Camping Products, Camping Tips, Product Reviews, RV Camping Tips

A-iPower SUA2000i Portable Inverter Generator Review

kevsdadhacks January 29, 2020

We own a travel trailer (see my article What to consider when purchasing a travel trailer: 5 tips) and some of the campgrounds we like to visit don’t have any hook ups (see my article 3 types of campsites you’ll find at campgrounds). So, we have to bring our own source of electricity. I researched online the various brands of generators and I landed on the A-iPower brand. This is my real life A-iPower SUA2000i Portable Inverter Generator review.

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Considerations

There are many considerations when buying a generator. For me, the most important criteria were weight, cost and parallel capability (two generators can be connected to increase output).

Generators can range in weight from 40-60 lbs for the 1,500-2,000 watt generators and 90-110 lbs for the 3,500-4,500 watt generators. I preferred to buy two smaller generators so I could move and load them easier. Also, I wanted two generators in case one generator did not work for some reason, in theory I would still have one generator for some electricity.

When I did my online research, 40-60 lbs generators ranged in cost from $250 to over $1,000. I went for a lower price range generator: A-iPower SUA2000i Portable Inverter Generator (2000-Watt).

SUA2000i Features Per A-iPower Website:

2,000 STARTING WATTS/1,600 RUNNING WATTS
60Hz, 120VAC, SINGLE PHASE
79cc SENCI ENGINE / MANUAL START
INVERTER TECHNOLOGY: Clean and safe power for sensitive electronics
MULTI-SWITCH INTEGRATES START, RUN, AND STOP FUNCTIONS
EASY-PULL RECOIL START WITH ERGONOMICALLY-DESIGNED GRIP
ULTRA LIGHTWEIGHT: Only 46 lbs.
SUPER QUIET at 58 dBA – 50% Load @ 21’/ 7m, 68 dBA – 75% Load @ 21’/ 7m
BUILT-IN PARALLEL KIT WITH CABLES: Combine 2 generators for nearly double the power. No additional accessories required. Note, I spoke with staff at Ai-Power and they said the iV version (see link below) does not come with parallel cables, but if you call them, they will mail cables to you. Call Ai-Power to verify this information.
LOW IDLE MODE: Automatically adjusts engine speed to the optimum level, depending on electrical demand, resulting in lower fuel consumption and reduced noise
THREE-IN-ONE LIGHT: Shows output indicator, low oil alarm and overload alert
CAST IRON CYLINDER SLEEVES: Provide engine durability and extended run life
1.1-GAL. FUEL TANK: Provides up to 7 hours of run time at 50% load
EASY-TO-READ FUEL GAUGE
LOW OIL SHUTDOWN: Protects engine from potential damage
One NEMA 120VAC 20A Outlets
One NEMA 120VAC 30A, L5-3OR Twist-Lock Outlet
One 12VDC 8.3A Adapter Plug for Battery Charging or with USB Adapter
30 AMP RV Adapter
WARRANTY: 2-Year Residential/Commercial
EPA/CARB 50 STATES

My experience so far

I purchased my A-iPower SUA2000i Portable Inverter Generator in spring of 2019 and overall I’m pleased with my purchase taking into consideration the relatively low cost to purchase.

The features I like are the weight (46 lbs), fuel gauge (so I know when to refill), built in parallel kit, 30 amp adapter and the 2 year warranty. And, its been easy to maintain it so far.

I have noticed when using my two generators parallel, that sometimes when I use the microwave in my trailer, it trips one or both of the generators, so I have to turn off the affected generator, then turn back on.

I typically run my generator a couple hours in the morning and a couple of hours at night. If it’s hot, I will run them during the day so we can turn on the air conditioner when we’re inside the trailer. I typically bring 7.5 gallons of gas and I usually have around 1-3 gallons of gas left after a 3-4 day camping trip.

I have used the technical support and they have been responsive, responding to questions immediately or within a day at the latest. And, there is a part that I needed a replacement for and they sent it without any issue.

Based on my experience so far, I would recommend buying the A-iPower SUA2000i Portable Inverter Generator.

Note, I spoke with staff at Ai-Power and they said the iV version (see link below) does not come with parallel cables, but if you call them, they will mail cables to you. Call Ai-Power to verify this information.

1/5/2021 Update: Generator has been working great on my camping trips, no issues.

Where to buy

Based on my A-iPower SUA2000i Portable Inverter Generator review, if you’d like to purchase the SUA2000i (older model and it has a DC port aka cigarette lighter port) or A-iPower SUA2000iV (newer model and it has a USB port), see links below.

Amazon – A-iPower SUA2000i (older model and it has a DC port aka cigarette lighter port) – https://amzn.to/2XfZO3P