Generators: two-Suitcased Honda eu2200i v Honda eu3000i

[rspecialk]

I am looking to boondock in a bit of comfort. I have a 50 amp service, 2016 30' classic. The posts I have reviewed have been very positive towards the honda generators. I am interested in opinions of users of both the two suitcased approach of honda eu2200i generators versus a honda eu3000i. I know I will get more capacity with two but I am wondering if it is worth having to fill both and cart too around? There is a model of eu2200i that allows a 30 amp plug in the generator which is nice. They are about the same price. Ideally, I would like to run one AC and the normal amount of appliances. We rarely use the microwave.
Thank you.

[Bill M.]

Those electric start 3000 to 3500 units just sitting in the back of the truck ready to run are awful nice. If you can do it that way.

[JonDNC]

We chose the two smaller generators for two reasons, one is weight, it’s much easier to move the small ones in and out of the bed if not needed for the trip. Also they fit nicely under the cover.

The second is if I don’t need a/c I can run 1 which uses less fuel overall. Not running propane if that matters.

[jaybauman]

I recently went the route of 2 Honda eu2200i generators with a parallel kit. I wanted the simplicity of a single generator, but in the end, I preferred the flexibility and the increased power (3600W vs. 2800W continuous) of the 2 smaller units.

With Easy Start on both AC units, I can run either on a single generator or run both on the generators in parallel--with lots of power to spare. I installed Hutch Mountain tri-fuel conversion kits on the generators, so I can use the propane quick connect on the front of the trailer.

I'm completely happy with my remote power setup, and it performed admirably while boon docking at the Texarkana Info Center last weekend in extreme heat and humidity overnight. What works for me isn't necessarily the best choice for you. My advice is to figure out your system requirements based on what you want it to do, and then spec out the system that does exactly that.

[mikeinca]

Originally Posted by JonDNC

We chose the two smaller generators for two reasons, one is weight, it’s much easier to move the small ones in and out of the bed if not needed for the trip. Also they fit nicely under the cover.

The second is if I don’t need a/c I can run 1 which uses less fuel overall. Not running propane if that matters.

Ditto.

There are cooler times of the year when I know I won't be needing AC but might need one generator for other reasons. It's nice to be able to bring along a smaller unit.

[Mollysdad]

I chose the Honda EU3000is because of low noise, large fuel tank (4.6 gal), and reliability. The smaller 20000's are nice but why deal with two oil changes, two gas fills (less that a gallon) and manual start?
If I didn't love my Honda I'd think seriously about the Champion 3500 with key fob start.

[mikeinca]

Originally Posted by Mollysdad

The smaller 20000's are nice but why deal with two oil changes, two gas fills (less that a gallon) and manual start?

Well, for the reasons listed in the 3 posts above yours! And given that the 2000's can run for 8 hours on a single tankful of gas (depending on load) refilling isn't a hardship.

Anyway, it's a matter of getting the right generator for your specific needs so TEHO. Bottom line, a Honda is a great choice in either size.

[Kentbrookin]

I have a 30 classic and with one EU2200 I can run either AC, frig, a fan and all my 12V lights. Convertor off. Converted to propane. Running a test right now to see how long one gallon of propane will last.

[DCPAS]

Originally Posted by Kentbrookin

I have a 30 classic and with one EU2200 I can run either AC, frig, a fan and all my 12V lights. Convertor off. Converted to propane. Running a test right now to see how long one gallon of propane will last.

Sorry if this is a stupid question, but how do you turn off the converter? If you do turn it off running on your generator, are your 12v lights running off your batteries?

[gypsydad]

Last summer, we tested the Honda 2200 with propane conversion with our 28' AS both 15000 and 13000 AC's, individually, without the Easystart and then again with the Easystart installed on the 15000 AC. The 13000 ran fine without the Easystart; the 15000 struggled a bit without the Easystart, but did run/cycle at 6000 feet. I don't use the AC much in the summer as we are in the Rockies...when we do use the AC, one does just fine to cool down the AS; just takes a bit longer. Now, in the southern states, 2 AC's are very nice to have to cool down, before switching to just one AC...in that case, 2 Honda's would be nice. My point is, really depends on where you are going to camp and if you need 2 AC's...one Honda 2200 with propane would be my first choice and at least one Easystart on the 15000 AC unit. Less weight then 2 units, no gas to carry, and overall easier to store/move around.

[coasttocoast]

I would also consider Yamaha. I have two running in parallel. Everyone has already stated the pros and cons. At the time I bought them, Yamaha had better features.

[EricF]

I had the bigger one and I could lift it from the ground to the truck bed. Now I can’t do that anymore. Thus I now have the smaller ones.

[Kentbrookin]

Originally Posted by DCPAS

Sorry if this is a stupid question, but how do you turn off the converter? If you do turn it off running on your generator, are your 12v lights running off your batteries?

My trailer has a circuit breaker for the converter and yes lights are actually running off battery and solar.

[greenflag]

I use two Honda 2000 series. I considered the 3000 series. The weight of the larger ones was too much for me to lift in the bed by myself. Plus as stated in a previous post the 2000 series fits under most covers.

[JonDNC]

Originally Posted by coasttocoast

I would also consider Yamaha. I have two running in parallel. Everyone has already stated the pros and cons. At the time I bought them, Yamaha had better features.

Me too (2 x 2200) tried not to bring up brand in my earlier response. Only downside I have found is they haven’t formalized a propane conversion for the 2200.

[KC5ME]

I have used both the 3000is and dual 2200 Honda's. In order to close my tonneau cover, with the 3000, I had to take the wheels off the unit. The plus to the 3000 is electric start. The dual 2200 fit under the tonneau with no issue and also use a 6 gal extended run tank when boon docking. Run both in parallel to support a single AC. Plan on installing Easy Start so I only need one generator for AC. BTW I have a 2020 Classic with dual AC units.

[JohnTF]

All the answers are numbers , these are approximate .
2000 genset is about 16-1800 watts , 2K watts surge ---- do not count on using extremes/max rate to cover .
A 1500 btu AC unit takes 3750 watts to start , now what else are you going to be running when the AC is on - just simple math add the numbers against loads .
Most of the time these questions come up , and most people do not use simple addition & subtraction ?

[TravisH]

I've been struggling with what to do....

I have a 50 amp FC and would like to run at least one AC. Easy Start an option BUT not free and I'm not filled with self confidence to self install. SO it'd cost me ~$500 to install one ES or about $900 for both.... Or spend a bit more and get a second EU2200i.....

Can't decide....

Trav

[lsbrodsky]

Originally Posted by TravisH

I've been struggling with what to do....

I have a 50 amp FC and would like to run at least one AC. Easy Start an option BUT not free and I'm not filled with self confidence to self install. SO it'd cost me ~$500 to install one ES or about $900 for both.... Or spend a bit more and get a second EU2200i.....

Can't decide....

Trav

If this helps you, I have to believe that the reduced starting current(no big clunks either) and additional smart protection for the compressor will extend the life of your AC unit. Of course, Dometic stuff is not high quality to begin with and plenty of people have had refrigerant loss with no available method to recharge. But my message is that I think Easy Starts are good for your AC units.
Larry

[pteck]

Originally Posted by JohnTF

All the answers are numbers , these are approximate .
2000 genset is about 16-1800 watts , 2K watts surge ---- do not count on using extremes/max rate to cover .
A 1500 btu AC unit takes 3750 watts to start , now what else are you going to be running when the AC is on - just simple math add the numbers against loads .
Most of the time these questions come up , and most people do not use simple addition & subtraction ?

You are talking in generalities and quite off base with respect to the Honda. Let's save this for another thread.