Invertor/Generator...which should I buy?

[gfc214]

I am new to the game, and just purchased a Baja 12E. We will be going to a lot of places that do not have hook-ups, and we live near Houston, TX, so going without AC is not an option. The dealer installed an Airxcel 48000 AC unit, and I cannot find any specs on the unit as to BTUs or energy needs. However, I did hook up a Champion 4000/3500 watt generator yesterday, and it handled the load from the AC no problem. However, that generator is LOUD. If I use it at a campground, no one will like us on day two. So, I started looking at inverters like the Honda and Yamaha, but the 2000 watt systems will absolutely not handle the load, the 3000s will also likely fail (from what I've been reading...and they sure are expensive), so some folks seem to hook up two 2000s using a parallel kit. Sounds good, but I cannot see where the outlets on the 2000s have a receptacle that will work with the Baja 30 amp hook-up. I'm also concerned that even if I used adapters, the existing receptacles on the 2000s are not intended for pushing that kind of power through. Can anyone help me out on this? Any ideas on how to make the 2000s work in parallel with an RV hook-up? Or any other ideas on what I can do to get the power I need for the AC without upsetting the neighbors? Thanks!

[LongIslandCamper]

A great suggestion is to get a Honda 2000 along with a Honda 2000 Companion. These are more or less the same generators but the companion one has a 30A receptacle on it. The companion is about $100 more expensive. This will give you 4,000W. Having these guys will give you more power then a 3,000W and it will be a lot easier to move 2 of these guys instead of the much larger 3,000W.

You need to connect the two Hondas with parallel cords. Finally, you need to purchase an adapter that will connect your camper to the Honda companion generator. This one will do the job. They have cheaper "hockey puck" style adapters for a lot less money but they are usually not suggested.

[tnchuck100]

Personally I have 2 Honda EU200i. One is the Companion version. I have been well pleased with this setup. I use only one generator when A/C is not needed. The Companion unit has a 30 amp twist lock receptacle as do most generators with a 30 amp outlet. You still need an adapter for the 30 amp RV connection. The dog bone type is preferable as it runs cooler than the single piece adapter. I also use a six gallon auxiliary fuel tank that feeds both generators.

[Explorer03]

If your plan is just to recharge the battery then a reg gen would be fine and cheaper. However if you want to run all 120v appliances, AC and sensitive electronics (TV, computer etc) then go with the inverter gen. An inverter gen produces a cleaner sine wave allowing safer use of sensitive electronics Just like the previous posts you can get the Honda gen inverter types and run them in parallel connecting to the 30 amp plug.

I personally have the two of the Yamaha 2000si which are the inverter type gen and run them in parallel. In fact I just had to pull them out when overnighting in a parking lot in Nashville, TN for AC during our road trip from San Antonio, TX. to NH. The temp was 90 with high humidity that night. They worked great-just a little noisy. I made sure they were secured well as not to walk off. Happy Camping

[Dirtfan]

3100 watt champion inverter, half the price of the red or blue ones

[gfc214]

Thanks for all the advice everyone. I looked at reviews for the inverters suggested here and decided to take the plunge on the Honda with companion....found them a bit cheaper after searching online a bit. They should be here by Friday, and they'll be at the campsite later that day. Thanks to everyone!

[LongIslandCamper]

So you got a Honda 2000 and a Honda 2000 companion?

[gfc214]

Originally Posted by cm11599ps

So you got a Honda 2000 and a Honda 2000 companion?

Yes. I bought them from a 'generator depot' store that had good ratings, and together they were about $200 less than what I saw for them on other sites. I also bought the parallel cables and the RV connector.

[gfc214]

Originally Posted by gfc214

Yes. I bought them from a 'generator depot' store that had good ratings, and together they were about $200 less than what I saw for them on other sites. I also bought the parallel cables and the RV connector.

Correction...about $100 cheaper.