After not making any hits for quite a few years, I’m about to take the car to the track, but still have 1-2 small things to do and a few things to buy for the enclosed. My former generator was a Honda, but it was big and way more than I ever needed.

Portable Generator. What brands/models are out on the market today that aren’t super expensive, reliable, not huge and not super loud? Just need it to power the typical stuff, not an entire city LOL. Oh, and brands/models to stay away from would be nice to know also. Will look at new options, but will most likely buy a used one if I can find a decent one. Thanks.

Good question.
I asked myself the same thing 2 years ago.

I ended up buying a Honda EU-2200i inverter unit. And I love it. It cost a few hundred more than the Chinese copies. But they last forever, and the risk of a bad Chinese unit that dies in the first year (or goes many many years) was not worth it for me. Super low noise, easy start, reliable, etc. Yes expensive.

I have a big, heavy, wheeled, 7500 Watt "portable" generator with a Honda engine. But it is much louder, and more than I need at the track. It is my home back-up generator.

I have an older version of this Yamaha I like. It’s very quiet.
https://factorypure.com/products/ya...Y_9AsVAAfEO0MwWnEz4-5zyblMRoCyrgQAvD_BwE

I bought a 2000 watt Honda inverter generator years ago and it’s still going strong. Several years ago I bought a 3400 watt Champion inverter generator when I planned to run nitrous to have more power. I carry both and switch back and forth. I paid 700 something for the champion but it looks like they jumped up in price.


https://www.championpowerequipment.com/product/100233-3400-watt-inverter/

Honda EU-2200i and don’t look back.

I just sold my spare Honda EU2000. Still using my 20 year old unit as we speak . On the cheap I’d give the harbor freight quiet gen a spin, but I’m a huge fan of the Honda EU

I agree, Honda with an inverter or a clone.

Check with guys that race. The Harbor Freight Predator inverter style is very popular. I see tons of them. I used a friends Predator 2000 last year and was very impressed. It ran My camper A/C, trailer generator and charger with no issues. Very light, very quiet, easy to start, and fuel efficient to boot. I also have 2 friends with the larger 3500. One has 3500hrs on it with nothing but oil changes. No one at the track had a bad word about them. Since my trailer has a enclosed generator area I went with the larger battery start 3500. If you watch for specials you can get 20% off. Sign up for the Harbor Freight club and get an additional 5%. Sign up for their credit card for another 1st time use 10% off. Then never use the card again. Ended up with 35% off. The Honda is a good piece. But it costs twice as much.
https://www.harborfreight.com/2000-...46&product=62523&store=660&g
Doug

I bought the HF Predator last year and like it after years of using a big , heavy and noisy Coleman. I don't use it a lot but its good for what I need it is pretty quiet and light. I would have liked to get a Honda ( it is very similar in size , even the same color ) but for the huge price difference ( a little less than half the price ) I went with the Predator after seeing several fellow racers with the same unit.

Honda has the best resale value

I'm sticking with my big old-school 5500+ noisy generator also have used for house back-up. I have never used/tried anything else but it makes me feel strong/good that I lift it into the trailer or pick-up bed. Noise isn't so bad because, I can't hear the wife complain. If the noise does bother me I can always direct it towards my pit neighbor. I hope this helps!

I had a Generic and it was great but it was stolen. I've purchased 5500 w Harbor Freight and its been very good. I service it annually. Mine is a bit noisy. Harbor now makes some very good quite models too. I'd love to own a nice honda generator but I always seem to need race car parts more.
Be sure to buy one large enough to serve you well.

My two trailer we have a Honda EU3000Is and a Onan 4500. Both are very quiet and work great. Alot of folks like the predators and hard to beat for the $$ My Onan was only $999 when I bought it but they have gone up a bit. Bigger issues is the availability of them, all smaller generators for that matter.

Lol carry a spare set of brushes and an alignment tool. You would hate to keep that wonderful exhaust note all to yourself!

Maybe i need to start towing in the 20kw onan.

I'd buy a Honda EU2000 if I needed a small generator, my buddy has a 2000w inverter Yamaha and it's a nice generator, quiet and easy on gas.

I’ve been happy with my 2004 EU3000i. Chinese engines built on $875 a month irks me. (82,500 yaun, average Chinese factory worker annual income). Whatever. Flame away.

Gents thanks for taking the time to give input and your experiences. I’ll consider everything mentioned and buy what will suit my needs. Thank you!

Take time to consider the racer that pits next to you. Nothing worse than listening to a Brigs n Stratton engine in the pit-next to you that sounds like a rod is about ready to come through the case.

I bought a firman from costco 3000 watt inverter seems to be good so far - but the Honda is probably the best out there