Hondas in Parallel

[Al and Missy]

I have seen multiple posts asking about paralleling Honda generators, particularly about whether the generators need to be identical. While looking for something else today i came across the video in the link. The conclusions, backed up by tests, are:
The honda generator paralleling technology works with different size generators, and that more than two can be paralleled.

This means that if I need more than 2000W I can get it by operating a 2000i and a 1000i in parallel. Cheaper than 2x2000i and lighter and more convenient than a 3000i.

Disclaimer: I haven't tried this yet so I cant vouch for it but his results are convincing. It may, however, void your warranty.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=qKam1o_3t_w

Al

[batman]

Cool video! I did not know they could do that!

[alano]

I agree, it's good to know that you can parallel an EU2000 and EU1000. I was looking at trying to run my main A/C unit from an EU2000 but I fall short at having sufficient power available even at normal operating conditions (sea level, etc.) since the main A/C is a 15K BTU unit and rated at 15.9 A when running even if we neglect the brief peak current required when the compressor starts. The EU2000 is only rated for 13.3 A continuous and thus falls short.

It seems that paralleling another EU1000 would certainly do the trick as far as the continuous current requirement. In my research I also came across a nifty modification to reduce the peak current when the compressor starts by up to 70%. It's called a Sure Start and is made by a company called Hyper Engineering in Australia. Dometic sells the same item as well as a few other suppliers in the states. The device costs approximately $229 from Gen-Pro and seems like it would be good fit for those people contemplating running their A/C unit from portable generators.

[lsbrodsky]

I did some web browsing after seeing this. I use a Yamaha 2000 and just do not camp away from campgrounds when I need AC. But, always thinking about it.
The Yamaha 1000 does not have the banana plug connections but a guy could kluge two standard 120 vac plugs to an RV outlet, per the video, if the Yamaha units would run together. On the other hand, the Yamaha 2000 weighs only 15 pounds more than a 1000 and costs a few hundred more. Probably more peace of mind in just buying another 2000 and the parallel cable.
I also looked at the Sure Start and the Dometic SmartStart II. The specs look identical, as are the dimensions so I wonder if Dometic is just putting their name on it. The data is very positive for that device. Dometic has some detailed posts showing running a 16,000 BTU AC unit off a 2000 generator with no problem. These are in the Dometic marine catalog but seem to price out at just over $400. Then you have the installation. If it breaks on the road, you are not going to get your AC running again any time soon, even if you plug in at a campground.
Life is full of trade-offs....

Larry

[batman]

Here is another option for those with only a single Gen. Installing an HS6, Hard Start Capacitor. http://www.amazon.com/SUPCO-SPP6-Sta.../dp/B0002YTLFE ($10.60)

I have not done this, however I have heard these do work. They are considerably less expensive option than the Dometic or Gen-Pro option $229.00.

It supplies the initial start-up current needed to start the AC unit.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oHgXGlYNYkQ

Not sure of the specs on this -vs- Gen-Pro Soft Start, but how about a Soft Start SPP6 capacitor combo. Also $10.60.
http://www.amazon.com/SPP6-Capacitor.../dp/B000LDPI26

Just saying there are many options out there.


-Dennis

[alano]

The Dometic article, found here, Honda eu2000i and air conditioning - Page 3 - SailNet Community, discusses a 16K BTU marine unit, the Cruisair STQ 16. The current requirements for this A/C unit are 10.4 A + 1.61 A = 12.01 A which is why the Honda EU2000i unit (rated at 13.3 A) can run the A/C unit when fitted with Sure Start unit. Seems like the RV A/C units aren't as efficient.

I agree that the EU2000 is only marginally more expensive than the EU1000 for twice the power. Seems if your back health isn't in question the EU2000 is a wise choice. Still nice to know you can double up on Honda generators of different sizes.

As for the reliability of the Sure Start unit, I think owning an RV is more akin to the whack-a-mole game - the problems that come up from time to time are never the ones we expect.

I also looked at the range of Hard Start capacitors and although they are cheaper than the Sure Start device, they are just that - a capacitor. Almost all of the RV A/C units already use capacitors to help start the compressors and a similar Hard Start configuration (see reference above) provided only a 25% reduction in peak current while the Sure Start unit provided a 68% reduction. The trick with the Sure Start is that the microprocessor monitors the current and connects the capacitor at just the right time in the cycle. For people who are operating their configuration on the edge during compressor starts, the Sure Start seems like a solid solution.

[Al and Missy]

I had just assumed (you know what they say about assuming) that there would be a significant difference in the prices of the 2000 and the 1000. I was surprised to find out when I looked that there was only about 200-300 difference. For the difference I'd probably rather have the extra capacity.

[KJRitchie]

I don't think adding a hard start capacitor to a Dometic Penquin is as easy as what is shown in that video. Yes, the price of a Honda 1000 seems to be only $200 less than a 2000 but if you already have a 1000 that is good to know.

I would guess 2 2000 or 1 1000 and 1 2000 companioned together would be noisier than a Handi 3000 or Yamaha 2400.

Kelvin

[HJS5]

I have a 2014 23 foot International Serenity. I have one 2000w Honda generator. I am buying the companion model with the 30 amp RV plug; but, it requires some kind of adapter plug. Can anyone recommend what kind of adapter plug to buy and where to buy it. Thanks.

[daveswenson]

Originally Posted by KJRitchie

I don't think adding a hard start capacitor to a Dometic Penquin is as easy as what is shown in that video. Yes, the price of a Honda 1000 seems to be only $200 less than a 2000 but if you already have a 1000 that is good to know.

I would guess 2 2000 or 1 1000 and 1 2000 companioned together would be noisier than a Handi 3000 or Yamaha 2400.

Kelvin

Adding the hard start capacitor is very easy. The hardest part is getting out the ladder. Took me about 5 minutes once I got on the roof.

[daveswenson]

Originally Posted by HJS5

I have a 2014 23 foot International Serenity. I have one 2000w Honda generator. I am buying the companion model with the 30 amp RV plug; but, it requires some kind of adapter plug. Can anyone recommend what kind of adapter plug to buy and where to buy it. Thanks.

Power Grip Generator Adapter, 30A - Camco 55272 - Electrical Adapters - Camping World

[dznf0g]

Originally Posted by daveswenson

Adding the hard start capacitor is very easy. The hardest part is getting out the ladder. Took me about 5 minutes once I got on the roof.

X2. Easy peasy