Just get a 30 AMP/4500 W for under $1000 and be done with it. I've had a WEN 3100 and WEN 2000 for about 6 yrs or maybe 8.... The 3100 runs everything in my RV....I won't run the AC and microwave at the same time though just out of caution. Point is, spend less than $1000 and be totally satisfied with it for many years. Onan Cummins, Briggs n Stratton, Champion, WEN, Westinghouse, etc.... https://www.amazon.com/WEN-DF450i-4500-Watt-RV-Ready-Generator/dp/B0BK2WFQ5T/ref=sr_1_3?crid=2NWSK7PFEFBBO&keywords=WEN+4500&qid=1679872265&s=lawn-garden&sprefix=wen+4500,lawngarden,81&sr=1-3&ufe=app_do:amzn1.fos.ac578592-0362-4e0a-958c-0f2dd61d30d4
I've got one of these I haven't used in years. It's sitting in my warehouse. Now that this one sold, I guess I should check my battery and sell mine.
Proof the 'Beeb sucks: A discussion about reliable, quiet, reasonably priced generators gets hijacked and flushed down the toilet by members bragging about their cheap and loud as fuck generators. It doesn't make you the Army of Darkness, folks. Wait a minute here... The A.O.D. shouldn't even own a generator, right?
I go this one. Works great and not loud for a 4500 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B099KRSH46/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Someone near me at a trackday last year had one of these. It was quite. For $900, it might be worth a try if I decide I want to deal with a 100 pound generator.
Indeed heavy but SO EASY to move around with the "luggage" handle. Bonus with that model, it comes with a remote on/off starter
Picked up the Westinghouse 4500 and maneuvering it around with the handle is really easy…..100lbs or not the weight should not deter you from getting it. I liked the extra watts compared to the Predator for the same money. I haven’t used the remote yet but the electric start is a breeze. I’m still breaking it in with only 3 hours of use so far. Let google and the reviews be your guide for any quirks and break in procedural questions you may have.
Id be curious as to how long it can run on the provided 3.4 gallon fuel tank? Specs say it can run up to 18hrs at 1/4 load (900watts???). Does that mean it can run at 1/2 load (1800 watts) for 9hrs?
It's on sale for $750 now. For that price, I have to give it a try. I'll still have my Honda, so I'll only need this for when I need AC. I'll be in my truck camper most of the time if it's that hot, so that means even if it is loud, I don't have to hear it.
The westinghouse is just as quiet as any of them especially under load which is when it would be running anyway.....Here's a pic of a video with sound results at 23'. I don't think 1 DB louder will get you shot in the middle of the night . Honda 3000, champion 4650, westinghouse 4500, powerhorse 4500, predator 3500, honda 2200....
I've had the Westinghouse for almost a year. It's a solid generator and very quiet. I highly recommend it over the Predator 3500, which I owned as well. The Predator stopped working on me. It ended being a dropped valve retainer. The Westinghouse is easier to move, more wattage, remote start, bigger fuel tank and remote start, all for the same price. It's well worth it.
OP, I did the truck and open trailer thing for a while too. Tacoma 6' bed with a snugtop camper shell. It was nice for a one night stay or so. Not tons of room to do much other than sit/laydown inside. For AC, you might want to look into a unit you can place in the truck cab with a window attachment to fit the driver/passenger door window for vent. The pass-through window will be your cool air source from the unit. As for generators, I've been using a Predator 3500 for a year which has been lovely. It's quiet, starts instantly, and didn't cost over $1,000. I power my rooftop AC unit on my van and warmers. Runs fine. Now this is funny: https://www.reddit.com/r/BurningMan/comments/91lt35/creative_camping_window_ac_to_camper_shell_2017/
I put it in my Amazon cart yesterday when it was $750, but wanted to sleep on it. When I went to hit “Buy” this morning the price had jumped to $871. Fuck me.
The version without CO sensor is still $765, but it says made in China. The others say Vietnam. Not sure if that’s accurate. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XC47ZX4/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1
Do you know if the Westinghouse seals up the gas tank well enough to store it inside my apartment? I just got it. I don’t see a fuel vent, so I assume it’s controlled by the fuel on/off knob?
I am not sure, but I leave it in my RV and there is not a hint of gas smell when the RV is closed up for weeks.