Need generator advice

[1973Argosy]

Originally Posted by gypsydad

https://www.amazon.com/Honda-Eu2000i...panion+eu2000i

Above on Amazon sells them individually or as a pair as shown. Still, the Champion Dual Fuel, is half the price plus runs on propane... just saying....

And still a single Yamaha 2400 can run the op entire trailer. Bought my single Yamaha 2400 that can run my 13500 by its self. The Yamaha can be found for under a 1000.00 which puts it cheaper or as cheap as two Champions. I'm not knocking the Hondas or Champions, (have a eu2000 gathering dust), but the single Yamaha can do what takes two from Honda or Champion in the 2000 watt lineup.

The Yamaha can start my rooftop even when interior temps are above 100 degrees.

[gypsydad]

Originally Posted by 1973Argosy

And still a single Yamaha 2400 can run the op entire trailer. Bought my single Yamaha 2400 that can run my 13500 by its self. The Yamaha can be found for under a 1000.00 which puts it cheaper or as cheap as two Champions. I'm not knocking the Hondas or Champions, (have a eu2000 gathering dust), but the single Yamaha can do what takes two from Honda or Champion in the 2000 watt lineup.

The Yamaha can start my rooftop even when interior temps are above 100 degrees.

Now you've done it! Show me the Yamaha 2400 for under $1000? Also, fyi, the Champion Dual Fuel, is a 3400w model, it is under $1000 on Amazon (sometimes cheaper!); runs on propane or gas, has electric start, and runs the 1500BTU AC with other appliances running...and runs fine in 100 degree heat to boot! Now, can your 2400 Yamaha run a 1500 model AC??

Anyway, lots of choices...it comes down what you want to spend, the size/weight, capabilities, type fuel you want to use, and of course, noise db's when running...

[1973Argosy]

Originally Posted by gypsydad

Now you've done it! Show me the Yamaha 2400 for under $1000? Also, fyi, the Champion Dual Fuel, is a 3400w model, it is under $1000 on Amazon (sometimes cheaper!); runs on propane or gas, has electric start, and runs the 1500BTU AC with other appliances running...and runs fine in 100 degree heat to boot! Now, can your 2400 Yamaha run a 1500 model AC??

Anyway, lots of choices...it comes down what you want to spend, the size/weight, capabilities, type fuel you want to use, and of course, noise db's when running...

I meant no disrespect.....

Don't have a 15000btu ac or a microwave on board so no need for a 3000 watt genny. On top of the Honda and Yamaha that I own I also own a Honeywell 2000i. I'm not knocking the champion as my off brand Honeywell has powered my trailer (not ac) for 9 seasons at hunting camp. I'm sure the champion is a fine unit and very capable of running an airstream. Unlike my honeywell, if something goes wrong with the Yamaha or Honda I know that there is a chain of factory certified repair shops that can and will work on them.

While I haven't looked at current pricing on the yamaha, I paid 989.00 for mine two or three years ago on ebay. It was new with full warranty.

[larry9000]

If you have a 16' Bambi, you probably have a 11K BTU AC unit. At least, my 2006 unit does. I did a test, and found that I could run AC on a 20A circuit. I didn't have anything else on, though. I added the Easy Start anyway, for the time that I may go to a generator. I haven't tested it on a generator yet, though.

[Mollysdad]

The bottom line is there's no perfect solution.
The Honda 2000 is light, but has manual pull start and doesn't even hold a gallon of gas. And you only have 1800-2000 watts.
The 3000 is great, except it's heavy and expensive.
Same with the Yamahas.
The "off" brands may be fantastic and they're sure a lot cheaper.
Propane generators run cleaner, don't need gas cans, but eat up your propane or you'll need extra tanks, and it's harder to find.

I bought a Honda EU3000is from Craig's list. It's great, although heavy. Last trip I didn't even start it. Didn't need to.
I got the Honda because my work proved how good they are, but if I started over, I'd seriously look at the Champion 3500 dual fuel.

It's not like we wear them out RV'ing.

[jcl]

Honda has announced the 2200i. Details here:

http://news.honda.com/newsandviews/a...px?id=10086-en

10% more power, 20% larger displacement engine, similar dry weight, lots of detail changes. Looks like a worthwhile upgrade.

[1973Argosy]

Originally Posted by Mollysdad

The bottom line is there's no perfect solution.
The Honda 2000 is light, but has manual pull start and doesn't even hold a gallon of gas. And you only have 1800-2000 watts.
The 3000 is great, except it's heavy and expensive.
Same with the Yamahas.
The "off" brands may be fantastic and they're sure a lot cheaper.
Propane generators run cleaner, don't need gas cans, but eat up your propane or you'll need extra tanks, and it's harder to find.

I bought a Honda EU3000is from Craig's list. It's great, although heavy. Last trip I didn't even start it. Didn't need to.
I got the Honda because my work proved how good they are, but if I started over, I'd seriously look at the Champion 3500 dual fuel.

It's not like we wear them out RV'ing.

I agree that most rv'ers will never wear out a typical inverter generator and the choice of which to buy becomes a personal preference. Of the three I own the Yamaha holds the most fuel at 1.25 gallons. It's important to point out that all three will run right at 12 hours at half throttle on a tank (1 gallon + or -) of fuel. My Honda has the shortest run time of about 10 hours.

[Mattirs]

I've use the grocery store chain propane 20lb bottles when my personal bottles run low. It is nice because I can turn in the bottles any place there is that brand. Most all large grocery chains have them as do many gas stations.
It is a little more expense but a nice plan B.

[gypsydad]

I have a 20# portable bottle I carry and use also with my Champion. I can either use the portable or plug into my AS propane quick disconnect. Flexibility is key...propane can be found most anywhere today.

For those concerned about service, many places service Champion generators...it's one of the most popular generators for construction workers so lots of service centers.

[SilverHouseDreams]

To add another option into the discussion is the relatively new Sportsman 2200W dual fuel generator offered for $499 at Walmart. https://www.walmart.com/ip/Sportsman...nics/701680657

I too don't want or need the weight/fuel consumption of a larger generator, a ~2000W should cover all of our needs perfectly fine in our 22FB. I keep waiting for Champion to release a dual-fuel generator in the 2000-2400W range, and maybe they will by the time we are ready to buy...or perhaps one of you will buy this Sportsman 2200W and post a raving review for all of the rest of us

[rodsterinfl]

From what I read about the bolt on snorkel, it would not be as concerning as drilling holes in a carb-oops wrong side!

[r carl]

After all this I don't blame the OP for not replying.

[Airabel]

Does OP mean original poster? If so that means me.
I have been reading everything with interest. Just haven't had anything else to add. I was however unaware that there were some many other generators out there , comparable to Honda, at about half the price.
We live in a small Wyoming town and I feel obligated to the local Honda dealer. We also have a Home Depot which can order just about anything out there.
The difficult thing for me now, with all of the options, is deciding what to run on the generator. Don't really need to run the AC but the microwave would be nice. 2000 watt gen. would run the microwave but for just a little more watts it would also run AC. Just goes on and on.

[r carl]

When buying a gen you want to go one step at a time and not run.

[Mollysdad]

Originally Posted by Airabel

Don't really need to run the AC but the microwave would be nice. 2000 watt gen. would run the microwave but for just a little more watts it would also run AC. Just goes on and on.

Yep.
If you're in small town Wyoming, (Lucky you) trust the dealer who will be there for you.
Bigger is better, up to a point. The point is when you can't move it, or it's too heavy, or you can't close the topper, or you don't want to bring that much extra fuel. OR, it's too expensive.
For most normal humans, that's somewhere between 2000 and 3500 watts.
Yes, that AC will be nice while you stop at WalMart for lunch and supplies and it's 90 degrees.
I went with the Honda EU 3000is, but I shopped around and found a nice used one on Craig's list.

[gypsydad]

Originally Posted by Airabel

Does OP mean original poster? If so that means me.
I have been reading everything with interest. Just haven't had anything else to add. I was however unaware that there were some many other generators out there , comparable to Honda, at about half the price.
We live in a small Wyoming town and I feel obligated to the local Honda dealer. We also have a Home Depot which can order just about anything out there.
The difficult thing for me now, with all of the options, is deciding what to run on the generator. Don't really need to run the AC but the microwave would be nice. 2000 watt gen. would run the microwave but for just a little more watts it would also run AC. Just goes on and on.

We purchased both our Champions from Amazon and took delivery in Lincoln, MT; for the Champion 2000W, which may handle all your needs, except AC; weighs around 45lbs and is within 1dp of any stats on Honda or Yamaha same size.. The Champion 3400W Dual Fuel was delivered in July; love it, at 95lbs....does everything we need.

Both of these are cheaper than the Honda's; they start easily- the 200W one pull; the 3400W has electric start. No worries on reliability; they are very reliable, and most construction workers use Champions...they take a beating and keep on working...read the reviews. You can always spend more money if you want to, but with your limited needs you mentioned, I think the 2000W Champion for under $500 is a great option I would consider...If I was back in MT right now, I would give you great deal on mine, since I have the 3400Dual Fuel now...I do need AC or I would still be using... Won't be back till May time frame...

[Boxite]

Originally Posted by Mattirs

I've use the grocery store chain propane 20lb bottles when my personal bottles run low. It is nice because I can turn in the bottles any place there is that brand. Most all large grocery chains have them as do many gas stations.
It is a little more expense but a nice plan B.

You are likely paying more for that practice than you might realize. Few of the "exchange-tanks" type of vendors fill the bottles to their capacity. You are usuually getting a whole gallon LESS propane than if you take the bottles for refilling at a propane station.

While I don't camp at WalMart... it seems a bit silly to be worrying about noise in their parking lot. I'd get the least expensive generator that has sufficient output to run my stuff. The entire concept of using TWO generators (and all the reliability, oil changes, maintenance issues, storage space, refueling issues, etc of TWO vs ONE) seems entirely ridiculous to me from an efficiency as well as cost considerations.

[Garfish]

Do you need bottled propane? The genconnex RV package is for AS BBQ supply fitting

[gypsydad]

Originally Posted by Garfish

Do you need bottled propane? The genconnex RV package is for AS BBQ supply fitting

Not sure what your asking? There are several comments on using extra 20# propane bottle, as described above, and several of us have converted the connections and longer portable hose, so we can also use with the front AS Quick Disconnect in the newer models. This gives you some location flexibility and extra propane options.