Lower cost alternative to Honda 2000 generator experiences?

[vsheetz]

Have long been a fan of the Honda generators, particularly the Honda 2000 series. However I see other vendors entered the market with similar offerings, often at a similar or lessor purchase price point. What are your experiences with such competition offerings?

My usage would be backup/alternative to the primary generator on the Motorhome should it encounter a problem (ability to operate just one AC unit ok). Also lower fuel usage, lower sound level, ability to located the generator away from the Motorhome, etc.

Thanks!

[VTR]

I bought the SmartTools 2000 at Costco . Just saw the new one, newer design, and you can now hook two together. Has a yamaha engine, love mine, price at costco yesterday 559.00.

[marcham]

Will your ac start with a 2000w generator?

[pasdad1]

Most 2000 watt inverter generators will NOT run an AC....

consider this as an alternative



Or this Yamaha unit

[hbillsmith]

Champion 3500 inverter. About $750 on Amazon. Great service. Quiet even at full load. Runs my 2013 15k btu A/C.

[pasdad1]

Originally Posted by hbillsmith

Champion 3500 inverter. About $750 on Amazon. Great service. Quiet even at full load. Runs my 2013 15k btu A/C.

Could not find the model you mentioned....biggest one I could find was a 3100 model which is rated 2800 watts with a 3100 surge.

Can you provide a link or picture ?

[VTR]

It sure runs mine! Keep in mind it is a 6000 btu, but I was told it still would not start it by the pros. I am in denver we will see about higher elevations. It started it at home with barely a hick up- I will try and post a link tomorrow, not on my I pad though. I have no complaints about this little genny.

[VTR]

Sorry , jumped the gun with a response.

[hbillsmith]

I mistyped the number. Its the 3100 inverter I have. I see the now also sell an electric start version.

[vsheetz]

Thanks all. I realize a single Honda 2000 may jot run AC and need to be paired. More the reason for cost alternatives.

The Yamaha 2400 looks pretty good. Not familiar with the Boldly brand, it's remote control features are interesting.

[DegoRed]

I have the Yamaha that is posted above, its a great generator. Years ago when I owned a TT it ran the whole TT including AC. Love Yamaha generators, never takes more than 2 pulls to start and very very quiet.

[vsheetz]

Originally Posted by VTR

I bought the SmartTools 2000 at Costco . Just saw the new one, newer design, and you can now hook two together. Has a yamaha engine, love mine, price at costco yesterday 559.00.

Will it start/run the air conditioner?

[pasdad1]

Since no one has answered in a few days, I'll offer this: I've spent a great deal of time reading reviews from owners of all the Chinese knock-offs of the honda 2000 ...... And NONE of them ever equal the performance of the honda. The honda eu2000i is a 1600 watt generator with surge to 2000 watts. It really doesn't put out the amps necessary to start a 13.5K BTU air conditioner........so if the original can't do it.......the cheap knock-off doesn't have a prayer. Now if you get a knock-off that is scaled up to produce more power it can work.....some have had success with the champion brand at 3100 watts rating. Not as quiet as the honda, but less expensive.

[Annierufus]

While not normally a big fan of the Chinese knock offs, I used a Chinese motor for my grandsons go kart, 6 hp started first pull out of the box, 99 $. Still runs great


Joe Fenech
1998 Itasca Sunflyer
Ford 460