Generators - Event Date: 08 Feb 2017 - 08 Apr 2017

We just got an rpod 179 and are in the process of buying a generator. I did not specifically look for a Champion but they seem to match my wishes or requirements. I am currently considering model 95896, 3650/4500w from Camping World (currently out of stock) or a model 100157, 3500/4375w from Costco. Both are rated 68dbs.

I am mainly concerned with the decibel rating. Is 68 dbs too loud for public camp grounds? There seems to be a lot of units with that rating.   

Also, I am thinking Champion is a reliable unit. Do they hold up well.

Thanks for any info you can provide.

3500 watts is more than you need for the pod.  It will run everything at once, whereas a Honda or Yamaha 2000 will run the microwave or the air conditioner but not both at the same time.  I have a Yamaha 2400iSHC so I can tell you, I never find not running everything at once an inconvenience.  The 3500 watt generators are way heavier then the 2000 watt ones.  The smaller generators can be handled by one person whereas the 3500s can't, at least easily.  Even the 2000 w generators aren't all that easy for that matter.  Both Honda and now Yamaha will let you run two of their 2000 w generators together to get 4000 w.  Take one genny when you only need one, or take both when you have room and need the power.  It's easier to move 2 of them than one big one.

The Hondas and Yamahas run at 53 or 58 to 59 db, which means the Champions are more than twice as loud.  It's not a linear scale.  Sound levels seem subjective though.  Your generator might not seem too loud to you, but the quietest generators will disturb some people no matter what.  You'll get a lot of opinions on this point.  My opinion is that it was worth more to me to get the quietest generator I could.  People still complain about my generator to the Rangers or campground hosts mostly because they think any generator is out of place in a campground.  Anyway, that brings up another point.  Many campgrounds have fairly restrictive hours when generators aren't allowed, and/or sections of the campground where they may not be allowed at all.

I'm thinking about getting a big Champion from Costco for power outages at home.  They have a pretty good reputation, but I don't think they're best for camping.

TT

I have a Champion 3100 watt inverter/generator that l bought for boondocking and occasional use in a campground. I have not run it alongside a Honda or Yamaha so I can't compare them, but it doesn't really seem very loud. It is larger than the Honda and Yamaha, but I also don't have to run two in parallel to get enough power. Mine is the electric start with a remote start feature. I bought mine from Amazon for $750.00 which included shipping and it was delivered in two days.

StephenH, I built in my geny diverted the exhaust to the ground, reduced the noise by more than 50%. Like to post a pic for you but can't, no file manager.

i bought a champion 3500/4000 watt genny, it is rated at 68 db as well. I was surprised how quiet it is. i am thinking a small box of sound board, and it would be very quiet. Thats my intent, and i will do it soon. ill update the result in a month or so when i hope to have time to do a few projects.