Cheap generators... (as in $100-150, on the web)

[zamboni]

I accidentally posted this in the Fix It forum, meaning to post it here where it might get more eyeballs.

We do not often dry camp, and when we do, all we need is to keep the battery charged - for the furnace, lights, and water pump.  I know how people say "buy your NEXT generator first".

Well, I'd rather be at a full-service campground with a cheap $150 generator sitting in my garage (unused) than a $1000 Honda!

Does anyone have any experience with these cheap generators?  This one, for example, says it is 57 db -- about the same as the Hondas (looks like a "cousin" to the one that 6Quigs brought to Pismo last year):

http://elimsales.en.ec21.com/GC01121942/CA01121943/Elim_Power_Portable_950_Watt_Gas_Generator.html



Cost: about $150 (on eBay, $100, new).

It weighs 45 lbs, ~900 watts, supposedly 57db, but does need 50:1 premix (not a big deal), 6 hours on about 1 gallon.


I measured the wattage in my hybrid, and I'd need 1500+ for the microwave (with converter also using 200 watts) and 1800+ peak for the air condioner.  Thus, I'd need a big generator (very expensive) to be of any use - even the Honda 2000 wouldn't handle my appliances.  Thus, this is why I just want a battery-charging one...

[danjo67]

The chinese are flooding the world market with everything from electronics to ATV's.  IMO, if you respect and take care of the generator, it will probably serve you well.  But like I said, Any generator neglected or overloaded will not last long.  Read manuals thoroughly and obey them.  I have a buddy who has a cheapie chinese generator similar to this one  and has had no problems whatsoever with it.  I see you mentioned in your post about decibel output.  That too is extremely important.

[brainpause]

If you did buy it, you'd need to start it pretty often...probably once every week or two at least. Those 2 stroke engines don't like to sit.

Larry

[kwatson51]

Our camping buddies bought one similar off of eBay for about $135.
It is actually very quiet and does a fine job. He's on his 2nd or 3rd year with it now and very pleased. His only regret is that he wishes for a larger one. His is 800watt and want a 1200 watt.

I feel like you...I'd rather have a cheap one sitting around not being used that an expensive one.

[wavery]

This summer should teach us all a lesson in generators. This nation is experiencing more "Brown-outs" then ever before and it only seems to be getting worse. IMO every home should have a generator of at least 2000w rating, with a 5000w being better . This should be enough to keep your fridge and a light going in the event of a brown-out.

I plan on installing a large array of solar panels on my new house in Fallbrook. I think that the price may come down some and the State may start offering tax incentives as the energy crisis only worsens.

[zamboni]

I bought it last night on ePray for $150 shipped.  We'll see how it goes.

I may move to solar panels one day, but the price needs to come down and efficiency up to make them a better value.

We haven't lost power for more than a hour (once) in 2 years.  Not worth keeping a generator; my fridge and freezer can keep things cool for many hours.  If I need it, I have the camper fridge right next to the garage

[TheViking]

I accidentally posted this in the Fix It forum, meaning to post it here where it might get more eyeballs.
 
We do not often dry camp, and when we do, all we need is to keep the battery charged - for the furnace, lights, and water pump. I know how people say "buy your NEXT generator first".
 
Well, I'd rather be at a full-service campground with a cheap $150 generator sitting in my garage (unused) than a $1000 Honda!
 
Does anyone have any experience with these cheap generators? This one, for example, says it is 57 db -- about the same as the Hondas (looks like a "cousin" to the one that 6Quigs brought to Pismo last year):
 
http://elimsales.en.ec21.com/GC01121942/CA01121943/Elim_Power_Portable_950_Watt_Gas_Generator.html
 

 
Cost: about $150 (on eBay, $100, new).
 
It weighs 45 lbs, ~900 watts, supposedly 57db, but does need 50:1 premix (not a big deal), 6 hours on about 1 gallon.
 
 
I measured the wattage in my hybrid, and I'd need 1500+ for the microwave (with converter also using 200 watts) and 1800+ peak for the air condioner. Thus, I'd need a big generator (very expensive) to be of any use - even the Honda 2000 wouldn't handle my appliances. Thus, this is why I just want a battery-charging one...

Glen, PM Kevin (6Quigs) about this.  He bought one last year.  There is a story behind it  I will be glad to tell you at Pismo but he has the info on them.

[zamboni]

Glen, PM Kevin (6Quigs) about this.  He bought one last year.  There is a story behind it  I will be glad to tell you at Pismo but he has the info on them.

I remember him buying it, as a result of the thread talking about them.  He brought it to Pismo and I heard it.  However, the one he bought was the bigger 3500, from Kragen Auto Parts.  The only similarity between these 2 is the name - so it is fairly likely that it isn't even made in the same sweatshop

I doubt I'll get it before we leave for Pismo on Monday... so I'll have to plan another trip back to the beach in September...  :tent:

[zamboni]

Got it.  Now trying to make arrangements to return it (they are not returning my calls or e-mails -- funny...)


In a nutshell: hard to start.  When it was running, and warm, at idle, was 65 db (not 57) at 21 feet away.

Sputtered under any load.  Over 200 watts and it sputtered badly.  Could not put out more than 300 very sputtered watts (I have a wattage meter that shows the draw of what is plugged into it - in this case, I was using a blender that I knew would need up to 600 watts depending on what speed I used).

At 300 watts, it sputtered enough to die.  Would not restart without waiting several minutes then MANY more pulls on the cord.

Plus, web said it was 950 watts.  Manual I got said it was 800.  Hmmm....


A nice idea.  Learned my lesson:  If I really want a generator, get a Honda, Yammie, or maybe Kipor.

[6Quigs]

Hey Glen,

Sorry to hear it didn't turn out to be as good a deal as expected.

Returning a generator can be difficult, as once you put gasoline in them, most shipping companies will not deliver them.

I was curious to see how it worked out, as I still like ours, but at that price, it would be nice to have a smaller one, just to be able to charge the batteries.