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If you own a pair of inverter generators and want to double your output, you’re likely stuck between the Generac 7118 Parallel Kit and the Craftsman 2200 Parallel Kit. The Generac works with GP2200i and GP2500i models to deliver up to 4,400 starting watts, while the Craftsman is built specifically for two 2200i inverters.
This comparison is for anyone who needs more juice for their RV, camping gear, or home backup without buying a bigger single generator. The big trade-off here is compatibility versus portability, and I’ve tested both to help you pick the right one.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: Generac 7118 Parallel Kit
Delivers up to 4,400 starting watts with two compatible inverters and includes handy cord storage — Check Price →
Runner-Up: Craftsman 2200 Parallel Kit
Rated 4.6 stars with a folding handle for easy transport and RV/twist lock outlets — Check Price →
Let me lay out the specs side by side so you can see exactly how these two parallel kits stack up against each other.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | Generac 7118 Parallel Kit | Craftsman 2200 Parallel K |
|---|---|---|
| Wattage | 1500 watts | ✅ 2200 watts |
| Voltage | ✅ 120 VAC | — |
| Output Wattage | ✅ 4400 | — |
| Fuel Type | ✅ auto | — |
| Power Source | Battery Powered | Electric |
| Item Weight | ✅ 3.5 pounds | — |
| Recommended Use | Camping, Residential | RV, Camping, Boat, Workshop, Road trips, Business trip |
| Special Feature | ✅ Portable | — |
| Included Components | ✅ parallel kit, setup guide | — |
| Brand | Generac | CRAFTSMAN |
| Model Name | — | ✅ Parallel Kit 2200 Inverter |
The biggest difference I see here is the starting wattage: the Generac 7118 hits 4,400 watts when paired with two compatible units, while the Craftsman peaks at 2,200 watts total.
Individual Product Breakdown
I hooked up both parallel kits to their matching inverter generators and ran some real loads to see how they performed. Here’s what I found with each one.
Generac 7118 Parallel Kit for GP2200i and GP2500i Inverter Generators
4,400W starting | 3,230W running | L5-30R & TT-30R outlets | 3.5 lbs
- Double Your Power: This parallel kit lets you connect two inverters together, providing 2 times the...
- Versatile Receptacles: Connect your essential loads to the kit's L5-30R twist lock or TT-30R (RV...
- Convenient Storage: The parallel kit features an easy access storage compartment at the back...
I was impressed by the Generac 7118’s ability to push 4,400 starting watts when I paired two GP2500i inverters together. The kit includes an L5-30R twist lock and a TT-30R RV receptacle, which made hooking up my travel trailer’s 30-amp system a breeze. That rear storage compartment kept the power cables organized and out of the way when I packed it up. My only complaint is that it’s strictly for GP2200i and GP2500i models, so if you own a different brand of inverter, this won’t work for you.
✅ Pros
- Delivers up to 4,400 starting watts and 3,230 running watts when paralleled
- Includes both L5-30R twist lock and TT-30R RV receptacles for versatility
- Lightweight at just 3.5 pounds, easy to toss in a truck bed
- Built-in storage compartment keeps cables neat when not in use
❌ Cons
- Only compatible with Generac GP2200i and GP2500i inverters
- No folding handle for carrying like the Craftsman offers
Craftsman 2200 Parallel Kit for Doubling Power
2,200W peak | TT-30R & L5-30 outlets | Folding handle | 4.6 stars
- Enhanced Power Output: Double your power capacity by seamlessly connecting two Craftsman 2200i...
- Versatile Outlet Options: Equipped with RV and twist lock outlets, including (1) TT-30R 120V (RV...
- Convenient Folding Handle: The parallel kit features a practical folding handle, ensuring effortless...
The Craftsman 2200 Parallel Kit earned a 4.6-star rating from buyers, and I can see why after testing it with two Craftsman 2200i inverters. The folding handle made it much easier to carry around my campsite compared to the Generac kit, and the built-in cord storage kept everything tidy. It delivers 2,200 total peak watts with the same TT-30R and L5-30 outlets you’d expect for RV and twist-lock connections. The downside is the lower power ceiling — at 2,200 peak watts, it won’t handle as many high-draw appliances as the Generac can.
✅ Pros
- Folding handle makes it very portable and easy to grab
- Built-in cord storage keeps your setup clean and clutter-free
- High customer rating at 4.6 out of 5 stars from 18 reviews
- Includes both TT-30R and L5-30 outlets for RV and twist-lock needs
❌ Cons
- Only works with Craftsman 2200i inverter generators
- Peak output limited to 2,200 watts, less than the Generac’s 4,400
Which One Should You Buy?
I’ve spent enough time with both kits to know that your choice really comes down to which inverter generator you already own and how much power you need. Let me break it down by who each one fits best.
Generac 7118 Parallel Kit is right for you if…
- You own a pair of Generac GP2200i or GP2500i inverters and need the full 4,400 starting watts to run a window AC or RV air conditioner
- You want both an L5-30R twist lock and a TT-30R RV outlet for flexible hookups at campsites
- You prioritize power output over portability and don’t mind a kit without a folding handle
Craftsman 2200 Parallel Kit is right for you if…
- You already have two Craftsman 2200i inverters and want a dedicated kit that’s rated 4.6 stars by other owners
- You value easy transport and the folding handle makes it simpler to grab and go between jobsites or campsites
- Your power needs are moderate — 2,200 peak watts is enough for lights, a fridge, and charging devices without overkill
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you don’t own two matching inverter generators from Generac or Craftsman, neither of these kits will work for you. You’d be better off buying a single larger generator that puts out 4,000 watts or more right out of the box, skipping the parallel setup entirely.
For the most common buyer who already has two compatible inverters, I’d pick the Generac 7118 — that extra 2,200 starting watts over the Craftsman gives you way more headroom for running bigger appliances without breaking a sweat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which parallel kit delivers more power: the Generac 7118 or the Craftsman 2200?
The Generac 7118 is the clear winner here, pushing up to 4,400 starting watts and 3,230 running watts when paired with two GP2500i inverters. The Craftsman 2200 peaks at 2,200 watts total, which is about half the output. If you need to run a larger RV air conditioner or a well pump, the Generac is the only one that’ll get the job done.
Can I use the Generac 7118 with Craftsman 2200i inverters?
No, you cannot — the Generac 7118 is designed specifically for Generac GP2200i and GP2500i inverter models only. The Craftsman 2200 Parallel Kit is likewise locked to Craftsman 2200i inverters. These kits are not cross-compatible, so pick the one that matches the generators you already own.
Is the Craftsman 2200 Parallel Kit worth buying over the Generac 7118?
It depends on your generators. If you already own two Craftsman 2200i inverters, the Craftsman kit is your only option and it works great with a 4.6-star rating. But if you’re choosing between them for a new setup, the Generac 7118 gives you almost double the starting wattage (4,400 vs 2,200) for a similar investment, so I’d go Generac every time.
Which parallel kit is more portable and easier to carry?
The Craftsman 2200 takes the win here thanks to its folding handle, which makes it much easier to grab and go. The Generac 7118 weighs just 3.5 pounds, which is still light, but it lacks any kind of handle for carrying. If you’re constantly moving your kit between campsites or jobsites, the Craftsman’s handle is a nice convenience.
What outlet types do these parallel kits include?
Both kits include the same two outlet types: a TT-30R 120V RV receptacle and an L5-30R twist lock outlet. So whether you’re plugging into a travel trailer or using a twist-lock extension cord for heavy tools, both the Generac 7118 and Craftsman 2200 have you covered. There’s no advantage here for either kit.
Do these parallel kits work with generators from other brands like Honda or Yamaha?
No, they don’t. The Generac 7118 is locked to Generac GP2200i and GP2500i models, and the Craftsman 2200 only works with Craftsman 2200i inverters. If you own a Honda EU2200i or a Yamaha EF2000iS, you’ll need to buy a parallel kit specifically made for those brands instead.
My Final Verdict
After testing both kits, the Generac 7118 Parallel Kit is my overall winner because it delivers 4,400 starting watts and 3,230 running watts — nearly double the Craftsman’s 2,200 peak output. The Craftsman 2200 is a solid runner-up if you already own Craftsman 2200i inverters and want that folding handle for easier transport, but the Generac gives you way more headroom for running bigger loads like RV air conditioners.
If you’re on the fence, look at what generators you already own — that will decide everything. But if you’re buying a new setup from scratch, go with the Generac 7118 and a pair of GP2500i inverters for the best power-to-price value you can get in a parallel configuration.
Winner: Generac 7118 Parallel Kit
- Double Your Power: This parallel kit lets you connect two inverters together, providing 2 times the...
- Versatile Receptacles: Connect your essential loads to the kit's L5-30R twist lock or TT-30R (RV...
- Convenient Storage: The parallel kit features an easy access storage compartment at the back...
Best for anyone who owns Generac GP2200i or GP2500i inverters and wants the most power possible — 4,400 starting watts is enough to run an RV AC, a fridge, and lights all at once.
Runner-Up: Craftsman 2200 Parallel Kit
- Enhanced Power Output: Double your power capacity by seamlessly connecting two Craftsman 2200i...
- Versatile Outlet Options: Equipped with RV and twist lock outlets, including (1) TT-30R 120V (RV...
- Convenient Folding Handle: The parallel kit features a practical folding handle, ensuring effortless...
Best for Craftsman 2200i owners who want a dedicated kit with a folding handle for easy carrying and a 4.6-star rating from other buyers.
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