Newbie - generator?? 3K vs two 2k

[annedfriend]

We have a WONDERFUL 2013 25 ft Flying Cloud. We have done several weekend trips and are gearing up for retirement and the BIG trip!! We know we need a generator for the AC! Will a Honda 3000 be enough or do we need two 2000s that tether together?

Thanks everyone for your generous help, opinions and time!!

Chris and DeeDee (19 more work days to go)

[AnnArborBob]

I'm sure that you will be getting a lot of nuanced responses with respect to the 1 X 3K vs. 2 X 2K generators. But, even if you are able to run your particular AC of the 3K genny, consider the weight of getting that thing in and out of your truck (unless you plan to leave it in the truck bed all the time.) For me, the 2 X 2K genny solution makes more sense simply due to the weight issue.

[TinTin]

I would agree that 2x2K is a superior solution, based largely on ease of handling. As well, there will be many occasions (non-AC days) when you will only need to run a single 2K unit.

[robert@honda]

The cost is close, with the pair of EU2000i units a bit more than a single EU3000is.

EU2000i twin set-up
Pros:
• 1,000 extra maximum watts compare to the EU3000is
• Lighter and easier to lift / load
• Only one needs to run if not using A/C system
• Nice to have a spare unit to help others if power goes out at home
Cons:
• A bit more costly than a single EU3000is
• A bit more noisy " " " "
• Shorter run time / small fuel tank..
• Double the maintenance (2 oil changes, 2 air filters, 2 storage prep, etc.)
• Pull-start only

A single EU3000is
Pros:
• Longer run time (3 gallon vs. 0.9 gallon fuel tank)
• Quieter and better "tone" from exhaust
• Electric start with recoil back-up in case of dead battery
• Slightly better fuel economy than EU2
Cons:
• Heavy: 135 lbs. vs. 49 lbs for each EU2
• Wheel kit extra cost
• Battery tender needed if storing more than 90 days

Wash:
Same 3-year warranty
Both use regular unleaded, SAE 10W-30 engine oil
Replacement parts and extensive dealer network across the USA
Easy access to service points (plug, carb drain, air filter, oil drain)
All-aluminum commercial-grade engine, cast-iron cylinder sleeve
Both have been in constant production for 10+ years

If it matters:
• EU2 made at Honda plant in Thailand
• EU3 made at Honda plant in Japan
• Probably 7 out of 10 RV customers prefer the EU2 pair
• EU2 outsells all other Honda models combined
• External fuel tanks (while not Honda approved) are very popular for the EU2. Warranty not void if using one, but if the failure is directly because of the external tank, warranty repairs for that failure are not covered.

[wkerfoot]

Robert,

Thanks for the information. What is Honda's warranty position on propane or dual fuel conversion?

Bill

Originally Posted by robert@honda

...

External fuel tanks (while not Honda approved) are very popular for the EU2. Warranty not void if using one, but if the failure is directly because of the external tank, warranty repairs for that failure are not covered.

[BAB]

I dumped the two 2000's for one EU3000i Handi. I love the new generator. It weighs about 85 lbs, has integrated wheels and handle and easily handled my 15,000 BTU A/C all summer. The 2000's were fine, but I only needed a generator for A/C after installing four 100W solar panels.

[widgetwizard]

Originally Posted by BAB

I dumped the two 2000's for one EU3000i Handi. I love the new generator. It weighs about 85 lbs, has integrated wheels and handle and easily handled my 15,000 BTU A/C all summer. The 2000's were fine, but I only needed a generator for A/C after installing four 100W solar panels.

Ooh look - a Honda 3000 Handi on a prototype LowPro Lockdown....
(and mounted on top of our skinned over-the-propane shelf)

LowPro Lockdown for Honda 3000 handi

Jim

[rodsterinfl]

[QUOTE]Will a Honda 3000 be enough or do we need two 2000s that tether together? [QUOTE]

It all has to do with how much electric you want to run at once. For me and my 25' a single 2400 watt is enough. Your number one power drain is the AC unit. Look up what your unit's compressor and fan require to run in amps and convert it to watts. Then consider the left over and try to not go over 60-70% of capacity in case you want to sleep overnight with the AC running on genset. More important than wattage though, with two gensets you will have more to do (hookup), more to service, and probably more consumption. BUT if you need to move it around much the two might be for you.

Another consideration is the build quality. I have been debated on generator posts about this but I have also checked and confirmed my findings that, Honda, uses metal components and direct drive on their 3000 but not on smaller units where there are belts and critical parts made of plastic. Yamaha does not use belts on the 3000, 2400 0r 2000 watt genets and are direct drive. So, if you go with small duos, I would go Yamaha or go with the best priced 3000 of either Honda or Yamaha. Yamahas do have longer engine life ratings as shown on the EPA sticker and the hours/life rating.


664 days and counting for me!

[PDXAir]

We have a pair of yamaha 2ks. Fred and Ethel.

Super happy with them. Easy to store and move around. Lots of power. Able to only bring one during mild weather.

Bring at least a five gallon gas jug if you are going to run AC. They do get thirsty...

[robert@honda]

Originally Posted by wkerfoot

Robert,

Thanks for the information. What is Honda's warranty position on propane or dual fuel conversion?

Bill

Converting the fuel system does NOT "void the warranty."

Honda will generally pay for any repairs due to factory defects during the normal 3-year warranty period.

If the repairs or problem are directly due to the conversion and not a genuine factory defect, Honda will decline to pay for such repairs. Example: Propane burns hotter than gasoline, and sometimes, the exhaust valve can fail due to the excessive heat. Such a failure would not be covered.

In contrast, any factory defect that is not directly related to the fuel conversion is normally covered. If you convert your EU2 to propane, and the recoil starter breaks, or the Eco-Throttle switch stops working, etc. and those are determined to be factory defects, they would be repaired under warranty.

FYI, any modification of the emission system (which includes fuel conversion) without having the generator's engine re-certified by an EPA-approved lab is considered "tampering" and violates EPA and California ARB regulations. Don't be surprised if a shop refuses to retrofit or modify or service a converted generator; an informed and cautious shop will not take the risks of being finned ($$$) for knowingly violating EPA/CARB regulations. So some shops will not touch a modified generator for this reason, regardless of warranty status.

[robert@honda]

[QUOTE=rodsterinfl;1506657]

Yamahas do have longer engine life ratings as shown on the EPA sticker and the hours/life rating.

The sticker is a certification of expected emissions durability, NOT "engine life." Manufacturers are required to rate how long they expect an small gas engine will remain within emissions guidelines.

So while a manufacturers might state the emissions should remain in spec for XXX hours, this does not imply or promise any kind of warranty of how long the actual engine will last. No small gas engine/generator manufacturer (distributed in the USA) provides any warranty based on engine hours, and there is absolutely no promise of "life span," period.

[PharmGeek]

How loud is two 2k's running you think for a single AC unit running on fan speed high...15k AC unit lets say for example..and compare that noise level to a single 3k unit with the same load?

Also, for say a dometic 15K AC unit ran with fan on high....how many watts is that?

[TinTin]

Originally Posted by PharmGeek

How loud is two 2k's running you think for a single AC unit running on fan speed high...15k AC unit lets say for example..and compare that noise level to a single 3k unit with the same load?

Also, for say a dometic 15K AC unit ran with fan on high....how many watts is that?

The Honda 3000 watt generator will win the decibel war against 2 X Honda 2000 watts. In fact, the Honda 3000 (58dB at load) is slightly quieter than a single Honda 2000 (59dB at load). Running 2 Honda 2000s together would increase this to about 62 or 63 dB, if my logarithms are correct.

The factor that made my decision was weight: the Honda 3000 is not a mobile generator (if you're over 60 that is ). Okay if it stays permanently in the bed of the truck though.

[KJRitchie]

There are two Honda 3000 models. I see a 3000IS (135lb) and 3000I Handi (78lb). The Handi is slightly noisier but it has wheels and is lighter. About the same price as two Honda 2000. I guess the heavier 3000IS is due to electric start and it's bulkier with no wheels.

Kelvin

[PharmGeek]

I think there is something else critical with the IS model ....


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[m.hony]

Fuel injection vs. carbureted maybe?

[PharmGeek]

No - the eu7000 is the only and first fuel injected model

The handi is smaller - less noise reduction - pull start - smaller gas tank

Max db's 65 vs like 60 for the 3000is

The is heavier model buys you less db's, more fuel and longer run time - electric start - and yeah more weight

Or so I've read


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[Nomad518]

I was facing the same decision and I went the two-2K route. Some excellent points have already been made to support this decision. Here's another consideration...I use the Eco setting when running my generators, including when I run the AC. This reduces the engine speed to provide enough power for the demand placed on the units. The AC doesn't draw enough juice to require the generators to run anywhere near their upper limits. The slower run speed reduces the noise levels and reduces fuel consumption. I also like their lighter weight and being able to use the units independently.

[AnnArborBob]

With respect to the point about the relative noise of one 3000 vs. two 2000's has anyone considered that if you are running the two 2000's you are almost certainly running your AC which in and of itself likely negates any advantage of a few less db's with the 3000?

Am I missing something here?

[KJRitchie]

I've seen youTube videos on the EU2000 and EU3000IS. The EU3000IS is really quiet in eco mode. I guess it can't run a 13.5k AC in eco mode so are two EU2000s running in eco mode more quiet than an EU3000 running full throttle when running your AC?

Kelvin