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Old 11-15-2017, 02:46 PM   #1
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Which Generator??

I'm looking to buy a new generator to use when we boondock. My trailer is 50amp with 2 a/c units and I know I wont be able to run both units off the generator. Right now the 2 generators that I'm interested in are the Honda EU2000 companion or the Champion 3400 dual fuel. Both have a 30amp plug but I would need to buy a 2nd Honda. These are some of the quick pro's and con's that I see.

Honda -
Cost almost twice as much because I would need to buy 2 to run one A/C unit. (we live in Texas) In the cooler months, we would only need to take 1 generator with us.

Champion -
Pretty much plug and play right out of the box. This also is remote control so i could start it with out ever getting out of the trailer.
It's a heaver unit but would also have a longer run time....

I'm looking for input because i have no experience with Champion but one really good history from Honda products.
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Old 11-15-2017, 02:52 PM   #2
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I am looking at the same generators. But a Honda 3000i
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Old 11-15-2017, 03:01 PM   #3
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I would give a Harbor Freight Predator 3500 watt Inverter a good look.

I have a lot of use with Champions. I have one that I use about 15 hours a month. And one for emergency power and to power my camper. Both have been good.
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Old 11-15-2017, 03:12 PM   #4
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I know you didn't mention this one, but I just bought a Firman 2900 running watt (3200 starting watt) from Costco for 519.00.. The same one (at least very similar specs) online are about $800 and they all get really good reviews.

Oh, and the box says it has a lifetime warranty.. and of course the Costco return policy.
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Old 11-15-2017, 03:24 PM   #5
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I bought the Champion. Price was right, have run only on propane, and can plug the RV right up to it and run an AC and a couple other things.

http://www.ourflyingcloud.com/2017/0...augurated.html
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Old 11-15-2017, 03:54 PM   #6
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A single Honda 2000 can run a single AC modified with an Easy Start.
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Old 11-15-2017, 04:18 PM   #7
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I'd go for the Champion 3400 dual fuel.
Then you have options.

Quote:
Originally Posted by mythbuster88 View Post
A single Honda 2000 can run a single AC modified with an Easy Start.
We made it six posts before someone mentioned "ES"!
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Old 11-15-2017, 04:29 PM   #8
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I should have stated that I do not want to modify my air conditioners.
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Old 11-15-2017, 05:28 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by czunc View Post
I'm looking to buy a new generator to use when we boondock. My trailer is 50amp with 2 a/c units and I know I wont be able to run both units off the generator. Right now the 2 generators that I'm interested in are the Honda EU2000 companion or the Champion 3400 dual fuel. Both have a 30amp plug but I would need to buy a 2nd Honda. These are some of the quick pro's and con's that I see.

Honda -
Cost almost twice as much because I would need to buy 2 to run one A/C unit. (we live in Texas) In the cooler months, we would only need to take 1 generator with us.

Champion -
Pretty much plug and play right out of the box. This also is remote control so i could start it with out ever getting out of the trailer.
It's a heaver unit but would also have a longer run time....

I'm looking for input because i have no experience with Champion but one really good history from Honda products.
I live in Austin in winter and I went through all of this last year; I actually have a chart on Yamaha, Honda, and Champion. I have 50 amp also with 2 AC's and I purchased the Champion Dual Fuel. It does not have remote start, but does have electric start and works well on propane; it also will run either of the AC's individually. Don't carry gas can in back of my truck anymore!

You can also get a couple Honda 2000's or Yamaha's linked together and get the Easy Start from Micro Air, and get them to work with your AC...these generators are expensive but its a good option for weight at 45lbs each...also can get them with propane from 3rd party which will also extend the warranty . I like the Champion Dual Fuel. There are posts from Micro Air showing both A/C's being operated with the dual generator set up with the Easy Start units installed.
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Old 11-15-2017, 05:48 PM   #10
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Hi

On a "no mods" AC setup, you will need > 3KW of generator to get things working. It's not just the AC. There will *always* be other loads. The one nice thing about the dual Honda approach is that you can leave one at home when it's ... errr .... November ..... The lower power unit will use less fuel at idle. I went through this a while back and got the new(er) Yamaha 2KW.

Bob
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Old 11-15-2017, 07:45 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by uncle_bob View Post
Hi

On a "no mods" AC setup, you will need > 3KW of generator to get things working. It's not just the AC. There will *always* be other loads. The one nice thing about the dual Honda approach is that you can leave one at home when it's ... errr .... November ..... The lower power unit will use less fuel at idle. I went through this a while back and got the new(er) Yamaha 2KW.

Bob
I too had the Champion 2000W unit, prior to getting the Dual Fuel 3400, with my 25' AS's, and it was fine for a general power source, except it was not strong enough for the AC. But, neither were the Honda or Yamaha units, without installing the Easy Start. I have found the 3400 Dual Fuel Champion to work out fine for my 28. It operates either AC, plus can support the lights and TV and microwave from our use model. I have not had any power issues with this Champion while operating one of the AC's and what we use. It does weigh 95lbs, but I can handle if I want to take it out of the back. I typically operate in the bed of the PU most times. I do not need the Easy Start with this unit, so overall, not too expensive to go this route. I did use both AC's while in Florida this past couple weeks a few times, but I had shore power so no generator needed. One AC works fine, but 2 work faster at cooling. I am fine with this choice.
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Old 11-16-2017, 02:48 PM   #12
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Which Generator??

Do you think the Champion 3400 dual fuel would work off the low pressure port on the trailer? I could figure it out, but thought some maybe running this way.
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Old 11-16-2017, 05:57 PM   #13
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I've read that you have to hook directly to the bottle for running on propane.

How is the noise compared to a eu2000??
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Old 11-16-2017, 07:55 PM   #14
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Do you think the Champion 3400 dual fuel would work off the low pressure port on the trailer? I could figure it out, but thought some maybe running this way.
Hi

Very few things will run off the low pressure port on the trailer. Even a big grill is "to much". Never say never, but I don't think there is any generator made that will run off the low pressure port.

Bob
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Old 11-16-2017, 09:48 PM   #15
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There are some that have removed the small high pressure regulator and run it that way. I plan to try it. Will report when I get done testing, weather permitting
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Old 11-16-2017, 10:52 PM   #16
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Hi

Very few things will run off the low pressure port on the trailer. Even a big grill is "to much". Never say never, but I don't think there is any generator made that will run off the low pressure port.

Bob

I run my Honda generator off the low pressure port all the time.
In fact the GenConneX Honda is designed to run off the low pressure port and has another internal pressure regulator to lower the pressure even more.

And I installed a 3/8" quick connect and I can run two Hondas and two ACs.
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Old 11-17-2017, 08:39 AM   #17
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Low pressure port with propane generator

I use the Dual Fuel Champion with either a 20lb portable tank or I can also plug into my AS low pressure port. Works fine.

You need to use the Champion supplied carburetor/manifold/regulator in line on your supply hose, to make it work. Trick is to get the right connections to make the regulator unit interchangeable, so you can use either a portable propane tank or connect directly to the low pressure port. (see the picture below supplied in an earlier thread.) Note the carburetor/manifold with male quick disconnect attached to the Champion and a 10' hose connected to other end of the manifold set up, which plugs into the AS low pressure port. The carburetor/manifold unit has a spring loaded mounting clip on it, (not shown in this picture). I left this on my set up so I can clip the manifold to the handle of the Generator when I want to use it.
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Old 11-17-2017, 08:43 AM   #18
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Champion Dual Fuel ?

Love Honda products however for us, another vote for the Champion Dual Fuels 2800 or 3400 (850.00 /950.00 either On sale.

3400 being better value with larger motor but same physical size, weight, db and features for only 100.00 more. (PS the lesser 2800 model is actual wattage which is what 3 K watt Red and Blue specs state)

Besides not dealing with gas going bad carb clogs, storage spills, mess, fumes and schlepping cans, a major benefit is CLEAN running off existing ample front tanks with extension hose and NEGLIGABLE exhaust fumes. Can run while in truck bed securely and quietly with One touneu section barely open.

Doesn’t stop a neighbors gen from wafting over but you are far, far cleaner. We’ll never go back to gas after this find, specs and quality. (No ties or relation to manufacturer).
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Old 11-17-2017, 09:18 AM   #19
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I think this is a first UncleBob not knowing that there are several generators that run fine off the low pressure port.
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Old 11-17-2017, 09:38 AM   #20
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I think this is a first UncleBob not knowing that there are several generators that run fine off the low pressure port.
Not too much UB doesn't know, for sure! I will say, I went around a few times on connecting to the LP port on the front of the AS, before I figured out what was happening with the regulator/carburetor being needed. I thought the hose diameter was the problem...a propane guy I visited told me about the "tuning" that Champion likely incorporates into their manifold set up is the key to the right mixture. Anyway, it works.
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