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63air · 02-27-2010, 08:17 AM

Anyone out there using one of these yet ? I have not seen anyone in our area stocking them. The 73# weight seems very manageable for getting it into the back of a truck and it looks like it would run my AC ( Coleman mach II ). I'm trying to decide between this or two Honda 2000's.

Whirlaway · 02-27-2010, 08:24 AM

Check his posts to see his answer to your question.

bryanl · 02-27-2010, 08:42 AM

You'd do better with 2 of the 2000i's as the 3000 is marginal. Marginal means that altitude, additional loads, or even the connecting cord can trip the overload. A common additional load that trips the genset is the fridge that automatically switches from gas to electric when it sees 110v.

Don McKelvay · 02-27-2010, 08:47 AM

Not personal experience as I do not yet have a generator, but a friend has the 3000 Handi and is very happy with it. As to a 3000 versus 2 x 2000 - there are lots of posts and comments- just do a search here. My research indicates Wisesales.com have the best prices:
1. 1 x EU2000i- $869.99
2. 2 x EU2000i with a parallel cable -$1919.97
3. 1 x EU3000is - $1699.99
4. 1 x EU3000i Handi -$1789.99

When I order I will also get the Oil Change accessory ($15) and the Honda Hour Meter ($50). Later I may get the dual extended fuel system ($140).

Good Luck

CanoeStream · 02-27-2010, 08:47 AM

I've used one while camping with another friend's RV in Alaska. We three guys are pretty fit. Two of us always lift it down. And there's no way one of us routinely want to get it back up to the bed of the truck.

One was sitting on a pallet when I was at a local rental place this last week. I hefted it to confirm that lesson learned.

You've got to determine what security you want when you leave camp for a few hours with that sitting back on the ground. My buddy in Alaska chains it to his bumper.

I own an eu2000i. Also look at Yamaha gensets. We just don't run the AC that much in our shady northern campsites, so I haven't looked to enough capacity to do that. Two eu2000i gensets might not be that convenient and maybe I'd look at the 3000 if I had to. Might have been roadkingmoe who posted about using an outboard motor type fuel tank to give better run time.

**markdoane** · 02-27-2010, 09:07 AM

I am struggling with the decision of which to buy. The Handi is lighter (by about 50 lbs) than the EU3000iSA.

But it doesn't matter if it's still heavy for me to lift by myself. If I need to mount a small jib and winch anyway, then the heavier EU3000iSA has a slightly larger engine, runs quietier, and most important to me, has electric start.

**moosetags** · 02-27-2010, 09:10 AM

We use two of the 2000's and have been extremely satisfied with them. They provide a lot of flexibility as you can use only one of them depending on power requirements. Each of the 2000's is doable weight wise.

I realize that two of the 2000's cost several hundred dollars more than a 3000, but it's a lot cheaper than back surgery.

Brian

CanoeStream · 02-27-2010, 11:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by markdoane

If I need to mount a small jib and winch anyway, then the heavier EU3000iSA has a slightly larger engine, runs quietier, and most important to me, has electric start.

Don, can't you use your "pulling leg" to yank a starter rope?

A local university radio station has an annual trivia contest. One of the perennial teams is "Pull-start Diesel." Now THAT would be a job!

User your browser Ctrl-F to search 'outboard' and find discussions of larger tanks in these threads:
http://www.airforums.com/forums/f448...onda-3980.html
http://www.airforums.com/forums/f448...lel-11401.html
http://www.airforums.com/forums/f448...iseb-8846.html
http://www.airforums.com/forums/f448...tion-3927.html

**markdoane** · 02-27-2010, 11:19 AM

If Honda ever comes out with a spring starter or a cartridge starter option for these small generators I would buy one in an instant. Otherwise I'm grid bound.

tkasten · 02-27-2010, 12:11 PM

Markdoane - We use the Honda EU3000isa and find it powers all of our needs. We even run the air on eco mode which is really quite. We do not have a mircowave and run the fridge on propane so load never seems to be a problem. We can even direct charge a battery at the same time the air is running. Might be that our vintage trailer does not have much demand. It is heavy so we have it chained to the inside back of our truck bed. When we want to use it we just fold back the bed cover about a third way back. We put the gen in the pick up at the beginning of our travel season and it stays there all season. It does have the larger engine and is electric start which we love. On eco mode it is one of the quitest on the market. If you don't have anyone to help with loading then it is too heavy. I would not use it if my TV was not a pickup. Hope our experience helps.....Tim

**markdoane** · 02-27-2010, 12:29 PM

Tim,

Thanks. The features you mention are the reason the EU3000isa is the top of my list. Unfortunately, as you mentioned at the end, my TV is not a pick'em up truck.

I have even thought about mounting a front hitch and puttting the generator there for travel.

Still working out the details. Since we have about a foot of snow I don't need to make a decision this week.

utee94 · 02-27-2010, 12:49 PM

I have the Handi3000 and I've been pleased with its performance. It's more than capable of running my A/C (Carrier AirV low-profile 15K BTU) and any other items I need to have on inside the trailer. But I wouldn't run the A/C, microwave, and coffee pot all at the same time. That would probably trip the breaker.

The biggest drawback is the small fuel tank, I can run full load (A/C on) for something like 4-6 hours between refueling. So, obviously, on really hot nights, I'm getting up in the middle of the night to refuel, which is no fun. I'd definitely advise getting any available auxiliary fuel tanks, that's on my list of things to do.

Anyway, I wrote up a pretty detailed post on my thread, you can find it at the link below, post # 778 about halfway down the page:

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f109...-16692-56.html

Good luck!
-Marcus

TomW · 02-27-2010, 01:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by markdoane

... I have even thought about mounting a front hitch and puttting the generator there for travel...

The lift distance will be shorter, but a lift will still be involved.

Tom

**markdoane** · 02-27-2010, 02:14 PM

But then I might be able to rig a simple folding ramp and hand winch to do the job.

firedog · 02-27-2010, 02:17 PM

I love my new EU 3000.Its very light and more than enough kw to run trailer.

tkasten · 02-27-2010, 03:32 PM

I forgot to mention that the Honda 3000isa as a large fuel tank (another reason for it's weight) and it will run 8 to 11 hrs before refueling....Tim

Factory specs say 7.2 hrs at 1/4 load. I have done better. Depends on how much the air works etc. Northern Michigan evenings are rarely so hot that the air would work overtime.

TomW · 02-27-2010, 04:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by markdoane

But then I might be able to rig a simple folding ramp and hand winch to do the job.

Heh, heh - You're baiting me, markdoane, after a previous post of mine

While you are MORE than capable of such a rigging, people with your uncanny insight tend to be older than me.

Why would you want the extra effort? Even Dumbledore can lift an EU2000.

Your buddy,
Tom

TBRich · 02-27-2010, 06:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by markdoane

If Honda ever comes out with a spring starter or a cartridge starter option for these small generators I would buy one in an instant. Otherwise I'm grid bound.

The pull start on a 2000 was a concern of mine, too, remembering how frustrating starting a lawnmower used to be (I suppose even they are easier these days)...but we got a 2000i with a pull-start and it is really easy to start. It usually starts on the very first pull (unless I forget to turn the switch to "on" or to choke it when it's cold)... They really are a dream to operate...and lift-able.

r carl · 02-27-2010, 07:05 PM

An eu3000is is a nice generator. 2 eu2000i gens paralleled has a LOT more power, very impressive! It all depends on how much power you want. An eu3000is didnt have enough to power a 120v welder but 2 eu2000i have MORE than enough.

Frank McFee · 02-27-2010, 08:37 PM

I also have a Yamaha EU3000is that does a great job for me. I have a 13500 btu heat pump and the generator never has failed to run everything we normally have on. I welded up a small hoist that plugs into the hitch receiver using a boat trailer winch that I use to lift the generator into my van. I use the econo mode most of the time.
Frank