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Generator recommendation?

K

keyibythesea

New member
Joined
Dec 25, 2024
Moto(s)
Ninja400, Yamaha TTR230, Ohvale GP0-190
I know honda generators are great and durable(also expensive), what other options people may consider?
 
Last year I bought a Champion gas/NG/propane generator. I ran it less than 5 minutes and returned it. It was the loudest generator I have ever heard. I'll stick with my 30 year old Honda for now.
 
I have a friend with a Yamaha generator that's whisper quiet and starts first pull.
But it was likely as much as a Honda....or more.
FWIW, it's a very cool blue.
 
I had 3 predator generators (recently stolen) that impressed me. The little 1400 had an unknown number of hours had been dropped and poorly maintained. Was very quiet and always ran. After the fires I ran our pool for 5 years with a 3500. Well over 1000 hours when it was stolen. I picked up a 9500 which ran the 220 well 2 air conditioners I never bought a battery for it and pull started it for 4 years. No issues.
Since the generators were stolen I will buy a Predator dual fuel 5000.
 
as the fabulous ThumperX mentioned, predator from harbor freight is kinda gaining a really solid reputation.

if you're worried, get one and use it. also get the extended service plan for 1 or 2 years, your choice. you can literally use it for 1 or 2 years straight and take it back 1 day before the service plan expires and swap for a new one. the cashiers will tell you the exact same thing as a selling point on the service plan. give em your phone number so they'll track the purchases and you don't even need to keep the receipt.

the up side is that you probably won't need to take the thing back and uou'll have spent way less than the honda. service plan will also cover you if you leave crappy booze-gas in the thing for months that destroys the carburetor. you can clean the carb, or take it back and get an entirely new one. your choice.... or you can try to clean the carb to use it right away for whatever it is you need, it'll run ok, and then go swap for a new one when the urgency is off.

the booze gas thing will take down any small engine btw, honda, Yamaha, champion doesn't matter
 
When our Honda EU3000 or whatever it was completely died it was the small engine mechanic who said go buy the Preditor 3500 instead of fixing it.
We donated the dead Honda and he stuck a Predator motor in it and sent it to Guatemala. :thumbup
 
auntiebling said:
as the fabulous ThumperX mentioned, predator from harbor freight is kinda gaining a really solid reputation.

if you're worried, get one and use it. also get the extended service plan for 1 or 2 years, your choice. you can literally use it for 1 or 2 years straight and take it back 1 day before the service plan expires and swap for a new one. the cashiers will tell you the exact same thing as a selling point on the service plan. give em your phone number so they'll track the purchases and you don't even need to keep the receipt.

the up side is that you probably won't need to take the thing back and uou'll have spent way less than the honda. service plan will also cover you if you leave crappy booze-gas in the thing for months that destroys the carburetor. you can clean the carb, or take it back and get an entirely new one. your choice.... or you can try to clean the carb to use it right away for whatever it is you need, it'll run ok, and then go swap for a new one when the urgency is off.

the booze gas thing will take down any small engine btw, honda, Yamaha, champion doesn't matter
Click to expand...
Sweet, thanks!
 
keyibythesea said:
Sweet, thanks!
Click to expand...
One thing I mention a lot to folks who want to get a generator- consider getting a dual fuel generator which supports both natural gas and propane and has an external propane connection for a 5gal (or bigger) tank- having your generator plumbed into natural gas is awesome for effortless start/stop during a 'normal' power outage, but if an earthquake or terror attack happens, natural gas service may be interrupted, and being able to run it on propane will keep you going in that instance.
 
I am currently looking at smart style generators which can do dual fuel:
EcoFlow for example will Auto Start-Stop as needed to charge up their batteries. Very convenient for an extended power outage so you don't have to do anything and can mute it in the middle of the night. The battery will afford you some capacitance so you don't need to have the genny on 24/7

while something more substantial like a generac would be ok too, this small portable one seems like a decent all around solution.

Definitely nice to have the LPG or Natural Gas connected to not have the carb gum up with shit fuel and for extented run times without having to refuel.
 
Rtmac said:
Last year I bought a Champion gas/NG/propane generator. I ran it less than 5 minutes and returned it. It was the loudest generator I have ever heard. I'll stick with my 30 year old Honda for now.
Click to expand...
^ this. Plus, when you buy a Champion- it guarantees your power will never go out. Had my tri-fuel 4500w Champ for 7 years and not once has the power gone out. Cheap insurance!

Non-gasoline is by far the way to go. Propane has an unlimited shelf life and no "add stabilizer" and hope BS.
 
my sister had to deal with extended planned blackouts a few years back and wished she had a diesel generator though propane was 2nd place. it depends what your situation is.
 
Rtmac said:
Last year I bought a Champion gas/NG/propane generator. I ran it less than 5 minutes and returned it. It was the loudest generator I have ever heard. I'll stick with my 30 year old Honda for now.
Click to expand...
If for home back up, check out a generator shed. You can build it yourself.

 
keyibythesea said:
I know honda generators are great and durable(also expensive), what other options people may consider?
Click to expand...
Read the linked thread. I have 3 champion generators (small, medium and large) that run on propane.
 
We get one or two power outages a year. I have a Class B motorhome with 540 Ah of Lithium and a 2,000w inverter. Also a 2800i Onan that will come on if needed. A couple of cords and I stay warm and the fridge keeps working. Only once have we been dark over 12 hours.
 
You guys are sweet and trustworthy! I will take the suggestions by either getting a used Honda or something brand new like predator. BTW I assume people know I'm gonna use this primarily for motorcycles, like tire warmers(since this is a motorcycle forum). It's my bad not making it clear, but definitely learned a lot from all the replies! Thanks!!!
 
If you're using it just for tire warmers, charging a jump pack, running a cooler the Predator 1400 is enough. I used hat little gen for a few years in my van. It wasn't enough to charge my elecrick dirtbike quickly but was great for all my van needs. FWIW, the San Rafael Harbor freight has several returned units. My guess is you could get one for about $150
 
keyibythesea said:
You guys are sweet and trustworthy! I will take the suggestions by either getting a used Honda or something brand new like predator. BTW I assume people know I'm gonna use this primarily for motorcycles, like tire warmers(since this is a motorcycle forum). It's my bad not making it clear, but definitely learned a lot from all the replies! Thanks!!!
Click to expand...

See pic. I have a propane tank mounted on my trailer for my small champion generator. It does the job of running my warmers.
 

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