Generators

Mr Red · Veteran Member

Generators

Cloak · Guru

Just a quick look they appear to be web based only meaning you can't see or hear one before committing to purchase.

The big problem with generators as we all know is noise. Their claims are 54 - 59 dba which is the same as an equivalent Honda model.

For my money I would spend the extra $200 and buy a Honda which has a national dealership network.

Just my opinion

Steve

2foot6 · Senior Member

I have the same thoughts as Steve,I have a Honda 2kw geny,it has been faultless except for when the good looking operator poured in some contaminated fuel,easy fixed at the local dealer. Hondas have a four year warranty and if you look around ,you will get one for the same price .For what it's worth,my geny is almost four years old and has done a lot of work.cheers Peter.

George · Veteran Member

Hi
I have a cheaper 3.2 kw generator, made in china, third price of Honda (which I believe are also made is china) has been running well for 2 years, and paid $425 I believe it is an equal playing field now and Honda is slowly giving way. You have gotta ask yourself the question about production costs, the units have basically the same components, yet major cost difference. WHY???????

Cheers
George

Grams · Guru

Honda all the way here. I like the idea I can get it fixed pretty much anywhere in Australia. Whereas the overseas models you would be hard pressed to to find someone to fix it or get parts. Yes it may be cheaper, but the old saying you get what you pay for applies.

Pete49 · Senior Member

I have a 4kva cheaper had it for 4 years cost was $500. Still running and when it stops get a new one. Cost wise way in front of Honda even if I buy 3 more. Yes you get what you pay for but why pay more than needed. If it breaks down on a trip no big deal buy another the solar runs most stuff as long as its sunny anyhow

Pete

herbie · Guru

Like every thing in life nothing lasts for ever, and especially in todays world. On my last trip up the Cape a bloke had a Honda ( not that old ) and went tup up. Then another bloke had a $600 job off E- Bay and he said he had owned it for three years and never had a problem with it. I own a Hond 2.5 ama,but a mate who is on this trip with us has a new Yamaha 2.5 and I recon it is quieter than mine, He is a fitter in the mines and he was saying the mine he works out of have changed over to the Yamaha, due to trying to sauce parts for the Hondas was getting to be the problem.

goldcoaster · Senior Member

I had a Chinese 4.2kva form ebay $600 , done the job for 18mths, louder than Honda, key ignition , couldn't get a replacement battery that would fit in Battery Compartment , then no one would service it when I couldn't get it to start. I used too have the same mentality, buy 3 of these before I buy 1 Honda , not anymore , their is no comparison with my Honda 2kva , has never let me down, and not one complaint about noise level from fellow campers , had a couple with the China one. Also try buying a second hand Honda gennie , they hold there value. Pay the extra , it will last a lot longer and work when you need it.

Wombat 280 · Guru

Grams wrote:
Honda all the way here. I like the idea I can get it fixed pretty much anywhere in Australia. Whereas the overseas models you would be hard pressed to to find someone to fix it or get parts. Yes it may be cheaper, but the old saying you get what you pay for applies.

So long as it's the engine and not the power side of the unit. After all it's an internal combustion engine so really I would expect any mech worth their salt could fix the mechanical side of the unit . Things like the bearings and lubrication systems on a Honda are brilliant but so they should be considering their time in developing motor cycle engines

Baz421 · Guru

geojen wrote:
Hi
I have a cheaper 3.2 kw generator, made in china, third price of Honda (which I believe are also made is china) has been running well for 2 years, and paid $425 I believe it is an equal playing field now and Honda is slowly giving way. You have gotta ask yourself the question about production costs, the units have basically the same components, yet major cost difference. WHY???????

Cheers
George

George

I know several reasons for differing prices,,,, ie

1 Quality,,, you can buy similar products made with inferior components,, ie poor quality steel and poor quality impure copper wire or solder

2 Quality,,, some companies buy products not rated 100% by the original buyer,,, ie they are rejected by some manufacturers and used by others

3 Quality,,, some fly by night brands and suppliers have NO INTENTION of being in business in say 12 months time - effects warranty and parts etc

4 Quality of service,,, buy 20,000 of product X in China say, import and wholesale and sell ON LINE,,, AND NEVER TO BE HEARD OF AGAIN

5 After sales service,,,,, what do you get?? Can you buy parts in 3 years etc.

The list goes on and on.

When you write contracts for supply and delivery these things all are components of your strategy.

milo · Guru

just a thought, is it possible to have a purpose box built on the back of the mh
which is totally sound proof or as sound proof as possible but still have a way for
it to work with out being loud ? if you know what i mean??

Cloak · Guru

It is Milo but then you'll get complaints about fumes or a loud TV, some people like to complain about anything.

All generators make some sound no escaping that so in a crowded camp it's best to go visit as many campers as possible and ask / advise that you will be running it for a time and turn it off by a reasonable hour.

I've been to camps where 4 or 5 are running but you don't really notice them at all because everyone is busy making dinner or socialising. They also mask the snoring from that fat bloke in the van by the river, you know the one who always gets the best spot.

Personally I find the drone a generator makes pleasant and easy to sleep to.

My biggest gripe is crying babies. Give me a dozen generators any day.

Cheers

Steve

Baz421 · Guru

milo wrote:
just a thought, is it possible to have a purpose box built on the back of the mh
which is totally sound proof or as sound proof as possible but still have a way for
it to work with out being loud ? if you know what i mean??

Was about 20m from a "purpose built box" a couple of months ago that was mounted on the back of a van. Don't know how well it was insulated but the exhaust was noisy.

Sound reflects off everything unless it is purpose built with good quality sound attenuating qualities,,,, from the box lining, to the design, to the location of the genny.

There seems to be a notion that a box solves everthing - it doesn't.

Knowledge speaks, but wisdom listens.

Knowledge speaks, but wisdom listens.