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Jukeboxfun · 01-11-2016, 04:01 PM

I would like to buy a pair of the Honda 2000 generators with parallel connection. I have a single 15,000 btu AC so I need enough juice for that. The Hondas would do a great job but are so very expensive! I am considering a single Champion 3100 from Costco instead. Opinions?

Champion 2,800W Running / 3,100W Peak Digital Inverter Gas Generator (CARB-50 State compliant)

tjdonahoe · 01-11-2016, 04:11 PM

I don't think it has enough watts, especially on a hot day...

kscherzi · 01-11-2016, 06:23 PM

A few Airstream owners say that a Yamaha EF2400ISCH can start and run a late model 15,000 BTU AC.

TinShack · 01-11-2016, 07:34 PM

The description says it's powerful enough to start a 15,000 btu AC, wonder about higher altitudes though. My question is with the decibel rating of 58. Generally that rating is specified as a range based on load or whether it's running in eco-mode or not. For the Honda 2000i that range is 53 to 59 decibels measured a 9 feet from the control panel side of the Generator. So is the Champion Db rating of 58 (at 23 feet) at load or running in eco-mode?

At that price, I think I would be tempted to buy it and try it. Costco has a good return policy if it doesn't work out.

Lumatic · 01-11-2016, 07:51 PM

2 Honda 2000s will run a 13.5 AC but a 15k may be pushing it.

Lumatic · 01-11-2016, 07:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jukeboxfun

I am considering a single Champion 3100 from Costco instead. Opinions?

Check out the decibels and the weight and compare them to the Hondas.

The Honda "companion" generator may be more useful than the non companion because it has a 30 amp plug. When I just need one benny that is the one I bring.

CRH · 01-11-2016, 08:26 PM

I plan to buy one of those Champion inverters this year. I recently saw a man using one with his RV. He was running his 15k btu air with no problem. It was plenty quiet for my needs.

As far as Champion goes. I have a 4000 watt at my house. It starts first pull. I have used it during power outtages. I have a 1800 at another piece of property that I use 2-4 times a month for 4-7 hours at a time to run lights. I have had it right at 3 years. I have had zero troubles.

Mrjkq · 01-11-2016, 08:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lumatic

2 Honda 2000s will run a 13.5 AC but a 15k may be pushing it.

Woooow here! 4000 KW parellel will definitely run a 15 AC unit!

TG Twinkie · 01-11-2016, 08:52 PM

I have two 2,000 watt Yamaha generators. I chose the Yamaha over Honda because the parallel cable has a 30 amp RV female connection. Just plug in your Shore Power cord. No twist lock to RV adaptor required.

Gsmblue · 01-11-2016, 11:23 PM

I have the champion 3100w remote start. Runs 15k AC fine. Worked at ~6500ft no problem, even started from inside the trailer with the remote on a cold 20f morning without the choke!

I am very happy with it. Got about 20 hours on mine in 12 months and it is barely broken in!!

KJRitchie · 01-12-2016, 09:39 AM

I don't think I could lift a 3100watt generator into my Ram 2500. That would be the only issue I have with this size. The remote start model of the Champion 3100 is about 13lbs heavier than the non remote start model. This model is probably around 100lbs when fueled up.

I would like to take the generator to my Airstream storage occasionally but I can't keep the generator in the truck all the time.

While I don't think I would like to dry camp where its so hot you need to run a generator all day it would be nice not to have to mess with two small generators in parallel.

Kelvin

Getaways · 01-12-2016, 10:21 AM

If you go with the pair of Hondas, look up Mayberrys online. Their package deal for the two includes the parallel cables and is about $100+ cheaper than on Amazon.

jtwind · 01-12-2016, 10:26 AM

As usual you get what you pay for, I've a couple of honda generators, one 200o watt is7 year sold, still operates like new. There is a reason Honda's are the ones others are always compared to.

AirstreamPDX · 01-12-2016, 10:32 AM

Harbor Freight has their 2500/2200 genny on sail right now with coupon for $399. It is what it is.

Inverter Generator - 4.7HP, 2500W Inverter Generator

Ok. Begin Sinophobia now...

Bill M. · 01-12-2016, 10:39 AM

2000 watt generators out out 1600 watts. So 2 Hondas make 3200 watts. The companion does have a 30 amp receptacle but it is a Honda plug and you still need a $30 adaptor to plug the trailer into it.

Photobum · 01-12-2016, 10:43 AM

Champions are loud!

And I run two Hondas at 8,000 feet in the summer with no problems...

Rgentum · 01-12-2016, 10:49 AM

Being in the same position as you are now, I bought two of the 1800 watt Champions plus their attachment that lets you combine them into one 30 amp RV socket. The 1800 watt units, at approx 50 lbs, are heavy enough for me; I doubt I could lift the 3000 watt unit you're considering into the bed of my pickup. Maybe you're just a lot younger & stronger than I am at age 73, Gunga Din. BTW I've had no problems at all with the 1800 watt Champions; they start easily & just keep on running, reasonably quietly. I would have like to have bought two of the 1800 watt Hondas (or Yamahas), but they cost approx. twice what I paid for the Champions, & so far, the Champions have worked out for me.

markdoane · 01-12-2016, 10:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TinShack

The description says it's powerful enough to start a 15,000 btu AC, wonder about higher altitudes though. My question is with the decibel rating of 58. Generally that rating is specified as a range based on load or whether it's running in eco-mode or not. For the Honda 2000i that range is 53 to 59 decibels measured a 9 feet from the control panel side of the Generator. So is the Champion Db rating of 58 (at 23 feet) at load or running in eco-mode?

At that price, I think I would be tempted to buy it and try it. Costco has a good return policy if it doesn't work out.

For comparison, a single Honda EU2000i will put out 45 dB at 23 ft and 50% throttle. Thats alot quieter, although for just 1/2 the rated power.

greenflag · 01-12-2016, 11:02 AM

I purchased two Honda 2000's in 2007. They have served me well over the years. I decided on them because they weigh only about 45 pounds each. I can lift them into the bed of my truck without help. No negative issues thus far. keep the gas fresh and drain the carbs when done.

WindyJim · 01-12-2016, 11:25 AM

I have an older Yamaha 2800 watt inverter generator (10 years old) and I will sometimes, repeat sometimes, have to open the circuit breaker to the converter (as it can draw as much as 600 watts), then hook up the generator, then start the air conditioner (A/C). After the A/C is running then I close the breaker for the converter. It is just the initial starting surge of the A/C that is sometimes the problem. Oddly, subsequent cycling of the A/C on and off doesn't trip the generator out on overload.

10 years ago is when Yamaha came out with the 2400 watt inverter generator, and it was the same unit as the 2800 except with more sound insulation. My 2800 is quieter than a cheap generator, but louder than I would like it to be.

I purchased this unit 10 years ago when I had a smaller Airstream with a smaller A/C.