Honda EU3000is Generator

[moosetags]

We have just traded our two trusty 8 year Honda EU2000 generators on a three year old Honda EU3000is generator. We plan to mount the 3000 in the left rear corner of our Silverado and install a truck topper. We would like to run the generator inside the truck.

We are looking for suggestions on venting out the generator's exhaust. We have looked on-line at a venting system for the EU3000. It's a plastic cover for the exhaust area with a clothes dryer pipe on it. It costs $200 which seems like a bunch for what it is.

We are hoping that someone here on the Forums has an alternate solution.

Brian

[glcmranger]

How about getting a Tri-Fuel Propane Conversion Kit from USCARB. Then, get right fittings for quick disconnects, have a 12 foot hose, then you can plug into your Propane Grill connection..... no need to lug gasoline around.

[moosetags]

Even if I did go over to LP, I would still need to vent outside.

Brian

[cwf]

We have used 'flex' stainless steel flex duct to direct exhaust where we want it to go.

Here is a source... I am sure there are others... but it is an option in that you can flex to where you desire... and change without welding or major rework..

http://www.mcmaster.com/#flexible-metal-tubing/=122fxni

Insulate the pipe and you can reduce noise significantly... you could also duct out the bed of the truck... and connect to an automotive muffler... it can really reduce noise... if that is a concern..

[Bluto]

I know that Onan offers extended exhaust pipes and fittings for their generators. Maybe they have parts that would work for your Honda setup or something close that can be modified to fit. If you buy their small dia. pipe you can get it bent anyway you want at a muffler shop.
Onan may even let you go through their parts in person at one of their shops.

[Firedog1]

I have a slide in my truck bed, just slide it out 2 feet and run generator. the only issue is security i usually won't use it in an area I am concerned with security due to back of truck exposed

[polarlyse]

I have a Honda 3000 also and have been pondering the same exhaust venting issue. With my older Honda contractor generator I simply welded a union on the exhaust pipe and put a stainless steel flexible hose on that I could run to the outside. Worked great but I don't see how I can do the same thing with the smaller 3000. Still pondering this myself.

[Walts0731]

Have the 3000i as well and it lives year round under my Trifecta soft tonneau cover on my 2011 Duramax. I made a simple frame from two by sixes to secure it in the left rear corner of the box. I simply open the tailgate and flip one section of the tonneau cover forward and run the genny. My unit has the Honda wheel kit and if I was concerned about the heat from exhaust/cooling fan air I could also roll it back a foot or so onto the tailgate so that it would clear the edge of the folded tonneau cover. Have run it without moving it back in 90 degree heat and 20 degree nights and the tonneau cover material shows no ill effects from the heat output. If you run it under a topper the only concern that I would be worried about would be to ensure a good supply of fresh air. If the topper has sliding windows in the side I would ensure they are open, then roll it back a bit onto the tailgate This would also protect the genny on days that it is raining as the upper door of the topper will stop most of the precipitation from falling directly on to the generator. These are great units, quiet and reliable, easy on fuel, and if maintained properly with lots of oil changes and regular air filter maintenance will outlast the most of us !!!


Walter

[nilesrob]

Brian, I keep a 3000 in the back of my F250 and never move it once it is loaded. It sits in the truck bed under a cap (Leer), with Windoors which I open on either side for venting. Works like a champ.

[moosetags]

I have been pondering all of this, and have some thoughts. I am thinking that I can run the generator under the topper with a Fantastic fan in the ceiling of the topper to remove the generator's exhaust. I am also thinking that I can run the generator while underway with the Airstream plugged in to it. That way, on very hot days, I can run the air conditioner in the last hour or two before we stop for the night.

Brian

[Tater]

I would not run it anytime the vehicle is moving just from a safety perspective. If anything can go wrong it will and the result could be catastrophic. A slide out with the generator secured would be my preference. Running it in any area not properly vented would be bad MOJO in my opinion. Be safe.

[moosetags]

Originally Posted by nilesrob

Brian, I keep a 3000 in the back of my F250 and never move it once it is loaded. It sits in the truck bed under a cap (Leer), with Windoors which I open on either side for venting. Works like a champ.

Hi Brad,

This is exactly the set-up that I am looking at. Which way do you set the generator, control panel to the back or to the inside? Also, how do you handle servicing? I was thinking about having the 3000 on wheels or a drawer slide to pull it out onto the tail gate for an oil change.

Thanks for the input.

Brian

[Bruce B]

Originally Posted by moosetags

Hi Brad,

This is exactly the set-up that I am looking at. Which way do you set the generator, control panel to the back or to the inside? Also, how do you handle servicing? I was thinking about having the 3000 on wheels or a drawer slide to pull it out onto the tail gate for an oil change.

Thanks for the input.

Brian

That Honda is simply an amazing generator! Quiet, powerful, sips fuel, the carb passages are large enough that it will run after sitting a month with properly treated fuel...
It is my favorite Honda generator.
I think you are wise to mount it in the truck and leave it there. I really "popped" my back last fall lifting ours in and out of the truck bed too often. I traded it for two smaller Honda 2000's after that episode. That said, it is not so heavy that it can't be "carefully" moved in and out of the bed for service. Get somebody to help and it will be easy. By the way, don't make the mistake of simply plopping it in the bed and going for a ride...it will tumble the first time you hit the brakes hard and then you will fill the air filter with oil making a new filter necessary...

That Honda is the quietest generator sold too! You'll barely be able to hear it when inside your Airstream!

Bruce

[moosetags]

Originally Posted by Bruce B

That Honda is simply an amazing generator! Quiet, powerful, sips fuel, the carb passages are large enough that it will run after sitting a month with properly treated fuel...
It is my favorite Honda generator.
I think you are wise to mount it in the truck and leave it there. I really "popped" my back last fall lifting ours in and out of the truck bed too often. I traded it for two smaller Honda 2000's after that episode. That said, it is not so heavy that it can't be "carefully" moved in and out of the bed for service. Get somebody to help and it will be easy. By the way, don't make the mistake of simply plopping it in the bed and going for a ride...it will tumble the first time you hit the brakes hard and then you will fill the air filter with oil making a new filter necessary...

That Honda is the quietest generator sold too! You'll barely be able to hear it when inside your Airstream!

Bruce

Hi Bruce,

You are correct on several counts. The EU3000 is great. It is quieter than the 200o's that I had for eight years. It's quiet as can be on my open driveway. Once it is buttoned up inside the truck and topper, it should be just a hum from the outside.

I plan to anchor the EU3000 securely in the back left corner of the truck. I only plan to put it in there once. I'm thinking that a heavy duty drawer slide unit will allow me to ease it out over the tailgate for maintenance.

Thanks for the insight and encouragement.

Brian

[nilesrob]

Originally Posted by moosetags

Hi Brad,

This is exactly the set-up that I am looking at. Which way do you set the generator, control panel to the back or to the inside? Also, how do you handle servicing? I was thinking about having the 3000 on wheels or a drawer slide to pull it out onto the tail gate for an oil change.

Thanks for the input.

Brian

Brian, here is what I do...

I bought a scissor lift (at Northern Tool, Harbor Freight or somewhere) that gets the generator up to almost tailgate height, which saves my back. Then I just nudge it onto the tailgate and into the back RIGHT corner of the truck (as facing the truck from the back), with the pull cord facing the tailgate. I say right because the 3000 vents out the right and goes out the window on the cap. And the reason I face the generator with the pull cord facing the tailgate is so I can easily start the generator by simply opening the tailgate to start it and then close the tailgate after starting.

The cap I chose was the Leer with the oversized Windoors, which allow me to gain access to the bed itself and for the purpose of venting the generator. I also happen to have an auxiliary fuel tank in the bed and the Windoors allow me easy access to refuel. BTW, I absolutely love this Leer cap (particularly after having a tonneau cover for years).

Once the generator is in the truck I don't move it again until we get back home. I have a black 20 foot power cord with a male twist lock which connects to the generator and a female 30 amp connector that connects to my trailer power cord.

I find I can run the generator this way, even in the rain. If it is raining, I place something under the Windoors to keep them open, but low enough to not let rain into the truck bed. Otherwise, I just open the Windoors all the way.

I have posted a few pictures here taken from different times, just to give you an idea of what I have done, after much trial and error!

[davidrrand]

For all you Honda EU3000 owners, any issues running the 15.000 BTU AC units on the late model AS? Even Honda's website doesn't list it as suitable for 15,000 only 13.5k and jumps to twin EU2000s for 15K BTU units.

Just took delivery today on EU2000 and Companion for this reason for incoming FC25 and hope I made a good choice. I really liked the 3000 better except for loading/unloading.

Thanks for all the wisdom on this site.

[streaminwild]

Brian, I'm doing the same thing and cabling and locking it to the rear tie down. Five gallons of gas, is good insurance if running low on fuel in the tow vehicle.

[rodsterinfl]

I do NOT have the 3000 but I had the same issue to solve. I got LP for the fuel type so I hook up the hoses and instead of getting a topper I went with a gentent so it is out in the open to exhaust. The pic is not my unit but from product info.

[moosetags]

Our New Lucy also has the 15K air conditioner. I would also be interested in hearing about an EU3000's performance with this a/c unit.

Brian

[nilesrob]

We have not had issues running the 15k ac unit, although it has been rare when we have used it; maybe just to cool the trailer down after a hot day driving.