What is the best quiet small engine generator?

ajk423
Posts
152
Joined
7/24/2015
Location
Saint Louis, MO, USA
8/25/2019 6:21am
What are anyones thoughts on running a generator over night at a track? I understand there are a lot of variables like what generator, and how close, etc. But do you just run it all night and just hope nobody gets pissed off? I have the champion 3100 inverter and it works awesome in our small toy hauler, but I always turn it off at night to avoid making anyone mad but I would love to keep my A/c on all night.
8/25/2019 7:27am
tylermx967 wrote:
I THINK THAT IT REAL IMPORTANT TO GET A QUIET GENERATER WE SEED A FITE IN THE PITS ONE TIME BECASE A GUY GETTED HOT AIR...
I THINK THAT IT REAL IMPORTANT TO GET A QUIET GENERATER WE SEED A FITE IN THE PITS ONE TIME BECASE A GUY GETTED HOT AIR BLOWED ON HIM ALL DAY FROM THE GUY IN THE NEXT PIT AND HE GOED OVER AND TURNED IT OFF AND TELL THE OTHER GUY HE IS SWETING LIKE A PIG. THE OTEHER GUY SAY THAT U SMELL LIKE ONE TOO AND HE BURP IN HIS FACE AND THROWED A BEER CAN AT HIS TRAILER AND THEY GET INTO A BIG FITE AND THE HOLE PITS TRY AND BRAKE THEM UP
Fantastic!
1
ajk423
Posts
152
Joined
7/24/2015
Location
Saint Louis, MO, USA
8/25/2019 8:11am
Mine is a quieter one, not as quiet as a Honda or Yamaha but a little quieter than a Harbor Freight Predator. If someone complains next time Ill report back.
1
8/25/2019 10:03am
ajk423 wrote:
What are anyones thoughts on running a generator over night at a track? I understand there are a lot of variables like what generator, and how...
What are anyones thoughts on running a generator over night at a track? I understand there are a lot of variables like what generator, and how close, etc. But do you just run it all night and just hope nobody gets pissed off? I have the champion 3100 inverter and it works awesome in our small toy hauler, but I always turn it off at night to avoid making anyone mad but I would love to keep my A/c on all night.
Go to any big 6 races and you will hear atleast two very loud generators running all night. The camp I was usually with ran a really loud one that ran like shit. It ran how a car does with a bad idle air control valve lol. Oh man.. we were "those guys" forsure
1

The Shop

dmm698
Posts
955
Joined
6/24/2015
Location
USA
8/25/2019 3:12pm
Westinghouse iGen4500. 3700 running 4500 start up. Remote start, electric start, eco mode. Display facia with hour meter, run time remaining, load, ect. 950 bucks shipped to my door and quieter than the harbor freight plus a better warranty. Also has a sweet handle that pulls out to pull it around like a suit case.
2
crusher773
Posts
2017
Joined
12/23/2009
Location
Coweta, OK, USA
8/25/2019 3:30pm
just about everyone I know has had issues with the harbor freight ones. I just bought a champion at Sam's that for as big as it is was a good deal. not real loud and from everything I have read great customer service. haven't used it a lot yet but really like it.
2
8/25/2019 7:10pm
I have 2- Honda EU2000 generators. I use only one, unless I’m running my AC, then I bridge them together and have a 4000w. The EU2000 will run all night on a tank of fuel. Love them and would do it all over again !
2
Tarz483
Posts
6344
Joined
2/25/2009
Location
Mankato, MN, USA
8/25/2019 7:16pm
When is that ?
Tarz483
Posts
6344
Joined
2/25/2009
Location
Mankato, MN, USA
8/25/2019 7:30pm
When is that ?
Highflier
Posts
172
Joined
4/1/2008
Location
USA
8/25/2019 8:34pm
Have a Honda EU3000 I bought in ‘08 and has around 1000 hours, never had a problem with it.
During Harvey it spent 3 days in 12” of water in my shed.
Took it as apart as I could, put a blower fan on it for a couple of days and it’s back up and running.
I only use it occasionally now.
Last year bought a new, smaller trailer that will run its AC off a EU2200.

Much prefer the smaller, lighter gennys.
The 3000 ones are heavy.
8/25/2019 9:16pm
I have 2 Yamaha generators (inverters). They are excellent. The deal on them at Costco is off the hook good. Pull the trigger
8/26/2019 10:55am
I inquired about the Cummings 2200 and 3700. My question was regarding the sound output on them, vs. the Honda 2200 and 3000. Here’s what they responded with-


mark293
Posts
126
Joined
5/3/2013
Location
Kingwood, TX, USA
8/26/2019 11:03am
That is a Predator Inverter generator in Cummings clothes. Just saying
1
Tarz483
Posts
6344
Joined
2/25/2009
Location
Mankato, MN, USA
8/26/2019 11:14am
You Guys all seem so knowledgeable about Generators in this thread , I have a question, I got an old RV , traded for a car recently, and it has a Generator that turn over but dont start , my dad sprayed starting fluid and with that it fire and wants to Run , what would you guys suggest to Get it running?
I'm guessing it's not getting fuel, because it has spark.
Since it was firing with starting fluid.


1
8/26/2019 12:24pm
mark293 wrote:
That is a Predator Inverter generator in Cummings clothes. Just saying
I find that hard to believe, but willing to have an open mind. Any kind of documentation or links for this ?
For Cummins/ Onan is a huge company, I just don’t see them dressing up a Harbor Freight generator to introduce their new line of portable generators...

I’ve bought several small tools from Harbor Freight and 99% of what they sell is junk, IMO.
1
yak651
Posts
8720
Joined
8/26/2006
Location
Appleton, WI, USA
Fantasy
8/26/2019 12:29pm
Tarz483 wrote:
You Guys all seem so knowledgeable about Generators in this thread , I have a question, I got an old RV , traded for a car...
You Guys all seem so knowledgeable about Generators in this thread , I have a question, I got an old RV , traded for a car recently, and it has a Generator that turn over but dont start , my dad sprayed starting fluid and with that it fire and wants to Run , what would you guys suggest to Get it running?
I'm guessing it's not getting fuel, because it has spark.
Since it was firing with starting fluid.


Take the carburetor off, take it apart and clean it as best as possible. Even better if you have one of those ultrasonic cleaners or know someone that does. Let it soak in that, put it back together and see if it runs.
2
blu113
Posts
20
Joined
7/19/2018
Location
Costa Mesa, CA, USA
8/26/2019 12:35pm
Honda 3000 is the most quite generator/invertor out there if you have the money if not Champions are good. If you are running a A/C on your trailer you will need 3000 watts minimum. I use 2 Yamaha 2000 and im pretty happy, but I think the Hondas are probably better
captmoto
Posts
5873
Joined
4/22/2009
Location
Rancho Cucamonga, CA, USA
8/26/2019 1:52pm
yak651 wrote:
Take the carburetor off, take it apart and clean it as best as possible. Even better if you have one of those ultrasonic cleaners or know...
Take the carburetor off, take it apart and clean it as best as possible. Even better if you have one of those ultrasonic cleaners or know someone that does. Let it soak in that, put it back together and see if it runs.
They're a bitch to get clean unless you can completely get it torn down and get a rebuild kit for it. If it is one of those EPA carbs just toss it and get a new one. It's a 10 minute job to replace.
2
TexasVet
Posts
122
Joined
6/16/2019
Location
Springtown, TX, USA
8/26/2019 5:56pm
ajk423 wrote:
What are anyones thoughts on running a generator over night at a track? I understand there are a lot of variables like what generator, and how...
What are anyones thoughts on running a generator over night at a track? I understand there are a lot of variables like what generator, and how close, etc. But do you just run it all night and just hope nobody gets pissed off? I have the champion 3100 inverter and it works awesome in our small toy hauler, but I always turn it off at night to avoid making anyone mad but I would love to keep my A/c on all night.
My experience: Could only afford a tent to camp at the races. Any "BIG" race most rigs kept the generators going 24/7

with no concern whatsoever. I understand the haves/have nots. I finally just got up in the middle of the night if the race

was close enough. Sleep quality was the same. The most disruptive were the midnight arrivals. Loud diesels,

generators and lots of loud talking(over the generators), doors slamming etc. Not to mention the half acre spread

they would rope off.

Eventually quit going.

Bravo to those concerned about late night noise.
5
oceantrav
Posts
984
Joined
10/20/2015
Location
Tarpon Springs, FL, USA
8/27/2019 9:17am
Just picked up a used like new Yamaha 3000 for $700.

As far as loud an quite generators, I’ve had them all. I could care less about running my loud $400 3500 watt ryobi at the track. Everytime I had my Honda 3000, it never failed that the guy next to me would show up with a loud ass generator. Loud generators don’t bother me inside the Toy hauler, can’t hear them over the AC. Just annoying when your hanging outside
dmm698
Posts
955
Joined
6/24/2015
Location
USA
8/27/2019 3:49pm
mark293 wrote:
That is a Predator Inverter generator in Cummings clothes. Just saying
Langhammx wrote:
I find that hard to believe, but willing to have an open mind. Any kind of documentation or links for this ? For Cummins/ Onan is...
I find that hard to believe, but willing to have an open mind. Any kind of documentation or links for this ?
For Cummins/ Onan is a huge company, I just don’t see them dressing up a Harbor Freight generator to introduce their new line of portable generators...

I’ve bought several small tools from Harbor Freight and 99% of what they sell is junk, IMO.
Take a look at the Westinghouse iGen4500 I mentioned a few posts back. It’s what I bought, twice the output of a Honda 2000eui and only 950$ shipped to the door. And, when you look it up, you will see that it’s a carbon copy of the Westinghouse. Who copied who, your guess is as good as mine. The hour meter and plug layout is identical.
liver
Posts
154
Joined
9/3/2015
Location
West Jordan, UT, USA
8/27/2019 4:00pm
I have several:

Predator 2000/3500 : quietest and cheapest, and they last just as long as Honda from what I can tell this far, easier to use

Honda 2000: it’s bomb proof, cost too much, the controls are all over the place, not user friendly, old tech

Costco Yamaha 2000: It’s kinda flimsy but works, it’s my least favorite

Old school gen : loud, very very loud, don’t buy one
liver
Posts
154
Joined
9/3/2015
Location
West Jordan, UT, USA
8/27/2019 4:04pm
1
8/27/2019 6:53pm
mark293 wrote:
That is a Predator Inverter generator in Cummings clothes. Just saying
Langhammx wrote:
I find that hard to believe, but willing to have an open mind. Any kind of documentation or links for this ? For Cummins/ Onan is...
I find that hard to believe, but willing to have an open mind. Any kind of documentation or links for this ?
For Cummins/ Onan is a huge company, I just don’t see them dressing up a Harbor Freight generator to introduce their new line of portable generators...

I’ve bought several small tools from Harbor Freight and 99% of what they sell is junk, IMO.
dmm698 wrote:
Take a look at the Westinghouse iGen4500 I mentioned a few posts back. It’s what I bought, twice the output of a Honda 2000eui and only...
Take a look at the Westinghouse iGen4500 I mentioned a few posts back. It’s what I bought, twice the output of a Honda 2000eui and only 950$ shipped to the door. And, when you look it up, you will see that it’s a carbon copy of the Westinghouse. Who copied who, your guess is as good as mine. The hour meter and plug layout is identical.
Damn, that settles that ! No doubt the Westinghouse and Cummings Onan are the same. Only a $100 difference in price... But is the Harbor Freight (Predator) one the same as well ?
8/27/2019 7:01pm
Interesting






pilotdude
Posts
3842
Joined
1/12/2009
Location
Vancouver, WA, USA
8/27/2019 7:17pm
I heard the Honda won the generator shoot out this year. Laughing
1
dmm698
Posts
955
Joined
6/24/2015
Location
USA
8/28/2019 6:14pm
I love this Westinghouse. Probably ran it 80 hours over 4 days at unadilla (No AC on in camper most of time, was warm out) on like 6 gallons of fuel.

The predator 3500 or whatever doesn’t have the camper style 30amp 110V connector like the Westinghouse/Cummins do. At the end of the day I spent the extra 300$ to have the Westinghouse as it had good reviews, had the 30 amp camper plug, and I didn’t feel like gambling 650$ at harbor freight. Certain things from HF I’ll risk because there cheap but I’d prefer not to own anything of theirs with a motor, even though it sounds like folks are having good luck with the predator generators.
1
yak651
Posts
8720
Joined
8/26/2006
Location
Appleton, WI, USA
Fantasy
8/29/2019 5:28am
Yeah I was going to say isn't the 30 amp plug right there in the front face of the unit? I don't have one so didn't want to say anything but you seem to confirm it.
agn5009
Posts
6750
Joined
6/8/2012
Location
State College, PA, USA
8/29/2019 5:40am
dmm698 wrote:
I love this Westinghouse. Probably ran it 80 hours over 4 days at unadilla (No AC on in camper most of time, was warm out) on...
I love this Westinghouse. Probably ran it 80 hours over 4 days at unadilla (No AC on in camper most of time, was warm out) on like 6 gallons of fuel.

The predator 3500 or whatever doesn’t have the camper style 30amp 110V connector like the Westinghouse/Cummins do. At the end of the day I spent the extra 300$ to have the Westinghouse as it had good reviews, had the 30 amp camper plug, and I didn’t feel like gambling 650$ at harbor freight. Certain things from HF I’ll risk because there cheap but I’d prefer not to own anything of theirs with a motor, even though it sounds like folks are having good luck with the predator generators.
FYI, the predator does come with the 30 amp for campers. I said it earlier and I’ll say it again. The predator has been fantastic for me. I don’t know how a generator could perform better than what it has for me. It’s been flawless.
1

Post a reply to: What is the best quiet small engine generator?

The Latest