Two Honda 2000 gens?

[1973nader]

I keep reading how lots if people recommend getting the two honda 2000 gens and running them together instead of getting the larger 3000. My question is this, my trailer is 30 amp and from what I am reading your truly only getting around 26 amps when running two 2000's full throddle, will the missing amps damage the AC? Thanks

[djtho1]

You won't hurt the AC at all. You just have to watch running multiple high draw items at once, like the microwave and the AC. That can make the generators overload.

Whether to run the two little ones or the bigger one is a more complex question. If you have a 13.5 AC, the 3000 is quieter and will work fine. The 3000 will not run a 15,000 AC for long so you need the two 2000's to get the extra wattage. I have run both setups and, in my opinion, I prefer the 3000 if you can run it, because it is quieter and runs longer on fuel.

[Wertles]

I have never had an issue running any of my 15k units with AC, fridge and lights on with my 3000 for hours at a time. It won't run the AC and microwave though.

[mjlaupp]

I have 2 2000 gens, parallel kit and extended run tank. Why? I can move and lift them into the truck bed by hand. I would not be able do that with the 3000.

[tnchuck100]

I use the EU2000i x 2 setup. I have the flexibility get by with only one generator when I don't need the A/C.

[djtho1]

I am impressed wertles. My Honda 3000 would run the 15,000 AC, but it only for about a half hour, as it was at the max of its surge capacity. I got the two 2000's and they did fine for days, but the 3000 was quieter and easier to use. I know it can be heavy, but we often left it in the truck also. Electric start was nice too (yeah, I know, lazy right?).

[Jopopsy]

I can't speak to 15k BTU A/C units, but if I were shopping for a genny to spin my 13.5 A/C, keep my camper operating, and be mindful of size and weight? It'd certainly be this one, no questions asked:

https://www.yamahamotorsports.com/po...ter-ef2400ishc

*This model boasts High Current output which is designed specifically to increase motor starting capability and to improve air conditioner starting. This High Current model starts most high efficiency 13,500 btu AC in temperatures up to 110° F.*

A perfectly useful/acceptable cross between the EU2000i and the EU3000is.

[1973nader]

Right now I don't have $2K to spend on two generators so if I decide to buy just one now and add the other one latter should I buy the 2000 or the 2000 companion? If I bought the companion first would I plug into the 30amp even though I am only running one? Thanks

[Jopopsy]

If you have a 13.5 A/C unit - save your money and get the Yamaha.

[SmokerBill]

Originally Posted by 1973nader

Right now I don't have $2K to spend on two generators so if I decide to buy just one now and add the other one latter should I buy the 2000 or the 2000 companion? If I bought the companion first would I plug into the 30amp even though I am only running one? Thanks

Buy the Companion after you buy the standard 2000. A 20 amp conversion plug on the RV power cable end will work fine. The Companion costs more than the standard one.

I bought a Companion, thinking I'd spend the extra money sooner rather than later. Three years later, I haven't had the need for a second generator, so that extra money I spent on the Companion was wasted. Should've bought the standard EU2000i with the 20amp receptacles.

[nephi007]

So Jopopsy you say that the Yamaha EF2400iSHC for $1479.00 will run a 13.5 Air conditioner as well as 2 Hondas hooked up in parallel which would cost me roughly twice as much? Am I understanding that right?

[Jopopsy]

The single Yamaha is rated to run a single 13.5 A/C. It does not have as many watts as two Hondas in parallel, but its rated at 400 more watts than a single EU2000i (and 400 extra surge watts on top of that). It won't be able to run, say, your microwave and A/C at the same time. But if you don't want the trouble of carting two, securing two (I'd lock them to your trailer), maintaining two, and hearing two? I'd deal w/ the inconvenience of microwave usage and let the Yamaha do its thing.

As w/ anything in life its give/take.

Want the most available amps w/ the biggest leeway in running your trailer like you're in full hookups? Get two EU2000is (companion and regular) and run them parallel.

Want the quietest generator you can buy, and still spin a 13.5k? If money is no object and weight is not a concern, the EU3000is is the clear winner as far as noise. I put a wheel kit on mine so I can roll it around w/ no problem. 2800 watts running, 3000 watts surge. Its a sweet package if noise bugs you.

Want a smaller footprint generator that can spin a 13.5 A/C, with room to spare (think fridge, converter, etc., some LED lights), and would be good for probably 90% of what you'll likely encounter? Take a hard look at the Yamaha.

Its all about what compromises you want to make. They all have them. You have to choose the ones you are willing to deal with.


*****Added*****

Also consider how often you need to run that A/C. If its only a couple/few months a year? You won't need that extra EU2000i, but that Yamaha can still be used fully since its beefier than the single EU2000i. And given its got more watts, it won't be running as hard as the single Honda since it has more capacity natively.

That EU3000is would likely be purring along all day long, growling to life briefly while you nuke something.

Just a thought.

[Jopopsy]

Side note: A quick cliff-notes study in sound as it relates to the Hondas.

The EU2000i runs at 59db at rated load.
The EU3000is runs at 58db at rated load.

2 EU2000is running at rated load in parallel effectively create a single sound source of 62db.

What's 4db actually mean to somebody having to listen to them? My charts don't have the breakdown for 4db, but it DOES have it for 3db. 3db increase in sound is effectively a 23% increase in perceived volume.

The Yamaha runs at 60db at rated load. Remember, the rated load of the Yamaha is giving you 400 more watts than the rated load of the EU2000i. Meaning, unless the A/C is running it will probably be working less hard than the Honda. Which means it would be running closer to its 53db 1/4 load than would be the Honda.

FWIW.

[nephi007]

Hey thank you for that info. Our thought is to use the generator to run the air conditioning only nothing else at the same time so the Yamaha may be our choice, By the way, what is your preferred method for transporting fuel for your generator and securing generator and fuel safely? Thanks

[WrenZ71]

2 Honda eu2000i's.Honda's will hold surge wattage for 30 minutes,Yamaha's 30 seconds.

[SmokerBill]

Originally Posted by WrenZ71

2 Honda eu2000i's.Honda's will hold surge wattage for 30 minutes,Yamaha's 30 seconds.

I have the same setup as you, but just one genny. Bought the boat tank and hose and some fittings from Walmart, and a couple of other fittings and JB Weld from the auto parts store. When boondocking, with no air conditioning, the 7 gallon boat tank will last me a good week or more. The tank in the generator is a pain in the butt to fill without overfilling.

[WrenZ71]

Originally Posted by SmokerBill

I have the same setup as you, but just one genny. Bought the boat tank and hose and some fittings from Walmart, and a couple of other fittings and JB Weld from the auto parts store. When boondocking, with no air conditioning, the 7 gallon boat tank will last me a good week or more. The tank in the generator is a pain in the butt to fill without overfilling.

Mine is the factory made berg system,bought it without tanks.I picked up the tanks from Walmart.

To fill the Internal gen tanks I use a 2 gallon gas can and a power aid bottle.Works great and no mess.

The only thing I don't like about the extended run system is sometimes it keeps the gen tank over filled and sometimes half full.

[Jopopsy]

Originally Posted by WrenZ71

2 Honda eu2000i's.Honda's will hold surge wattage for 30 minutes,Yamaha's 30 seconds.

True. The Yamaha was never intended to run full surge for more than it takes to start a 13.5 A/C unit. That's what it was designed to do; basically be a EU2000i with more grunt that could also start a 13.5 A/C reliably.

Its all in the eye of the beholder.

[Jopopsy]

Originally Posted by nephi007

Hey thank you for that info. Our thought is to use the generator to run the air conditioning only nothing else at the same time so the Yamaha may be our choice, By the way, what is your preferred method for transporting fuel for your generator and securing generator and fuel safely? Thanks

When I had to tote the generator around with me I would bungie tie the genny and a 5 gallon fuel can inside the back of the pickup. Close to the rear window so its a heavier item and I didn't want to exasperate my weight distribution of the trailer by putting heavy items behind the rear axle.

As to securing the generator while camping? Check out this website:

Welcome to Lockitt.com

Everything you ever wanted to know about chains, density, thickness, resistance to cutting, etc. If you email them they will recommend a solution based on your criteria and risk tolerance. They had me outfitted w/ a nice beefy protector chain w/ a disc lock (normally used for bikes). The lock was great b/c the chain 'just' fit into it, and the lock had a 'screaming' function whereas if somebody moved it and did not unlock it, it would hollar at you at 110db for 30 seconds or so. Real nice feature.

[Jayson 197]

I have the EU3000 and it powered my 13.5k AC unit in my old rig. Everything I've read says my generator won't have enough power to start my 15k AC in my 26RKS. I'm planning on selling on EU3000 and looking for a new inverter generator that has enough power.