Generators - Honda or Yamaha???

[sreigle]

Am saving my pennies to get us a generator, most likely a single 2k to start with.

I've been partial to Honda in the past, both because of their light weight, quietness, and reliability.

However, a recent article in Trailer Life (I think that's where I saw it) shows the new Yamaha to be possibly just as good, a bit quieter in some modes and as quiet in others, a bit less thirsty, about the same weight, with parallel capability, etc. In other words, it appears from their test to be a good alternative. And it's a bit cheaper, too.

So my question is, does anyone have experience with the Yamaha EF2000iS generator? How does it compare to the Honda Eu2000i (I think that's the right model) in the real world use? Anyone know?

[Clemson1881]

Yamaha actually makes one that is very portable and has 2800 surge watts by way of a capacitor if I remember correctly. It will operate one 13.5 A/C with power to spare. It could eliminate the need for the second unit to parallel for most. And it is no where near as big and heavy as the Handi by Honda.

[Art-n-Marge]

My vote would be cost and if I could get Yamahas for cheaper than Hondas then that's what I would do. So far the Hondas have been more plentiful and cheaper where I live. But I haven't checked in a year. I love mine!

I think the Yamahas and Hondas are the best around and more expensive than all other brands. Since I have my two, I don't look so much any more.

My other requirement was that they MUST fit under my bed rails and under my truck bed cover. I'm not sure the 2800 would fit the bill and I know any EU3000 doesn't fit that requirement.

Please let us know what you decide.

[Trailer Trash 2]

I like my Hondas there quiet and gas misers, check your deseble ratings on both of the generators.
I dont know which one is the quitest. I do like the serge that Clemson1880 mentioned if that is accurate. good luck on your choice Steave.

[HamRad]

Steve,
I don't think you can go wrong with either the Honda or Yamaha. You might even want to go up with the Yamaha 3000 or whatever the next larger size. I think it comes with a remote electric starter. Noise wise and gas usage are so close as to be indistinguishable. And if the price is cheaper I think I'd be tempted to try the Yamaha.

Either way you should be set with the 2000 if that is what you get. The Hondas are great machines and you can't go wrong with one. Good luck. Dennis

[rollie41]

I have the Yahama Ef2000 and love it. A gas miser and runs what I want.

[Lee F.]

Not trying to hijack the thread but does anyone know if the Yamaha with the 2800 surge watts will start and run the 15000 A/C on my 2011 if I'm not running anything else?

[HamRad]

Lee,
It should run it. The Honda EU2000 I have will run our AC. But it does so under protest! It has a difficult time starting but once it gets going it is OK. But I seldom if ever will run it that way. Too much abuse for the genny as well as the AC. If it is so hot as to need the AC we will either have FHUs or we will move to somewhere cooler. Good luck. Dennis

[Trailer Trash 2]

I have found that if you want to run high amp products it is better to have the Gen set econo mode turned off and it will be running full bore and when the air recycles to on it will have the power there now and wont have to wait for the generator to go to full load.

[Lee F.]

Thanks guys,
I just found an aquaintance who owns one and he will let me try it.

[Trailer Trash 2]

quote:Originally posted by Lee F.

Thanks guys,
I just found an aquaintance who owns one and he will let me try it.

There you go thats a great idea, to bad dealers wont do that for us.

[sola123]

We have the yamaha 2400 and it will run the 15 k a/c with no problem...puts out 16.3 watts. Will surge to like 20 watts to start things...does an excellent job for us dry camping at football games, etc....it cost about 1200 online....beats our sons honda 2000 hands down...works gets around the farm as well....

[sreigle]

Thanks to all. I appreciate the input.

[snfexpress]

Have to say that if we want to run our AC, we typically run both Hondas - one in economy mode and the other full bore so that the compressor doesn't burp. If we just had the AC to run, we could run one Honda, but who knows when the converter kicks on, or ...?

[Delaine and Lindy]

I also have follow this post. I'm in the process of getting a Honda 3,000 and would love the Honda 6500. My issue is weight, my plan is to mount the Honda on the rear of the 5th wheel. I have a 2" receiver and the tongue weight is 300 lbs. Both the Honda 3,000 and the 6500 weight is blow 300 lbs. I did see a Honda 5,000 must have been a older Honda? It was mounted on the rear of a small Jakco about a 28 footer.. I have towed a Chevy HHR behind the 5th wheel but the tongue was very light.

Reason for mounting on the rear is for the ease of use, my plug in site is inclosed on the left rear side. Would like to have a mount that was the size of the Generator and a male end going into the 2" receiver. And comments will be helpful. I own Honda motors on my Pressure washer and know Honda's do have great motors... Happy Trails.......

[Sheepdog]

I have a Honda EU3000i which I've carried in my basement. It runs well when needed but the problem is it's too heavy (140lbs+ dry) for me to lift in and out by myself. I found I can "walk" it down a ramp but it's a pain to get back up. Won't fit in the bed of the truck with fuel tank and box, and is too tall to fit in front of tail gate. I've spent hours trying to figure out lifting devices, fulcrums etc. but so far nothing simple enough! So I decided to put the EU3000 in my garage for a house backup and buy a Honda EU2000 Companion which has the 30amp plug. Got it from WISE in IL. and it's due to arrive tomorrow. I don't expect it will run my AC but would be a plus if it does. I want a Generator for occasional charging of the batteries,and use of the microwave, toaster, coffee maker etc. when boondocking.

I can't speak for the Yamaha as I have never tried one, but think that Honda has always been the best in the past, in my opinion, but you pay a little more. I think it's worth it.

[arcateq]

Love my Yamaha EF6300iSDE Generator It runs everything, quite, Remote Start, cover, etc. Only problem is it is heavy. But i don't move it often.