|
|
11-15-2017, 02:46 PM
|
#1
|
2 Rivet Member
2017 25' Flying Cloud
Dallas
, Texas
Join Date: Aug 2017
Posts: 79
|
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.
__________________
2017 25FB Flying Cloud
2022 Ford F-350 Platinum FX4
"Life is a team sport"
|
|
|
11-15-2017, 02:52 PM
|
#2
|
Rivet Master
2016 30' Classic
Hinckley
, Ohio
Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 907
|
I am looking at the same generators. But a Honda 3000i
__________________
My budget won't stop me from buying something online that I don't need, but the threat of getting promotional
emails every day for the rest of my life just might!
|
|
|
11-15-2017, 03:01 PM
|
#3
|
Rivet Master
1995 25' Excella
xxxxx
, xxxxxx
Join Date: Apr 2015
Posts: 2,349
|
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.
|
|
|
11-15-2017, 03:12 PM
|
#4
|
2 Rivet Member
1995 21' Sovereign
Petaluma
, California
Join Date: Nov 2017
Posts: 63
|
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.
|
|
|
11-15-2017, 03:24 PM
|
#5
|
Rivet Master
2014 30' Flying Cloud
Tampa
, Florida
Join Date: May 2016
Posts: 1,364
|
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
__________________
2014 Airstream Flying Cloud 30 Recliner - WBCCI #4850 - AIR #110821
2018 Nissan Armada SL Tow Vehicle, Equal-i-zer Hitch
Visit Our Flying Cloud blog for my latest adventure!
|
|
|
11-15-2017, 03:54 PM
|
#6
|
Rivet Master
2016 30' International
redondo beach
, California
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 769
|
A single Honda 2000 can run a single AC modified with an Easy Start.
__________________
Randy and Beth 15 F250, 16 30' International, ProPride, Dexter 3" lift, Michelin 16, Dill TPMS, Centramatics, Battleborn x4, Victron BMV and 1.2KW inverter, Orion DC/DC, BlueSolar MPPT, 300W solar, Alpine iLX, Polk MM1, Samsung smart 42"
|
|
|
11-15-2017, 04:18 PM
|
#7
|
Rivet Master
2017 26' Flying Cloud
Tampa
, Florida
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 7,620
|
I'd go for the Champion 3400 dual fuel.
Then you have options.
Quote:
Originally Posted by mythbuster88
A single Honda 2000 can run a single AC modified with an Easy Start.
|
We made it six posts before someone mentioned "ES"!
|
|
|
11-15-2017, 04:29 PM
|
#8
|
2 Rivet Member
2017 25' Flying Cloud
Dallas
, Texas
Join Date: Aug 2017
Posts: 79
|
I should have stated that I do not want to modify my air conditioners.
__________________
2017 25FB Flying Cloud
2022 Ford F-350 Platinum FX4
"Life is a team sport"
|
|
|
11-15-2017, 05:28 PM
|
#9
|
Rivet Master
2017 28' Flying Cloud
2014 25' FB Flying Cloud
2008 25' Safari FB SE
Georgetown (winter)Thayne (summer)
, Texas & Wyoming
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 6,602
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by czunc
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.
__________________
Empty Nesters; Gypsies on the road! 2017 28' Twin Flying Cloud
2017 F250 King Ranch, 4X4, 6.7L, Blue-Ox WDH
Summer-Star Valley Ranch RV Resort (Thayne, WY); Winter-Sun City (Georgetown,TX)
|
|
|
11-15-2017, 05:48 PM
|
#10
|
Half a Rivet Short
2017 30' Classic
2022 Interstate 24X
Carlisle
, Pennsylvania
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 15,674
|
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
|
|
|
11-15-2017, 07:45 PM
|
#11
|
Rivet Master
2017 28' Flying Cloud
2014 25' FB Flying Cloud
2008 25' Safari FB SE
Georgetown (winter)Thayne (summer)
, Texas & Wyoming
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 6,602
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by uncle_bob
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.
__________________
Empty Nesters; Gypsies on the road! 2017 28' Twin Flying Cloud
2017 F250 King Ranch, 4X4, 6.7L, Blue-Ox WDH
Summer-Star Valley Ranch RV Resort (Thayne, WY); Winter-Sun City (Georgetown,TX)
|
|
|
11-16-2017, 02:48 PM
|
#12
|
Rivet Master
2016 30' Classic
Hinckley
, Ohio
Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 907
|
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.
__________________
My budget won't stop me from buying something online that I don't need, but the threat of getting promotional
emails every day for the rest of my life just might!
|
|
|
11-16-2017, 05:57 PM
|
#13
|
2 Rivet Member
2017 25' Flying Cloud
Dallas
, Texas
Join Date: Aug 2017
Posts: 79
|
I've read that you have to hook directly to the bottle for running on propane.
How is the noise compared to a eu2000??
__________________
2017 25FB Flying Cloud
2022 Ford F-350 Platinum FX4
"Life is a team sport"
|
|
|
11-16-2017, 07:55 PM
|
#14
|
Half a Rivet Short
2017 30' Classic
2022 Interstate 24X
Carlisle
, Pennsylvania
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 15,674
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bigventure
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
|
|
|
11-16-2017, 09:48 PM
|
#15
|
Rivet Master
2007 22' International CCD
Corona
, California
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 9,180
|
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
__________________
Rich, KE4GNK/AE, Overkill Engineering Dept.
'The Silver HamShack' ('07 International 22FB CCD 75th Anniversary)
Multiple Yaesu Ham Radios inside and many antennae sprouting from roof, ProPride hitch, Prodigy P2 controller.
2012 shortbed CrewMax 4x4 Toyota Tacoma TV with more antennae on it.
|
|
|
11-16-2017, 10:52 PM
|
#16
|
Rivet Master
2016 30' International
redondo beach
, California
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 769
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by uncle_bob
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.
__________________
Randy and Beth 15 F250, 16 30' International, ProPride, Dexter 3" lift, Michelin 16, Dill TPMS, Centramatics, Battleborn x4, Victron BMV and 1.2KW inverter, Orion DC/DC, BlueSolar MPPT, 300W solar, Alpine iLX, Polk MM1, Samsung smart 42"
|
|
|
11-17-2017, 08:39 AM
|
#17
|
Rivet Master
2017 28' Flying Cloud
2014 25' FB Flying Cloud
2008 25' Safari FB SE
Georgetown (winter)Thayne (summer)
, Texas & Wyoming
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 6,602
|
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.
__________________
Empty Nesters; Gypsies on the road! 2017 28' Twin Flying Cloud
2017 F250 King Ranch, 4X4, 6.7L, Blue-Ox WDH
Summer-Star Valley Ranch RV Resort (Thayne, WY); Winter-Sun City (Georgetown,TX)
|
|
|
11-17-2017, 08:43 AM
|
#18
|
Rivet Master
2005 25' International CCD
Westlake Village
, California
Join Date: Sep 2014
Posts: 508
|
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).
|
|
|
11-17-2017, 09:18 AM
|
#19
|
Rivet Master
2019 27' Globetrotter
Salem
, Oregon
Join Date: Nov 2015
Posts: 691
|
I think this is a first UncleBob not knowing that there are several generators that run fine off the low pressure port.
|
|
|
11-17-2017, 09:38 AM
|
#20
|
Rivet Master
2017 28' Flying Cloud
2014 25' FB Flying Cloud
2008 25' Safari FB SE
Georgetown (winter)Thayne (summer)
, Texas & Wyoming
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 6,602
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by NoResults
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.
__________________
Empty Nesters; Gypsies on the road! 2017 28' Twin Flying Cloud
2017 F250 King Ranch, 4X4, 6.7L, Blue-Ox WDH
Summer-Star Valley Ranch RV Resort (Thayne, WY); Winter-Sun City (Georgetown,TX)
|
|
|
|
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
|
|
Thread Tools |
Search this Thread |
|
|
Display Modes |
Linear Mode
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
Recent Discussions |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|