Quiet Generator -- Which one is best for the $$$

[meatloaf]

I am going to sell my Generac 8000 generator and will be looking for one of the "quiet" ones. Which is the best one I could get for around $600 but no more that $800? I will using it for camping, occasional power tool use and mainly used to cool a camper with a small window unit when hunting...

Thanks,
Luis

 

[davegonz]

Luis, the quieter they are, the more expensive they seem to be. I'd look on craigslist to see if you can find a used Honda EU series generator. You'd probably want an EU3000is or a EU6500iS if you need the added power to run your AC.

I have a small Yamaha that is quiet and dependable, but not powerful enough to run your AC.

 

[meatloaf]

Thanks Dave,

I see what you mean... I doing a quick search on craigslist, those quiet ones are hovering aroung $2-3k for what I want/need. I may just keep mine a buy some earplugs unlesss I run into a really good deal.

Thanks again,
Luis

 

[Cruisertime]

Dude, you know that generac puts out models that are direct competition for the honda eu series, right? Generac Power Systems - iX Series Price is considerably less for generac at moment. Def not as quite as a honda, but price range is there. I use one on our boat, not as bad as what I have seen in videos

 

[Cruisertime]

Found this: YouTube - generac ix1600

 

[Lake Rat]

I have a EU 3000, it's pretty heavy, I load it in my truck with my engine puller. Jeff B. IIRC uses one of the smaller Honda's for his camper and it has small window unit in it. It is easliy carried (fairly light). You should contact him and see what he has or says.

 

[davegonz]

Yeah, the first thing to do is to figure out what the peak amps on the AC unit is. You might be able to get away with a smaller unit.

 

[woody]

I run a 5000 btu window AC unit off my Honda 2000 generator without any issue...

 

[davegonz]

Woody,
Are you coming to Round Up this year? If so, bring some curds!!

 

[woody]

Woody,
Are you coming to Round Up this year? If so, bring some curds!!

Registered, then cancelled since my house was supposed to close on March 18th (and am giving my registration away)...now that all pushed up, I've already bought the new home and am moving the 'big' stuff tomorrow, followed by closing the old home March 4th...and Heather is closing hers around the 9th I think...

so, may try and make it down...may...

and yes, lots of curds

 

[meatloaf]

I run a 5000 btu window AC unit off my Honda 2000 generator without any issue...

this is good to know cause it would make it more economical to buy a smaller unit...

 

[bignasty]

Honda generators are good and very quiet. They are also reliable.

 

[famtoy]

Luis, You may want to check if any RV shows are coming up soon. I scored a Honda EU2000 for $829 at one of these shows. I was considering the EU3000, but the weight increase is huge. I've run a large aircompressor and HD Skilsaw at the same time with no problems. If you organize Your power usage You'll find that a small unit can handle a decent work load. I'm very happy with the Honda...Joe.

 

[fj40charles]

Luis, You may want to check if any RV shows are coming up soon. I scored a Honda EU2000 for $829 at one of these shows. I was considering the EU3000, but the weight increase is huge. I've run a large aircompressor and HD Skilsaw at the same time with no problems. If you organize Your power usage You'll find that a small unit can handle a decent work load. I'm very happy with the Honda...Joe.

Or try to score a used one. Got mine used for #$675. Looks brand new.
The ONLY negative thing I can say about the Honda EU2000 is the lack of 230v power even when using the parallel kit.

 

[Dynosoar]

Loud generators are OK with very very long extension cords!


Dynosoar

 

[rusty_tlc]

The EU1000 Honda generators can be series connected, it may be cheaper to buy two use ones than one new larger one.
FWIW I have a Honda EU1000, we had it running to re-charge the RV batteries. I was on the other side of the trailer sitting in a lawn chair and forgot it was running. They are very quiet.

 

[crashn]

We have several Honda Eu 3000 and EU 3000Is. The electric start with the full cover is a pain to work on. The EU 3000 inverter is all open and only weighs 74 lbs. The honda is awesome and very quiet. The quiet is in the muffler. I would not get rid of a Generac 8000 because of the noise. Change the muffler. Yep think about it, the muffler is much better on the honda, that is the noise difference. I have installed small car mufflers on briggs engines and the noise level drops a lot. I have a Honda engine that the muffler is just about shot and it is very noisy. Be ceative and install a different muffler.
Did you know Honda will not warrent the valve train if you use fuel with ethonal in it. They claim it builds up carbon deposits and causes valve problems. I had an EU3000IS with two hours on it and it would backfire through the carb when trying to start it. Took it to the dealer and Honda would not warrent it. There was no carbon on the valves and they charged $450.00 to fix it. Had second one in a month do the same and when I tore it a part I found that the valve was stuck. Not a carbon problem, just a rocker problem.

I like Honda engines but they are not perfect.

 

[Koffer]

If you want quiet , you dont want one of these , If you want to run your half the neighborhood then its fine