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Wildbill5150 · 06-28-2013, 11:15 AM

I'm relatively new to the trailer community having just bought a AS 2006 25' Classic. I'm interested in buying either a Yamaha or Honda generator for when I go "boondocking".

The ones I'm considering are:
Yamaha EF 2000i Combo
Yamaha 3000i
Yamaha 4500iSE
Honda 2000i Companion
Honda 3000i
Couldn't find a similar Honda model to the Yamaha 4500iSE

Any advise based on your experience is appreciated or if you have any other generators that are reliable and QUIET

Thanks... Wild Bill

**DKB_SATX** · 06-28-2013, 11:37 AM

IMHO, the Honda 3000i (*NOT* "handi") and the Yamaha 3000i are a bit quieter than a pair of the 2000s, and slightly less expensive. However, seeing where you're located, you may do lots of boondocking where AC is not a requirement, so a single 2000 to which you can pair a second one later if you decide you need AC might be a good course of action for you. Unless you have power needs above and beyond the Airstream, you don't need one bigger than the 3ks, but if you find a great deal on a bigger one I guess it would do no harm.

I'm unreservedly happy with my Yamaha EF3000iSEB, but if I lived in a more temperate place I would have bought a smaller generator that I could lift into the truck without assistance. I don't know anyone who's unhappy with any of the generators you listed.

dkottum · 06-28-2013, 12:00 PM

If you don't need air conditioning (and that's an improved camping experience) either of the 2000's will provide all the power you will need, are quiet as generators go, and fairly easy to handle.

The ultimate experience is with solar power when you learn it's capabilities/limitations. We travel in winter months in the southern states, and leave the generator at home since we got solar. Our Airstreams are set up very well to operate on propane and battery power. Love it.

doug k

tkasten · 06-28-2013, 12:46 PM

If you do a forum search you will find much info on these gens.

Bruce B · 06-28-2013, 02:27 PM

We have the Honda 3000i and although heavy, it is much quieter than the Honda 2000i. I like quiet and this generator is simply wonderful! You can't go wrong with a Honda or Yamaha, just make sure you can lift it and at you don't object to the noise. I personally object to the 2000i.....
Bruce

ROBERT CROSS · 06-28-2013, 02:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bruce B

We have the Honda 3000i and although heavy, it is much quieter than the Honda 2000i. I like quiet and this generator is simply wonderful! You can't go wrong with a Honda or Yamaha, just make sure you can lift it and at you don't object to the noise. I personally object to the 2000i.....
Bruce

1db I believe...

Bob

**DKB_SATX** · 06-28-2013, 03:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ROBERT CROSS

1db I believe...

Bob

I think the difference in tone between them makes as much (perhaps more) difference as the actual SPL, because I really do think that sound from either Honda or Yamaha full-sized 3000s is noticeably less intrusive than the sound from a pair of the Honda 2000s, but I've never had occasion for a side-by-side comparison of a single 2000 vs. one of the 3000s.

Bruce B · 06-28-2013, 03:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ROBERT CROSS

1db I believe...

Bob

Only at full load!
My 3000i doesn't even idle up for A/C so the difference is quite remarkable (to me anyway). It may be simply tone though I just know I don't like the 2000's.
Bruce

TBRich · 06-28-2013, 03:53 PM

The Honda 3000s are great machines ... if you can handle the weight and you have room for it. We chose the 2x Honda 2000s because we don't always take both (for AC) and we can lift them in and out of the truck without getting a hernia. It all depends on what you want. You will not go wrong with Honda or a Yamahas no matter how you chose to slice it.

Moflash · 06-28-2013, 04:29 PM

I have two Honda 2000's in series along with a 6 gal fuel tank setup for both units to draw from so they run a long time without refilling.I run my ac ( 15k),microwave,TV etc with these units and I am impressed with these everytime I use them.Light(just 43lbs ea),powerful and quiet.And they are Honda's so reliable and tough.I have heard good things about the Yamaha's also so you cant go wrong with either one.

Pedecanada · 06-28-2013, 04:40 PM

My Yamaha ef2400 runs my air conditioner and light enough to lift in back of truck with one person and has cool looking aluminum frame that goes with trailer. Had mine 4 years with no problem real good unit.

BAB · 06-28-2013, 04:58 PM

There are so many posts on generator selection here on AirForums. I think I read every single one before ending up with the two Honda 2000's. Everyone has different situations in terms of hauling ability, how much weight they want to lift, etc. Since I've never tried out the Yamaha, I can't comment. I can tell you that my 2000's have worked perfectly.

ROBERT CROSS · 06-28-2013, 05:03 PM

Running two generators of any make or db rating will increase the combined level by 3db.

Bob

Wazbro · 06-28-2013, 06:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Moflash

I have two Honda 2000's in series along with a 6 gal fuel tank setup for both units to draw from so they run a long time without refilling.I run my ac ( 15k),microwave,TV etc with these units and I am impressed with these everytime I use them.Light(just 43lbs ea),powerful and quiet.And they are Honda's so reliable and tough.I have heard good things about the Yamaha's also so you cant go wrong with either one.

Since your ac ( 15k),microwave,TV etc still work you must be running those Honda's in parallel not in series (series would give you single pole 240 volt which is not normally used in the US).

streamahead · 06-28-2013, 08:07 PM

I own and use Honda 2000eu's for years.. I think ive seen one not start once. They are extremely reliable and quiet.. I think Honda quality is tough to compete with.. I believe their factory warranty is unlimited use for 3 years.. amazing.
Go Honda. Resale is always better too.

Wildbill5150 · 07-09-2013, 10:00 AM

Does anyone out there have any ideas on security cables and locks to deter theft?

Moflash · 07-09-2013, 10:29 AM

Honda makes hardened steel security handle reinforcements which make it hard to saw thru the handles and steal the units.Reasonably priced.I bought them along with a 15ft security cable that I run thru my trailer bumper and then thru the handles of both units and a round Master Lock.It will slow the thieves down a bit

Moflash · 07-09-2013, 10:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wazbro

Since your ac ( 15k),microwave,TV etc still work you must be running those Honda's in parallel not in series (series would give you single pole 240 volt which is not normally used in the US).

Yes,Honda makes a kit that is very simple for the two units to function together as one.

wolf146 · 07-10-2013, 05:33 PM

I have used the Yamaha 2800i for several years, when I need to use the air conditioner. It is quiet and much lighter than the 3000 watt Honda.
I use a 2000 i watt Honda when I don't need the air. Wolf146

pickerdd · 07-15-2013, 12:41 PM

Yes, the Yamaha 2800i is lighter than the Honda EU3000is (80 lbs vs 130 lbs), but the 2800i unfortunately has no noise reduction insulation. Unless I'm mistaken, the Yamaha 2800i is a construction grade generator. It is also considerable louder than the Honda (65+db for the 2800i and 48+ for the 3000is).

To compare apples to apples we might want to compare the Yamaha 3000isb to the Honda EU3000is. There are several threads debating the benefits of both generators on the forum. The 3000isb weighs in at 150lbs and is rated (by Yamaha) at 53-60 db. I've owned both the Yamaha 3000isb and the Honda EU3000is and both are very fine units. Both are very quiet (all things considered).

I sold the Yamaha because it was heavier that I wanted to carry in a single unit. I'm able to move the Honda around very easily (it has the rear wheel kit installed) and it fits in the airstream (between the twin beds in the dog crate) when I travel. The Yamaha was too heavy for me to lift into the AS by myself.