Newbie - generator?? 3K vs two 2k

[PharmGeek]

My AC unit is like 1000000 db's so if running for AC purposes it would be moot




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[wolf146]

I have the 2000i Honda and a 2800i Yamaha. If I need the air i bring the Yamaha. If I only need to keep battery charged and use lower wattage appliances I bring the Honda. For big trips I bring both. The Honda is about 10 years old and the Yamaha about 7 and have been used often. Both are excellent machines and each starst with one pull. The noise of the Yamaha is a bit louder than the Honda so I am more careful that I don't annoy any neighboring campers.

[robert@honda]

Originally Posted by KJRitchie

There are two Honda 3000 models. I see a 3000IS (135lb) and 3000I Handi (78lb). The Handi is slightly noisier but it has wheels and is lighter. About the same price as two Honda 2000. I guess the heavier 3000IS is due to electric start and it's bulkier with no wheels.

Kelvin

Yes, the EU3000is weight more (134 lb.s) due to:
-Steel outer cabinet, internal steel frame
-Battery / starter motor
-Slightly larger 200cc engine

The EU3000i Handi weights less (77 lbs) due to:
-Composite outer cabinet
-Magnesium(!) frame member
-No battery/starter motor
-Smaller 160cc engine
-Smaller fuel tank

[robert@honda]

Originally Posted by AnnArborBob

With respect to the point about the relative noise of one 3000 vs. two 2000's has anyone considered that if you are running the two 2000's you are almost certainly running your AC which in and of itself likely negates any advantage of a few less db's with the 3000?

Am I missing something here?

The A/C is on the roof, and perhaps not as "annoying" as a generator closer to ear-level when seated outside. There's also the overall tone of the generator; some can be subtle, while others shrieking, but "on paper" have similar dB ratings.

The EU3000is will provide the least acoustically-intrusive experience. It will also start some A/C system when Eco-Throttle is one, but others not so much. Directly depends on how much start-up current the A/C system demands when starting. Elevation, outside air temp, head-pressure on the A/C system are all factors too. Even with Eco-Throttle OFF, the EU3000is very quiet and has a non-fatiguing sound profile.

[KJRitchie]

I one were to purchase the Honda Eu2000 is it better to buy the Companion model, EU2000i Companion, since it has a 30 amp receptacle, but I could use my 15amp pigtail? The Eu2000I (non Companion) only has only the 15 or 20 amp connectors and a 12v port that can charge a battery while the Companion doesn't but I've got a standalone battery charger.

Kelvin

[AnnArborBob]

Originally Posted by KJRitchie

I one were to purchase the Honda Eu2000 is it better to buy the Companion model, EU2000i Companion, since it has a 30 amp receptacle, but I could use my 15amp pigtail? The Eu2000I (non Companion) only has only the 15 or 20 amp connectors and a 12v port that can charge a battery while the Companion doesn't but I've got a standalone battery charger.

Kelvin

The 30 amp plug should only work when you have two units tethered. You won't get 30 amps out of a single EU2000 unit even if it has a 30 amp plug.

[Ponyfvr]

I called Honda and they told me that the output on both generators is the same, the 30 amp outlet only gives you 30 amps when both generators are hooked up otherwise i think that it is only 15 amps

[KJRitchie]

Anyone use the DC output on EU2000i (non Companion)?

I notice the Companion EU2000i is $100 more.

Kelvin

[TinTin]

Originally Posted by KJRitchie

Anyone use the DC output on EU2000i (non Companion)?

I notice the Companion EU2000i is $100 more.

Kelvin

I've never used the DC output. Can't think what it would be useful for, except possibly for providing a quick boost when a battery charger is unavailable.

[AnnArborBob]

Originally Posted by TinTin

I've never used the DC output. Can't think what it would be useful for, except possibly for providing a quick boost when a battery charger is unavailable.

I suppose the DC output might be useful if you had a 12v device you wanted to power off the generator for awhile.

TinTin, I'm not even sure that it would provide sufficient output to boost a car battery, that takes a lot of amperage.

[TinTin]

Originally Posted by AnnArborBob

I suppose the DC output might be useful if you had a 12v device you wanted to power off the generator for awhile.

TinTin, I'm not even sure that it would provide sufficient output to boost a car battery, that takes a lot of amperage.

Correct AAB. Specs say that the outlet puts out 12V 8 Amps, adequate for charging vehicle battery, certainly not boost.

Another possible usage might be for running a 12 volt compressor.

[lewster]

12VDC output from a generator is insufficient to charge a battery, as most need 14.2-14.6 VDC for bulk/absorption charging. Also, a constant voltage will do no favors for your batteries....... think Parallax converters. It would be fine to run 12VDC appliances though.


Lew Farber
RVIA/RVDA Nationally Certified Master Tech
Master Tech Energy Systems, Inc.
AM Solar Certified Installation Center
Lifeline Batteries**Magnum Inverters
541-490-6357

[TinTin]

Originally Posted by lewster

12VDC output from a generator is insufficient to charge a battery, as most need 14.2-14.6 VDC for bulk/absorption charging.

Lew, according to Honda the 12 volt output can be used for charging automotive batteries. Honda EU2000i Model Info | Super Quiet 2000 Watt Inverter Generator | Honda Generators

I would guess that this would be used in a situation where better alternatives are not available. No doubt much less efficient than using a proper converter/charger.

[lewster]

Originally Posted by TinTin

Lew, according to Honda the 12 volt output can be used for charging automotive batteries. Honda EU2000i Model Info | Super Quiet 2000 Watt Inverter Generator | Honda Generators

I would guess that this would be used in a situation where better alternatives are not available. No doubt much less efficient than using a proper converter/charger.

Yep,

I looked at the link. No specifications as to exactly what the voltage output is other than 'unregulated 12 volt at 8.0 amps'. since the term '12 volt' is used generically now, what exactly is the voltage output when measured with a DC volt meter? a battery measuring exactly 12.0VDC is 60% discharged!

I'm not looking to split hairs here, just trying to clarify terms and make sure that you don't ruin your batteries by charging them the wrong way. It's far better to plug in your trailer and let your (hopefully) 3-stage charging converter do the job.

Anyone out there with a Honda 2000 know the actual measurement of the '12 VDC' output?

[TinTin]

Just checked mine. Right around 16 volts in eco mode.

[lewster]

WOW! That's high enough to boil the liquid right out of your batteries from extreme out gassing! Typical voltages for equalizing sulfated liquid lead acid batteries is 15.3-15.5 VDC.

If you connected an AGM to that much voltage, you would kill it in no time.

As I said before, use the 120VAC output onto your trailer and the converter, or bring a battery charger with you.

The only use I can see for that voltage is a quick boost for dead starting battery to turn the engine over. But it might damage the electronics in the vehicle!


Lew Farber
RVIA/RVDA Nationally Certified Master Tech
Master Tech Energy Systems, Inc.
AM Solar Certified Installation Center
Lifeline Batteries**Magnum Inverters
541-490-6357

[TinTin]

Thanks Lew.

Of academic interest only. The question was asked whether it could be used to boost or charge the TV.

No worries, no one was planning to attach the Honda DC leads to their trailer batteries.

[lewster]

At that voltage, I would forget that it was there and not use it at all.


Lew Farber
RVIA/RVDA Nationally Certified Master Tech
Master Tech Energy Systems, Inc.
AM Solar Certified Installation Center
Lifeline Batteries**Magnum Inverters
541-490-6357

[TG Twinkie]

I would expect the 16 volt reading is when there is no load on the 12 volt circuit. It would probably be lower when a load (battery) is being charged.
I also suspect that there is no intelligence, like a converter. So one would have to keep an eye on the battery.


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[Florida 55]

I bought one Yamaha 2000 with the thought I would add a second unit for the AC if I needed it. Three years, 18500 miles, and 228 Airstream nights later we've never been in a situation where we couldn't be comfortable without the air conditioner so we still have only one generator. In fact we use the generator infrequently as the coach batteries will carry us for 2-3 days without recharging unless we are using the furnace.

We put LED lights in the trailer which draw little power. We don't watch television when boon docking. Propane fuels the refrigerator and water heater. The water pump and fantastic fans don't draw much power.

I suggest to newbies they spend some time camping in the trailer before deciding if they need a generator at all or what kind of generator to buy. It really depends on your usage. If it wasn't for the occasional need to run a coffee maker and hair dryer on 110v alternating current, we probably wouldn't use the generator at all.