I.ve been looking at the powerwise generators from Costco for some time but didn't know if they were any good. So I did a Google and came up with this Forum on Trailer Life.

http://www.tldirectory.com/cforum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/15131645/srt/pa/pging/1/page/1

More information than I need but after about a week of reading I took the plung and bought one for $279.00 + tax. Really didn't expect much for this amount of money. Boy was I supprised. Put oil and gas in it, started on the second pull, pluged the trailer cord into the Powerwise 120V 20 amp recpt, with our adaptor. Then started the air conditioner on low. Next the dorm type refridge. Still not a grunt from the Powerwise. Then I ran the Microwave to heat some water, it just kept on humming. The voltage meter says 115v with all the stuff running. I've let it run for about 3 hrs now and it just sips gas.

I don't know how long it will hold up but we only will need a gen a few times a year. Costco has the best return policy out there, so if we have any trouble we can take it back.

It isn't a Honda, Yahama, or Kipor. But I understand that the motor is a Honda 6.5 hp clone. I know it looks just like one.

I have a Troy Bilt, and 2 Generacs and side by side, this is MUCH quiet'er. If your looking for a nice little Generator on the cheap give this one a look.

Ron

I was at a camp wher they put their generator way back from the trailer.It worked so good I pluged my cord into it too and didn't have to add my generator noise to it. LOL

If you only need a generator for a short time or whatever looks like the price was right.And like you said Costco will take it back if you are not sadisfied.

I'd be interested in hearing more about this.

I have a use for a VERY inexpensive generator such as this.  Would be nice to know how well it does.

If the motor is a 6.5hp Honda clone, perhaps it could be replaced with a Honda motor if it falls apart after warranty.

I'm sure folks will disagree with me, but I stay away from anything mechanical that has been made in China if at all possible.  This country lacks "quality control".  I've had first hand experience with several products that just fall apart or don't work after a short period of time.  And yes I know, you can return it, but when you have an item that is essential and it breaks or stop's working in the middle of something it's just not worth saving the extra bucks..............I.M.O.

On the TIDirectory forum they write about the Chinese generator working great running an AC, refrigerator and microwave...anyone ever added a hair dryer to that list?  Now, if run's all four of those without blowing every fuse in the park and setting the transformer on fire...then it's worth the money. 

I hate it, too.  I actually despise China and the junk we're being more or less forced to buy thanks to our own government's policies.  And yes, when the ONLY source for affordable stuff is China, we ARE being forced to buy it.  There's no other affordable choice.

We'll see how the stuff holds up...

Mike

 All of that may be true. I haven't had it long enough to find out. I ask myself is it worth it to spend that extra cash on Honda or the others. I see that a Honda EU3000 goes for about $1,700. As I said above I paid $279 plus tax. The way I look at it thats around $1400 to keep in my pocket.

When I look at the fit and finish of this unit next to my other generators it's as good or better. Only time will tell if it holds up.

Ron

No hair dryer yet. Wife did try a two burner hot plate that worked well. Wife and girls are at the Lake County, IN. fair now and have been using the new Gen all day for last two days, so far works well.

Ron

Mike,

Someone have a gun to your head? We won't work for what the Chinese do. Americans want stuff we really don't need. Buy less stuff, and make sure it's made in America if you feel that way. So far the generator is working great. 

My opinion: we're more or less being forced to buy Chinese stuff.  I don't know about you, but I don't have the TIME to find stuff made here.  Cost isn't always the issue... I'll pay a few more dollars for U.S.-made stuff if the quality is good and if I have a choice.

My opinion based on hearsay: Corporations have caused the problem by refusing to stock American-made products due to larger profit margins on Chinese-made stuff.

All that's off topic, though.  I'd be inclined to give the generator mentioned a shot.  That's a darned good price.

Mike

Ya know it is getting harder and harder to find things not made in China.I sometimes think thats the only way we can afford fuel is to buy Chinese stuff.

Lets see $ 279 VS $1500 mmmmmmmmmmmmDoes it work for you? mmmmmmmmmmyou could buy how many for that price ....lets see 715_7+9 ] 3 +00=

Yea sounds like a deal !!

"It's allright to be little bitty" He He.

I got this one from the Costco in Merrillville, (Hobart) Indiana. So if it's not online you may have to go to your local Costco. or look on the link I posted above. Lots of information and places to get them.

The link above will give you over 250 pages of posts about this and other generators like it. Some of them just have different names (same gen)

As I said I bought this one at Costco.

So far we have put about 36 hr on it with no problems.

Found a good buy on a chinese car,also makes use of my horse.

From My camera !

This was My trade in.