Posted: 6/13/2012 5:39:29 PM EDT
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Over the past couple years I've lost count how many times we've lost power for 6+ hours. It happened again last night. So, I'm looking for a reliable, goo quality portable generator. I was looking at this:
Champion 3500 I would probably run a fridge, occasionally a microwave, a lamp, a fan and a laptop. Maybe charge a cell phone/iPad/Kindle if needed. Is 3500W too much? Not enough? Would prefer a Honda, but damn they REALLY like their shit and buying used kinda scares me. Thoughts? Suggestions? Comparable units? Better units? ETA: Could I make a 2000W inverter generator work with what I would like to run? |
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I'm not familiar with the Champion engine, so if you don't want to lay out the cash for a Honda, I would at least go with one that had a Kohler or Briggs/Stratton engine . Also, go with one that has the most wattage you can afford. I bought a Sears Craftsman 6000/8600 peak with a 10hp Briggs after Hurricane Ivan tore hell up down here in SW Alabama. I was able to run a 15,000 BTU window A/C, FryDaddy, several fans, the microwave, 2 TV's, refrigerator, and satellite. Only time it bogged down was when the microwave would kick in.
You will find all kinds of uses for a good generator. Go to Lowes and check out some of their Gens. |
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Think the survival discussion board or survival gear board had a review or numerous discussions about champion genny's. Heard they're not bad, just not quiet like a Honda. I'd get one in a second if I didn't get my generac for a steal. Think they had a whole champion carb rebuild thread over in survival.
Also be sure to check out tractor supply company and Costco for champion genny's. Some good deals can be had there. |
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microwave can be up to 2000wt. my freezer will start on a 1k inverter but it's dicey and could damage the compressor long term<running requires much less>. right there you are 3k if the fridge cuts one while the MW is running.
fans can also be a significant draw as their motors are not really efficient. that would easily run everything if you disconnect the freezer when running the MW. |
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I think I've decided on a 2000W inverter genny.
The fridge wouldn't run 24/7, only enough to keep everything from spoiling. The microwave would only get occasional use as we have a natural gas grill that I'm pretty handy with. The fan and a lamp aren't a necessity, but I think I could make it work. It could easily handle a laptop and I can charge my phone through my laptop. That should work fine for short term outages and I won't be annoying the piss out of my neighbors with a larger and much louder generator. For a long term situation, I'd have to buy a MUCH higher wattage to run the things I wanted. |
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Where do you live?
A couple weeks ago the Costco in Montgomery had the Champion 5500/6500 for $399. I have one with a similar rating and it will run most of the house at once just fine minus the central air/hot water heater. It would probably run them fine by themselves with some thrown breakers and a bit of planning, but we have a window unit for such eventualities. 3500 would be good for fridge, lights, fan or two, and electronics. Going small is better than nothing, and will likely make your gas last longer, but I wouldn't opt for a 2KW, myself. |
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I just bought a Honda EU2000 for the Talladega race. I knew it was quiet.
We went from using approximately 20 gallons of fuel to only 5 for the entire weekend. My wife asked if I was going to sell the Generac 4500w with the honda motor and I said NO, 2 is one and one is none. I have heard the the Champions are decent and parts are available if you have issues. Check the survival forum for details. There are many threads. 
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Quoted:
noise can be fixed. i am working on an exhaust system for mine currently. old mufflers from a honda are free at most muffler shops and make them VERY quiet. Please post that project when you get a chance and it's finished. I'd be very interested in quieting down my Generac! 
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Quoted:
Quoted:
noise can be fixed. i am working on an exhaust system for mine currently. old mufflers from a honda are free at most muffler shops and make them VERY quiet. Please post that project when you get a chance and it's finished. I'd be very interested in quieting down my Generac! Yes, please fill us in on that project. Thanks in advance! |
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Quoted:
Where do you live? A couple weeks ago the Costco in Montgomery had the Champion 5500/6500 for $399. I have one with a similar rating and it will run most of the house at once just fine minus the central air/hot water heater. It would probably run them fine by themselves with some thrown breakers and a bit of planning, but we have a window unit for such eventualities. 3500 would be good for fridge, lights, fan or two, and electronics. Going small is better than nothing, and will likely make your gas last longer, but I wouldn't opt for a 2KW, myself. B-Ham, but frequently travel to Montgomery (Prattville) because I have a lot of family down there. |
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Quoted:
Quoted:
Where do you live? A couple weeks ago the Costco in Montgomery had the Champion 5500/6500 for $399. I have one with a similar rating and it will run most of the house at once just fine minus the central air/hot water heater. It would probably run them fine by themselves with some thrown breakers and a bit of planning, but we have a window unit for such eventualities. 3500 would be good for fridge, lights, fan or two, and electronics. Going small is better than nothing, and will likely make your gas last longer, but I wouldn't opt for a 2KW, myself. B-Ham, but frequently travel to Montgomery (Prattville) because I have a lot of family down there. Costco in Hoover has the Champion 7000/9000 for $599 right now, with at register MFG rebate. |