Honda or Generac portable generator?

I am wanting a portable generator for camping and emergency home use. I will eventually purchase two and run them in parallel mode. The Honda 2200i is @ $1,250 and the Generac 2500i is @ $625. Is the Honda price difference because of name and reputation? I want something that will start without 100 pulls and can sit for a long time between use. (with maint. and draining fuel of course).

Anyone have an opinion on these and which one do you have?

 

The Hondas are definitely always quiet as mouse

 

Timely thread. Im shopping for one as well for my TT.

 

I have a Honda 6500 that I have had for 15 years now has 600 hours on it and has always started on the first pull. It's got an electric start but I've never put the battery on it because it starts so easy even my wife can pull start it. I've always changed the oil with mobile 1 and have had zero issues with it. A Honda is well worth the price.

 

I have an A-iPower 2k that I use to keep my batteries topped up on days without enough sun to give my solar setup a workout. I am sitting at 500hr on it (running as I type). Had 2 failures. Once with bad fuel, dumped and refilled with different source, no more issue. Once with a broken pull cord, took it apart (PITA) and reattached it to the handle.
Not bad for $400.
I added an hour meter and change oil every 100hr.

 

I too have been in the market for a portable generator. There are so many options out there it's overwhelming. But sam's club has the one below that I've been doing some reading on. The i2200 made some top 10 lists in a few periodicals and this is the i2500. I only plan on using it for camping trips with the kids and long winter hunts. Probably going to pull the trigger on it payday Friday.

 

Another option are the Ecoflow Generators...quiet as a mouse too.. https://us.ecoflow.com/products/delta-portable-power-station?variant=39438995456073

 

I have a Generac but it's a whole house generator. Have it for about 15 years and works like a charm.

 

Honda all day. I have two 2200 and they never fail.

 

The Honda packs in parallel work flawlessly. Wouldn't hesitate. We use them for emergency lighting and power on our Truck (fire department) and have never failed us. We since moved to all electric lighting but those Hondas were in service for over 13 years without a single blip.

 

Had a Generac generator that I picked up on the way out of town for a camping trip. On the way home a week later I dropped it back off and got a refund as it had blown a seal and was leaking oil.
Swapped to a Yamaha 2000 Inverter, still have it twelve years later. Some of the guys I hunt with use the similar Honda. Both the Honda and the Yamaha are very quiet and reliable.

 

If you were looking for a whole house generator I would lean toward a Generac. But since you want a portable, I would strongly recommend the Honda. I have owned a few different brands and my Honda has been the most reliable BY FAR. It's like comparing the Tundra to a Chevy.

 

I vote Honda. Buy cheap buy twice.

Not saying the Generac is a POS or something just probably not AS good as the Honda

 

I'm a big fan of anything Honda but just couldn't justify the expense for as little as I'd use it. For boondocking on our to and from the Gulf every year I wanted something dual fuel and remote start that could power the trailer the same as a 30 amp service. A long shank lock to a D ring right by the tailgate makes it very difficult to steal once the tailgate is locked. One minor issue is the power switch must be left on for the keyfob remote to work. 24 hours of being left on drains the start battery unless the generator has been run during that time. We start it up, plug the camper in and run the AC all night or until the outside temps drop then remote shut it down. Next morning when unplugging just flip the rocker switch to off.

$1,099 Westinghouse 4500 Peak Watt Super Quiet Dual Fuel Portable Inverter Generator, Remote Electric Start, Gas & Propane Powered, RV Ready 30A Outlet, Parallel Capable,Blue/Black

https://www.amazon.com/Westinghouse...stinghouse+generator+4500,aps,143&sr=8-3&th=1

 

i bought this one for camping/backup at home. It seems fine, but its a lot louder than honda

 

This^^^

 

Take a look at the harbor freight predator generators. I’ve got the 9000 watt and it does amazing.

 

Buy once cry once!! Honda or Yamaha

 

Ran my office off a Honda for years. It’s a magnificent piece of equipment…until the crackheads stole it anyway.

 

Fwiw, bought both my Honda and B&S at pawn shops for under $300 ea. Almost new. Both would have been $5-700 ea. in a box. Also scored a super nice big IIRC 6500W or similar B&S for only $250 on CL with a 25' 30A three outlet ext. and about 80 hrs on the meter, flipped it in two days for $480. Point is, deals on generators are out there, just need to keep an eye out. Yes, there are haters who will say blah blah blah, that's okay, freedom is wonderful for all so let em' hate!

 

Honda, quiet, efficient, great if you can afford one.

 

I have a Yamaha which is every bit as good as the Honda small generators. It’s been trouble free for 6 years

 

Buy a Honda or Yamaha, your camping neighbors will appreciate…… As will you.

 

I have the Yamaha 2400 inverter. I selected it because it was the largest that I could easily pick up and move around. I know that is an odd selection criteria, but it made sense at the time. I mainly use it for home power backup and wanted to be able to start and run as much as possible, while still being able to lift it into the back of my truck.
I have not used it very much, but it have performed very well when I have. I neglected to drain the gas out of the carb once and that was the only time I've had trouble with it.

 

I have a 2600 GPM pressure washer that is over 14 years old. It has a Honda motor, never failed to start/run, I replaced the pump last year.

I'd go Honda. Maybe see if you can find it for less?

 

I’d vote Honda for portable.

If it’s going to sit for any length of time, splurge and fill it with tru-fuel or another non ethanol brand. It will keep the carb from getting gummed up. I always turn the fuel off and run the lines dry when storing. Since I’ve started doing this mine starts right up. It also has a battery electric start, which makes it easier.

 

I'm not going to knock Honda because they're great products, but the Champion generators are pretty great also.

Plus you can buy 2 2500w dual fuel Champions with the parallel kit for less than 1 2200w Honda.

Run them on propane and never have to worry about the carb gumming up.

 

I can’t speak for the small portable units, but I have some large Generac units that are absolutely fantastic. Very reliable.