Portable Generator Power when off grid or emergencies

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Generac 6866 iQ2000 Gas Inverter Generator – 2021 Review

An iQ2000 will run in parallel with another iQ2000, but it needs the bespoke Generac connector kit to do so. Even without it, it will still produce 13.3 amps at 120 volts, with a peak of 18 amps.

Plenty for running a fridge or a small electric cooker in a camper. The unit has a grounding bolt, to make using large appliances safer.

The 80cc 4-stroke engine is of Generac’s own design, with classic overhead valves. The manufacturer claims the engine to be quieter than a Honda — other tests put the noise level at around 60 decibels. 60 decibels are still a low level of noise, around the level you would need to talk in a restaurant.

There are only two 120-volt standard sockets, which are parallel ready. And on the panel LEDs to show the fuel level and a power bar displaying the percentage of the 1600-watt capacity reached.

Three modes, ranging from turbo to economy, let the user control the efficiency of the motor. The unit weighs 55 pounds.

Generac 6866 iQ2000 Super Quiet 1600 Running...
  • AC Rated Output(Running/Starting): 1600/2000 Watts; AC Rated Voltage: 120V
  • PowerDial integrates start/run/stop functions into 1 easy-to-use dial
  • PowerBar monitors and displays wattage used; Electronic Fuel Gauge displays remaining fuel; Runtime Display...
  • Fuel Capacity: 1.06 Gallons; Runtime (50% - 25% Load): 5.7 - 7.7 hrs; Full Load Fuel Consumption...
  • Economy, Standard, and Turbo modes of operation saves fuel and reduces noise

Last update on 2024-10-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Contents

Noise Level

One of the top features of the Generac 6866 iQ2000 Gas Inverter Generator is its low noise level. Why does this matter? Well, electrical sounds are not exactly soothing… if you desire, you should be able to maintain an environment that is quiet, and peaceful.

You would probably not want to disturb the atmosphere at home with the sound of a loud backup generator. The primary sign that your generator is on should be quick, reliable power.

too loud image

Along with this, there is actually a required decibel range for public camping and RV! This is usually around 60dB… which, as it happens, is the decibel level of the Generac 6866 iQ2000 Gas Inverter Generator. 

This generator is perfect for both home use and camping and RV. Or, one-site, it will not disturb you while you work. 

The Generac 6866 iQ2000 Gas Inverter Generator, as its name implies, has an inverter, and inverter generators are renowned for their near-silent, ultra-low decibel level.

Control Panel

The Generac 6866 iQ2000 Gas Inverter Generator is outfitted with a user-friendly, detailed control panel. This includes a display, in LED. 

The control panel will help you keep your generator running smoothly, with its indicator for overheating, overload, low fuel, and low oil. 

Want to know the exact wattage that is still free in your generator? Just check the handy PowerBar. This will show you the remaining capacity that you have. You can also choose from 3 modes on the control panel. These are Turbo, Economy, and Standard. Use Turbo when you need lots of power, and quick.

If you don’t need to run the Generac 6866 iQ2000 Gas Inverter Generator at full-force, try out Economy Mode, and save some runtime as well as fuel. Finally, Standard Mode is a preset balance of efficiency, and power.

Connect Parallel

The Generac 6866 iQ2000 Gas Inverter Generator is super-portable… much more so than a larger generator! You can retain this portability, and double the power. Simply connect another state-of-the-art iQ2000 generator parallel. Separate the two generators when you pack.

Generac 6877 Parallel Kit for iQ2000 Portable...
  • Double your power - connect two inverters together for 2 times the power, up to 3,200 running watts and 4,000...
  • Smart paralleling allows you to connect directly through the 120V outlets - no separate paralleling jacks...
  • Use L5 30 amp receptacle to connect directly to rv or generator cord
  • Brand: Generac

Last update on 2024-10-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

On its own, each weighs only 55 pounds in total. Once you have reached your destination, you can set up your generators together, for access to a greater amount of power.

generac parallel conecting

✅ What we liked

  • Basic. With fewer sockets to break on the panel.
  • Quiet. Not the quietest but still reasonable. Quiet enough for camping and RV.
  • Power. Enough power, and you can see an estimate of fuel-time left on a digital display.
  • Inverter. Safe for sensitive devices, like your laptop or cell. 
  • Connect parallel. We like that you can connect parallel to double to power.

❌ What could be better

  • Weight. 55 pounds is easier to move with wheels.
  • Sockets. Lacks an L5 camper socket for higher loads.

Technical facts & Features

  • Starting 2000W — Continuous 1600W
  • Fuel Type: Gas
  • Capacity: 1.06 gals.
  • Tank Run-Time @ 25% Load: 7.7 hrs.
  • Noise Level @ 25% Load: 60 dB.
  • Weight: 51 lb. (23.13 kg).
  • Warranty: 1-Year
Generac 6866 iQ2000 Super Quiet 1600 Running...
Generac 6866 iQ2000 Super Quiet 1600 Running...
AC Rated Output(Running/Starting): 1600/2000 Watts; AC Rated Voltage: 120V; PowerDial integrates start/run/stop functions into 1...

Last update on 2024-10-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Generac 6866 iQ2000i vs Generac 7117 GP2200i

Make & Model
Generac iQ2000i
Generac 6866 iQ2000 Super Quiet 1600 Running...
Wattage
1600 Watts
Fuel Tank Size
1.06 Gallons
Run time
7.7 hr 25% Load
Weight
46.2 pounds
Size
20 x 12.6 x 16.9 inches
Start Type
Pull cord
Noise Level
56dBA
Warranty
2 Years
Where to buy?
Make & Model
Generac iQ2000i
Generac 6866 iQ2000 Super Quiet 1600 Running...
Wattage
1600 Watts
Fuel Tank Size
1.06 Gallons
Run time
7.7 hr 25% Load
Weight
46.2 pounds
Size
20 x 12.6 x 16.9 inches
Start Type
Pull cord
Noise Level
56dBA
Warranty
2 Years
Where to buy?

Last update on 2024-10-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Generac 6866 iQ2000 and the Generac 7117 GP2200i are, in some ways, quite similar! For example, they both possess an inverter. This serves to refine the electrical current, making it extra-safe for sensitive devices, like your laptop or cell. 

However, while the Generac 7117 GP2200i runs on gasoline alone, the Generac 6866 iQ2000 can run on both gasoline and natural gas as well. This makes it dual fuel; an incredibly convenient feature to have!

Compared to the Generac 6866 iQ2000, the Generac 7117 GP2200i has a slightly higher sound level. The trade-off is that the Generac 7117 GP2200i also has a greater runtime, thanks to a larger fuel tank.

Because it is a bit quieter, the Generac 6866 iQ2000 may be more suitable for camping and RV. The Generac 6866 iQ2000 is also more lightweight, but both are portable. 

You can take either generator just about anywhere!

Our honest pick would be the newer and more powerful Generac GP2200i

Generac 6866 iQ2000i VS Honda EU2200i

Make & Model
Generac iQ2000i
Amazing Quality
Honda EU2200i
Generac 6866 iQ2000 Super Quiet 1600 Running...
Honda 664240 EU2200i 2200 Watt Portable Inverter...
Wattage
1600 Watts
2200 Watts
Fuel tank size
1.06 Gallons
0.95 Gallons
Run time
7.7 hrs on 25 % Load
9.6 Hrs on 25 % Load
Size
20 x 12.6 x 16.9 inches
16 x 20 x 11 inches
Weight
46.2 pounds
40 pounds
Noise Level
56 dBA
57 dBA
Starting Method
Pull Cord
Pull cord
Warranty
3 Years
3 Years
Make & Model
Generac iQ2000i
Generac 6866 iQ2000 Super Quiet 1600 Running...
Wattage
1600 Watts
Fuel tank size
1.06 Gallons
Run time
7.7 hrs on 25 % Load
Size
20 x 12.6 x 16.9 inches
Weight
46.2 pounds
Noise Level
56 dBA
Starting Method
Pull Cord
Warranty
3 Years
Where to buy
Amazing Quality
Make & Model
Honda EU2200i
Honda 664240 EU2200i 2200 Watt Portable Inverter...
Wattage
2200 Watts
Fuel tank size
0.95 Gallons
Run time
9.6 Hrs on 25 % Load
Size
16 x 20 x 11 inches
Weight
40 pounds
Noise Level
57 dBA
Starting Method
Pull cord
Warranty
3 Years
Where to buy

Last update on 2024-10-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Honda EU2200i Portable Generator runs on gasoline alone, while the Generac 6866 iQ2000 Gas Inverter Generator is dual fuel, and runs on both gasoline and natural gas as well. This makes it even easier to find fuel. 

Compared to the Generac 6866 iQ2000 Gas Inverter Generator, the Honda EU2200i Portable Generator has slightly more power. This makes it a bit better for providing energy to your RV. Specifically, the Generac 6866 iQ2000 Gas Inverter Generator is 2k watts, and the Honda EU2200i Portable Generator is 2.2k.

Both generators have a super-quiet function, making them ideal for home use, and camping and RV! 

The Honda EU2200i Portable Generator varies from 48-57 dB, whereas the Generac 6866 iQ2000 Gas Inverter Generator is 56 dB. Neither exceeds the average conversation level.

Gas Consumption & Capacity and Runtime

The Generac 6866 iQ2000 Gas Inverter Generator uses gasoline for fuel. This is one of the most popular fuels out there, thanks to its sheer availability and affordability! You can find a gas station in just about any town, and it won’t cost more than it does to fuel your car. 

While some gasoline-fueled generators create a lot of noise, this one has an inverter. The result is a more refined current and a significantly lower decibel level. 

fuel for generators

This generator can hold up to 7.2 gallons in a full tank. With a tank that is 100% full, you can expect a 7.7 runtime (at ¼ load; the runtime will decrease as the load increases, accordingly). 

You will achieve a greater runtime on Economy Mode, whereas Turbo Mode will more potently, but also more briefly deliver power. To keep it running smoothly, never run your Generac 6866 iQ2000 Gas Inverter Generator on a tank that has become low.

What is an inverter generator? A digital inverter module converts the raw power that is generated from DC to AC power.

The inverter function means that you can use it to power sensitive appliances and electronics.

Service, Manual & Warranty

The Generac 6866 iQ2000 Gas Inverter Generator has a warranty of 1-3 years, for parts and labor. There is also a warranty limit once you reach 1,000 hours in total. 

To learn how to use your Generac 6866 iQ2000 Gas Inverter Generator properly, make sure to read the user-friendly and detailed user manual. This will tell you how to operate the generator safely, emissions info, what indicators there are and what they mean, and valuable information about your generator in general.

warranty

As far as service goes, be sure to promptly change your generator oil. Do not allow the fuel to become too low, either. 

Along with this, never use old or expired fuel. Gasoline, in particular, has a relatively shelf-life, so you must make sure that it is sufficiently new!

Generac iQ2000i user manual ↗️

Summary: Should you Buy it?

So, should you buy the Generac 6866 iQ2000 Gas Inverter Generator? That depends, of course. Are you looking for a lightweight and portable generator? 

A generator that is dual-fuel, and offers 2k watts of power?

 How about a generator that can run for up to 7 hours, or more? 

The Generac 6866 iQ2000 Gas Inverter Generator is ideal for home use, use on-site for work, and camping, and RV. This generator has an impressively low decibel-level of only 60 dB. To top it off, the Generac 6866 iQ2000 Gas Inverter Generator has a state-of-the-art inverter, which makes it suitable for devices big and small.

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All the article on Oofgrid offer help and practical advice for using and purchasing a portable generator. However, We are enthusiasts and not qualified electricians. Always seek professional advice when working with electrical or Petrol appliances.