Honda 3000is vs 2x Honda 2000i

[HighwayRange]

My Eu3000is is a sweet machine. But, it didn't want to run my 14.8K BTU A/C for more than 20 minutes when the generator stopped. It is also very heavy. If you want to leave it in the truck bed, and only have a 13.5K BTU A/C, it would be fantastic. The twin 2000 Hondas seem like a better way to go since I can lift each of them easily, and would only need the combined pair occasionally. The rest of the time, a single 2000 will recharge the battery bank just fine. If we get a 50 Amp coach, then a Honda Eu6500is with remote start, mounted on a hitch at the rear of the trailer would be tempting!

Roy

[DKB_SATX]

Originally Posted by hwyranger

My Eu3000is is a sweet machine. But, it didn't want to run my 14.8K BTU A/C for more than 20 minutes when the generator stopped. It is also very heavy. If you want to leave it in the truck bed, and only have a 13.5K BTU A/C, it would be fantastic. The twin 2000 Hondas seem like a better way to go since I can lift each of them easily, and would only need the combined pair occasionally. The rest of the time, a single 2000 will recharge the battery bank just fine. If we get a 50 Amp coach, then a Honda Eu6500is with remote start, mounted on a hitch at the rear of the trailer would be tempting!

Roy

What kind of AC at what altitude? Were you running the water heater and/or fridge off electricity?

Coleman Mach 15k BTU (for example) says it needs less than 16A running on high, leaving about 900W of headroom for the continuous output of the EU3000is at sea level.

[mefly2]

We have used twin EU2000is / companion with excellent results BUT avoided running the AC and microwave at the same time on both our FC20 and Eddie Bauer 25. We traded in one of the EU2000iS on a EU3000iS ... and have never looked back... the 3000 wide open is nearly the same loudness as ONE of the 2000s at idle! The EU3000 is VERY quiet! We also like the electric start and suggest the 3000 IF you have a place to leave it in one place in your TV as it is truly a job to move it around - even with the wheel kit- due to the weight. However, the two EU2000s were not all that much easier - don't confuse the weight of the 2000 with the weight of the 1000 (check the Honda website for specs on weight and loudness when running as well as fuel consumption).

Our EU3000iS lives in the bed of our TV covered with a topper. We like the 3000 so well that we will likely be trading in our remaining EU2000iS Companion on another EU3000 !!!

Our Honda EU 3000iS powers the AC or the Convection Microwave without incident on our 25 Eddie ... recommend it hands down as the best choice ...YMMV, however.

[nilesrob]

I have both a Honda 3000 and a 2000, both great. The benefits to the 2000 are cost, weight and space. If you bring two 2000's, then the benefits of cost, weight and space are probably a wash.

Clearly the 3000 is quieter, and like others have posted I load the 3000 in the truck bed and never move it again on a trip; love it. The 3000 is always my preferred generator to bring unless really crammed for space or if I am bringing a generator just in case but with no intention of using the air conditioner in the trailer.

[robert@honda]

Honda guy here...

EU2000i (all models) has a 100cc GX-series commercial grade engine, with a diagonal split-block design, aluminum block, cast-iron cylinder sleeve, overhead valve and overhead composite ("plastic") camshaft. It has an internal timing belt and a 3-year warranty. FYI, there is no replacement interval on the timing belt; timing belt failures are extremely rare on this model.
http://powerequipment.honda.com/gene...models/eu2000i

EU3000is has 200cc GX-series commercial grade engine, with a traditional block and cylinder head, cast-iron cylinder sleeve, overhead valve (pushrod design) and metal timing gear and camshaft. It has a 3-year warranty.
Honda EU3000iS Super Quiet Generator – 3000 Watt Inverter Generator

EU3000i (a.k.a. "Handi") is the same as EU3000is but has a smaller 160cc engine and is pull-start only. FYI, the Handi is only 76 lbs and has a magnesium center spar to keep the weight low (but the cost high ).
Honda EU3000i Handi Super Quiet Generator– 3000 Watt Inverter Generator

[HighwayRange]

When I ran the 3000 with the Moho, I only ran the A/C, and it was at 1800' altitude. After 10-15 minutes (I was inside when it stopped) it quit powering the 14.8 BTU A/C and shut down. If I remember correctly, a circuit breaker was tripped somewhere too. The onboard Onan 4000 powers it fine.

[xrvr]

And the Handi 3000 is much louder. Jim

[ILOVESALLY]

I ended up buying 2 x 2000i Hondas I like the versatility of 2 and they are light. I figured it was worth the cost as can I run everything and have confidence in the Hondas lasting a long time.

[xrvr]

The 3000 handi is much louder than the normal 3000. Jim

[xrvr]

The 14.8 is too much for a 3000. Jim

[HowieE]

Originally Posted by hwyranger

When I ran the 3000 with the Moho, I only ran the A/C, and it was at 1800' altitude. After 10-15 minutes (I was inside when it stopped) it quit powering the 14.8 BTU A/C and shut down. If I remember correctly, a circuit breaker was tripped somewhere too. The onboard Onan 4000 powers it fine.

What else was on during this period. The frig on electric? The convertor on? Anything else on 110 volts ac?

[donaal]

I've been a prospective buyer, enjoying the education lurking and finally signed up. This may be a bit off topic, but I'm going to require a generator and what do those of you without trucks do about fuel for them? A single cab pickup doesn't come with the creature comforts we want, a super cab won't fit in the garage and I don't want to drive around in something like a Tahoe or Denali smelling gasoline on a 3 month trip to Alaska. I don't even like coming home with gas for the mower. We're more of the dry camper types and figuring out what to do other things like a shovel is challenging with the very limited outside storage in the trailer.

Thanks,

Al

[DKB_SATX]

Originally Posted by donaal

I've been a prospective buyer, enjoying the education lurking and finally signed up. This may be a bit off topic, but I'm going to require a generator and what do those of you without trucks do about fuel for them? A single cab pickup doesn't come with the creature comforts we want, a super cab won't fit in the garage and I don't want to drive around in something like a Tahoe or Denali smelling gasoline on a 3 month trip to Alaska. I don't even like coming home with gas for the mower. We're more of the dry camper types and figuring out what to do other things like a shovel is challenging with the very limited outside storage in the trailer.

Thanks,

Al

Many people convert their generators to run on propane (or buy them already converted by one of the vendors that supply them that way.)

[TinTin]

Recently found that 2 X EU2000i isn't an option with Canadian Hondas. They never received the necessary safety approvals here, so the EU2000i comes without the necessary connectors. And the EU3000is is a little too tall to fit under most truck tonnes.

Arghh!!

[TinTin]

Whoops, tonnes = tonneaus

[rodsterinfl]

Correction on my posts. Honda generators 2000 and below have a PULLEY system. I shared with my generator selling father about this thread. Here is the info from him.

"the Hondas are using a pulley system to get more out of a smaller engine. That is not a timing belt per se, it would put more of a strain on the engine when a load was on it but make it more efficient when idle. Still, a direct drive is always a better solution. It looks like the two companies have gone about it differently."

Those that posted that Honda does not have a belt are incorrect. Also, you cannot compare a car timing belt to this application. The lifespan rating by the EPA on the generator tells a story too. I made my purchase decision as many of you have; however, that does not mean bias should enter into fact manipulation for any of us. The Honda 3000 does not use a belt but the boost technology relating to motor use is a bog boon for those wanting to run engines. The reason the belt is not mentioned in the manual is because it is not considered a user serviceable item. I believe with the current models and pricing that the Yamahas, purchased new, are a better choice so I share that information. That's all. whoever can make their decision.

Also, any single AC application available can be handled by this 3000 watt model:

EF3000iSEB

3000 watts (+500 watts boost)
Rated AC Output 2800 watts
Rated / Maximum AC Current 23.3 / 25 amps @ 120V
Engine OHV, Air-Cooled, Four-Stroke, Single Cylinder
Displacement 171cc
DC Output 12 amps @ 12V
Ignition System Electric w/Recoil & Auto Decompressor
Overall Length 26.8 in
Overall Width 17.5 in
Overall Height 21.9 in
Dry Weight 154.3 lb
Fuel Tank Capacity 3.4 gal
Continuous Operation at 1/4 Rated Load 19 hr
Noise Level 53 -60 dBA
Warranty 3 Years Limited Warranty

[robert@honda]

FYI:

Direct-Drive Vs. Pulley Drive:
Most modern generators, including all current Honda models, operate under direct drive. The engine crankshaft is directly connected to the moving parts of the generator. Here's an open-frame model that shows the engine and generator bolted directly together:



Really, REALLY old Honda generators (pre 1975) used a belt and pulley design where the engine crankshaft had a drive pulley connected to a belt than turned another pulley on the generator. Here's what it looks like:


I am not aware of any current portable generators (500 - 10,000 watts) that still use a belt-drive design.

Timing Stuff, Gears and Belts
Many small gas engines use a gear on the crankshaft to drive the camshaft. This includes all but a couple of Honda models, which use a toothed timing belt design. It's very similar to the one used in a car engine, but unlike those, the timing belt in a Honda generator is good for the life of the generator, and does not require regular replacement.

Rated "Life" of the Engine and EPA
Small gas engines are subject to EPA and California emissions regulations. Each manufacturer is required to state the expected period of time the engine is expected to maintain legal emissions levels. This is called the Air Index. Here's the chart that describes it:



Notice the "Emissions Durability" column; this the number of hours the engine is expected to provide acceptable levels of emissions. This is not the expected "life" of the engine, just the emissions durability.

No current portable generator manufacturer publishes a "life" specification, period. They all just give you X number of years of warranty, and absolutely no promise or warranty of how long the engine will last.

[Julie-Bob]

I have two Honda 2000 connect them together, I have 4000, enough to run my A/C and then some. Each one weights about 40lbs I can handle them in and out of the truck. When I stop at a road rest area I start only one for the micro oven, TV. The 3000 weighs about 130lbs and only gives you 2800 watts

[Julie-Bob]

One Honda 3000 weight is about 130 lbs, one 2000 is about 40 lbs. I have two 2000 Honda so I can handle them in and out of the truck by myself. If I need a little power, start one, if A-C is needed, start both. When we camp knowing we don't need the A-C we take one.

[Bill M.]

I think 2 Honda 2000's give you 3200 watts.