Honda Generator question

[Dam Worker]

Another direction maybe but I was interested in a Yamaha 2400 (I think) that would hold a higher output amperage for twenty or thirty seconds, more than enough to handle the extra juice required by some AC's when they are starting. I know Hondas are great and I loved them even though they were really the only game back in my construction days. Within two years the Yamahas were just as popular with my employers. My main thing was bringing something different to the table for you besides the two 2000's or one 3000 scenario. I am trying to decide whether I want to spend some money on solar or go the single small generator route for watching tv when boondocking as my built in unit is way overkill as it is designed to run two AC's. Uses a lot of propane to just watch tv using the satellite.

Tom Marty

[speedster100]

I'm not sure why you indicate the 3000 will use twice as much fuel ? I've had a 3000 for 20 plus years and it will sit an idle using next to no fuel for hours upon hours. I've been considering going to 2 X 2000 's as it is getting harder to get the 3000 in the pickup now that I'm older and the trucks are built taller however I don't relish the thought of fueling a way more often. We boon dock alot at bluegrass festivals and use the gen set about 4hrs a day for breakfast and supper time. The 3000 will go a few weekends without filling it up which is the nice part. A buddy of mine has the new Yamaha which has a remote start and I'm no leaning that way as it sure is nice to be able to start it up and shut it off without leaving the trailer...... Honda runs great tho and still has original plug after 20yrs of running.... put a battery in it last year and change the oil every two.... great units and great value.

[mlh]

If you really would like to see how much fuel they use, how heavy they are, how much noise they make go to the manufacturer's web site. It's all there.
Lynwood

[Mel B.]

I've never heard the 3000 I could be wrong but I don't think it will take the A/C start up. And the older I get the taller my truck gets, and other things get heavier. I just got my new 400 watt solar kit delived a few days ago, and just bought 4 6 volt batteries next I'll get a inverter and maybe I'll be able to leave the generator in that taller truck more often
Mel

[scattershot]

Even though this thread is two years old, someone may be making the same decision today. I can only say that our Honda 2000 hasn't been used since we got our solar setup.

Food for thought.

[DarMar]

And since purchasing our 1st honda 2000 3 years ago we have never once felt the need to ADD the second as we first though.

Even with our new rig and residential we still don't feel we will ever need more generator than the single 2000. But that may be just us.

[mlh]

A Honda 3000 watt will easily start an AC. Mine has on 4 campers.
Lynwood

[Starmaster]

In addition to an air conditioner, other things in a Monty require close to 15 amps at 120vac. Since a Honda EU2000 is rated at a continuous 13.3 amps at 120vac, you will see low voltage or have the genset trip out on over current for some of the power hungry devices.

Items that are either at or beyond the capacity of a single EU2000 include hair dryers (on high), some coffee makers (Kuerigs for sure), and the microwave/convection oven. All these either require or operate much better with two generators.

If we're dry camping we always carry both gens and hook up the extended run tank and run both units when we are using any of the above items.

I'm sure several people will say they run the above items on one gen and it works fine. But, to reliably run anything needing more than 13amps (1500+ watts), you need to be running two EU2000s.

Another benefit of two gens; when running in the Econo mode, two gens load down less and recover faster than a single unit. Also, two gens each at half load are quieter than one unit at full load.

Dave

[Zak]

Originally Posted by mlh

A Honda 3000 watt will easily start an AC. Mine has on 4 campers.
Lynwood

X2. I've had a 3000 for,ten years and three rvs. It will run one ac and a lot of your other appliances at same time without tripping. You can't go wrong with a 3000 except for the weight. I have a 2000 too and it's perfect if all you want to do is power the fridge and tv...but you have to fill it two or,three times and day and dang it, it's easy to overfill those little suckers!

[phillyg]

I sold my 3000i Handi when we bought a bigger FW with 15k ACs, as the Handi couldn't handle even one AC. Two 2000s in parallel would work well. But, take a look at the Champion 3400 at HD for $1000. Handles one AC and the MW at the same time.

[DerekG]

I agree with the champion. I replaced mine (3400) with my 3000is due to the champion falling off the back of the 5th wheel, getting stuck under and car dolly and turning itself into a gasoline fuels blaze going down the road. I wish I had bought two champion 3400s and paralleled them to handle anything I have.....and remote start. Champion had pathetic fuel capacity though.

[Phil P]

Hi

A few years ago we picked up a pair of EU200i and the parallel unit for the price of one EU200i. When we dry camp about once a year I use the 2 in parallel and run one all night then Start the other and shutdown the one use all night so I can fuel it.

The only time we need both is when wife wants to use the microwave while the AC or coffee pot is running.

They fit in the front gen compartment side by side with the parallel unit facing forward and leave room for additional stored items.

For security while using them I chain them to the rear stabilizer or a tree with chain and lock.

The idea of running them in the back of the truck concerns me because there is the possibility of carbon monoxide getting in the trailer.

Phil P

[dannyrver]

The confusing part of this to me is how do you attach the power cord to the fifth wheel since the shore power is at the rear of the camper

[mlh]

eman109 what I did was put a plug in in the front of the camper with a transfer switch. I made up a short extension cord so when I stop and need power I hit the start button on the generator and have power.
Lynwood

[DerekG]

You would tie in at the main panel and run the generator independently of the shore power

[DerekG]

You would tie in at the main panel and run the generator independently of the shore power

[mlh]

You tie it in the main power cable but you MUST have a transfer switch. An automatic one is best for most people. You MUST have one you because you CANNOT have power to both cables to once, very dangerous, and disastrous if you put power to both at once.
Lynwood

[DerekG]

Oh ya, I guess twice the voltage at unmatched frequency wouldn't be good ��

[RoadKill Bill]

I am considering the Honda Eu2000 Combo in parallel for the AC or microwave when boon docking. I have a bank of 4 6V batteries and solar power for most of our power needs, but will use the generators when we need AC or the microwave. I don't want to wrestle with a heavier generator, and I have a 6.75' bed F350 so there isn't a lot of extra room aside from the Pull-Rite SuperGlide hitch. Anything else I should consider?

[WaltBennett]

Originally Posted by Dam Worker

Another direction maybe but I was interested in a Yamaha 2400 (I think) that would hold a higher output amperage for twenty or thirty seconds, more than enough to handle the extra juice required by some AC's when they are starting. I know Hondas are great and I loved them even though they were really the only game back in my construction days. Within two years the Yamahas were just as popular with my employers. My main thing was bringing something different to the table for you besides the two 2000's or one 3000 scenario. I am trying to decide whether I want to spend some money on solar or go the single small generator route for watching tv when boondocking as my built in unit is way overkill as it is designed to run two AC's. Uses a lot of propane to just watch tv using the satellite.

Tom Marty

We had two of that model - one could not start the 15k btu AC and had to gang them. Got to be too much hassle and went with a HF Predator 4k watt peak that does it fine and isn't much nosier than the two Yamahas running at the same time. Only need it when it's too hot and need the air conditioner though. Solar does everything else.