Expensive Honda gasoline Generators

TomC · July 27, 2010, 11:16:12 PM

I was looking at Camping World's President Club prices on Honda generators. They are expensive! To compare, I recently bought a 12kw Wrico International Diesel genset that uses a Kubota 1305D 3 cylinder engine, the radiator is remote mounted, Wrico provided the high efficient 16" electric pusher fan, electronic variable speed fan control, small squirrel cage blower to ventilate the generator compartment, stainless flex pipe for the exhaust, exhaust pipe header, and quiet muffler-all this for $8,100.00 delivered to my warehouse.
If we compare the Honda Gasoline gensets, the 3kw is $2,100.00. Multiply that by 4 to get 12kw and you have $8,400.00. The 2kw is $1,100.00. Multiply that by 6 to get 12kw and you have $6,600.00. The 1kw is $800.00. Multiply that by 12 to get 12kw and you have $9,600.00! So you see, getting a Diesel genset isn't as expensive as everyone thinks-especially from Wrico International with all the additional options I got with my genset. Good Luck, TomC

DMoedave · July 28, 2010, 04:24:20 AM

And dont forget the after sale service is pricless! Dick and Justin never failed to come to the phone or call me back! Just something to think about. I ended up getting the auto transfer switch instead of just moving the plug and they had very good valid reasons for suggesting it.

belfert · July 28, 2010, 04:37:05 AM

How much would a 3KW diesel generator cost if they exist? Of course, a larger generator is going to cost less per KW because component costs don't scale linearly.

I personally have a 8KW diesel generator, but it was a lot of money for me. Even if a 12KW generator is less per KW than a gas generator, not everyone needs or can afford a diesel generator. A lot more busnuts can shell out $2,100 than can afford $8,100. An $8,100 generator could cost more than some shells.

Wrico I'm sure has good service, but there are Honda authorized service centers all over the place and many more small engine shops that could fix a Honda engine.

FloridaCliff · July 28, 2010, 05:01:50 AM

Buying a Genset is like buying a Harley.

Only your first one is expensive, after that you just trade up......and pay the difference.

I have had both, now have a diesel. Watt to Watt my diesel costs less than half what my gas unit cost to operate and maintain.

But if I only needed a small Kw plant, I would consider the Honda's, they are as efficient, reliable and quiet as you will find in a gas unit.

Cliff

cody · July 28, 2010, 06:16:50 AM

Another way of looking at it is I have inverter technology and a nearly silent running honda for a fraction of what a 12Kw diesel would cost. I've got the 3Kw honda. I've also got a harley lol.

bevans6 · July 28, 2010, 07:04:02 AM

The one thought I had was, can you pick the 8KW gennie up and put it on your front porch, or drag it behind you in a wagon so you can use your hedge clipper without a long extension cord? Done both with my little Honda recently...

Just solutions to two different problems, in my view. The Honda 2000 is actually rated at 1600 watts continuous, btw... 2000 watts surge.

Brian

FloridaCliff · July 28, 2010, 07:16:00 AM

Quote from: cody on July 28, 2010, 06:16:50 AM
Another way of looking at it is I have inverter technology and a nearly silent running honda for a fraction of what a 12Kw diesel would cost. I've got the 3Kw honda. I've also got a harley lol.

Nearly Silent generator and Harley.

I believe that there inverse noise numbers cancel each other out.......

cody · July 28, 2010, 07:18:43 AM

My harley isn't loud, it's still got the factory exhaust inserts in, it just quietly goes 'potato potato potato' lol, maybe thats why I can't hear the generator. I wouldn't mind a nice diesel generator but I just can't afford one, all the toys I got were bought before libby ran into medical helll and I really don't see being able to get any more anytime soon.

FloridaCliff · July 28, 2010, 07:22:32 AM

Quote from: bevans6 on July 28, 2010, 07:04:02 AM
The one thought I had was, can you pick the 8KW gennie up and put it on your front porch, or drag it behind you in a wagon so you can use your hedge clipper without a long extension cord? Done both with my little Honda recently...

Just solutions to two different problems, in my view. The Honda 2000 is actually rated at 1600 watts continuous, btw... 2000 watts surge.

Brian

OK Brian......An Electric Hedge Trimmer......

bevans6 · July 28, 2010, 07:34:55 AM

I thought gas powered hedge clippers were chainsaws...

Brian

Ed Hackenbruch · July 28, 2010, 07:39:55 AM

Go to a Honda dealer and you should be able to get a better price than even the "sale" price at Camping World.

Geoff · July 28, 2010, 10:47:27 AM

I paid $3295.00 for a brand new 3 cly, 7 kw Isuzu diesel generator. Water cooled, 1800 rpm. That was at least 8 years ago, so they are long gone. Having a diesel generator that is plumbed into the bus diesel tank makes life a little easier not having to fill a gas tank.

edvanland · July 28, 2010, 11:13:02 AM

Harley Davidson, aka HD stands for HUNDRED DOLLAR BILLS, buss are not any different, ups yes they are BUS stands for thousand dollar bills.
I Have both, no not the money just the Harley and bus.
ED

gus · July 28, 2010, 08:16:38 PM

Tom,

Nobody ever said CW has cheap prices!! However, they do have a good selection and excellent service.

You can get two Honda EV6010 water cooled, 6000KE gensets for around $8000 unless the prices have gone up drastically since I got mine.

Best investment I ever made, but only needed one.