Inverter Generator opinions

[pakuma]

After our 18 hour black out I have decided to get an Inverter Generator that I could also use with my 30 amp 5er.
I am looking at either Cummins Onan P4500i Inverter Portable Generator or
Honda EU3000iS Inverter Generator
The Cummins is substantially less expensive but I am looking for you opinions or comments from current users.
Thanks

[flybouy]

The Honda is rated at 23.3 running amps. A far cry from the 30 Amp rating on the Cummings if I'm looking at the correct models. How would you connect the generator at home? I've never been a fan of running a bunch of extension cords all over the place. A generator transfer switch wired into your home's electric panel is the safe way to connect a generator to a residence.

[bsmith0404]

Don’t get anything less than a 4500. You’ll be short on power at some point. Personally I have the Westinghouse iGen4500 which I believe is the same as the Onan, just a different color. I have not been able to find anything different on them, right down to the size of the gas tank. Some believe they are the same, but may be built to different specs. I don’t know about that and it’s all speculation since the manufacturer would never release that data. All I know is that it’s worked great for me.

[pakuma]

Thanks you I was planning on installing a transfer switch

[pakuma]

I am planning to install a transfer switch, just waiting on estimates from electricians

[Javi]

I have a Champion 4650 dual fuel that I'm very happy with.

[Superchief05]

I have a Champion 2500 and a Firman 3200, both are dual fuel and I can parallel them with the Champion parallel kit. That way I can use the small generator when not needing high power items.

[ChuckS]

I own tow Honda 2000 gensets..nine years with zero issues

When I made my purchase there were not many options to choose from versus what out there now

No way would I spend $2700 for the Honda 3000is with 25 amp capacity (surge).

The P4500 has been out a while and appears to be well liked by those using it.. rated at 37 amps and weight of 98 lbs
Price $1250 from CW

I would also look at the Predator 3500.. it’s also a nice inverter genset at 102 lbs weight
Price.. around $929

Here is a link comparing the P4500 versus the Predator

https://generatorbible.com/compare/p-12055/p-14690/

You can run ONE roof AC with either unit and other 120 volt items using some thought process on power management

[JBM3M]

I have a Honda 3000 that I have used off and on for 18 years without a problem. But it isn't enough to run both my AC in the RV.


I seriously considered the Honda 7000. But at less than half the price I got a Predator 9500. It will run eco mode and run both AC with power left for microwave and so on. My only complaint is no remote start stop.


Over kill is better in gensets. They don't work as hard. Seriously consider the Predator 9500 (not the 9000)

[dutchmensport]

I have 2 of the Onan P4500i inverter generators. Yes, one by itself can easily handle everything for a 30 amp camper, exactly the same as when hitched up to shore power with 30 amp service. With the Onan, you will not experience anything different than when on shore power. Of course with any 30 amp RV you have manage your power. You are limited to 30 amps max. If you exceed that your camper main breaker will trip but the Onan will not trip till 37 amps.

Mine are great. When running both in parallel, they also handle absolutely everything in our camper, exactly the same as plugged into shore power 50 amp.

[bsmith0404]

As you can see, there are many brands out there and people have had great success with most of them. I think gen technology has come a long way and there isn’t much difference in any of them, especially the main name brands. The important thing is get an inverter for sound purposes and get at least 4500 watts to provide the required amps. You can do that with one 100 lb gen or two smaller ones paralleled together if space and weight are a concern, although the option is more expensive. Most of your name brand gens will be within a couple lbs and a couple db of each other. IMO, those are the things to pay attention too along with the size of the fuel tank. As I mentioned in my first post, I think the Onan and Westinghouse are the same, even have the same size fuel tank. I’ve seen some brands with a much smaller fuel tank. I had a different gen at one point that only held half of what the Westinghouse and Onan hold. Also did not have a gauge to tell me how many hours it would run on current fuel level.

[Bustinbeards]

I have a Westinghouse 4500DFC, it is dual fuel and works great with our 30A TT