VALID March 10 - April 4, 2021
Available at Costco Warehouse and costco.com
Firman 1600W Running / 2000W Peak Gasoline Powered Inverter Generator
Item 1682000
Model W01682
Price $449.99 with $100 off =
Your Cost $349.99
https://www.costco.com/firman-160...13858.html
Features:
Whisper Quiet at 54dB
L5-30P to TT-30R Adapter (Ready for RV Hook Up)
USB Outlet, L530R and 520R
0.9 Gallon Tank, Up to 9 Hours Run Time
2 Parallel Cables, Ready to Pair w/Other FIRMAN Inverters Double Your Power
Continuous Wattage
1,600 W
Dimensions - Depth
15 in.
Dimensions - Height
18.5 in.
Dimensions - Width
21.7 in.
2000/1600W Inverter Generator
Enjoy the great outdoors in comfort. The W01682 inverter portable generator is the Campers must have. Best used for camping, tailgating and recreational use power supply. This portable unit is light weight and easy to use but powerful enough to handle your power needs. In addition, the Parallel Cables that are included enable you to connect this unit to another FIRMAN Inverter to double your power. Power Up, Be Safe!
Package Includes
Oil, Funnel, Spark Plug Wrench, Parallel Cables, and Owner's Manual
63 Comments
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This isn't the biggest generator out there, but I want something to at least keep my frig and a few small electronics running when I have a power failure.
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I managed to score one of the Pulsar-made, Aldi-branded 'Workzone' 2000w generators a couple of years back. The 2000 Pulsar and the 2000 Workzone are identical. Pulsar is not Honda, but it seems to be a pretty reputable "cheaper" brand (costing 1/3 the price of a Honda).
For mine, I opted to install a magnetic oil plug / dipstick (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product...F8&ps
I also did a pretty aggressive break in (started and ran for about 15 minutes, changed oil, started and ran for about an hour, changed oil, started and ran again for a couple hours, changed oil). Probably overdid it, but whatever. I only use synthetic oil and ethanol free gas, which I feel also helps to better maintain the unit. FYI - I have a large portable Generac, and I tend to follow the same 'rules'. This unit has pressurized lubrication and an automotive style oil filter, but aside from that, an engine is an engine. I also tent run both of these often, including plugging things in to make sure they are generating power.
If you are unsure of the brand, I would say you have an above average chance of having a decent unit at a good price. There are lemons in everything... and this is echoed by the negative reviews. But I would not hesitate if you need an inverter of this size. Not to mention, Costco is known for having a great return policy, so what do you have to lose? I would suggest a good break in, and do not wait until the power is out... start it with some regularity! Take gas out of it unless there is a true fuel shut off, or if you could add one. These little things will give you the best chance for success.
For those who don't know, these smaller 'suitcase style' inverters are much quieter than the traditional open frame generators... making them a decent option when noise is a concern, like camping. They are not completely 'quiet', but from any distance, the noise is not too much to tolerate - the noise level drops considerably as you move away. Also, inverters feature lower THD (total harmonic distortion), often making them a safer option for very sensitive electronics.
This item, with this price point, and having the included parallel cables would make it a no brainer for me if I was in the market.
I managed to score one of the Pulsar-made, Aldi-branded 'Workzone' 2000w generators a couple of years back. The 2000 Pulsar and the 2000 Workzone are identical. Pulsar is not Honda, but it seems to be a pretty reputable "cheaper" brand (costing 1/3 the price of a Honda).
For mine, I opted to install a magnetic oil plug / dipstick (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product...F8&ps
I also did a pretty aggressive break in (started and ran for about 15 minutes, changed oil, started and ran for about an hour, changed oil, started and ran again for a couple hours, changed oil). Probably overdid it, but whatever. I only use synthetic oil and ethanol free gas, which I feel also helps to better maintain the unit. FYI - I have a large portable Generac, and I tend to follow the same 'rules'. This unit has pressurized lubrication and an automotive style oil filter, but aside from that, an engine is an engine. I also tent run both of these often, including plugging things in to make sure they are generating power.
If you are unsure of the brand, I would say you have an above average chance of having a decent unit at a good price. There are lemons in everything... and this is echoed by the negative reviews. But I would not hesitate if you need an inverter of this size. Not to mention, Costco is known for having a great return policy, so what do you have to lose? I would suggest a good break in, and do not wait until the power is out... start it with some regularity! Take gas out of it unless there is a true fuel shut off, or if you could add one. These little things will give you the best chance for success.
For those who don't know, these smaller 'suitcase style' inverters are much quieter than the traditional open frame generators... making them a decent option when noise is a concern, like camping. They are not completely 'quiet', but from any distance, the noise is not too much to tolerate - the noise level drops considerably as you move away. Also, inverters feature lower THD (total harmonic distortion), often making them a safer option for very sensitive electronics.
This item, with this price point, and having the included parallel cables would make it a no brainer for me if I was in the market.
Our community has rated this post as helpful. If you agree, why not thank HonestPolice609
I do agree with what you were saying... and I totally get it. You really just want to be able to shut it off, instead of run something for another hour, or 2, or more... just to run out the fuel. I would look for a model that has a dedicated fuel on / off switch. In my cheapie 'Workzone' unit... I cut the fuel line and put one in. I didnt do a disassembly to get access, so it was a little bit of a challenge. In the attached photo, you see a very similar unit... in the upper left hand corner, you see a rubber hose that is 'bent' 90 degrees. Just beyond that, you will see the fuel line, with an inline filter which is the red circular housing. You can likely add a small piece of fuel line to put a switch in there. Like I said, it wasn't the easiest thing to access, but it is possible. You could of course purchase something if you find a great deal, and take it to a local small engine shop.
Some similar sized units claim to have a 'fuel off' position in the 'on / off' dial that runs the unit (like this: https://wenproducts.com/collectio...-compliant) . If it were me, I would likely be OCD and still put in my own... but this one is a killer deal, particularly if you have no sales tax and possibly get free shipping... making it very similar to the deal for this Firman.
Larger and open frame style generators will more commonly have the dedicated on / off switch... so that is an option, too. Ultimately, figure out your intended usage (is a small unit like this good enough? If so - get the WEN, or add the switch if you are so inclined… or get a larger unit which will likely have the on / off, and just give it some extra care)!
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Maybe that's useful for someone to compare.
I do agree with what you were saying... and I totally get it. You really just want to be able to shut it off, instead of run something for another hour, or 2, or more... just to run out the fuel. I would look for a model that has a dedicated fuel on / off switch. In my cheapie 'Workzone' unit... I cut the fuel line and put one in. I didnt do a disassembly to get access, so it was a little bit of a challenge. In the attached photo, you see a very similar unit... in the upper left hand corner, you see a rubber hose that is 'bent' 90 degrees. Just beyond that, you will see the fuel line, with an inline filter which is the red circular housing. You can likely add a small piece of fuel line to put a switch in there. Like I said, it wasn't the easiest thing to access, but it is possible. You could of course purchase something if you find a great deal, and take it to a local small engine shop.
Some similar sized units claim to have a 'fuel off' position in the 'on / off' dial that runs the unit (like this: https://wenproducts.com/collectio...-compliant [wenproducts.com]) . If it were me, I would likely be OCD and still put in my own... but this one is a killer deal, particularly if you have no sales tax and possibly get free shipping... making it very similar to the deal for this Firman.
Larger and open frame style generators will more commonly have the dedicated on / off switch... so that is an option, too. Ultimately, figure out your intended usage (is a small unit like this good enough? If so - get the WEN, or add the switch if you are so inclined… or get a larger unit which will likely have the on / off, and just give it some extra care)!
Our community has rated this post as helpful. If you agree, why not thank hiwass
https://comptroller.tex
Had anyone gone full geek and use their car to power and heat their home? I know the heat in the car actually using the heat from the engine, and add an alternator could generate the 12V DC back to 120V AC.
I always wanted a generator for emergency. But that emergency is like once every 20 years, so not practically with the maintenance. Using a car would be a lot more practical.
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