Generac generator

Golerud · Posted: Tue Feb 14, 2012 10:25 pm Post subject: Generac generator

I have been considering the purchase of a Honda 2000i generator. Today, I saw a Generac 2000 series generator which appears to be similar in specifiactions to the Honda at several hundred $$$$ less. Does anyone out there have any experience with the Generac?

Thanks
GAO

jkidd · Posted: Tue Feb 14, 2012 10:39 pm Post subject:

Is the Generac an Inverter or a Generator?

journey on · Posted: Tue Feb 14, 2012 11:01 pm Post subject:

I have no personal knowledge of the small RV Generac generators. The larger ones have a decent reputation.

Looking at the picture of the Generac RV 2000w inverter generator it is apparent that it's a knock-off of the Honda. Those come from China and are sold to distributors/importers who want a small generator to sell, under their name. Honeywell also has one: Honeywell Generator . Of course this is Honeywell of China, not related to the Honeywell we knew. And there are others.

The problem with these generators is dependability. I've had my Honda 1000i for 10 years now and it's been a great unit. There have been several posts about the Chinese ones, especially Kipor, regarding their poor dependability. That might have changed, but not at that price.

Honda has shifted some motorcycle production to China, and may have done so with their generators, but you can check that at any Honda generator dealer.

To compare Honda prices, you're going to have to call an internet sales outfit, such as :Wise Sales. then compare prices. Wise also sells the Generac generator. Remember you're trading dependability for price, until proven different.

Boris

Pat Anderson · Posted: Tue Feb 14, 2012 11:28 pm Post subject: Re: Generac generator

We have a Generac generator (5000 watts) at home, bought it at Costco many years ago for $500, and it is an extremely reliable unit. It has saved our bacon through many a power outage here. This is a good brand, so I might be inclined to give it a try. That said, we do have a Honda 2000i on the boat, and it is unquestionably the standard against which others are measured...

Sea Wolf · Posted: Wed Feb 15, 2012 12:47 am Post subject:

I don't know the exact brand or price, but I saw a knock-off of the Honda 2000i generator/inverter at Costco the other day. Visually, it looks very good, just about as good as a Honda. Time would tell whether it would be dependable and to what degree. Costco does back their sold products very well, but who wants to have a generator fail?

ON EDIT: Here a comparison of the Honda and CPE (Costco Brand) 2000i generators:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WyB3w_tJxYY

Joe. Teeth

jkidd · Posted: Wed Feb 15, 2012 1:14 am Post subject:

Golerud · Posted: Wed Feb 15, 2012 8:17 am Post subject:

Thanks for the input. I just finished reading a bunch of reviews about the Generac on Amazon. I'll purchase the Honda.

Gary

potter water · Posted: Wed Feb 15, 2012 10:59 am Post subject:

However, the Cosco generator works great for all of the applications I use on my CD and for near half the price of the Honda. If I was using air conditioning, at my altitude, I'd probably need to go to a 2500 watt or greater generator. I tried a friends honda 2000i on my small RV AC and it wouldn't run it, neither would the Cosco. Again, I'm around 4000 feet elevation to 7000 feet elevation for much of my cruising.

If money doesn't count, then the Honda is the way to go. If you are an old retired guy, then money does count, and the Cosco generator is well within the budget.

When it comes to money, cost benefit ratio is the key ingredient to boats, boat systems, and even generators.

C-Otter · Posted: Wed Feb 15, 2012 1:28 pm Post subject:

My brother has worked for Generac in southern Wisconsin for many years, he said they just put on a 3rd shift to keep up with demand.

A least some of them are AMERICAN made, how much I have no idea.

C-Otter

thataway · Posted: Wed Feb 15, 2012 7:50 pm Post subject:

We have a 16,000 KW nat gas Generac generator at our home which has give good service for over 3 years. We have also owned two Generac units in RV's with good service. I believe that these were U S made units. In the past Generac has stood behind their products.

Our local R V dealer carried several of the Chinese small generators; recently I noted that they were carrying Yahama generators. The reason was that the off brands were out of business or could not get parts!

For air conditioners confided the easy start device by Dometic. The start up load is the problem.

localboy · Posted: Wed Feb 15, 2012 8:38 pm Post subject:

Based on that video, looks like a Honda is worth the money.

Pat Anderson · Posted: Wed Feb 15, 2012 10:38 pm Post subject:

Oh yes, Chinese generators! We got a Harbor Freight Tools 800 watt generator for about $100 for the RV. Believe it or not, it has started every time and seems to run fine! When it craps out, it goes to the dump, but for now, no complaints!

localboy · Posted: Thu Feb 16, 2012 1:24 pm Post subject:

localboy · Posted: Thu Feb 16, 2012 1:26 pm Post subject:

Since we're talking generators...can someone tell me the wire gauge used on their gen cord. We're getting one this yr [so we can have hot showers at the end of the day] and I need to go to Platt Electric and make one up.

potter water · Posted: Thu Feb 16, 2012 1:50 pm Post subject:

Generator? Showers? What is the connection...pun? I kinda thought hot showers came from fueled burners like propane water heaters.

Just curious.