Generator Reviews

[Tom and Doreen]

On 12/24/2022 at 4:11 PM, John Welte said:

Chris, somewhere I thought I read that Oliver doesn't recommend running the generator while in the basket.  Any concerns?

John

I believe the reasoning was to not have an ignition source close to the propane tanks.  

[SeaDawg]

@Patriot, that looks really awesome.  Looking forward to your review, when you've had time to put it through the paces. 

I'm not as strong as I used to be, but I could still manage that  one. I think.

Honda price tags suck, but the longevity is there.

Honda 1000 genset, 15 years old, going strong.

Honda Rancher 350 atv, 25 years old, going strong.

So much so, we just bought a Honda pioneer 520, side by side. 

Guessing the Honda stable will outlive us. Hope so, anyway.

 

[ScubaRx]

On 12/22/2022 at 12:02 PM, Geronimo John said:

REF:  Champion 2500 Watt Inverter:

• $484 Amazon Prime
• Dual fuel
• 38 pounds
• Super Quiet
• 2500 watts start and run rating

AMAZING!  🙂  It sure isn't a "Hammer Mill" like this grandpa's was!  

 

Actually, RE:  Champion 2500 Watt Inverter:

When the 1.05-gallon tank of gasoline is full, the 79cc Champion engine produces 2500 starting watts and 1850 running watts and will run for up to 11.5 hours at 25% load. When using a 20-pound propane tank, it produces 2500 starting watts and 1665 running watts and will run for up to 34 hours at 25% load.

Be aware that all generators will lose 10-15% of their output using propane. This is due to the differences in BTU's between gasoline and propane.

[ScubaRx]

On 12/24/2022 at 9:40 AM, Patriot said:

...We purchased a hydraulic lift table from harbor freight to initially load the gen onto the tailgate. It works great. From the tailgate to the gen tray we just both lean in, lift and set it in. 

-David
 

We discovered a long time ago that if you lower the tongue as far as the front jack will go, you hardly have to lift the generator at all to get it into the basket. 😊 I do like your hydraulic lift table though.

[HDRider]

How do you guys not need the 30A outlet?

 

The Champion I am looking at has it, but when I look at something lighter it will not have that 30A outlet.

 

[Ollie-Haus]

17 minutes ago, HDRider said:

How do you guys not need the 30A outlet?

 

The Champion I am looking at has it, but when I look at something lighter it will not have that 30A outlet.

 

15-30 amp adaptor. 

[HDRider]

2 minutes ago, Ollie-Haus said:

15-30 amp adaptor. 

Using that plug, what level of output would the generator need to run the convection microwave or the AC on a new 2023 E II?

[Ollie-Haus]

This little guy has my attention. Lot of features and pretty good reviews. Duel fuel, electric remote start, light weight and small with high output. It's also available at TSC for those that can get a discount. 

Genmax GM3500

Genmax GM3500

[Ollie-Haus]

4 minutes ago, HDRider said:

Using that plug, what level of output would the generator need to run the convection microwave or the AC on a new 2023 E II?

You only have the 15 amps the gen plug outputs. You wouldn't be able to run high amp appliances. Some folks only use the smaller gen for weight savings and charging bats. If you want to run the larger appliances you need a gen with 30 amp plug and 3000 watts or more give or take. Depends on the appliance. You have to allow for start surge. 

[Patriot]

For gen users who prefer not to carry a smelly dangerous highly flammable gas can in the rear of their TV, (me) here’s another much cleaner burning EU3200i LP option. Just connect to your Ollie’s LP QC and power on.⚡️ ⚡️

https://genconnexdirect.net/honda_propane_modified_generators.htm#xl_EU3200i1

 

Patriot🇺🇸

[Patriot]

⚡️⚡️⚡️Today we gotta a call from our local Northern Tool store and learned that our Honda EU3200i had arrived from the warehouse in SC a week early. Yay! So we brought it home and topped it off with fresh oil, non-ethanol stabil treated gas and it fired right up. 

A game changer being whisper quiet, light weight, and has all the power we need to run the new 13500 BTU Truma Aventa we are having installed in two weeks by Oliver. I really like the My Honda Bluetooth iPhone app, pretty cool timely tech. Its an easy lift and fits nicely in the Oliver cargo basket and at 60# which is half the weight of our Tri fuel Honda EU3000is. As mentioned in an early post, I plan on retrofitting this with the www.Hutchmountain.com LP conversion kit when it becomes available. ⚡️⚡️⚡️

Onward!

Patriot🇺🇸

 

 

 

 

[SeaDawg]

@Patriot, you're the first in our group that I know of with that Honda 3200i model. 

I look forward to your (always honest and impartial) reviews. 

Looks like a game changer, weight- wise. Lots of power vs slight weight. 

But, you know how I love Honda gear.... I'm very happy for you. 

PS non ethanol and stabili are always used  in our small motors. Gensets, ski boat,  yard tools, etc. I think that's part of their longevity. Besides the brand badges.

[Frank C]

Anyone have any firsthand experience with the Harbor Freight Predator series of generators?   Very inexpensive but if it’s like other Harbor Freight products, the reliability may be suspect.  Mostly good reviews on the HF site though.  

 

[Patriot]

46 minutes ago, SeaDawg said:

@Patriot, you're the first in our group that I know of with that Honda 3200i model. 

I look forward to your (always honest and impartial) reviews. 

Looks like a game changer, weight- wise. Lots of power vs slight weight. 

But, you know how I love Honda gear.... I'm very happy for you. 

PS non ethanol and stabili are always used  in our small motors. Gensets, ski boat,  yard tools, etc. I think that's part of their longevity. Besides the brand badges.

@SeaDawg Ha! Thank you for positive response and we look forward to putting the 3200i through its paces. I hope to  post up Ollie interior decibel ratings soon. You are spot on, Honda gear rocks!

A little more important info -

 

 

Patriot🇺🇸

[MAX Burner]

Congrats, Patriot!  That's looking like a great piece of kit for your Ollie.  In particular, the fuel injection feature sure is appealing.  More than enough power for running the new Truma and will charge your batteries at the same time, right?

[Ollie-Haus]

2 hours ago, Patriot said:

⚡️⚡️⚡️Today we gotta a call from our local Northern Tool store and learned that our Honda EU3200i had arrived from the warehouse in SC a week early. Yay! So we brought it home and topped it off with fresh oil, non-ethanol stabil treated gas and it fired right up. 

A game changer being whisper quiet, light weight, and has all the power we need to run the new 13500 BTU Truma Aventa we are having installed in two weeks by Oliver. I really like the My Honda Bluetooth iPhone app, pretty cool timely tech. Its an easy lift and fits nicely in the Oliver cargo basket and at 60# which is half the weight of our Tri fuel Honda EU3000is. As mentioned in an early post, I plan on retrofitting this with the www.Hutchmountain.com LP conversion kit when it becomes available. ⚡️⚡️⚡️

Onward!

Patriot🇺🇸

 

 

 

 

That is a beauty and very compact. I'm guessing one of these cable locks is on your radar next. 😁

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000TKD94K/?coliid=I1GCLJ36VL6EG8&colid=2V9OUXN4W7UBD&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it&th=1

[MAX Burner]

HA!, You just read my mind @Ollie-Haus, and beat me to it!  Hondas and other rather light-weight GENSETs have a habit of growing legs and running away (I've been told, but never had 1st hand experience).  Been using that cable lock for some time now - piece of mind, right?

@Patriot: get 2 of 'em, brother!

Edited April 27, 2023 by MAX Burner
left something out...

[Patriot]

5 hours ago, MAX Burner said:

Congrats, Patriot!  That's looking like a great piece of kit for your Ollie.  In particular, the fuel injection feature sure is appealing.  More than enough power for running the new Truma and will charge your batteries at the same time, right?

Thanks Max, yes it will surely run the Truma, and keep bats topped off for sure. Right now our solar does a great job with our AGMs. 👍🏻

Patriot🇺🇸

[Patriot]

8 hours ago, MAX Burner said:

HA!, You just read my mind @Ollie-Haus, and beat me to it!  Hondas and other rather light-weight GENSETs have a habit of growing legs and running away (I've been told, but never had 1st hand experience).  Been using that cable lock for some time now - piece of mind, right?

@Patriot: get 2 of 'em, brother!

Due to its light weight and portability it won’t be riding in the cargo basket while under way. Yes it will be locked down and secured away from prying eyes during travel.

[Patriot]

@Ollie-Haus

@MAX Burner 

Actually this is in the running with fairly solid reviews - https://www.amazon.com/Vulcan-Brands-Premium-Hardened-Security/dp/B06WLNVMNT/ref=sxin_16_sbv_search_btf?content-id=amzn1.sym.b000e0a0-9e93-480f-bf78-a83c8136dfcb%3Aamzn1.sym.b000e0a0-9e93-480f-bf78-a83c8136dfcb&crid=RWZM421FJ0JF&cv_ct_cx=high%2Bsecurity%2Bchain%2Bsquare%2Blink&keywords=high%2Bsecurity%2Bchain%2Bsquare%2Blink&pd_rd_i=B06WLNVMNT&pd_rd_r=a975d1c9-567d-4b64-9903-5caa26e7c8af&pd_rd_w=fQfuq&pd_rd_wg=q8LNv&pf_rd_p=b000e0a0-9e93-480f-bf78-a83c8136dfcb&pf_rd_r=S43ZGPFBVK5D7QQNDEP6&qid=1682590865&sbo=RZvfv%2F%2FHxDF%2BO5021pAnSA%3D%3D&sprefix=High%2Bsecurity%2Bchain%2Caps%2C100&sr=1-1-5190daf0-67e3-427c-bea6-c72c1df98776&th=1

Naturally if some thief wants it bad enough, well I suppose they will figure out a way. 
 

Patriot🇺🇸

[Ollie-Haus]

25 minutes ago, Patriot said:

@Ollie-Haus

@MAX Burner 

Actually this is in the running with fairly solid reviews - https://www.amazon.com/Vulcan-Brands-Premium-Hardened-Security/dp/B06WLNVMNT/ref=sxin_16_sbv_search_btf?content-id=amzn1.sym.b000e0a0-9e93-480f-bf78-a83c8136dfcb%3Aamzn1.sym.b000e0a0-9e93-480f-bf78-a83c8136dfcb&crid=RWZM421FJ0JF&cv_ct_cx=high%2Bsecurity%2Bchain%2Bsquare%2Blink&keywords=high%2Bsecurity%2Bchain%2Bsquare%2Blink&pd_rd_i=B06WLNVMNT&pd_rd_r=a975d1c9-567d-4b64-9903-5caa26e7c8af&pd_rd_w=fQfuq&pd_rd_wg=q8LNv&pf_rd_p=b000e0a0-9e93-480f-bf78-a83c8136dfcb&pf_rd_r=S43ZGPFBVK5D7QQNDEP6&qid=1682590865&sbo=RZvfv%2F%2FHxDF%2BO5021pAnSA%3D%3D&sprefix=High%2Bsecurity%2Bchain%2Caps%2C100&sr=1-1-5190daf0-67e3-427c-bea6-c72c1df98776&th=1

Naturally if some thief wants it bad enough, well I suppose they will figure out a way. 
 

Patriot🇺🇸

Wow that's a beast! I pretty much figured you had a plan. My first thought was "really nice gen and only weighs as much as loaded suitcase and has a nice handle". Some folks just can resist without a deterrent. It will be easy to lift into the back the truck when not in use. 

The honda will be the envy of the RV park. Sure to keep you cool when you need it. 

[Guest]

3 hours ago, Patriot said:

Actually this is in the running with fairly solid reviews

I agree Patriot. Unfortunately, cable don't add much security. I know of several case where expensive items were stolen after the cable was cut. To quick and easy to cut a cable.

Kirk

[2008RN]

1 hour ago, snakeriveridaho said:

I agree Patriot. Unfortunately, cable don't add much security. I know of several case where expensive items were stolen after the cable was cut. To quick and easy to cut a cable.

Kirk

 

I bought Abus products that are all hardened.   I have bought half a dozen of their locks which I have all keyed the same.  Very nice having one key for all of my locks. The lock are difficult to pick also, not your standard type of key.

https://www.taylorsecurity.com/abus-37-series-granit-padlock-37/55-37hb/55-37/60-37hb/60-37/70-37/80-abus-padlocks/0021163/

https://www.taylorsecurity.com/abus-maximum-security-chain-and-sleeve/0021353/

I use the same lock and chain between wheels on one side of the trailer when parked.   Also same keyed lock for storage unit on the back of Oli, on the Bikes on the front of the truck and on  the bulldog coupler.  I did have to enlarge the hole in the collar for the bulldog to 7/16, a little less than 1/16 for the lock to fit nicely.

https://www.amazon.com/Collar-Trailer-Bulldog-style-Couplers-Including/dp/B00HL2NM0K/ref=sr_1_5?hvadid=268000891150&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9033018&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=10740392163685381895&hvtargid=kwd-309364386875&hydadcr=7062_9585710&keywords=bulldog+trailer+coupler+lock&qid=1682608079&sr=8-5

 

 

[Guest]

26 minutes ago, 2008RN said:

I bought Abus products that are all hardened.

I have some of their products too. Great stuff! 

[Harley]

Love this generator so far. Purchased it a month ago for around $670.00. Did the break in with synthetic oil and changed the oil when completed. I believe they recommended 5 hrs to break it in. I plugged a heater into it during break in to very the load on it. I did the break in on propane but just got back from a week long trip where we used it every day on gasoline. Super quiet and with the eco switch very efficient. I did purchase the magnetic dip stick with it and installed it before break in period. Highly recommend. We are super happy with the purchase.