Yahama ef2000isv2 and Easystart or Predator 3500?

mammut · 10-13-2017, 10:48 AM

I know, yet another generator question.

I currently have a Yamaha ef200isv2 that unfortunately will not run our 13.5k BTU Coleman Mach 3+ AC. It is a great generator, just not enough for the AC. It will start the AC but dies after about 5 minutes.

My question is am I better off getting an Micro-air easystart and keeping the Yamaha or selling the Yamaha and getting a Harbor Freight Predator 3500?

Budget for this is $300 in addition to what I can sell the Yamaha for.

I am leaning toward the Predator and pocketing the cash.

DavidJay · 10-13-2017, 11:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mammut

My question is am I better off getting an Micro-air easystart and keeping the Yamaha or selling the Yamaha and getting a Harbor Freight Predator 3500?

My recommendation:

1. Set the two units side by side.
2. Pick up the Yamaha with one hand.
3. Then try to pick up the Predator with 2 hands.
4. Go on the internet and purchase the soft start for the air conditioner.

oldmanAZ · 10-13-2017, 12:19 PM

But if the AC starts and runs for 5 minutes, it's not an easy start issue, is it?

EDIT: Ahh... It's a problem whenever the compressor kicks in. Thanks, DavidJay,

Danno · 10-13-2017, 12:46 PM

You currently have a Yamaha generator which is on par with a Honda, and you're thinking of getting a Harbor freight to replace it? You're kidding right ??

DavidJay · 10-13-2017, 01:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oldmanAZ

But if the AC starts and runs for 5 minutes, it's not an easy start issue, is it?

The easy start comes into play every time the compressor cycles on.

mammut · 10-13-2017, 01:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Danno

You currently have a Yamaha generator which is on par with a Honda, and you're thinking of getting a Harbor freight to replace it? You're kidding right ??

Don't get me wrong, I love the Yamaha and the weight is great but the wife has to have AC and it isn't in the budget for another Yamaha to run in tandem.

Appears the consensus is keep the Yamaha and pick up an easystart.

**Crabman** · 10-13-2017, 02:06 PM

Can you run one of the Yamaha 2000 clones in tandem with the Yamaha? I have seen them for little as 330.00 before all the hurricanes.

DanNJanice · 10-13-2017, 02:35 PM

Following this thread.
I too have a 2k genny and am considering the soft start. I rarely use the AC in the PNW and my solar panels are portable so I can park in shade most of the time. However, there are times when we travel to the southwest and it would be nice to run the AC off the genny.

mammut · 10-13-2017, 04:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crabman

Can you run one of the Yamaha 2000 clones in tandem with the Yamaha? I have seen them for little as 330.00 before all the hurricanes.

I thought the gens had to be the same brand and type to run them in tandem?

**Crabman** · 10-13-2017, 04:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mammut

I thought the gens had to be the same brand and type to run them in tandem?

Probably do, but not sure hence my question.

Cosmik Debris · 10-13-2017, 06:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mammut

I thought the gens had to be the same brand and type to run them in tandem?

According to the printed information, you can pair two that have exactly the same output. To me that would require two of the same.
I sold my honda 3000 because it was too heavy to load/unload. Bought one yammy 2000 on craigslist, then later bought another one new. I carry one 80% of the time, and both during summer heat. Combined I get (almost) 4000w.

bluegill1 · 10-13-2017, 10:15 PM

1) Check to make sure that the AC with the Easy Start installed will indeed run ok with the 2k. If manufacturer gives you the "yes" then do it. I have my doubts that a single 2000 will do it.

2) A Harbor Freight Predator 3500 is going to cost you over $700, and it weighs a ton (well, a hundred pounds). It'll give you want you need but unproven as far as longevity. Might run fine for a year or two but a Yamaha is proven to be reliable for many many years.
Search the internet for the best price on the Yamaha (v2), the RV twin cables, get the funds and be done with it.

Moral is "Happy wife is a happy life".

Enjoy Camping with the wife.

Cosmik Debris · 10-14-2017, 07:40 AM

As far as searching for a best price, when I bought ny new inw I was told that Yamaha fixes the retail pricing so you won't find much variation. What I did was make use of the lifetime parts discount I got from our Jayco dealer and saved a chunk of cash buying from them.
I've also seen a number of like new on craigslist where someone buys one thinking it'll do the job, then decides to go bigger and sells it. That was the deal on the first one I bought and I think I got it for $400.
Your wife may love the idea of being able to actually move these smaller gennys, and the quiet running. We're traveling now with only one. Easy power.

Danno · 10-14-2017, 07:47 AM

The money saved by buying Harbor freight junk, will be spent on ear plugs for you and your Wife.

bluegill1 · 10-14-2017, 07:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Danno

The money saved by buying Harbor freight junk, will be spent on ear plugs for you and your Wife.

Well, the Harbor Freight Predator is a new invertor generator and is just as quiet as most other invertors generators, including the Yamaha's and Honda's. What is in question is it's reliability over many years.
My Yamaha EF2400 is nearly 6 years old and just like day one.

Scott91370 · 10-15-2017, 09:27 PM

What about something like this? I have no knowledge of generators so I am hoping to learn something here as well.
https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/pr...r?cm_vc=-10005

KennyG · 10-15-2017, 11:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scott91370

What about something like this? I have no knowledge of generators so I am hoping to learn something here as well.
https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/pr...r?cm_vc=-10005

The Generator you are asking about is basically a "construction" type of generator and is approx. 68db noise level which is about 10 decibels louder than an inverter type of generator of the same power output
A level of 10 dB greater usually means "double the loudness" or "twice as loud".

Decibels is deci--tenths and Bel -twice as much. 10DB is twice as loud

These are not the types of generators you want to use when there are other campers around in earshot. Ok if you are out in the boonies and away from others.

Inverter generators are the way to go with an RV. Most of the inverter type generators qualify for the noise restrictions allowed in parks and campgrounds.
I have a Honda Inverter type. They are reliable, easy starting, great on fuel, and super quiet! Any Honda or Yamaha are more expensive to purchase; but if you plan on using it a lot, it's money well spent and will give you years of reliable service in comparison to some others which I can attest having been there, done that, you get what you pay for!
I know these topics have been discussed many times and although sometimes can get off the topic. I'm just giving my personal opinion as others are entitled to theirs which doesn't change my mind. ;o)
That's what forums are for, to share info and opinions!

RAurand · 10-16-2017, 05:28 AM

I do have the Micro-Air Easystart (and HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT) on my 28BHBE and can run the A/C on 1 Yamaha 2000 watt inverter generator. I have done it several times (all weekend) while boondocking. We also run the 1 2000 watt generator while overnighting in wallymart parking lots while traveling. It's nice to have that A/C on a hot night.

However, I like to make my morning coffee, run other electrical stuff like the refirdgerator etc to save propane while the generator is running anyway, so I will run 2 Yamaha 2000 watt inverter generators in parallel. Runs quieter that way as well.

vcbice · 10-16-2017, 05:30 AM

A single 2000 genset should be fine with a soft start on your AC. Many use one to run a 15k AC with soft start. The soft start mfg is the one to ask. Also ask if you can return it for refund if it does not work.

I've debated the generator question many times. A 'neighbor' has dual Ryobi 2kW gensets to power his trailer AC and likes them. His trailer also has his HAM radio gear for remote site operations so they run the AC and a lot of other stuff. A brother-in-law has had trouble with one of his Hondas after a couple of years of light use so they are not bullet proof. I am debating the soft start kit vs the dual generator setup. Still not decided.

FYI I had a Yamaha 2400. It was 75lb and the weight was getting to be a PITA for me. Great generator, just a little too heavy.

Scott91370 · 10-16-2017, 11:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KennyG

That's what forums are for, to share info and opinions!

Great, now you got me thinking. I would only be using it when I was out in the boonies on public land where the closest camper would be several hundred feet away and there would be tree/brush the entire distance. Or only in an emergency situation - definitely not all day/night when I have neighbors.
I did start looking at the inverter style and wow they are a lot more expensive.

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