Kevin Report post Posted May 1, 2006 I'm in the market for a 3500-5000 watt generator. I can't afford a Honda (man they are quiet and expensive) so I'm at a loss for what to shop for. Do any of you have experience with one that is reliable? Thanks for your input! Kevin Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kphunter Report post Posted May 1, 2006 I've heard of a Honda knock-off sold at Pep Boys that is basically a Honda motor but much less expensive since it's made in China. Heard some pretty good things about it on some of the RV forums... KP Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
standman Report post Posted May 1, 2006 Kevin, we went through the same generator process a couple years ago. Here is what we came up with. In a one month period we went through three brand new Coleman generators. Each of them broke down and quit running the first hour they were in use. All three were different sizes and purchased from different dealers. So if it was up to me don't buy a Coleman. The one we have now is a Craftsman bought from Sears. We have had absolutely no problems with it and we have used it a bunch. My brother purchased a Generac from Home Depot and it seems to be a good one. Noise wise they all seem to be about the same, but they are louder than the Honda. Brian Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Ernesto C Report post Posted May 2, 2006 Kevin,you must try GENERAC generators,they are really good. Ernesto C Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
grizzly Report post Posted May 7, 2006 It depends on your usage, just for camping five or six times a year a generac is okay. Dont count on them for daily use however. I bought Generacs from Price Club about 12 years ago for a concrete company where I was the yardman and almost got fired for it. Im a contractor and use my generator usually 3 times a week. I personally use a Coleman 6000 watt that has never given me a bit of trouble. (Hey standman you have to put oil in them first. ) JK. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Diamondbackaz Report post Posted May 7, 2006 Honda builds some of the best stuff around, that's the way I would go..... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dodger2 Report post Posted May 8, 2006 Kevin, Thanks for creating this thread. I just got finished looking at some generators on line since I'm looking at buying a trailer since the wife wants a toilet in order to camping with me and the kids. Here's my question, for a trailer what size generator do you need to run lights, etc? I've found the price goes up pretty quick. I'm looking either a tent trailer w/ a front platform for a quad or a 19' toy hauler. The toy hauler comes with one but its a $4,000 option. Thanks Matt Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kevin Report post Posted May 8, 2006 Thanks for the info fellows. Dodger2, Check into what the trailers A/C requires. If you just want to run lights and charge batteries a 2000 watt would easily do that. If you will be running the A/C, microwave etc, especially at the same time you will need a larger unit depending on how many watts they need. Sorry I can't be of more help. By the way, if $4000 will get the built in generator and your wife and kids will go along, well in my book thats cheap! Kevin Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dodger2 Report post Posted May 9, 2006 Kevin, That does help. I'm a real newbie at this stuff. Usually its a tent or the back of the truck for camping. I went down to the dealership today and the tent trailer guy sells Honda generators and will put one into the deal. The toy hauler is nice, its just more than I need and costs a lot more money. Matt Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
azhuntnut Report post Posted May 9, 2006 Kevin, Thanks for creating this thread. I just got finished looking at some generators on line since I'm looking at buying a trailer since the wife wants a toilet in order to camping with me and the kids. Here's my question, for a trailer what size generator do you need to run lights, etc? I've found the price goes up pretty quick. I'm looking either a tent trailer w/ a front platform for a quad or a 19' toy hauler. The toy hauler comes with one but its a $4,000 option. Thanks Matt Dodger, I have a fifth wheel that I use for hunting, and I have never had to use a generator. I bought two six volt golf cart batteries for mine and they will last five days with no problem. I have even ran my heater every night. I have never used the AC in mine, so I guess if you plan on using the AC then it might be a good idea to get one already installed in the trailer. I have a 6500 watt Generac sitting in my garage that I have not taken with me on one trip. Check out this website, it has a wealth of information. David http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BRYCE CANYON Report post Posted May 10, 2006 How much do you want for the Generac in your garage? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
azhuntnut Report post Posted May 10, 2006 How much do you want for the Generac in your garage? I don't know. I have never really thought about selling it. I figured if I do, then I will need it the next week. This sucker weighs 176 lbs. I actually just went out and looked at it. It says Wacker on the frame and G5.6. I thought it Generac. And I was wrong about the wattage, it is 5500. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dodger2 Report post Posted May 11, 2006 azhuntnut, Thanks for the tip. I'll check out the site. I figure I can use the generator for other purposes as well. We don't really camp anywhere that will need AC. I was more concerned about a heater and a toilet (wife's only requirement). Matt/Dodger2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
