How do the Kipor inverter generators compare with the Hondas?
My local Jayco dealer sells the Kipor, and the price is a bit less than the equivalent Honda models.
It looks like the 2KW models don't have enough starting current to start a 13.5K BTU AC, but the 3KW ones do. Both Honda and Kipor offer 2KW models that can be wired in parallel to combine their output.
This looks like a great solution for RV'ing, as when not running the AC, I could just run one, and if I need AC, fire up the 2nd one. The 2KW models are less than 1/2 the weight of the 3KW models (approx 50 lbs, vs. 130 lbs). I'd rather lift two 50lb generators down from my truck, than a single 130 lbs.
Looking at the Kipor site, the 2KW units are rated at 54-59db (zero to full load) at 7m, and the 3KW units 62-67db. Db is a logarithmic measurement, and it turns out that two 2KW units running full power is actually the same noise as the 3KW at idle.
So.... is there any reason that the single 3KW unit would be better than two 2KW units with the parallel kit (besides price, which I think isn't too much worse)?
How many on this forum are using the Kipor generators? I have read a lot of bad comments on the no-name Chinese-made Honda knock-offs, but seeing these at my local Jayco dealer tells me that they might be better than the knock offs. I'd love to hear about your experiences.
I'm also scanning craigslist for used Hondas. Can all the 2KW Honda EU2000i's be paralleled, or do I need a special model like with the K2000P?
Thank you for your input!
Jay
2006 Jayco 31BHDS
2006 F-350 SRW,4WD,6.0L Powerstroke,crew/long bed
2004 Coachman 106 (2,000lb GVW, 1526 DVW) --SOLD.
2000 BMW 323iT TV for the popup above (towed it just fine, TV rated for 3400lbs tow weight in europe, the hitch I have is rated for 2000).
I have the YAMAHA 2400 and it run MY 13.5 btu AC with no problems.
RET ARMY , DW Donna , Summer (Furkid) . Class A, 2000 Gulf Stream, 4 SAMS 6VOLTS, DIRECTV, YAMAHA 2400 GEN , TOW 97 Wrangler/Honda CR V. Garmin GPS 7200 . "Living Our Dream". NASCAR FAN (14,18,,20,11) Love CO & NM
I have a Kipor KGE3000Ti (2,300w / 2,600w max) that I bought in 2006. It starts and runs my 13,500 BTU A/C, using about a quart of gas per hour in 95º weather. I have to leave the fan running, as it won't start the fan and compressor together. I like the compact size and 60lb weight. Noise level is rated at 58 to 63 dBA.
I consider Kipor the Hyundai or Kia of generators. Not as good as a Toyota or Honda, but a decent value priced alternative. The biggest issue is their service
/repair and parts supply network is not as extensive as Honda or Yamaha. If you have a service issue finding a nearby dealer or obtaining a part will be more difficult vs. Honda or Yamaha.
Coast to Coast is the supplier in my part of the country for Kipor, and they have names of service places to take your unit to. You might get a hold of them for the svc agent in your area.
95 Dodge CC #5 TST plate Flame Red/Silver
not totaly stock
2007 fiver
Tag Ma-haul has been suggested for a name but now The Shoe box
I know two people who purchased the Kipor in the last couple of years. One still likes his and says it's the equal to Honda or Yamaha (which he's never owned) and the other sent his in for repair once and it's now not producing power. Still quiet though My guess would be that like MOST Chinese products you get some good ones and you get some stinkers. They can build good products but don't seem to do so consistently.
2004 F-250 SCREW Long Bed (new)
OR 2004 F-150 HD (85,000 towing miles) Rockwood 8314SS 34' travel trailer
We have enough YOUTH...how about a fountain of SMART
well, the way I feel about it is I will buy Japanese before I will buy Chinese. the Chinese are not very good at quality control yet. They have only been building stuff for us since Nixon was in office. Japan since WWII. When I worked for Sears I had a Chinese guy come in and he wanted a Sony Camcorder but he would only buy the model that was made in Japan. Turns out they had some made in China and he wanted nothing to do with chinese junk. I went through my entire supply to see if any of them had made in Japan for him. made the sale.
With the prices a wisesales.com I see no reason to go with anything other than Honda or Yamaha. I will be buying the Yamaha 2400is to run mt 13.5k btu AC in the spring.
BTW I used a Honda 2000 EU to run my AC a couple of times this summer. I turned the eco-throttle off and turned on the fan first.
Trailer: 07 Tango 299BHS
TV: 2004.5 Dodge 610 CTD 3500 QC 48RE 2wd Laramie SRW, FP Gauge, FASS 95/95, Rhino Lining, Hensley Arrow, Reese Signature Series 5er Hitch, Air Bags & Compressor, Canopy, AL Boat Rack.
Been running B100 home brew June 2008!
Lets face it, we all agree the Honda is the best, but not everyone wants to pay for one.
I know a place selling the Kipor's for $600 each to me that was too tempting.
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, DW Donna 
. Class A, 2000 Gulf Stream, 4 SAMS 6VOLTS, DIRECTV, YAMAHA 2400 GEN 
. "Living Our Dream". NASCAR FAN (14,18,,20,11) Love CO & NM 
