Generac and Champion Generators??

[timberghost72]

Looking to see if anyone has reviews on these two makers of generators. I'd love to have a Honda or Yamaha but way too much $$$. I am specifically looking at 5500K-8000K electric start portable generators. Online reviews are all over the board so hoping to get some real world opinions. Generac has been around for ever so I would think that they make a good product. Champions are cheaper and made in China but seem to have good reviews. The Champion also has a gas/propane model.

Thanks,

Tony

[follow maggie]

I have a champion 9,000 watt that runs on gas or propane. I’m not going to say it’s as good as Honda, but I’m happy with it. It does what I need it to do & doesn’t give me any problems.

[J.Brower]

We bought a champion a few years ago, i think its the 3500W. Starts 1st or 2nd pull every time, and keeps going until you shut it off. Only had it under load a couple of times, so not sure on longevity but so far I am happy with it.

[jrebel]

I have a Champion 2800 and love it.  Use it with the trailer and have no problems. 

[CP]

I have a Champion 1200W that I use to run a 60amp battery charger.  Works fine and it was cheap. 

Also and older Generac 12.5KW propane that runs my off-grid cabin.  No problems with it either.

[mjgentile]

 I went with neither pound for pound and for the cost Harbor Freight Generators where rated one of the best by Consumer Reports, I went with a 8750max 7000 running electric start under 700. May be able to get around 600 with coupon. Had it two years with no issues. Just run it about once a month under load.

[runamuk]

I have generac at work and they are great, run off propane require almost zero maintenance and work when needed.

[C-Money]

I needed a bit more power so went with the Duromax Gas/propane. Runs great, does what I need. I have not used it a ton yet. Just be sure your not throwing 220 when you hook up to your camper. Wish this model had a RV hookup.

http://www.electricgeneratordepot.com/duromax-4850-watt-duel-fuel-hybrid-generator

Used a 2500 Honda a lot before we got the new camper, and it ran everything just fine!

[300rum]

How often/long does it run?

I have generac at work and they are great, run off propane require almost zero maintenance and work when needed.

[timberghost72]

After some research and all the responses it seems that most generators in the price range I'm looking at are pretty much the same and made overseas including Generac. Generac standby gensets are well made from what I've read but the portables are a different divison and fair. I've read reviews on some  bad customer service for Generac so I may stay away from them. Champion looks to be pretty good and priced good also. Sure wish I could afford a Honda 

Thanks for all your replies.

[runamuk]

How often/long does it run?

I have generac at work and they are great, run off propane require almost zero maintenance and work when needed.

They run a weekly test run for say 20 minutes. We had some power down during a big project and it ran for 8 or 10 hours.  The 500 gal propane tank has sat at 80% for this whole year. I have no idea how long it would have to run to use up all the propane.

[jb101]

I'll chime in with a recommendation for the Harbor Freight Predator line. Picked up a 4kw last year for around $250 on sale.  Added oil, fueled up, set the choke, one pull out of the box and it purred.  Only used it a few times but always one pull.  Word on the street is that Predator motors are exact copies of Honda motors.  The metallurgy coming out of China lately is a quantum step over what they used to produce.

[C-Money]

I agree, the Chinese Honda clones are really pretty good motors.

[Special T]

Folks got a duel fuel champion (I'm pretty sure) from Costco. Connect it to your home propane tank and you will be as happy.  No fetching fuel and very low maintance. My folks loose power on a fairly regular basis and have been happy with the purchase.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

[fish vacuum]

I almost bought a Yamaha 2000, until I saw it was made in China. Bought a champion 2000 on sale for a bargain instead. I haven't used it much but I run it for 20 minutes every 6-8 weeks. It always starts easy and is quiet.