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Old 08-25-2019, 08:25 PM   #1
jdarwin
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Do you need an inverter generator



I've been looking at a Champion 4k inverter generator and saw this at Costco today. The price difference is about $100 and I could run the whole coach. My question is how important is an inverter? Would the Firma work just as well? Thanks

 
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Old 08-25-2019, 08:35 PM   #2
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The inverter is much cleaner and steady power. Meaning it will stay at the rated voltage better and is much better for your electronics and appliance circuit boards. Its more like the power coming from your electric provider at home with a clean sine wave.

The inverter is also usually much, much more quiet than non inverters. They run at less rpms. That contractor generator will have anyone within a quarter mile mad at you in 5 minutes. In short, I highly recommend an inverter portable genny.
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Old 08-25-2019, 09:17 PM   #3
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I have 2 HF 3500 generators/Inverters, very reasonably priced quiet. I have 2 that I run in parallel to run my entire coach with a little room to spare.

p.s. can't see the picture...
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Old 08-25-2019, 10:39 PM   #4
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You will want an inverter generator because they are much quieter. I also have the HF 3500 and am very pleased. The HF is 57 db and the Firman is 58db. Either one would be great. You can't beat the Costco return policy! The Harbor Freight is 3500watts and has both electric start and pull start.
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Old 08-26-2019, 02:07 PM   #5
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Here's the generator. I did learn something about the Champion 100302. It seems it requires a grounding rod. Does the HF 3500 need one?
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Old 08-26-2019, 02:22 PM   #6
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I think all generators require a ground rod but nobody uses them.
You are certainly better off with an inverter than a standard generator, clean power, much less noise. They are safe for all your electronic equipment where a standard generator isn’t.
Get an inverter. You will not be sorry you did.
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Old 08-26-2019, 02:25 PM   #7
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That’s going to be a very loud one. If you get it and boondock hopefully you are alone, no neighbors for 1/4 mile lol. No my HF dont need grounding rods. Sorry it’s sideways forgot to rotate before uploading.
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Old 08-26-2019, 03:07 PM   #8
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Last2Die I sent you a PM
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Old 08-26-2019, 03:32 PM   #9
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The Firman genny you show runs at 74 db at 50% power. That will be WAY too loud for a campground!
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Old 08-26-2019, 03:41 PM   #10
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Check out the new Firman Dual Fuel Inverter ( WHO 3042 )
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Old 08-26-2019, 03:46 PM   #11
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The timing of this post is just to prophetic. I just got run out of the Badlands because someone parked 10' behind me and ran a contractor generator all day and night. Just ruined the experience.
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Old 08-26-2019, 05:29 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by AV Tech View Post
Check out the new Firman Dual Fuel Inverter ( WHO 3042 )
I checked them out, just curious they look good. They are a little more money then the HF 3500 and slightly lower on the running and starting watts. Good warranty and of course Costco, they back everything.

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Old 08-28-2019, 11:33 AM   #13
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Sale this Monday at HF.
Predator 3500 on sale for 699.99, coupon for 25% off, brings it to 524 and change.
Any other coupons to add to it out there ?
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Old 08-28-2019, 12:40 PM   #14
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Originally Posted by MxBound View Post
Sale this Monday at HF.
Predator 3500 on sale for 699.99, coupon for 25% off, brings it to 524 and change.
Any other coupons to add to it out there ?
Coupon is not valid on Predator products. Read the fine print on the coupon.
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Old 08-28-2019, 01:22 PM   #15
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Coupon is not valid on Predator products. Read the fine print on the coupon.

Yea I learned the hard way.
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Old 08-28-2019, 09:36 PM   #16
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Oh well...
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Old 08-28-2019, 09:42 PM   #17
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Still a great price at 699. They both work great for me.
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Old 08-29-2019, 08:42 PM   #18
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I’d like some feedback on a Westinghouse iGen4500DF.
The DW thinks dual fuel is important. I’m not convinced it’s really needed.
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Old 08-29-2019, 11:54 PM   #19
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Just for safety information, portable generators do not need to be grounded with a ground rod, and if done, may actually introduce a step potential hazard if there is a fault in the system. This site provides the information: https://www.jadelearning.com/groundi...le-generators/
And this is quoted from this site:


OSHA Grounding Requirements for portable and vehicle-mounted generators state the following:
Under the following conditions, OSHA directs (29 CFR 1926.404(f)(3)(i)) that the frame of a portable generator need not be grounded (connected to earth) and that the frame may serve as the ground (in place of the earth):



The generator supplies only equipment mounted on the generator and/or cord and plug-connected equipment through receptacles mounted on the generator, § 1926.404(f)(3)(i)(A). The noncurrent-carrying metal parts of equipment (such as the fuel tank, the internal combustion engine, and the generator’s housing) are bonded to the generator frame, and the equipment grounding conductor terminals (of the power receptacles that are a part of [mounted on] the generator) are bonded to the generator frame, § 1926.404(f)(3)(i)(B).


In addition to all this technical jargon, it would be unsafe to be driving ground rods in some areas without having all underground facilities located and marked. Driving a ground rod into a gas line or a high voltage line could be deadly, and at least very expensive.
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Old 08-30-2019, 06:17 AM   #20
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Quote:
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I’d like some feedback on a Westinghouse iGen4500DF.
The DW thinks dual fuel is important. I’m not convinced it’s really needed.
How do you plan to use your rig? Occasional boondocking or long stretches off the grid? Most applications... DF is probably not necessary but it is a useful alternative. If you camp at higher elevations frequently, propane does not have fouling issues like gasoline does (read that as a maintenance item) because carburetors are typically jetted for lower elevations and run richer at higher altitude where there is less oxygen. Propane simply burns cleaner. Both will produce less power at altitude. Propane produces about 10% less power than gasoline so what you can run on gasoline may not run on propane (most cases not an issue but it could... just sayin'). Propane is more expensive than gasoline. The iGen4500DF is a hefty brute.... at 105 lbs not including fuel. For some that could be a make or break item.

Your call, not trying to sway you one way or the other.
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