Product Preview: Generac iQ2000 Electric Generator

On any but the most remote adventures, modern-day sportsmen are nearly as dependent on electrical power as anyone else. Whether for lights, communication devices or simple conveniences, the camp dweller today expects to have access to electricity at the flip of a switch. And while most gasoline-engine-powered generators are not portable and packable enough to be included among the essential camp gear typically transported by vehicle, those that are, and that offer the bonus of super-quiet operation, have become prized by their owners.

It’s exactly that market segment that drew Wisconsin-based Generac, a maker of residential and commercial generators since 1959, to focus its considerable engineering prowess on the iQ2000, a portable, gasoline-powered, digitally managed inverter generator that it builds in the United States. The unit’s output rating of 2,000 watts peak and 1,600 watts continuous, along with effective sound-mitigation design and construction, allow it to competently face the competition. The iQ2000 is also easy to haul thanks to a top-mounted carry handle integrated into the 46-lb. unit’s 20"x17"x12½" bright orange polymer housing. The 1.06-gal. fuel tank supports a run time of 5.7 hours at 50 percent load, and an LED control panel indicates fuel level, remaining run time, wattage use and the unit’s status—including when to refuel and how much wattage is available. The iQ2000 can also be connected in parallel with another unit to double the available power.

So, how quiet is the iQ2000? Let’s just say that if you’re within the reach of a typical household extension cord from the unit, you may not even notice the iQ2000 running. Yeah, it really is that quiet. Price: $799. Contact: Generac Power Systems, Inc. (888) 436-3722; generac.com.