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SCOTTinNJ · 10-10-2016, 07:29 PM

I bought a Yamaha 2000 not long ago. Haven't used it much but happy with it thus far. It's very quiet and starts easily.

I did consider the Yamaha 2400 but according to Yamaha's website it is not suitable to run a 13,500 btu A/C. I know folks do it. But read the link.

http://www.yamahagenerators.com/Yama...ef2400ishc.htm

NOTE: The EF2400iSHC will NOT run most Air Conditioner units and does NOT have a 30 amp electrical receptacle. Yamahagenerators.com does not recommend purchasing this model to run your Air Conditioner. Please contact Customer Service to help you find the correct size generator for your needs.

urnmor · 10-11-2016, 06:47 AM

I am sure all of the generators recommended will serve your purpose, however, the one thing I strongly recommend that you take into consideration is the weight of the generator. It is a lot easier to lift two small generators from the back of your TV then one big one. Especially as you get older.

7up · 10-11-2016, 07:25 AM

The champion inverter generator 3100 dual fuel will run gas and LP and you'll save $800 and money on the second Honda because you'll only need one.Honda is over rated.Ive been doing some research and am reading good things on champion just as quiet as a Honda.

gypsydad · 10-11-2016, 02:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by urnmor

I am sure all of the generators recommended will serve your purpose, however, the one thing I strongly recommend that you take into consideration is the weight of the generator. It is a lot easier to lift two small generators from the back of your TV then one big one. Especially as you get older.

I agree with you on the weight consideration; I really like the Champion I purchased earlier this summer. I can handle the 1800-2400 Champion at 48 lbs, without much trouble. Two of them would be 98lbs, plus the controller with 30A plug; the Champion Dual Fuel/electric start model, lists at 95 lbs, which I can also handle. If I did not want Dual Fuel, the gas only model is 80 lbs,and is $699 at Costco; $809 on Amazon.

In TX, I will likely use the generator more often for AC so larger unit makes more sense. I keep my generator in back of F150, so weight is not an issue each time I use; just start and plug in. If I were to use 2, I have the extra hassle of 2 gas tanks to keep full, stacking them together, and hooking up each time. (but, each smaller unit would be easier to move, were I to need to move). As for noise, I did download the DB meter (free app) on my cell phone. I compared my Champion 1800-2800 to the Honda 2000 and found the Champion just a tad louder (1-2db), but for 1/2 price, I am fine with the noise. With the larger Dual Fuel 3400 vs the Honda 3000, the Honda was also a little quieter and couple pounds lighter. Again, the cost savings outweighs the small difference in noise for me. I think you could go with any of these including Yamaha, and be fine.

switz · 10-11-2016, 05:36 PM

We have the two companion models of the Honda 2000 series and they are converted to propane only.

When we installed the five hundred watt solar system on the roof of the 23D, we put in the hybrid Magnum MS-3012 inverter/converter. It will draw the necessary additional power from the 300 amp-hour lithium battery to allow one Honda 2000 to start and run the 13,500 BTU air conditioner. We can also run the minimal power draw LED lights and the freon based refrigerator only draws 69 watts, so we can limp along if needed.

So the 2000 watt Honda units are in the 45 pound class to lift which is important as I get older.

We can connect to the trailer propane front outlet with one unit or sometimes bring the spare 30 pound propane bottle in the truck when we take the two units for the big trailer.

switz · 10-12-2016, 08:05 AM

Note that a 3db change in the noise level reflects twice the noise level

dkottum · 10-12-2016, 09:23 AM

I see a strong trend towards at least some solar and enough battery storage capacity to power Airstreams, combined with management of the available power. Heating appliances are a challenge, we don't use them on solar. That's the direction were are headed, and have had success with even a small solar system. It will get larger with a portable panel and we just installed the batteries.

This is probably doable for most Airstreamers with the exception of air conditioning, that requires a generator, an RV park, or traveling/camping in cooler weather.

joshjack · 10-17-2016, 11:37 AM

There's a Champion model out now with a full 50AMP service using the normal RV connector. All the reviews on Walmart.com say it's great but loud. I would expect any of them will be loud except the Honda's. I think it runs about $1000.

switz · 10-18-2016, 07:39 AM

That 50 amp Champion would be great for a job site, but perhaps not so great at a camp ground where the neighbors are so close together..

joshjack · 10-18-2016, 08:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by switz

That 50 amp Champion would be great for a job site, but perhaps not so great at a camp ground where the neighbors are so close together..

Sure, but if you were boondocking in a remote area...

dames7 · 10-18-2016, 09:04 AM

just got a Honda propane from GenConneX.net, propane is better to use.

Echelon73 · 10-18-2016, 09:24 AM

Champion has several inverter generators with a 30A RV plug. They all seem to range somewhere between 2800-3500 watts. I was not aware they made one with a 50A RV plug. Maybe the 50A model is an open frame generator (vs. the quieter closed frame inverter style). My 3400 watt Champion inverter/generator is a little louder than some of the 2000 watt models that I have heard at idle, but seems comparable under load. I rather it be quiet under load as that is more of a realistic measurement for me. It is designed to run propane as sold from the manufacturer and has the built in 30A RV plug. Both are great conveniences. I really like the capability of running my AC off of propane with one generator. I know Yamaha and Honda make great generators, but I really feel like Champion, Powerhorse, and some others are also putting out great generators these days.

55AS · 10-18-2016, 10:17 AM

I bought a lightly used Honda 2000 and converted it to Tri-Fuel using a kit from Century Fuel products. I run it exclusively on propane because I am reluctant to carry gasoline in my truck, dislike pouring liquid fuel into a hot generator and love the fact that a 20 lb LP tank will run the generator for days.
Thanks to my highly efficient split system A/C I can charge batteries and run the entire trailer and A/C at the same time on a single 2000 watt genny.

gypsydad · 10-18-2016, 01:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BambiTex

I bought a lightly used Honda 2000 and converted it to Tri-Fuel using a kit from Century Fuel products. I run it exclusively on propane because I am reluctant to carry gasoline in my truck, dislike pouring liquid fuel into a hot generator and love the fact that a 20 lb LP tank will run the generator for days.
Thanks to my highly efficient split system A/C I can charge batteries and run the entire trailer and A/C at the same time on a single 2000 watt genny.

Help me understand how your running an A/C unit on a 2000W Honda?? Is your A/C a newer 13,500, like is on all the newer AS from 19' to 23' models or is it an older, smaller, A/C unit? I know my neighbor could not get his 2000W to run his A/C as it cycles on/off load was too much for his 2000W gen.

switz · 10-19-2016, 09:18 AM

We are able to run our 13,500 BTU air conditioner on our 2015 23D using a propane only powered single Honda 2,000 watt generator because we have a Magnum hybrid MSH-3012 converter/inverter that will draw the extra energy needed for the air conditioner startup from the 300 amp-hour lithium battery that gets refilled by either the five 100 watt solar panels the roof or the generator after the air container is running.

gypsydad · 10-19-2016, 09:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by switz

We are able to run our 13,500 BTU air conditioner on our 2015 23D using a propane only powered single Honda 2,000 watt generator because we have a Magnum hybrid MSH-3012 converter/inverter that will draw the extra energy needed for the air conditioner startup from the 300 amp-hour lithium battery that gets refilled by either the five 100 watt solar panels the roof or the generator after the air container is running.

Interesting...how long can you run this set up?I know our last 08', 25' had a bank of solar panels (2000W) plus couple "big" 6V batteries and could run that 1500 A/C for 3 hours on its own without any generator...your set up is interesting for sure. Did you post about those batteries? (cost, set up, etc.?) I have been thinking about similar set up...could either get the 3500 Dual fuel Champion ($900) or look at similar set up you have...not sure it would run the 1500 AC?

Buck944 · 10-19-2016, 10:41 AM

I can run my 11 000 btu a/c with my 2000 watts honda generator. I did it in a very hot day last summer in the overflow of a full camping.

1973Argosy · 10-19-2016, 01:18 PM

I've had in order, a Honeywell 2000i, a Honda eu2000, and now a yamaha 2400. My roof top ac is a new coleman Mach series 13500 with heatstrip. The Honeywell could start and run my ac as long as I started before the sun heated up the camper but was louder than was acceptable to me. The Honda could not start my ac even on a cool day but I kept it because it is a little quieter than the 2400. The Yamaha runs my rooftop on cool or heat no matter the temperature, live in alabama and deal with extreme high humidity and temperatures.

jake74 · 10-20-2016, 08:11 AM

My 3000eui Honda pulls my 13,500btu a/c unit with ease. It sips gas and is so very quite. It is very high quality. I looked at all the other brands and thought why try to save a few hundred bucks on something I need to work when I need it.

55AS · 10-20-2016, 08:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gypsydad

Help me understand how your running an A/C unit on a 2000W Honda?? Is your A/C a newer 13,500, like is on all the newer AS from 19' to 23' models or is it an older, smaller, A/C unit? I know my neighbor could not get his 2000W to run his A/C as it cycles on/off load was too much for his 2000W gen.

Unlike roof units, my split system (compressor sits on the tongue) requires no large start up load, just slowly cycles up from 0 to 10 amps, which is the max current draw on Max Cool. It is also extremely quiet. It is a one ton (12,000 BTU) unit but provides plenty of cooling to keep the trailer at 74 degrees even in 95+ outdoor temps.
While dry camping at the ABQ Balloon Fest we ran the A/C along with the 3 stage battery charger, lights, and fridge with all the power coming from the Honda 2000 running on LP.