We have a nice large Honda generator for the house and two cheaper knock off units for loaning to friends/family. I find the cheaper units hit well below their weight class in performance and quality. The powerhorse 2300 I purchased from northern tool has an 80cc engine (vs the 120 on the Honda 2200) and spins pretty fast to barely run the microwave. Voltage drops pretty fast when its worked as well.
Going forward we’re installing a Truma AC unit and I see three possibilities for generators…
The new Honda 3200
+ small, lightweight, high quality, just enough power, fuel efficient
- spins faster so slightly louder and long term durability concerns? Expensive!
Dual Honda 2200’s
+ ample power, able to run AC at a lower idle? RPM, flexible
- double the weight, double the maintenance, double the packing space, double the…
A single Honda 2200 and a Victron inverter/charger
+ small, light, easy, quiet
- constantly cycling the battery bank, added stress on the inverter/charger
I do not want the stress of always checking the voltage and micromanaging the loads. When I need the AC, I need it. No nonsense, all day if need be.