Honda EG2800i

**Midnightmoon** · 01-20-2018, 11:00 AM

I stopped at my local Honda power equipment dealer today and noticed a new model on their display, EG2800i Inverter Generator. It's so new, that it doesn't even appear in the brochure that I picked up while I was there.

Couple of things I noticed. 61-69 db(A). Eco-Throttle, 2 20A receptacles, 1 30A locking. I don't have the exact weight, but I picked it up and it is very light (on edit, it is listed at 67# online)

Thoughts?

**Midnightmoon** · 01-20-2018, 11:23 AM

Honda EG2800i Model Info | Portable Economy 2800 Watt Generator | Honda Generators

bdreinv · 01-20-2018, 11:38 AM

Sounds pretty noisy on DB rating, may not start a 15K ac unit? Check out Champion or Harbor Freight has one!

1955farm · 01-20-2018, 11:40 AM

Weight is 67 lbs dry. Noise level is higher than the EU units by about 10 db overall. Not much heavier than the EU2000i which is about 45lbs but considerably lighter than the EU3000i. Fuel consumption is comparable.

Go to HONDA Generator website to check out any major differences. MAJOR difference I see is the price. It's actually priced in line with the EU2000i and much cheaper (less than half} of the EU3000i. There has to be more to it than that.

I have two EU2000is and run them parallel when I need 30A.

**Midnightmoon** · 01-20-2018, 12:31 PM

I agree, the sound output level is the major stand out difference. I can't tell however what if any quality differences there are between the series as you mentioned. They use genuine Honda engines, have the standard Honda 3 year warranty as their other models etc. Could this be a new value line of Honda to compete in the Champion price range?

1955farm · 01-20-2018, 02:03 PM

Very possible made to compete with the value lines. I've had both my EU2000i's for 6 years now and never had a problem with either of them and they get plenty of use. Maintenance on them is also easy. Change the oil, air filter and spark plug is all I have ever done. And they are super quiet in the eco mode.

**Midnightmoon** · 01-20-2018, 02:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1955farm

Very possible made to compete with the value lines. I've had both my EU2000i's for 6 years now and never had a problem with either of them and they get plenty of use. Maintenance on them is also easy. Change the oil, air filter and spark plug is all I have ever done. And they are super quiet in the eco mode.

I've been shopping generators for a couple of months now. I'm almost 100% sure that I am buying a Honda from my local dealer. I've purchased a lawn mower from them in the past and they really are a top notch place.

My biggest question that I simply can't decide on is 1 EU3000is or 2 EU2000i's as you are running. I can get the single EU3000 for right at $250 less than the 2 EU2000i combo with the parallel kit.

Advantage of the 2000's are the weight (I'm not getting any younger) more total power output, and the flexibility of using one when the needs are less. Negatives are simply the additional unit to maintain, lack of electric start, and run time.

Advantages of the 3000 is one unit vs. 2, cost, electric start, quieter than the 2, and run time.

I simply don't know what to choose.

This little EG2800i is very interesting at it's price range. But, I think the noise is going to eliminate it for me without any other factor.

Duke4857 · 01-20-2018, 03:26 PM

We bought the first EU2000i about two years ago. I love how light and portable it is. Last August we bought the Companion EU2000i so that we could run the A/C when needed. Love them even more. I have looked in getting the parts to add extra fuel tank run time, but, I have never needed to run them that long yet. Looking forward to using the 24 RKS again in the spring of 2018.

1955farm · 01-20-2018, 04:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Midnightmoon

I've been shopping generators for a couple of months now. I'm almost 100% sure that I am buying a Honda from my local dealer. I've purchased a lawn mower from them in the past and they really are a top notch place.

My biggest question that I simply can't decide on is 1 EU3000is or 2 EU2000i's as you are running. I can get the single EU3000 for right at $250 less than the 2 EU2000i combo with the parallel kit.

Advantage of the 2000's are the weight (I'm not getting any younger) more total power output, and the flexibility of using one when the needs are less. Negatives are simply the additional unit to maintain, lack of electric start, and run time.

Advantages of the 3000 is one unit vs. 2, cost, electric start, quieter than the 2, and run time.

I simply don't know what to choose.

This little EG2800i is very interesting at it's price range. But, I think the noise is going to eliminate it for me without any other factor.

Run time is actually shorter for the 3000 and at max load it's noisier. Cost is approximately the same. The 3000 I Handi is lighter at 78lbs dry. And as for starting... one easy pull gets it unless they haven't been run in several months. Even then only 3 or 4 pulls gets them going.

When I bought, I shared your concerns and went with the 2000s as I had much more versatility with them and they were lighter with a longer run time on less fuel when using in parallel. I have yet to regret my decision.

**Midnightmoon** · 01-20-2018, 04:53 PM

I know I keep going back to this, and I'm not trying to talk myself out of the 3000, but the idea of lifting ~150# in and out of the back of the truck isn't that appealing. I'm really leaning toward a lighter option.

Getting back to that EG2800i that I originally posted about, It's too bad that it is so loud in comparison to the others. I like to power output and weight it offers.

**Midnightmoon** · 01-20-2018, 05:02 PM

One more question for those of you with the twin EU2000i's, are you able to reliably run your AC unit on very hot days? I know there are options out there in hard start capacitors etc, but I'd rather have something that will power my 13500 BTU AC without any modifications or worry.

Duke4857 · 01-20-2018, 08:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Midnightmoon

One more question for those of you with the twin EU2000i's, are you able to reliably run your AC unit on very hot days? I know there are options out there in hard start capacitors etc, but I'd rather have something that will power my 13500 BTU AC without any modifications or worry.

We used ours for a few hours one day in north/central OK last Sept. to run the 13500 A/C. We moved on the next day.

bluegill1 · 01-20-2018, 10:23 PM

Keep in mind that even just a few decibels difference can be quite a difference in noise. As far as not having electric start, kinda of a non issue, these units have the easy pull. And I mean its truly an easy pull. One pull to restart, maybe 2 or three max when starting after a long storage.
I like the whole companion thing( 2 2000's), smaller, lighter, easier to store (smaller), easy to just grab one for perhaps outdoor lights for a picnic but easy to grab two for "full power".
Good luck with your decision, lots of choices.
Go back to the store and lug um around a bit inside the store, kinda "pretend" how your hauling them and how far to load up.
Will they start each one up for noise comparison, under no load and then under load?

1955farm · 01-21-2018, 01:23 AM

As far as cooling on a rather hot day it's never been a problem in 98 degree temps in full sun.

Mad Cow · 02-26-2018, 09:09 AM

Given this unit is an open cage design, it would naturally be a little louder than the closed box inverter gens. Yamaha does the same thing. They have an open cage inverter 2800 is considerably louder. Nice and light compared to closed box units, but you pay for that in increased Db.

You may also like: