either but still low decibel.
If you're running AC or a lot of high-draw items then they have larger ones. The run times are underestimated for a tank of gas.
It's not a Honda but doesn't have the price tag either. It's not as quiet either but still low decibel.
If you're running AC or a lot of high-draw items then they have larger ones. The run times are underestimated for a tank of gas.
Hydro Junkie
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The only problem with that generator, Ron, is it's really only good for charging batteries since it only puts out 6.5 amps. Each of my Honda 2000s puts out over twice that amount. Then again, I'm assuming you're not running a 15,000 BTU A/C system either
Ron Olson
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Sorry Marc but you're wrong. It's got plenty of power to run my home refridgerator when I had a power outage and some lights without breaking into a sweat.
No, I'm not running AC in my trailer. Two fans, chargers of all kinds, lights, a Dremel and other power tools that I take with me. Most of the time I run off a deep-cycle battery with power inverters until I need the generator.
Why would I need 15,000 BTU's for an 8-1/2 foot enclosed trailer? I don't need that much for my house! Guys with 20-foot trailers need 5,200 BTU's at the most. We're not hauling frozen foods.
No, I'm not running AC in my trailer. Two fans, chargers of all kinds, lights, a Dremel and other power tools that I take with me. Most of the time I run off a deep-cycle battery with power inverters until I need the generator.
Why would I need 15,000 BTU's for an 8-1/2 foot enclosed trailer? I don't need that much for my house! Guys with 20-foot trailers need 5,200 BTU's at the most. We're not hauling frozen foods.
maddog
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I use a honda 3000 watt inverter gen and have yet to tax it. 6 electric fans, laptop, printer, 200 watt amp for pa system, battery charger. I love it. While you will pay more for it up front I have had it now for six years and have never had a problem. Starts first pull everytime and you dont hear it running.
Joe Warren
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If you know your amp demand? take the Watts you think you need? divide it by the voltage you actually need 125 or 240 & you will have the Amps Number the generator can provide... WATTS DIVIDED BY VOLTAGE IS WHAT THE GENERATOR CAN PROVIDE IF IT IS 100 PERCENT DUTY CYCLE GENERATOR....... If it is the correct size gererator.Make sure you are buying a 100 percent duty cycle Generator if it is for Emergency Use.... This means you can pull max amps constantly. The Cheaper Generators are actually 60 percent duty cycle units. This means in a 10 min interval you can pull max amps for 6 minutes & then for 4 minutes you must get completely off the demand. Or you must Decrease the amp draw all together by 40%.... Point is a CHEAP Model Generator will never pull its wattage of any length of time they are Overrated Big Time... If you read the Fine print they are 60% duty cycle Generators. Not 100% duty cycle like a Honda or Yamaha. There is Nothing better than the Inverted Honda Generators. being they are inverted you can put them in the Conserv mode & they sense the actual Amp demand & Slow the engine RPM down to save fuel & meet the amp draw at the same time.....HONDA Inverted generators are the Way to go if you can afford one. Treat the gasoline or keep the gas tank & carb empty if you need only for emergency use......
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Joe Warren
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ha ha Plastic Cam........I guess it has Rubber valves too? Joey have you ever worked on any generator or a honda engine?
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Joe
They are making plastic fiber cams .The gears and cam are all plastic fiber now.
They are making plastic fiber cams .The gears and cam are all plastic fiber now.
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No sir, haven't seen any data that would suggest it has rubber valves, but I guess you're just joking. Yessir, I have. Worked on plenty of engines, and I do know from my research years ago before buying a generator, that the Honda had either a plastic cam or cam-gear. I can't remember the specifics.ha ha Plastic Cam........I guess it has Rubber valves too? Joey have you ever worked on any generator or a honda engine?the cams in all honda engines are cast iron....... just like the one in the car you drive....
Briggs and stratton , for many years, ran a plastic gear on the governor inside the engine. It's not uncommon to have plastic parts inside of a small engine.
-Joey
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yes in fact the honda 2000 has a single plastic gear/ lobe cam that operates both exhaust and intake valves from a timing belt, very durable and long lasting!
Joe Warren
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David, Not in the IC Honda Generator engines.........
Good Choice......
Joe Warren
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Honda & most all small engine use plastic parts for governor partsNo sir, haven't seen any data that would suggest it has rubber valves, but I guess you're just joking. Yessir, I have. Worked on plenty of engines, and I do know from my research years ago before buying a generator, that the Honda had either a plastic cam or cam-gear. I can't remember the specifics.ha ha Plastic Cam........I guess it has Rubber valves too? Joey have you ever worked on any generator or a honda engine?the cams in all honda engines are cast iron....... just like the one in the car you drive....
Briggs and stratton , for many years, ran a plastic gear on the governor inside the engine. It's not uncommon to have plastic parts inside of a small engine.
-Joey
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Yeah we just got through that....Except Yamaha.
Hey, looking forward to seeing you again in Huntsville! Bring some friends and lets race!
-Joey
Oh, and I mean "bring" as in a friendly way. Y'all know me, I'm not getting into fisticuffs or shiat like that.....
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