Which One of These Generators Is The Best

[jonahblah]

Hello folks, I have a one simple question. I am thinking about getting a new generator to power my adventures and I am eager to buy one from this list (see post 10 for the list)

Right now I cant decide between Yamaha and Honda from that list. Could you please help me out? Main criteria for me would be durability, power output and maybe weight. 

Thanks for any input!

 

[Weight]

Do you need 5500 watts? The choice would be not Ryobi, too loud.

 

[jonahblah]

Well I guess I can go for 5000 watts as well if there are good options with good price/quality ratio. Yamaha is cheaper than the Honda, but when looking at individual reviews from past customers, Honda wins I think.

 

[Trebor English]

Have you evaluated your actual power need?  Many people use a watt meter like the Kill A Watt.  Often the watt rating on an appliance label is misleading.  

More capacity than you need will cost money.  First, there is the higher price for a bigger machine.  Second, there is the higher fuel cost.  When running a 55 amp battery charger, about 900 watts max, a 5500 watt generator will use a bit less fuel than a 7500 watt generator but more than a 2000 watt generator.  You can add up all the watts of all the things you have but some combinations are not likely.  The hair dryer probably won't be used at the same time as the induction cooker.

A small 700/900 watt generator might work fine if the battery bank has a shallow discharge but not when deeply discharged.  A generator that is too small will disappoint when you need it most, maybe overheat, maybe die young.  A 45 amp charger instead of a 55 amp will take very little additional run time but would fit better with an under 1000 watt generator.

The generatorist.com link shows generators of different technologies.  It's like comparing huge diesel stick shift 70,000 pound dump trucks to Prius and Leaf technologies.  They are different.  Direct drive from the engine to a 60 Hz generator requires the engine to run at 3600 RPM at all times.  Inverter generators use a gas powered high voltage DC generator with an inverter to make AC at 60 Hz regardless of engine speed.  At low power the computer slows the engine to make just enough DC.  That greatly improves noise and fuel economy.  

In the original post you say "Main criteria for me would be durability, power output and maybe weight."  Those don't include noise level at different power levels, fuel consumption or price.  Some generators are easy to get repaired while others are unrepairable throw away items.  The more complex systems can have issues that make them impossible for idiots to diagnose.    

You mentioned different brands.  There was a time when Ford made GT40s to be race winners and they were good.  They also have made Pintos.  Just the Honda or Yamaha name tag doesn't make them good for what you need.  

A class B RV or not huge travel trailer usually have one through the roof air conditioner.  Many people use 3000 watt generators for that.  At 5500 watts it will be very expensive or very noisy to get that power level.  Do you need 5500 watts to run two air conditioners?

 

[ckelly78z]

I don't think you will ever be disappointed in one, (or two) of these; Honda makes the most efficient, quiet, reliable machines on the planet (I help build them).


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[Trebor English]

I don't think you will ever be disappointed in one, (or two) of these; Honda makes the most efficient, quiet, reliable machines on the planet (I help build them).

Opinions differ.  (I have repaired them).  

I think we can agree they are 2 kilobucks.

 

[tx2sturgis]

 Inverter generators use a gas powered high voltage DC generator with an inverter to make AC at 60 Hz regardless of engine speed. 

I've seen this stated here a few times but normally there is no DC generator (which would require brushes) in a common inverter generator. The generator is a 3 phase AC unit (very similar to a motorcycle stator) then an AC to DC rectifier stage, then inversion back to 60hz AC.

 

[Master Mechanic]

this is my choice.. i own one
dual fuel - propane is way better than gas. most repairs are for bad gas yes the owners fault.
electric start and dual fuel is hard to find
price i can buy 4 for price of a honda. got mine on sale 375.00
WEN DF475 4750-Watt 120V/240V Dual Fuel Portable Generator with Wheel Kit and Electric Start-CARB Compliant

https://www.amazon.com/WEN-DF475-47...qid=1549343710&sr=1-15&keywords=wen+generator

 

[LoupGarou]

Brand aside, go with an inverter model. Running an open frame construction generator is a great way to meet the neighbors.

 

[highdesertranger]

list from post one,

http://generatorist.com/best-5500-watt-portable-generators

please no open frame construction generators. I have had 2 recent encounters with these one at the RTR. please don't use these. they are beyond annoying.

highdesertranger

 

[tx2sturgis]

We have a numbskull (that's putting it forum-friendly) running a jobsite genset about 500 feet from us every night. It is annoying as hell.

 

[Master Mechanic]

easy guys i see a generator as a last resort emergency use. first have a solar system sized correctly for needs.

 

[bigskybob]

Anybody have a Champion inverter genny?Champion has a really good reputation and about 1/3rd the cost of a Honda.

 

[Gr8ful]

I have 2 4500 watt dual fuel gen sets at home, electric start, wheel kit I bought around the holidays for $249/shipped thru Ebay from Small Enginne Warehouse. Too loud for camping. For the road
I bought an Inverter Clone of a Honda from Sam's club except it comes with the cord to connect 2 for no charge. I can't post links yet but here's the info I paid $249 shipped to my house, I love being Cheapskate!   $249/shipped 52 DBA

• 2,300 starting watts / 1,800 running watts
• 79cc OHV4-cycle engine
• Low THD and 52dBA quiet operation
• Digital fuel gauge, power meter and data center
• Fully integrated parallel capability with cables included  PRICE $499.00

A-iPower SUA2300i Ultra-Quiet Inverter Generator with Mobility Kit - CARB Compliant

 

[Gr8ful]

I think I can post a link now with a picture but for $249/shipped I wish I'd have bought 2, here's the link with the picture.
https://www.samsclub.com/sams/a/pro...F9Nm3Ni4iT0sABYKeOzs3Q&pubNAME=Slickdeals+LLC