Generator Deal

[CarlNH]

This came across my phone this morning. I know nothing about it other than what the link says but thought folks might have an interest. https://www.walmart.com/ip/Sportsman...=aff#read-more

[padlin]

It is certainly affordable.

In the comparison graph it says has a 90 day warranty and is not new. I don't see this mentioned elsewhere, might want to verify one way or the other.

The ad also says don't use it over 3000', no idea if that's good or bad as far as generators go, but seems kind of low if you want to be able to use it as you travel around the country.

[CarlNH]

Yeah, appears to have limitations but might serve for occasional use. I'm getting solar so won't be carrying a genset myself.

[frank_a]

I've often considered one of these from Harbor Freight: https://www.harborfreight.com/2000-w...tor-62523.html

They're trying to compete with Honda of course, and the price point is certainly attractive. Of all the power tools I've bought from HF over the years for my home shop I have no complaints. On the other hand, if we buy a generator I would probably go with Honda.

I think it's almost better to sink that dough into solar...

Frank

[J&B Mitt]

Are we looking at the "Sportsman Gasoline 2000W Portable Generator" for $149? That IS cheap!
At nearly 65dB, it is more than four times as loud as a typical 2000W inverter generator (low 50's dB). Might not make friends with other campers.

So far, our 160W factory solar has been adequate for us when we haven't had a hookup. We do have a 2000W Champion inverter generator that I use around the property and for power outages, but we've never taken it camping. I can recommend the Champion.

[rubicon327]

Originally Posted by J&B Mitt

Are we looking at the "Sportsman Gasoline 2000W Portable Generator" for $149? That IS cheap!
At nearly 65dB, it is more than four times as loud as a typical 2000W inverter generator (low 50's dB). Might not make friends with other campers.

The link is to a 2200W inverter machine for $299. Specs say: "Decibel rating: less than 53dB with no load"

[Tonny LR]

I am looking at the Sportsman 2200-Watt Gasoline Powered Recoil Start Portable Digital Inverter Generator with Parallel Capability - CARB Approved for $299. I wonder that if it will run the A/C like the Honda 2200-watts?.

Tonny LR

[J&B Mitt]

Originally Posted by rubicon327

The link is to a 2200W inverter machine for $299. Specs say: "Decibel rating: less than 53dB with no load"

Okay, that makes sense, thanks. That IS a good price.
(Don't know how I wound up at the $149 generator...)

[padlin]

Originally Posted by Tonny LR

I am looking at the Sportsman 2200-Watt Gasoline Powered Recoil Start Portable Digital Inverter Generator with Parallel Capability - CARB Approved for $299. I wonder that if it will run the A/C like the Honda 2200-watts?.

Tonny LR

It should, but no one will really know till someone buys one and tries it. It's from Walmart so you would think it can be returned if you try soon after getting it.

[Brian B-P]

It's an inverter type, dual-fuel, and cheap - that's all promising.

It appears to be a newer or older of for some other reason variant of this from Buffalo:
ITEM # GEN2000I SPORTSMAN GAS POWERED 2000 SURGE WATT INVERTOR GENERATOR
I find it only mildly disturbing that the manufacturer can't even spell "inverter"...

Originally Posted by padlin

In the comparison graph it says has a 90 day warranty and is not new.

The manual says it should have a 1-year warranty (2 years for emission-related issues). I suspect that is a "refurbished" product.

Originally Posted by padlin

It's from Walmart so you would think it can be returned if you try soon after getting it.

And that's probably how it became available at this price, with the short warranty.

I think I would assume that it's semi-disposable (may fail, unlikely to be fixable), which might be fine for very occasional use. It's likely that Buffalo is only a distributor, and may get stock from whatever Chinese supplier has a suitable product available at the right price at the time of ordering.

[rubicon327]

Originally Posted by Brian B-P

I find it only mildly disturbing that the manufacturer can't even spell "inverter"...

At least they got it right on the generator

[CarlNH]

Originally Posted by Brian B-P

I think I would assume that it's semi-disposable (may fail, unlikely to be fixable), which might be fine for very occasional use. It's likely that Buffalo is only a distributor, and may get stock from whatever Chinese supplier has a suitable product available at the right price at the time of ordering.

Most likely the case. WM does offer a 3 year extended warranty on it for $28 which might be a good way to go if one purchases one of these.