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08-09-2016, 11:32 PM
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#1
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Senior Member
Name: Marky
Trailer: Casita
Texas
Posts: 266
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Harbor Freight Generator on Sale!
My Honda Generator gave out after 4 years. Apparently when run on the Eco mode the cylinder and piston go bad. It's $600 to repair. It cost $1000 plus $600 to repair it and I would still have a four year old generator.
I received an email from Harbor Freight that has their generator for $369. It has great reviews. The on site 2 year replacement plan costs $99. It's less than half the price of a new Honda. It also has bigger motor and more wattage. It is louder, but not as loud as the new Coleman air conditioners Casitas come with. I've read the reviews and most of them are great. Owners have run it for long periods of time (months) without any problems.
My question is, does anyone have any experience with this generator. I have a 2001 Casita and am wondering if it would power the AC.
Let's keep this "positive" and if you bought a Honda, congratulations! I did too! If you like solar congratulations!
I want to use it with my Casita out in the country, in Texas, where it can get up to 115!
Marky
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08-10-2016, 01:16 AM
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#2
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Senior Member
Name: Dave
Trailer: Casita SD17 2006 "Missing Link"
California
Posts: 3,738
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Hi Marky, this genny should work out fine for you. No idea what AC you have on your 2001 but my '06 runs fine with the Honda 2000 and this one has a higher wattage. I got the same ad but it isn't available in Calif. I do have a question...a bit off your subject. Why do you say that the ECO mode hurt your genny? I've always run mine on that mode for everything with no problems and both are older than yours. Have I just been lucky?
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08-10-2016, 04:42 AM
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#3
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Senior Member
Name: Carl
Trailer: 2014 16 scamp side dinette/Rav4 V6 Tow pkg.
Pennsylvania
Posts: 578
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I bought the Smart Tools Gen. 1/2 the price of honda 2000. Uses the Yamaha engine, stamped right on it. Bought it a few months ago but have not used it yet, It gets very good reviews, you may wish to check that out. $1200 dollars for something as finicky as gen. is, just to much cash for a name brand Gen. Carl
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08-10-2016, 05:32 AM
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#4
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Senior Member
Name: Marky
Trailer: Casita
Texas
Posts: 266
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Harbor Freight Generator on Sale!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Borrego Dave
Hi Marky, this genny should work out fine for you. No idea what AC you have on your 2001 but my '06 runs fine with the Honda 2000 and this one has a higher wattage. I got the same ad but it isn't available in Calif. I do have a question...a bit off your subject. Why do you say that the ECO mode hurt your genny? I've always run mine on that mode for everything with no problems and both are older than yours. Have I just been lucky?
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This is what I was told by the mechanic. I think he said they build up carbon at low speeds. I looked it up and several people had also commented on using the Eco mode and it ruining the piston and cylinder. I did a regular maintenance on mine, maybe I just had some bad luck. I would like to buy another one but it's not in the budget right now.
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08-10-2016, 05:51 AM
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#5
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Senior Member
Name: Marky
Trailer: Casita
Texas
Posts: 266
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Carl Pa
I bought the Smart Tools Gen. 1/2 the price of honda 2000. Uses the Yamaha engine, stamped right on it. Bought it a few months ago but have not used it yet, It gets very good reviews, you may wish to check that out. $1200 dollars for something as finicky as gen. is, just to much cash for a name brand Gen. Carl
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The Smarter Tools generator has great reviews and a lot of owners claim it's quieter than the the Hondas. My only problem is that it over $600. We've encounter some unforeseen expenses and a generator is not in the budget right now. The HF generator will be an affordable generator for now. I'll be using it out in Texas on private land so I'm not real worried about noise. My roof AC makes more noise.
I got to hear the HF generator and it's pretty quiet. I was at a 5K race about 20ft away, I didn't even know it was on. The company uses it for 5Ks every weekend to run their laptops clocks and monitoring equipment. They've had it for over two years. They also had a Honda but it broke down and was expensive to repair. They needed a generator during a meet and could only find the HF generator. They've been using it ever since. If the HF lasts for two years for $369 it would be great! Lol!
Thanks Carl!
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08-10-2016, 08:30 AM
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#6
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Senior Member
Trailer: No Trailer Yet
Posts: 1,704
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Mark, I like your "take" on all of this..even the last remarks of your first post about "keeping it positive" basically whether you like gens or not!
If you get this HF gen, I hope you will keep us posted. About 4 yrs ago, I bought the Champion 3500/4000. It's LOUD! But, it's VERY dependable. I always wished it had the "ECO" mode, but now, I'm not so certain! I use it on a model flying field where I go once a year. There's NO issues about "Noise" there as there's several running- especially at night.
There is ONE thing though I read on the gen you posted and want to pass it on....JUST in case this could be an issue for you. Hope this doesnt come across as being "Negative"- certainly not at Gens..but a concern for this one. This came off of one of their reviews:
"It just so happens I work in a large shop which repairs military generators. After buying this generator, I could not wait until I could put this inverter generator on a calibrated load bank. The generator is rated at 2200 watts with a peak of 2500. The little generator just will not do it. It will hold a little over 1900 watts for long periods, and kick the over load light on around its peak of 2100 watts. Again,the equipment we tested this with is calibrated yearly. It seems to put out very clean power to run your electronics. Another draw back to the unit is the generator is wire to stay in the econ mode which means the engine will slow down without a load. This is not always a bad thing because it save on fuel; however, it takes a split second to spin up to full throttle. This causes problems when items such as small compressors, saws, RV A/C, etc. are used. Most other generators in this size have an econ switch which when switch off allows the generator to run at full power. At full power this generator would have the power need to start small to medium motors. Having said all of this, the generators would be great for electronics and lights/ small heaters. It seems to be well built with good quality control done. I would not recommend this for refrigerators because the sudden voltage drop and then surge of power when the motor kicks in can damage the refrigerator."
Quote:
Originally Posted by MarkyVasquez
They've been using it ever since. If the HF lasts for two years for $369 it would be great! Lol!
Thanks Carl!
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08-10-2016, 08:37 AM
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#7
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Senior Member
Name: Jack L
Trailer: Sold the Bigfoot 17-Looking for a new one
Washington
Posts: 1,561
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When it comes to "suitcase" type generators, there are many choices today. 10 years ago Honda pretty much owned the market and 10 years ago, the Honda price was about the same as it is today . I've been looking at a Generac (Generac is owned by Briggs & Stratton) and several other brands. Honda has "stood the test of time" but when you can buy another brand for 1/3 or 1/2 the price it does look attractive. I am looking at 1000W generators. I have AC but when it gets hot, I'll go someplace cooler.
A few tips to help get the most out of any generator. 1- clean fresh fuel. Always empty the fuel from the generator and carb if you will not be using the unit. Most common problem with a generator is a dirty carb. 2- change oil frequently. 3-Keep the air filter clean. 4- An air cooled engine needs plenty of fresh air around it to keep it cool. Make sure air flow is not obstructed.
I will look at the Harbor Freight unit. It sounds like it might be a good choice.
The last time I saw a Honda generator in the original box I noticed the fine print on the box said "made in China".
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08-10-2016, 09:30 AM
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#8
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Senior Member
Name: Tim
Trailer: '88 Scamp 16, layout 4
North Florida
Posts: 1,547
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Their inverter generator is one HF tool I have not heard much bad about. I bought the Honda, just cause I wanted one for so long and was going to have one. I do wonder if the HF unit would not do everything I need though, and for a lot cheaper. The HF is surely priced right at under $400. I am sorry to hear the eco mode damaging the Honda, I don't use it a lot but was planning on using the eco, maybe now not so much.
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08-10-2016, 10:43 AM
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#9
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Senior Member
Trailer: 2002 19 ft Scamp 19 ft 5th Wheel
Posts: 3,640
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Me, I would go to Costco and purchase one of theirs.
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08-10-2016, 10:46 AM
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#10
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Member
Name: george
Trailer: 1998 burro 17'
Texas
Posts: 57
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i had the harbor freight gen and it would power my cruisair carry-on a/c for my boat, with a larger load it had a harder time than my inverter yamaha 2000. on the yamaha you can turn the eco mode off to help start larger power loads whereas the harbor freight is always on 'eco' mode and would struggle build up engine speed. that was when starting max load, no problem with the 5000 a/c. it is also a bit touchier to start than the yamaha which is always 1 pull. that said, for under $400 vs $1000 for the yamaha or honda, and reasonably quiet is not a bad deal. i was also able to run a 5000btu a/c and run 3/8 drill at the same time when i was playing with it
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08-10-2016, 10:49 AM
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#11
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Member
Name: george
Trailer: 1998 burro 17'
Texas
Posts: 57
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also tried to start my 13500 coleman with the harbor freight gen, shut it down immediately. my yamaha 2000 could barely start it and run for a few minutes before going into overload, just to demo start capacity
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08-10-2016, 11:20 AM
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#12
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Senior Member
Trailer: Casita Spirit Deluxe 2003 16 ft
Posts: 1,899
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Comparing specs to the Honda 2000 the HF unit is quite a bit louder(64 dB vs 53 dB at basically idle. Even at full tilt the Honda is quieter than the HF at 50% load) and a lot heavier (70 pounds according to one review, compared to Honda's 46 pounds).
You said you'd be out in the country so the noise is probably not an issue...And it's probably cheap enough to consider it a throw away item. That's how I view anything from HF. I only brought HF tools to the boat because invariably I'd lose one or more of them over the side and I didn't miss them. Rather, I considered that my toolbox was actually improved after the loss.
__________________
Without adult supervision...
Quando omni flunkus, moritati.
Also,
I'm a man, but I can change, if I have to, I guess.
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08-10-2016, 12:17 PM
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#13
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Senior Member
Trailer: 2002 19 ft Scamp 19 ft 5th Wheel
Posts: 3,640
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According to the Sep 2016 Popular Mechanics the best portable generator is the Generac iq2000. Rated as the quitest at 60.5 CB. At $800
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08-10-2016, 12:46 PM
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#14
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Senior Member
Name: Marky
Trailer: Casita
Texas
Posts: 266
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I've always done the maintenance on my vehicles, lawn mowers, and generator. I think I'm the only one in the neighborhood with a 5 year old waxed Honda lawn mower that looks like it just came out of the box. My first generator was a 3000 watt construction generator and it lasted over 10 years.
My Honda generator engine seized. The oil was clean and it was at the full line. The AC was running when it just stopped. I couldn't even pull the starter. When the repairman took it apart, the piston and cylinder were scratched up. When I asked the repairman what happened he said the ECO mode was bad for the engine. It was 108 degrees when I was using it, so I'm not sure if the heat got to it. I kept the generator in the shade of the Casita, but that is not possible during the noon hours. My Coleman AC has a hard start capacitor for smoother starts and less strain on the generator.
I want to buy another Honda but, being middle class, with two kids getting their masters in college it's not possible. We pay for everything and qualify for nothing, but that's not for this forum. So I either buy a Honda and park the Casita or buy the HF and enjoy the country!
Marky
Sent from my Nexus using Fiberglass RV
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08-10-2016, 12:55 PM
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#15
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Senior Member
Name: Sergey
Trailer: 2014 Scamp 16 layout 4, 2018 Winnebago Revel 4x4
SW Florida
Posts: 851
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Sorry, but it seems to me the repairman said a BS. Its never hurt an engine to run below max power.
__________________
Sergey
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08-10-2016, 01:06 PM
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#16
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Senior Member
Name: Marky
Trailer: Casita
Texas
Posts: 266
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Darwin Maring
According to the Sep 2016 Popular Mechanics the best portable generator is the Generac iq2000. Rated as the quitest at 60.5 CB. At $800
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The HF generator is louder but it's also a bigger engine. It's a 125cc engine and is rated at 2500 watts peak/2200 watts running. The Generac is a 79cc engine. A bigger engine means more noise, but less strain. There are always trade offs and compromises.
One of the reviewers tested the HF generator with professional calibration equipment and he said it would run 2100 watts, compared to 1600 running watts on the Generac. I'm sure the Generac has a better quality engine, like the Honda and the Yamaha, but it's also more than twice the price. Also for the price of the repairs I can buy a new generator. I was just wondering if anyone within earshot had used one and what they thought about it.
Marky
Sent from my Nexus using Fiberglass RV
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08-10-2016, 01:20 PM
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#17
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Senior Member
Name: Marky
Trailer: Casita
Texas
Posts: 266
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Harbor Freight Generator on Sale!
Quote:
Originally Posted by sokhapkin
Sorry, but it seems to me the repairman said a BS. Its never hurt an engine to run below max power.
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I agree with you, I think it's one of those things people make up. Although when I googled it I did find people who were saying the same thing, and if it's on the Internet it has to be true!
I have a feeling that when a company like Honda from Japan moves their manufacturing to China quality usually suffers.
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08-10-2016, 03:00 PM
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#18
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Junior Member
Name: Tom
Trailer: Gulfstream
Kentucky
Posts: 1
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I have 2 Ryobi 2200I generators.They come ready to parallel, built in wheels and telescopic handle. You can buy a set at Home Depot for under $1100 original dividuallyfor $550. They are very quiet and good run time on a gallon of gas.
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08-10-2016, 03:53 PM
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#19
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Senior Member
Trailer: 2002 19 ft Scamp 19 ft 5th Wheel
Posts: 3,640
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I once melted a piston on a 1965 VW Camper in high heat with a headwind on one side of the bus. Air Cooled engines heat up in hot weather. I'm thing that the repairman thought the internal fan in the generator was not running fast enough to keep it cool and I just might agree with him.
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08-10-2016, 05:33 PM
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#20
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Senior Member
Name: Marky
Trailer: Casita
Texas
Posts: 266
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Darwin Maring
I once melted a piston on a 1965 VW Camper in high heat with a headwind on one side of the bus. Air Cooled engines heat up in hot weather. I'm thing that the repairman thought the internal fan in the generator was not running fast enough to keep it cool and I just might agree with him.
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I remember those VW air cooled engines, they were workhorses! Porsche used the same air cooled engine to go 200mph. My wife drove a Beetle while going to college. It so simple. The oil filter was just a screen that was cleaned when changing the oil. The air filter used the old oil to filter the air. Simple and nice!
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