Generator Advice

[c_dwyer]

Hi there:
I'm looking to pick up a generator to work on our off-grid hunting camp and looking for any recommendations. I'll primarily be running the following:

• SawStop CTS (1800 watts),
• Rotex 150 with a Midi (1920 watts total)
• TS 75 (1600 watts)

For those who have been operating with generators, any advice or recommendations on brands/models/size that you've been happy with and last (with care)?
Thank you!

 

[Hipplewm]

Honda 2000 (I think they are 2200 now) - they are pretty much the gold standard - and the price reflects that
If you aren't going to keep it for 35 years and expect it to run as good in 35 years as today - go get the predator 2500 - on sale will go for roughly 599 and if you hold out and the moon and stars align, maybe 549 - but with tarrifs now - not sure you will see 549 again...
Predator 2000 is $599 and on sale - maybe 529 or so - again, sales from HF are very haphazard

EDIT: After reading responses my Hondas seem "New" they are 2004 vintage, so 20 years young and spent most of their life tied togther to power a 33ft camper - running AC wide open - they have run at NASCAR races for a week with nothing but adding fuel. I haven't "abused" them but they haven't had an easy life either.

 

[peter halle]

Earlier this year, after yet another nuisance power outage, I broke down and bought a generator. Actually two, both Honda 2200. The salesman wanted to sell me a larger one and was wondering why I was buying two. I told him it was because the fuel consumption was better with the two, sometimes I didn't think my loads would require both, so in that case I would be saving fuel by just running one.

Love those generators - quiet, lighter in weight, and good runtime on a tank of gas.

Peter

 

[kevinculle]

2nd the Honda 2000EUi (now 2200), I have one bought new in about 1998 when we were serious boaters, for extended anchoring in Georgian Bay coves. It runs and looks brand new with only oil changes and the very occasional spark plug replacement. When the power goes out it keeps the essential loads at home running for about 12 hours on a tank of fuel, averaging maybe 800W output. It's very quiet, sitting on the back deck in this mode you can't hear it inside the house. I have used it for remote carpentry a number of times and it ran my Kapex and 2HP air compressor just fine, one at a time!

 

[onocoffee]

Another Honda guy here. I recently sold my old and trusty Honda EB3500. Had it for 26 years and it was an excellent generator. Still worked when I sold it to some guy who was going to ship it down to his village in Guatemala to power his family's house.

If you got the budget and never want to have to think twice about it, get a Honda. Otherwise, I understand that Harbor Freight's Predator generators are good value.

 

[c_dwyer]

Jury is out, thank you all for the advice!

 

[Cheese]

Another non-Honda guy here...hate their motorcycles, hate their cars, hate their lawn mowers ...but love their portable generators. Their generators are true gems.

 

[Vondawg]

Hey….my F6B Goldwing heard that

 

[Df1k1]

Harbor freight ….as controversial as they are….do something’s very well. I think their knock off to the Honda the predator… is outstanding. I’ve never had an issue with it. Obviously much cheaper than the Honda.