| The Powerhouse PH3100Ri generator is a brute, but the handle and wheels make moving it around relatively easy.
Our sister publication RV magazine has developed a nice little standardized test for generators. Each generator the magazine reviews goes through a 36-hour (uninterrupted) fully loaded test to determine fuel consumption rates, sound output, and the ability to handle an average load (A/C unit on high, battery charger, and a few lights) without problems. We feel these factors, and the price of the unit, are the most important things to consider when purchasing a generator. This time we’ll be putting the PH3100Ri from Powerhouse Products through the wringer.
The Test
For this test, we headed to the California desert, near Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area. The weather during our day-and-a-half test was brutal. Temperatures averaged 120 degrees with little to no wind. The generator did a fine job keeping the A/C running, the lights on, and the batteries charged despite the heat. The Powerhouse unit is very easy to use and sound output and fuel consumption is very similar to the class-leading Honda unit, but because of the huge price difference between the two units, the Powerhouse is definitely a worthy adversary to the reigning king. We’ve found our go-to generator, that’s for sure.
Manufacturer Specifications
Powerhouse PH3100Ri
Max Load: 3,100 watts
Rated Load: 3,000 watts
AC Voltage: 120 volts
Current: 25 amps
Max Current: 25.8 amps
Rated DC Output: 12 volts, 8.3 amps
Starting System: Wireless remote, electric and recoil
Fuel Capacity: 4.4 gallons
Dry Weight: 129 pounds
MSRP: $1,299.95 (the Honda EU3000iS is $2,329.95)
Testing Results
Ambient Temperature: 120 degrees
Load: 13,500-Btu A/C unit, battery charger, and 50 watts of DC lighting
Powerhouse PH3100Ri
Continuous Run Time: Economy Mode: 16.33 hours
Loaded: 8.30 hours
Fuel Consumption in Economy Mode: .27 gph
Loaded: .53 gph
Loaded Decibel Level: 77dB
