Cheap, cheap generators

Submitted: Wednesday, Oct 29, 2003 at 12:03
ThreadID: 8171 Views:2045 Replies:12 FollowUps:4
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Down at Bunnings on the weekend and noticed they had "camping generators" on sale for $269. Can't remember what the brand name was and the rest of the blurb went over my head as a) I don't know anything about generators and b) I'm not in the market for one. But, I know enough to recognise that the price is exceptionally cheap which will no doubt appeal to others. Anyone else seen these and what do others think?

:o) MelissaPetrol 4.5L GU Patrol &
Camprite TL8 offroad camper
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Reply By: stevesub - Wednesday, Oct 29, 2003 at 12:31

Wednesday, Oct 29, 2003 at 12:31
Cheap Cinese made ones for sale at the Caboolyure Sunday markets just north of Brisbane. Prices from memory start around $250. 1KVA was around $350. Seem to be OK and as the guy on the stand said, if they die, buy another, cheaper than getting them fixed. Don't know about reliability or warrenties as I am not in the market for one.
AnswerID: 35560

Reply By: flappan - Wednesday, Oct 29, 2003 at 13:16

Wednesday, Oct 29, 2003 at 13:16
Probably depends on your intended use.

To be used every 2nd weekend to power big and or vital things like laptops . . . may not be the best choice.

A couple of times a year to run some lights etc . . . be the business I think.

Thinking of doing that myself.
AnswerID: 35565

Reply By: Bazza - Wednesday, Oct 29, 2003 at 13:28

Wednesday, Oct 29, 2003 at 13:28
G'Day Melissa,
It is good of you to let everyone know, as I'm sure someone will want one. I've had a bit of exposure to them, with three of my mates buying one each, all from the same supplier. One of them works like a charm, with no problems, one works when it feels like it , and the other one kicked over once, on the first start, and never worked again. It's off to the supplier for repairs or replacement. For that sort of money ... two out of three is probably not bad odds. My mate's view is that ... if they get 12 months out of them ... their laughing. My view is ... I want a reliable unit that I can depend on, at any time and well over 12 months from now. That why I bought a Honda and payed a lot more to have that reliability. IMHO
Regards,
Bazza.
AnswerID: 35566

Reply By: friar - Wednesday, Oct 29, 2003 at 13:36

Wednesday, Oct 29, 2003 at 13:36
Hi
Melissa, my brother bought one similar to the one at bunnings from repco
He ran his trailblazer fridge on it but after a couple of hours the fridge
kept on cutting in & out, rang trailblazer & was advised to run the fridge
through a battery & charger because of currancy fluctuation with the genny
Friar
AnswerID: 35567

Follow Up By: Russell Terrano - Wednesday, Oct 29, 2003 at 15:37

Wednesday, Oct 29, 2003 at 15:37
I know its not the done thing, but the owners manual says the 12v output is for charging batteries only.

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FollowupID: 25710

Reply By: David N. - Wednesday, Oct 29, 2003 at 14:10

Wednesday, Oct 29, 2003 at 14:10
Also, I believe these are two-stroke (read smokin').
Run one of these near neighbours in the bush and you'll make enemies pretty quickly... IMHO People go bush for peace, quiet and clean air!
AnswerID: 35575

Follow Up By: Shaker - Wednesday, Oct 29, 2003 at 18:11

Wednesday, Oct 29, 2003 at 18:11
Funny thing is .. that the 2 stroke version is 15db quieter than the 4 stroke!
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FollowupID: 25730

Follow Up By: David N. - Wednesday, Oct 29, 2003 at 22:47

Wednesday, Oct 29, 2003 at 22:47
Yes, the 4 stroke cheapy, not a four stroke Honda or Yamaha inverter...
There's nothing quieter than either of them.
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FollowupID: 25748

Reply By: Russell Terrano - Wednesday, Oct 29, 2003 at 14:16

Wednesday, Oct 29, 2003 at 14:16
I had a 950w version for 12months, in warrantee workshop for most of that time until the Shop (Glenfords said enuff) got me muni back. Importer and distributor a total waste of time.
AnswerID: 35582

Reply By: tim - Wednesday, Oct 29, 2003 at 14:24

Wednesday, Oct 29, 2003 at 14:24
Hi All
I have had a honda for years always starts and is quiet
Remember most things in life you get what you pay for so if you get a good quality one it will last years and if you sell it it is still worth something
AnswerID: 35583

Reply By: flappan - Wednesday, Oct 29, 2003 at 15:03

Wednesday, Oct 29, 2003 at 15:03
Fair difference though in paying $1600 for a Honda gennie, and $300 for a chinese knock off . . . especially if its only used a couple of times a year.

AnswerID: 35588

Reply By: JohnH - Wednesday, Oct 29, 2003 at 16:39

Wednesday, Oct 29, 2003 at 16:39
The old man has one and we use it regularly up here in Darwin, not trouble yet, it's only used to run a couple of lights and fans (it;s hot OK). You can fix the noise problem by fitting another 20m extension cord.

JohnH
AnswerID: 35602

Follow Up By: Shaker - Wednesday, Oct 29, 2003 at 18:13

Wednesday, Oct 29, 2003 at 18:13
If you dig a hole for them they are super quiet ... just hope it doesn't rain ..lol
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FollowupID: 25731

Reply By: friar - Wednesday, Oct 29, 2003 at 21:54

Wednesday, Oct 29, 2003 at 21:54
Melissa what i ment was a small electric battery charger not less than 5amps
to charge a battery then run the fridge on 12volys not directly from the 240volts
I would not run a computer of this generator due to the power fluctuation
Friar
AnswerID: 35644

Reply By: diamond(bendigo) - Wednesday, Oct 29, 2003 at 23:33

Wednesday, Oct 29, 2003 at 23:33
ive had a cheap chineese genny for nearly 12 months can not fault it at all.
quiet economical cheap.
as for you get what you pay for i laugh at the people who spent $1100 for the same thing i spent $300 for.but thats me lol. back by popular demand
:-)
AnswerID: 35658

Reply By: Glenno - Thursday, Oct 30, 2003 at 19:28

Thursday, Oct 30, 2003 at 19:28
I prefer expensive generators as this generally means less people use them! And those that do use them generally have a clue and bring a 30 metre extension cord and walk it away from the campground.

Seen too many clueless people lately that have their geney roaring away in the middle of a somewhat tranquel campground :(

Cheers,

Glenn.
AnswerID: 35738

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