Generac Portable Generator????

[smallieobsession]

Looking for any opinions or feedback on Generac portable generators....similar in size and output to the Hondas but quite a bit cheaper. My primary use would be a few times a year on the ice and maybe once a year camping. Is the Honda that much better? Quiet is important....is the would the Honda be noticeably quieter??? Any thoughts out there?

Thanks

[hitthebricks]

A friend of mine is looking at them for his motor home. Their sales brochure claims there quieter than the Hondas.

Good Luck

HTB

[Ryan_V]

I looked at these too, but went with a honda, proven bulletproof, super quiet. I'd at least try and see and hear one run before deciding. How much are they asking for the generac?

[smallieobsession]

I found a new 2000 watt one for about $460....if it works would be a good deal....

[Jim Almquist]

I just went to there HSOforum and looked at there specs on the 2000 and they do not tell you what the dB level is. Looks like a nice unit.

[smallieobsession]

Yeah...I've been looking for the db specs and have not found anything. I think I am going to call into their customer service line and see what they have to say. If the db's are real close to Honda I think I may pull the trigger on this one because at about 50% of the Honda price it might not be a bad gamble.

[Jim Almquist]

When I picked up my Honda I tried to not base my purchase on cost but more on reliability. If I need it more then likely the house has no power and I know it might be a while before it gets turned on. I will use it for camping and Ice fishing. I also like the fact that I can connect it to another 2000 and double my amps if I ever get a 5th wheel and want to run the air. I picked up a 6 gallon tank that connects to a cap to give me extended run time as well.

[Whopper Stopper]

I had a Generac about six years ago. I owned it for about a year and had enough. The problem with mine was in the circuitry board. I don't remember what the initial cost of the Generac was but I remember I ended up with over half the cost of it again in repairs.

Anyway I bought a Honda 3500 watt and loved it. I also got a Honda 1000 watt. I sold that after a couple of years and bought the 2000-watt. I probably will never need another generator but if for some reason I do, it will be a Honda.

WS

[smallieobsession]

In addition to the good info in the replies here, I found a few more sites with user reviews on the Generac and all things considered I'm going to opt to spend a little more and get the Honda. Thanks for the input everyone.

[Ufatz]

You made the right decision. You are a wise person.

[Lip_Ripper Guy]

I bought a generator in spring, read as many comparisons as I could, and if you want a known, high quality, quiet generator that will start every time you pull the cord, Honda is the way to go. In most cases, people that started with a discount generator, either ended up with the Honda, or are stuck with their discounted P.O.S., wishing they would have a Honda.

That said, the one consistent generator to have as good or better reviews than the Honda was the Yamaha, and that is what I ended up with. If I remember right, it is 1# lighter, and 1db quieter under a light load (where I expect to run it most of the time), and I saved about $150 at the time. Time will tell if it is worth it. I've only used it a few times, but I got 16 hours on 1 tank of gas before I shut it down, with a very light load. It'll get a good workout this winter, so I'll post a longer term review in spring.

[Tom7227]

In addition to the good info in the replies here, I found a few more sites with user reviews on the Generac and all things considered I'm going to opt to spend a little more and get the Honda. Thanks for the input everyone.

What did you learn from the other websites?

[CJH]

That said, the one consistent generator to have as good or better reviews than the Honda was the Yamaha, and that is what I ended up with. If I remember right, it is 1# lighter, and 1db quieter under a light load (where I expect to run it most of the time), and I saved about $150 at the time. Time will tell if it is worth it. I've only used it a few times, but I got 16 hours on 1 tank of gas before I shut it down, with a very light load. It'll get a good workout this winter, so I'll post a longer term review in spring.

I have used a friend's Yamaha a few times and they are very good. I'd wouldn't hesitate in buying one. the Honda's are very good as well.