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Redcobra · 08-28-2008, 06:17 AM

We've only had our 2005 25' Classic for a month and taken one trip to a campground with all the hook-ups. I anticipate needing a generator at some point. I'm really new to camping and need some advice from you veteran Airstreamers. If I only want to purchase, handle and store one generator, due to storage space in my TV, which generator would best suit my needs (air conditioner, hair dryer, microwave, battery charger, etc.). I've learned a lot from the forum already. Thanks for the advice.

richinny · 08-28-2008, 06:36 AM

some of these threads might be helpful

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f448...ors-39684.html
http://www.airforums.com/forums/f448...-it-38517.html
http://www.airforums.com/forums/f448...ain-22582.html

**moosetags** · 08-28-2008, 06:58 AM

Welcome to the Forums. We're glad to have you with us.

We have two Honda 2000's. Very often, we use just one (when not using the AC). We looked at the Yamaha 2400 very closely before we bought a generator. We decided to go with the Honda(s) because of weight. I can easily handle the Honda at 48#. The Yamaha (at 70#) is a struggle for me.

Brian

JFScheck · 01-29-2011, 03:52 PM

After much research (Honda vs Yamaha) and 2000, 2400 & 3000 (or dual 2000's) models, went with the Yamaha 2400 with the perfect combo of power to weight to price.

Was "Gung-Ho" on the Honda's but so happy I discovered the Yamaha's (blue vs red), the 2400 model is unique to Yamaha and really fits the bill, and although some claim it can handle my A/C, I've decided if I have no power then I can deal with all my windows open and fans on just to "enjoy the silence", just make sure I stay out of the hot humid areas in no power conditions.

Really, really, really wanted the Yamaha 3000 with 500w boost capability but I just can't reliably assume I can lift that beast onto the tailgate of my 4x4 F-350, especially as I continue to get older....

pmclemore · 01-29-2011, 04:20 PM

John, now that you have the Yamaha, you may want to consider converting it to propane.

Pat

Redcobra · 01-30-2011, 01:19 PM

I just carry a small 2 gallon gas can. It's really no problem. We very seldom need the compressor and leave it home most of the time. Propane seems like a nice conversion, especially if it could draw from the trailer tanks. Thanks

JFScheck · 01-30-2011, 01:39 PM

Pat, I love that ideal especially since my tow vehicle is diesel and I have the extended tanks on the Airstream, only a little nervous about performance at 5,000 feet and above, BUT since I'm not running the A/C guess I'll actually be ok (as I think out loud...) - just some plinking on the Airstream and the kit for the Jenny....

ROBERTSUNRUS · 01-30-2011, 02:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pmclemore

John, now that you have the Yamaha, you may want to consider converting it to propane.

Pat

Hi, Pat. I was and still are, considering changing my Yamaha 2400 to propane, but when searching for kits, they seem to skip over the 2400 size.

pmclemore · 01-31-2011, 10:26 AM

US Carb did mine for me. I'd do it again. I imagine they will sell you the kit.

It's nice not to have to carry gasoline around, and you don't have to worry about the carb getting gunked up with old gas. It runs just fine on gas, too.

Pat

Globie64 · 01-31-2011, 10:46 AM

Hey. We have a Honda 3000 we use for our home, when the power goes out (regularly) and its been really great. You can convert these to run on propane?

tpi · 01-31-2011, 10:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Redcobra

We've only had our 2005 25' Classic for a month and taken one trip to a campground with all the hook-ups. I anticipate needing a generator at some point. I'm really new to camping and need some advice from you veteran Airstreamers. If I only want to purchase, handle and store one generator, due to storage space in my TV, which generator would best suit my needs (air conditioner, hair dryer, microwave, battery charger, etc.). I've learned a lot from the forum already. Thanks for the advice.

I use the Yamaha 3000 boost. I ramp it into the back of the pickup where it stays for the entire trip. It is no big deal to roll it around. After 7 years its a bit faded and scratched but its never missed a beat and never been stolen. It has longer run time than the smaller generators due to larger fuel tank-about 8 hrs. at full load. If I didn't have that I'd have the Yamaha 2400.

I'd buy propane if from the factory, but cautious nature rules out a conversion for me. Biggest reason for propane for me is cleaner exhaust. My number one gripe about generators is the "old fashioned" stinky exhaust.

TinLoaf · 01-31-2011, 02:16 PM

I had always planned to buy a Honda 2000 which most agree does not run the a/c. For only $126 more I bought the Yamaha 2400. I figured the extra $126 was worth it for the off chance that I may need to run the a/c sometime.

I bought the 20 amp to 30 amp adapter and tried the a/c. The voltage drops from 120 to about 110 when the compressor first spools up and then the voltage pops back up to 118 within a few seconds. That's higher voltage than some of the campgrounds I've stayed at.

The generator should get a workout within the next few days as this massive ice storm moves through the St. Louis area.

newroswell · 01-31-2011, 09:27 PM

Steve, is that a EF2400iS or the EF2400iSHC with the 4400 watt boost? I watched a pretty impressive demo at Quartzsite and walked out with the 2400 High Current model. Later that day I started the 15k a/c, AND the batteries where tired and getting about 16 amps from the converter at the same time. It was about 75 degrees, so things will be much different when it's hot. We'll see, haven't played much, was glad to charge up after a few nights of furnace though.

ROBERTSUNRUS · 01-31-2011, 11:22 PM

Hi, if anyone knows better, let me know. I have the Yamaha EF2400iS model and shortly after I bought mine, Yamaha came out with the HC model. I asked Wise Sales, "What is the difference between these two generators, since the specs seem to be exactly the same?"

Three things:

(1.) HC lettering on it.

(2.) 3 year warranty instead of 2 year warranty.

(3.) The HC model cannot be paralleled.

TinLoaf · 02-01-2011, 04:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by newroswell

Steve, is that a EF2400iS or the EF2400iSHC with the 4400 watt boost?

I got mine several years ago and it's the plain 2400is model. My a/c is only 13,500 BTU and the generator does the job - at least at this elevation.

I've only tested it running the a/c for an hour or so. Most of my run time is in November and December during deer season when the furnace drains the batteries quickly during the cold nights.

Reliability has been top-notch and it starts on the second pull in single-degree temperatures.

newroswell · 02-01-2011, 08:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ROBERTSUNRUS

Hi, if anyone knows better, let me know. I have the Yamaha EF2400iS model and shortly after I bought mine, Yamaha came out with the HC model. I asked Wise Sales, "What is the difference between these two generators, since the specs seem to be exactly the same?"

Three things:

(1.) HC lettering on it.

(2.) 3 year warranty instead of 2 year warranty.

(3.) The HC model cannot be paralleled.

The fourth:

(4) Large Capacitors that allow it to boost to 4400 watts for 10 seconds.

That was the demo. A large board with dozens of 200 watt bulbs that could be turned on to generate any load you want. You could walk up and add 200 watts or 1000 watts to the load with a flip of another switch. Great way to hear how loud each model was at different loads. You could start at any load and hit it with 4400 watts and it would run right at 10 seconds before the generator's safety would trip.

Dealers can be real ignorant of their products sometimes. Like the Platinum Sponsor Honda dealer at the show. When I walked up, there where several guys asking pretty basic questions and the dealer didn't know if you could run the companion model solo, or really anything else except basic specs. They had no demo at all, they couldn't even run 2x2000's in parallel so you could hear how loud it would be. Even the Boliy Guy had a better demo.

pmclemore · 02-01-2011, 10:31 AM

I guess the demo guys drew the short straw. Heck of a way to try to really sell something, though.

Pat

dstalzer · 02-01-2011, 11:35 AM

I have the Yamaha EF2400iS and have used it with my older 13,500 BTU Coleman in my previous SOB and with the 15,000 BTU Dometic in my A/S running the A/C in summer heat with no problems. When running the A/C, do not try to run anything else though!

Dennis

Naper · 02-01-2011, 12:07 PM

Has anyone tryed a Yamaha 2800. its a little lighter and smaller. Also has longer run time due to larger tank.

2wheelin · 02-01-2011, 12:17 PM

Just a note to all;

Yamaha makes a efi 2800 that puts out 22.5 amps continuous has a 30 amp plug and weighs 68lbs with 62db reading , Honda makes the em 3000 that puts out 25 amps continuous with a 30 amp plug weighs 67lbs with 62db reading. I bought the Honda due to a good craigslist find. Just saying.

Curt