When you're beside a running Coleman, you can't have any thoughts because you can't hear yourself think.

Jim

 

I've been doing a lot in generator research lately and yes the coleman generators are pretty loud. I'm personally debating on a generac 5550 and the honda EU2000. I know the Honda is very quiet but having to buy 2 gens @ $900 ea to get the power the Generac with more noise is more than likely what I'll end up with.

Anyone running one of these? They sell them at Home Depot Generac 5550 Wheel set or something like that. I called the manufacture to get Db info on the gen but they claim they haven't tested it because there is no standard for testing, on grass, concrete or from what distance. Consumer reports rates the gen very high and good on the noise to power raito so we'll see.

 

I would like to find a generator that is
1) reasonably priced
2) powerful enought that I can use a manual transfer switch and power some things in case of power loss
3) Be portable
4) quality

Any ideas?

 

"Not Available"

 

Like crobtex said. The only thing is what do you consider reasonable priced, you can get really nice gens between $600 and $1000 in the 5000 - 7000w rating, portable yes but they are heavy around 200lbs with fuel. What are you trying to power in a worst case senerio.

 

Ive got one of the generac wheelhouse or horse (not sure the name) 5550 from home depot. Ive only used it a couple of times to run power tools, never really loaded it down with a large load. Had it sitting in the back of the truck. I believe it had a 76 db sound rating( dont know distance or measurements). I thought for a 10 hp motor that the noise wasnt to bad. If you get it from home depot if its to loud just return it, they usaully have a liberal return policy.

 

Thanks for the info. I've bought a few gens in the last week, first/last (3 total) was the champion 3500 that started the post, not too loud but wouldn't run my camper, EXCELLENT CUSTOMER SERVICE from Champion. I still have one and there shipping me a tested unit from the factory and a high altitude carb from California, might keep it but still might want more power. This unit will only run the AC and some outlets but not the AC and microwave at the same time. Maybe it will with the new carb maybe it won't. I should be getting it on Monday or Tuesday. If it doesn't work I'll be getting the Generac from Home Depot.

Bill.

 

I went back and checked some paperwork and i got confused on the db rating. There is not one listed with the unit. But the 5550 has a 8500 surge watt rating and comes with a removable 5 gallon gas tank. It also weights about 180lbs. Good luck finding the correct generator.

 

Trust me I know there is no db rating listed anywhere, I know everything about the generator but the db rating. I called anyone and everyone that sells, manufactures, supplies parts for this gen and no one has a db rating. Same story there is universal rating for testing bla bla bla but consumer reports tested the unit about a year ago and gave it a good noise rating.

It's good to know that it's not too loud.

 

I was looking under $1000, not concerned with noise. Need to power, sump pump, baseboard heater (furnace would be nice but not necesary), refrigerator and a couple of lights and a radio would be the necessities. I would like to be able to power the computer, tv, and dvd player though.

Thanks for the input.

 

I have an Onan engine attached to my welder/generator, awsome unit but very loud. 16 HP, and I have a generac with a 3 cylinder liquid cooled engine-10KW and WHISPER quiet.

 

I currenty have a Generac 15000 for emergency use.
Yes it's loud. There's NO doubt in your mind that it's still running.
I wouldn't trade it for anything (except maybe a built in Natural Gas powered unit)

BUT when it's a stormy night and the electricity's out it will power darned near anything you can drag a cord out and plug into it.
I'm looking for a 2nd smaller-quieter unit for camping/small stuff.

 

Sir I have thought a diesel generator would be good for me, as I would like a generator that could power my home when I loose power. I wont some thing that can power my ac, lights, ect. I have heard of vw diesel generator set, the 4b cummins generator, but the china diesel would be fine if it does not give trouble, I dont care if it is loud as I can install a muffler and I have a wench truck to handle it if it needs moving. I lost power a couple of days ago an I am very tired of that. I had a Denyo 300 amp-welder, diesel generator but I had got rid of it because I could not get parts for it or that is what I was told buy the factory. So the china unit needs to be able to get replacement parts ect. Thanks for any info Jim

 

here is a 3500 with electric start for 349.00--- ordered one to run my coleman air-heater and tv in my sleeper. Haven't got it yet
http://www.maxtool.com/cgi-bin/dbsea...CAT2=Dpgenoris

 

herb, I'd like to know how that generator works out for you. That's a great price for electric start. After reading 86 pages in one thread, about Chineese generators, over on rv.net, I think they are a good way to go.