(2) Honda 3000's in parallel?

[Snedwid]

In reviewing older threads, it appears that a Honda 3000 will carry the AC, but not much more while (2) Honda 2000's will carry the AC, microwave, reefer and some lights. It seems to this newbee that it might be wise to use (2) Honda 3000's wired in parrallel and have more than enough wattage for whatever load jumps up. Is this reasonable?

[TBRich]

Welcome to the forums!

This is reasonable. Some folks prefer the 3000w, but it is heavy and hard to manage. Besides the fact that the combined power of two 2000w is more than the 3000w the two 2000w generators are more flexible because they are lighter ... and when you don't need AC you don't need to carry the 2nd one... All the Hondas are quiet, so that's not an issue.

So far we have one Honda 2000w .. waiting to see if we really need a 2nd for our camping patterns. Glad we went this route.

Happy camping!

[wahoonc]

I don't believe that the Honda 3000's can be hooked together without some serious homebuilt wiring. The 2000's are designed to be hooked together, and you can buy the kit for it from Honda. I have seen one of the Honda 6500w quiet run generators and it is awesome...heavy, but still a real powerhouse and it sell for less than two 3k ones will.

Aaron

[HiHoAgRV]

Instead of 2 x 3000 I'd go with a single 6500 W Honda inverter. I bought one at work and it's silent...and friggin heavy.

Honda EU6500is Generator
6500 Watt Inverter Generators
Super Quiet! 52-60dB!
Electric Start with Recoil Back Up
120 and 240 Volt output

[henw]

Many late model AS's cannot handle the AC and microwave running at the same time no matter the power source.

[HiHoAgRV]

Originally Posted by henw

Many late model AS's cannot handle the AC and microwave running at the same time no matter the power source.

But ya can run both AC units at the same time....

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f205...tml#post839907

Oh, everyone doesn't have 2 AC units?

Seriously, you are correct. Unless somebody takes the time and effort to rewire for 50A, a big-o-genset might be overkill

[2airishuman]

2x3000 isn't reasonable.

besides the limitation will still be a 30 AMP plug on the stream...

2x2000 is easy and with the newer model (companion) of 2000s...

3x2000 is possible IF u really need 6000 watts for some reason.

but the 30 amp connection is still the issue.

IF the trailer is wired for 50 amps (not likely) then one could apply 6000 watts of genset.

(combining getset output and with a fancy smancy adapter for 50 amps)

3x2000 provides a LOT of flexibility since they can split up and spread around...

even on SHORE POWER (30 amp) running the ac, fridge, microwave AND water heater all at the same time...

is gonna trip breakers...

it appears the OP is considering a 23 footer?

if that's true, ONE yamaha 2400 may be adequate for the sized AC on that unit.

likewise for the 3000 w 'handi' model from honda.

and 2x2000 watts WILL run everything on a 23 foota without issues.

cheers
2air'

[TBRich]

Oops...I thought you meant two 2000w generators in parallel...that's the standard... I somehow missed that you were asking about two 3000w generators... Duh. Sorry.

[Foiled Again]

The 2000 weighs about 58 lbs, the 3000 weighs 158 if I remember correctly! If you're going to carry 2 times that for A/C and all of the comforts of home - why not just stay HOME!

The 3000 Handi is much lighter.

I live in HUMID HOT Eastern Virginia - and when I boondock, I turn on the two fantastic fans and do without A/C.... (Of course the truth is that I DON'T boondock during high summer near the ocean.) Go up into the mountains and the temperature drops some. Do take a bit of time to make sure you NEED the generator(s). You're spending serious money for something you might like to have but don't need. Of course we've had many weather events where our office generator (a Honda 13000) and our battery backups have saved the day and the food in the reefer!

Paula

[Globie64]

We have a Honda 3000 and connect it to a big plug and switch thing on our house, for when the power (regularly) goes out. It runs our home Fridge, 60000btu forced heat fan, 1/3hp septic pump, various lights and dvd all at once, when the power is out. Granted, the motors don't all cycle on at once, but I was amazed at how the gen handled all the stuff, watching the gauges on the switching panel in the basement.

[Wayne&Sam]

I think you should go for the two 3000's. Then post your itinerary so we can all follow you around and plug in. Free power on Snedwid!!

[Snedwid]

Hi all and Tnx for all the advice. From what's been said, I don't think my idea of (2) 3k's is very bright. (2) of the 2k's or the Yamaha 2400 may be the way to go. However, it seems agreed that the 30 amp plug is a design deficiency, Shouldn't it be proper to run all the standard equipment without tripping a breaker on overload? Is this a common fault with most RV's or is it a quirk of the AS FC23FB?

reference:
HenW, "Many late model AS's cannot handle the AC and microwave running at the same time no matter the power source."

HiHoAgRV, "Seriously, you are correct. Unless somebody takes the time and effort to rewire for 50A, a big-o-genset might be overkill."
2airishuman, "even on SHORE POWER (30 amp) running the ac, fridge, microwave AND water heater all at the same time...is gonna trip breakers..."

[utee94]

I run everything off one Honda 3000is Handi, it's plenty. If I need to use the microwave, I briefly turn off the A/C. But it can run the A/C and every light in the trailer if I choose, at the same time.

The Yamaha 2400 might also be a choice for you, but for my 15K BTU Carrier AirV low-profile A/C, the specs were close enough to being on the edge I chose to go with a 3000 unit.

Two 2000s in parallel is also a good solution and provides flexibility.

[ZoominC6]

As novices we started out with a Yamaha 3000 and then moved to the two Hondas linked and ran them both connected to an aux fuel tank so as not to have to fill up the units constantly. We also found it necessary to briefly turn off the AC when firing up the microwave like the previous poster. No problem there. The Yamaha is a great unit with low hours and FOR SALE .

[2airishuman]

Originally Posted by Snedwid

... it seems agreed that the 30 amp plug is a design deficiency, Shouldn't it be proper to run all the standard equipment without tripping a breaker on overload?...

depends on WHAT the standard equipment is on the trayla...

not all units have a microwave, and some have ONE way water heaters or SMALL fridges.

while 50 amp connections are standard on big mohos and some big 5ers...

most travel trailers are 30 amp.

most rv parks have 30 amp.

some have 50 and 30.

there are many places where a 50 amp trailer would still only have access to 30 amp power.

rv parks often charge MORE for 50 amp connections...

most rvs and especially 'streams are a compilation of compromises.

light weight stuff, occasional use stuff, adequate utilities (if one is careful) and limited water supplies.

wiring/breakers in an rv are somewhat like HOUSE wiring...

generally with smaller capacity breakers (15/20/30 amps) and without 240V power.

many RV appliances can be run on gas or electricity and some of d'stuff does better on gas (fridge, water heater, cooktop, furnace)
__________

IF u r totally new to rv'n it might be wise to delay buying accessories till you sort out more of the issues.

otoh that's another one of the nice things about starting with ONE 2000...

it will do almost everything rv related and can be expanded later, IF the need develops.

IF u plan to summer camp in flo' cold air will be important, but there aren't many BOONDOCKING spots in flo'...

so hookups will be at hand in most of the commercial and state campgrounds so that AC can chill...

cheers
2air'

[dlennie]

I have the Yamaha EF2400is and it is more then I need. It will carry my A/C all day long without missing a beat. It is light enough to move around and quite. My dad had the Honda 2000 and this will smoke it. It has a built in high surge output designed to start a 13,500btu RV air conditioner.

[r carl]

Originally Posted by dlennie

I have the Yamaha EF2400is and it is more then I need. It will carry my A/C all day long without missing a beat. It is light enough to move around and quite. My dad had the Honda 2000 and this will smoke it. It has a built in high surge output designed to start a 13,500btu RV air conditioner.

Ya, and the Honda 3000 will smoke the Yamaha.

[Gentech]

the honda 3000 are not parallelable, only the 2000,s

[wmarsha]

sorry, gentech, but honda 3k's will operate in parallel. matter of fact, just got a flyer from camping world on hondas...shows all kinds of parallel cables/kits, all it takes is $.
But, 2 3k's is a lot of extra stuff whereas the 6.5k will do whacha want. Onan made a TON of 4k units that are all over craigslist for cheap. gasoline, propane or Mr. Methane-louder, heavier, than the 2-2k hondas; probably louder, but lighter than a full-on 3k honda.
pay your $; make your choice
ol' bill
just chkd ptld, or cl and there are 3 4k onan for $350 to 750; a 6.5 diesel for $1k and even a 10k unit yikes! all cheaper than Hondas. must be loud, hey?

[r carl]

Originally Posted by Gentech

the honda 3000 are not parallelable, only the 2000,s

My Honda 3000 can be, it has the parallel receptacles.