Honda EU2000i Generator - using with Airstream

[BASE729]

Originally Posted by lsbrodsky

The decision is usually safety and convenience, not fuel cost.
Larry

That's what sold me on propane. I just need to hook into the barbecue grill port and I'm running my generator. No gas cans or gasoline smell.

Also, there is an estimated 33 hours of runtime in a single 30 lb propane bottle, which would take a lot of gasoline to match.

Genconnexdirect.net propane spec sheet

[Silver.Sanctuary]

Originally Posted by MaineStreamer

Does anyone know whether a 6-gallon gasoline tank as discussed above is still available from some motor vendor?

Most today are not metal... but they are sold (OMC ). There are quite a few metal ones on Ebay right now.

the gas caps can be found by searching the internet for
EXTENDED RUN FUEL GAS CAP FITS HONDA Eu2000i GENERATOR Amazon sells them for $32 each, but you need the OMC quick disconnects to make them useful.

[MaineStreamer]

Thanks Dan and BASE729. In regard to long-run gasoline tanks, does anyone use a tank designed for an outboard motor boat? They are quite horizontal and designed not to tip.

[polarlyse]

A few months ago, during the decision making process, I read up on the simple conversion to provide the extended run fuel tank for the EU2000 Honda generator. It was my understanding, at the time, that this option was not available for the EU3000. Apparently the 2000 has an internal fuel pump and the 3000 does not. Despite this being an available option I opted for the Honda EU3000i, pull start. My question IS: is anyone aware of a way to convert the 3000 to extended use ????

[Phoenix]

I built an extended-run kit from parts, and saved about half of the cost of buying the complete kit at retail. See photo at link, below:

Extended run tank with dual feed

Note: I also added Mercury Outboard quick disconnects.

However, after building the hose kit, we found that we rarely camp where both generators are needed. (Two Honda EU2000i generators connected in parallel are only required for the air conditioner). We figure that if we need the air conditioner, we are camped in the wrong place and need to find a campsite closer to the ocean, farther north, or at a higher altitude.

If an attraction (e.g., Disneyland) warrants "camping" where we need air conditioning, we just look for an RV resort with electric hookups.

When boondocking, we frequently use a single generator to recharge our batteries; and for refueling our Hondas in the field, we use these:

• Atwood 6-Gallon Fuel Tank -- If this tank is used only for storage, the fuel fitting can be capped off using a 1/4 NPT plug. Since this portable tank is designed for banging around in the bottom of a boat, it is very sturdy; and it does not leak or emit gas fumes.
  
  
• Scepter Flo-N-Go MaxFlo Siphon Pump

Regarding using an extended run tank with the Honda EU3000i, see details at this link:

Honda 3000 Extended Run Fuel Option

[MaineStreamer]

Those who strap the gasoline tank onto the battery box - Do you put the tank inside your trailer when you leave the trailer at a campground or parked somewhere to go for a hike, bike ride, shopping trip to town, visit park facilities, etc.?

[Skater]

Question for those who have done the propane generator conversion on a smaller generator (Honda EU2000i, for example): If you need to run a pair of generators, what do you do? Have you converted both? Is there a way to hook both to one propane bottle? This is something I've always wondered about.

Thanks.

[DHart]

Lots of great info given here; thank you folks.

[Boxite]

I was in Northern Tool today (April 21, 2015) and they have a new 2000 inverter, quiet-run generator on sale for $599 (free shipping) which comes equipped with a "companion" cord to attach to a second unit. It is a virtual copy of a Honda and it was said to be capable of using the extended-run fuel tank that Honda's use. They started it up (first-pull when cold) inside the store and it is very quiet indeed. I wish I could buy a pair with impunity from the family bookkeeper.

FREE SHIPPING — Powerhorse Inverter Generator — 2000 Surge Watts, 1600 Rated Watts, CARB-Compliant | Inverter Generators| Northern Tool + Equipment

I do have to wonder why we all want to get back to nature and go camping.... but need AC, microwaves, TV's, generators, fuel, etc, etc.

And I also felt it strange that a new participant might ask a question and someone hijack the thread repeatedly by complaining about the newcomer's question...without considering the newcomer might have already searched and found the answers unavailing... and also missing the point that an entirely NEW bit of information was provided to all, about a battery product that boosts small gen outputs... something that may have remained elusive were it not for the newcomer's question!
The fresh question is welcome, IMO.

[ROBERTSUNRUS]

Originally Posted by DHart

Lots of great info given here; thank you folks.

Hi, DHart; I have been on this forum for a little while and I can't even find my own threads using the SEARCH function. For me and a few others the SEARCH function just doesn't work.


Oh wait, we are talking about generators! My Yamaha 2400 runs my air conditioner just fine and has run it, my convertor, and my refrigerator at high altitudes. [people will tell you that a 2400 won't work] I would say no to the one Honda 2000, but I have an SOB friend who runs his 13,500 BTU air conditioner with one Honda 2000. He installed an easy start capacitor on his air conditioner and he says it works for him.

[MaineStreamer]

Someone please explain easy start capacitors. Thank you.

[Skater]

Originally Posted by MaineStreamer

Someone please explain easy start capacitors. Thank you.

Starting the compressor requires an extra amount of electricity. A capacitor stores some energy so that when the compressor starts, the load on the generator/shore power is reduced somewhat. It's like a fast-acting battery that kicks in to help out the generator/shore power during a (short) spike in power demand.

[MaineStreamer]

Is the capacitor a unit that we should purchase and install separately, or is it already installed in recent model Airstreams?

[MaineStreamer]

I see. https://www.google.com/search?source....0.MMRO16LP2XQ I'll have to determine whether the former owners of my trailer already put one in. They did have a generator, because the owner's manual was in the Airstream documentation carrier that they provided with all of the original appliance info and Airstream manuals, etc.

[Phoenix]

Found this description online. Informative, but I have no idea how accurate it is:

RV Air Conditioner Hard Start Capacitor | ModMyRV

[rjgmt1]

I have a eu2000i and it suddenly would overload and quit generating although keep running, with the center red light on. I eventually unplugged every multi-outlet from the 1990 34' Excella Airstream, except for the microwave and now the generator is running fine.
I was advised that multi-outlets may draw power besides the other 10-30 electrical items plugged into the multi-outlets.
We are now plugging items in on an as-needed basis.
Bob
rjgmt1@gmail.com