Which size Honda generator - eu2000 or eu3000?

[Lufetarg]

I recently purchased a 1978 Trade Wind. I will be camping mostly where there are no electrical hookups but only for a few days at a time. The new marine batteries should power my lights and water pump throughout these short trips.

I am interested in purchasing a Honda generator to run the 13,500 BTU air conditioner during the summer and as a general on board power backup. I am quite partial to Honda generators so for the purpose of this thread, I will be referring only to the two models for which I am trying to decide; eu2000i and eu3000i. The price and weight differences between these two models is almost double. An extra $1,000 and an extra 80 lbs.

The Honda website states that only the eu3000 is large enough to power our AC but I have heard stores from a reputable source that the eu2000 can power this AC alone.

So to my questions: Will the eu2000i power my AC unit? Is this an adequate size for my minimal needs or must I upgrade?

Thank you in advance for your feedback.

[moosetags]

We use two Eu2000's in tandem to run our A/C unit. A single 2000 will not handle the A/C. A single 3000 will also do the job, but it's pretty heavy. I like the versatility of the two 2000's. If we're not using the air, I can use a single 2000. These work very well for us. We use a 6 gallon auxiliary fuel tank the feed them.

Brian

[wahoonc]

Originally Posted by moosetags

We use two Eu2000's in tandem to run our A/C unit. A single 2000 will not handle the A/C. A single 3000 will also do the job, but it's pretty heavy. I like the versatility of the two 2000's. If we're not using the air, I can use a single 2000. These work very well for us. We use a 6 gallon auxiliary fuel tank the feed them.

Brian

This is my system also. IMHO the best way to go, you always have a backup. With a single generator you have no backup if something goes wrong.

Aaron

[Wayne&Sam]

I think mostly because it can idle more and run slower in most circumstances, the 3000 is incredibly quiet. Noticeably more quiet than a 2000 (which doesn't exactly scream). But you do need to consider where you can transport it.

[DKDarrow]

There are several reasons to go with the 3000. We probably have 800 hours on the one we use to power our Excella. It runs a 15K heat pump/AC with NO problems. TV, computers for video editing, and even a hair dryer running cause NO issues. Kicking in the microwave which is a big one causes a problem; but for us is seldom used so we just turn off the heat pump/AC for that time without turning off anything else.

Yes, it is quieter to run a 3000, actually less gas than running 2 2000's, no wiring hassels having to bridge the 2 units, more to carry for the 2 units, on and on.

Yes, the 3000 is heavier. It's all kind of relative and just another problem to solve. Finding somebody to help tote it is my usual trick. Wheels, a ramp, and for some a winch to get it in and out of the truck is used by some. For me, I often just leave it in the truck with the camper shell and run it from there.

Whatever you do...............CHAIN it to something permanent when it is in sight by anyone. We use a motion detector alarm on ours which has saved it at least twice that I know of at 2AM.................

God Bless..........Dennis

[Bluto]

Dennis,
Can you supply us with some info on the motion sensor you use? Maybe a site and part number or name? I'm looking into ways to prevent theft of my 2 generators when I have to have them in the open at night. Also looking into some kind of screaming cable lock. Maybe a combination of the two deterents will be enough to give me time to wake up and address the problem when it happens.

[Pudentane]

Yes, Please - info on the motion sensors and alarms. Thanks.

[53flyingcloud]

Originally Posted by Bluto

Dennis,
Can you supply us with some info on the motion sensor you use? Maybe a site and part number or name? I'm looking into ways to prevent theft of my 2 generators when I have to have them in the open at night. Also looking into some kind of screaming cable lock. Maybe a combination of the two deterents will be enough to give me time to wake up and address the problem when it happens.

Dennis..
Whatever info you might have to share, I would be thankful.
ciao
53FC

[Bluto]

I also forgot to add some info I found which was for the alarm locks. The site is alarmlocks.com They have that screaming cable lock I mentioned above.

[Ahab]

Originally Posted by Lufetarg

I recently purchased a 1978 Trade Wind. I will be camping mostly where there are no electrical hookups but only for a few days at a time. The new marine batteries should power my lights and water pump throughout these short trips.

I am interested in purchasing a Honda generator to run the 13,500 BTU air conditioner during the summer and as a general on board power backup. I am quite partial to Honda generators so for the purpose of this thread, I will be referring only to the two models for which I am trying to decide; eu2000i and eu3000i. The price and weight differences between these two models is almost double. An extra $1,000 and an extra 80 lbs.

The Honda website states that only the eu3000 is large enough to power our AC but I have heard stores from a reputable source that the eu2000i can power this AC alone.

So to my questions: Will the eu2000i power my AC unit? Is this an adequate size for my minimal needs or must I upgrade?

Thank you in advance for your feedback.

The eu2000i runs our model Carrier Air V 13500 AC made in 2007 just fine. I too heard the same stories but became convinced when I saw the local Fire Department was using one to power the AC in their informational trailer. The outside temp was 98°, kids were in and out and the door left open, it ran without a quiver. Apparently the newer AC's have a more efficient starting system but older models are questionable.

[Wabbiteer]

IF you ever are camping at higher elevations remember the power output drops 3-4% per 1000' above sea level plus running rich w/ plug fouling, diluting piston/cylinder oil film & generally using more fuel than necessary starts happening above 3000 foot elevation...

Since the air gets thinner and there is less oxygen that 1600W rated (13.3A) resembles 1320w and 10.9A at Denver elevations and 1150w and 9.5A once you get up to 8,000 feet - then comes the running rich scenarios on top of that.

Yes its true you may not need AC at those elevations - just 'illuminating' another benefit of the 3000 vs.2000 models for a serious full-timer...

EDIT: re-jetting the carburetor to reduce the fuel flow rate at higher elevations for extended 'visits' (years?) is possible on both models, if you want to full-time above 4000 feet or so it'd be worth your time (remember $5 a gallon gas anyone?) ... but you MUST remember to replace original jets when you go back down hill!!

http://www.planopower.com/store/honda/eu2000i.shtml
http://www.planopower.com/store/honda/eu3000is.shtml

[featherbedder]

When I go to alarmlocks.com comes up some financial redirect site nothing to do with locks, tried 4 times same result maybe some more info please. farmer bill

[overlander63]

Originally Posted by farmer Bill

When I go to alarmlocks.com comes up some financial redirect site nothing to do with locks, tried 4 times same result maybe some more info please. farmer bill

Alarm It Cable Locks

[enduroryda]

We purchased the Eu3000....wish we opted for the 2 Eu2000's with the parallel. I think we have used the 3000 twice since purchasing it 3 years ago. It fires up the AC no problem. The thing is a bear to lug around.

[rollingbubel]

Very interesting thread. I have been interested in purchasing a generator. I am curious if there are any other brands that the forums suggests. Also what is the price for a 2000 vs the 3000?

[nunya001]

I am also close to purchase and am between the 3000 + 2x2000 - If I can run from the bed of my truck mostly I'd be fine with the 3000.

J-

[ts8501]

Check out this thread. Includes Yamaha 2400 and 3000.
http://www.airforums.com/forums/f448...0-a-19725.html

[Bluto]

Originally Posted by overlander63

Alarm It Cable Locks

Thanks for giving the correct site info for everybody. I must have dozed off in the middle of posting.

[DKDarrow]

Hey Guys.......SORRY for the delay in getting back about the wireless alarm system that we use.
The link is:
Dakota Alert. Wireless Alarms Security Equipment for the home, acreage, farm and business.

I cannot support these folks highly enough. Try to deal with the factory themselves as they are flat out great people. Honest and fair. Had to have one of our units repaired and they even updated it with NO problems.

For a a couple of years we used the 110V reciever with adapter for when we had hookups and a 12V to the required adapter when dry camping. NOW we have the:
Dakota Alert. Wireless Alarms Security Equipment for the home, acreage, farm and business. which works GREAT.

Placement of the transmitter box is painless. The biggest problem when doing this is figuring out where it wont pick up back ground movement. Most often now adays I just put it on the ground under the trailer pointed at the generator or the general area outside of the trailer.............Anyway, works for me with emphasis on WORKS............God Bless........Dennis

[fltlevel510]

I just attended the Sun n Fun Airshow in Lakeland, Fl where Honda had a huge display of generators and other Honda equipment. They had on display a new 3000w inverter unit that weighs right at 50lb, max noise 58db and according to the rep on site the ability to run a 13500btu air conditioner. This case and controls are very similar, almost exactly, the same as the eu2000. However it does not have a starter and battery like the eu3000. The suggested retail price is $2100. They were selling the units at the airshow but I was told that mass distribution to dealers would not be until latter in the summer.