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Thread: Generic generators
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01-25-2021, 09:33 PM #1
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Generic generators
Has anybody else noticed all the new generator "brands" that are popping up? Chinese companies buy or license the naming rights for US companies (e.g. Craftsman, Westinghouse, Ford, etc) and then slap that name (along with a few others) on their generators. Notice any similarities????? I'm not suggesting anything is wrong with these. I suspect you could run them for years with no problems. I'm just surprised they don't even attempt to make them at least look different or change the layout of the controls/outputs. The "Ford" generator really cracks me up. As if Ford makes portable generators....
Last edited by bertschb; 01-25-2021 at 09:42 PM.
Brian & Kellie
2020 Solitude 310GK-R, FBP, 1,460w solar, 540ah BBGC3, MORryde IS w/disc brakes
2020 F-350 Platinum SRW Powerstroke Tremor, 60g TF fuel tank, Hensley BD3-F air bag hitch
Previous setups:
2019 Solitude 373FB-R, 2019 F-350 Platinum DRW Powerstroke, Hensley BD5 air bag hitch
2016 Reflection 318RST, 2016 GMC 3500 Denali SRW Duramax, Hensley BD3 air bag hitch
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01-25-2021, 09:35 PM #2
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Last edited by bertschb; 01-25-2021 at 09:41 PM.
Brian & Kellie
2020 Solitude 310GK-R, FBP, 1,460w solar, 540ah BBGC3, MORryde IS w/disc brakes
2020 F-350 Platinum SRW Powerstroke Tremor, 60g TF fuel tank, Hensley BD3-F air bag hitch
Previous setups:
2019 Solitude 373FB-R, 2019 F-350 Platinum DRW Powerstroke, Hensley BD5 air bag hitch
2016 Reflection 318RST, 2016 GMC 3500 Denali SRW Duramax, Hensley BD3 air bag hitch
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01-29-2021, 10:16 AM #3
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Brian & Kellie
2020 Solitude 310GK-R, FBP, 1,460w solar, 540ah BBGC3, MORryde IS w/disc brakes
2020 F-350 Platinum SRW Powerstroke Tremor, 60g TF fuel tank, Hensley BD3-F air bag hitch
Previous setups:
2019 Solitude 373FB-R, 2019 F-350 Platinum DRW Powerstroke, Hensley BD5 air bag hitch
2016 Reflection 318RST, 2016 GMC 3500 Denali SRW Duramax, Hensley BD3 air bag hitch
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01-29-2021, 01:29 PM #4
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Haha nice find Brian. I know there was another thread about these "other" brands but this is proof why I bought the "expensive outdated" Hondas!
2019 Solitude 375RES Onan 5500 Splendide W/D Samsung res. fridge
2020 Ford F450 Platinum dually 6.7L 4:30 gears
B&W Companion for Ford puck system 20K lbs
Jeff
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01-29-2021, 01:45 PM #5
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I've been doing a little digging and these Cummins/Onan/Westinghouse models are not made by Cummins/Onan or Westinghouse. As I suspected, a Chinese company is just using the name and slapping them on their own generators. Cummins does still make large commercial generators but not these small portable units. The Westinghouse iGen4500DF (dual fuel) has a lot of really neat features but I'm now reading about some issues with the automatic chokes and sticking valves. Another thing that concerns me is customer service appears to be non-existent. Phone calls and emails are ignored.
Brian & Kellie
2020 Solitude 310GK-R, FBP, 1,460w solar, 540ah BBGC3, MORryde IS w/disc brakes
2020 F-350 Platinum SRW Powerstroke Tremor, 60g TF fuel tank, Hensley BD3-F air bag hitch
Previous setups:
2019 Solitude 373FB-R, 2019 F-350 Platinum DRW Powerstroke, Hensley BD5 air bag hitch
2016 Reflection 318RST, 2016 GMC 3500 Denali SRW Duramax, Hensley BD3 air bag hitch
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01-29-2021, 02:50 PM #6
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Yes, they are all made in China but as far as Cummins is concerned, they market and sell them and they will provide customer support. The documentation with the unit is definitely Cummins. It's a "real" manual not some document printed in someone's basement like I have seen on some other products.
Don't know about Westinghouse.
I assume that the name brands have some input on the design and construction parameters.
I bought from a local company which both sells and services them so I can actually have someone to deal with any problems. It comes with a 3 year warranty - 1 year parts and labour and 2 years parts only. And if that doesn't work, I would try the local Cummins facility. I think they are everywhere.
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01-29-2021, 03:46 PM #7
Sorry this is fake news with an anti bias to Chinese products. Try and get your facts straight. You are purporting an obvious bias against Chinese products. It’s hard to find ANYTHING anymore with components just made in one country. Toyota’s , Honda’s, made in US with engines from Japan.
Most large companies parts and products are made internationally. Just because it’s made in China doesn’t mean it’s a piece of crap. I phones are made in China for example. It’s about quality control wherever it’s made.
https://www.westinghouseoutdoorpower.com.au/faqs/
Westinghouse / Cummings. has been designing generators for a long time. How long has Honda?
So where is your beloved HONDA from?
https://global.honda/products/power/generator.htmlDonna and Dave
Annapolis, Maryland
2021 Grand Design Imagine 2500RL / Dodge Ram Longhorn 2500 6.4 Hemi
350 W Newapower Solar: 3000 Victron Inverter/ Charger: Firefly Oasis carbon foam AGM
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01-29-2021, 03:49 PM #8
So is this digging research strictly and internet one or do you have and anecdotal examples. I have had great contacts with my Westinghouse. It’s so simple that any small engine mechanic can fix. BTW Honda parts and accessories are twice what other small engines cost....just like with their cars. You are buying a name and paying double for dinosaur technology.
Donna and Dave
Annapolis, Maryland
2021 Grand Design Imagine 2500RL / Dodge Ram Longhorn 2500 6.4 Hemi
350 W Newapower Solar: 3000 Victron Inverter/ Charger: Firefly Oasis carbon foam AGM
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01-29-2021, 03:53 PM #9
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Did you actually read what I wrote? If not, I would suggest you read my post again. Here is a refresher:
I was NOT bashing products made in China! I'm not sure where you got that idea. I was simply pointing out that ONE company is making generators and selling them under multiple brand names. And by the way, I don't own a Honda generator. One final thing - the company that is making these generic portable generators has not been making them a long time. Honda has made them since the early 1960's.Brian & Kellie
2020 Solitude 310GK-R, FBP, 1,460w solar, 540ah BBGC3, MORryde IS w/disc brakes
2020 F-350 Platinum SRW Powerstroke Tremor, 60g TF fuel tank, Hensley BD3-F air bag hitch
Previous setups:
2019 Solitude 373FB-R, 2019 F-350 Platinum DRW Powerstroke, Hensley BD5 air bag hitch
2016 Reflection 318RST, 2016 GMC 3500 Denali SRW Duramax, Hensley BD3 air bag hitch
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01-29-2021, 04:05 PM #10
Your right outdated antiquated technology at double the price.
Surviving on a name. I have both generators....prefer the Westinghouse/ Cummins for its advanced features, better hours per gallon, duel fuel. Remote start, advanced diagnostics. I would never buy 1990s technology in 2021. Is exactly why I bought the Westinghouse / Cummings
The arguments about the new generators have gotten away from quality and advancements and are now flailing with that they are made in China.
Imagine if Honda added theses features on their assembly lines in China alongside Westinghouse’s they would have to start charging another $300-$400 . That would make their 2200 generator cost $1600. This is why Honda doesn’t update their technology. It would really put them out of the competitive market.
When I bought my Honda 2000 it was the best product out there. Quietest too. But that was 10 years ago, it still looks the same while other companies which have REAL expertise in generators went into the niche and really have come up with great advances.
History is riddled with companies which don’t advance and move forward and get swallowed by improvements and advances.
I predict that Honda will get out of small generator production ( whether they make them in China or Japan) as they have been passed by.
You NEVER EVER see a Honda generator in a world traveling sailboat or even on cruise ships and transport vessels. They are not really an engine / power generation company like Cummins / Westinghouse/ Onan. They saw this niche and filled it few a few years, but the big boys with expertise have now filled in the gap. History lesson: Dinousars become extinct because they couldn’t adapt.Donna and Dave
Annapolis, Maryland
2021 Grand Design Imagine 2500RL / Dodge Ram Longhorn 2500 6.4 Hemi
350 W Newapower Solar: 3000 Victron Inverter/ Charger: Firefly Oasis carbon foam AGM
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