Portable Generators

[Wolfpack Fan]

I know there are a lot of past threads regarding generators, and I've read several of them.

I'm hoping to get replies from folks with first hand experience in owning or operating either the Honda's or the Yamaha's. If so, I'd be curious what your preference is with either. I'm leaning towards the Yamaha because of the fuel gauge, ability to shut off fuel and run carberator dry and the epa emission compliance period of 500 hours vs 250 with the Honda. The chinese made knock offs don't really compare in quality and have epa ratings around 125 hours, so I've pretty much ruled them out. I will be purchasing a 2000 watt model to power quite a few electronics lights and a circulating fan. The onboard genny is 7000 watts and will handle the big loads when needed, but it's louder and uses a lot more fuel than a portable.

[larry koenn]

I have a 2000 Honda that is now two years old. It will power the RV and an extra freezer all day on a gallon of gas. I had it stored in the barn all winter here in Alaska and got it out two days ago. I was very disappointed in that it didn't start on the first pull. But it did start on the second pull. I guess it took a pull to get some gas up to the carb. Now it always starts on one pull again. We do a lot of dry camping up here and it runs a lot of hours during the summer

I would buy another one just like it if somebody were to steal this one.

Larry

(A funny one) I have a buddy who uses one of those job site (yellow) gen sets. The guy parked next to him, last year, came over and said he would supply him power if he would shut that thing off.

[RollinThundr]

[QUOTE=

(A funny one) I have a buddy who uses one of those job site (yellow) gen sets. The guy parked next to him, last year, came over and said he would supply him power if he would shut that thing off.[/QUOTE]

That's funny!

I have the EU3000IS Honda and I'm very pleased with its performance. Both Yamaha & Honda make a fine generator, it's just all in what you think will please you most.

[jauguston]

This post will give you many posters telling you what they have is best. Virtually noone has purchased both and made a comparison. Not much value. Just like the TPMS thread that has been running (-:

[TXiceman]

The one BIG plus for the Honda EU series is that you can get them worked on and parts all across the country. As for the fuel shut off, I drain the carb when it is ready to be put up.

ken

[grafxman]

I've never used the Yamaha but I have 2 Honda EU2000s. I live in FL and I bought them because of the hurricanes. One will run all my electronics (I have a LOT of stuff) and the other one will run the 10,000 BTU A/C or refrigerator but not both. They use about a gallon of gas in 24 hrs.

When I bought the '93 Winnie 22' Warrior I ran the 4 KW Onan and I immediately knew I didn't want to listen to that racket. I ran the Winnie's A/C and I didn't like that either. So I carried a Honda with me when I went boondocking for a week and it was fine however it would barely run the A/C. After I got back I bought a 5200 BTU window A/C from Sears. It fits nicely in a window and the Honda barely notices it when the compressor kicks in. A 5200 BTU A/C should be more than enough to cool 150 sq. ft. It also has a remote control which the Winnie's A/C doesn't have. The Honda has an econo mode, that is it only runs at a speed necessary to supply the power. The Onan doesn't have that feature. So far as I'm concerned both of these items are excellent modern upgrades to my elderly RV. The Honda fits nicely under the table and the Sears A/C fits nicely under the stove area.

[Grumpy Dave]

Both are good. I bought the Yamaha EF2400is 3 yrs ago for the motorhome and to run a couple of pellet stoves,lights etc if winter storms cause problems. Very quiet. Very economical. Very happy.

[jimbo16720]

When I had my old 20ft camper I bought a nice little 300 watt Yamaha that made very little noise. It was 2cycle and only made a hum when it was running. It worked nice for everything I ran in the camper till I tried plugging an electric coffee pot in and it shut it right off. But it ran forever on a gallon of gas and was plenty for the camper itself.

[CapnMorgan]

I'm curious, some of you are using a Honda instead of the built in genset. How do you wire that up? Do you wire it into the inverter charger or create a separate wiring loop?

[grafxman]

Originally Posted by CapnMorgan

I'm curious, some of you are using a Honda instead of the built in genset. How do you wire that up? Do you wire it into the inverter charger or create a separate wiring loop?

I just use a 30 amp to 15 amp adapter plug and plug the power cable into the generator.

Amazon.com: Camco 55223 RV 15M/30F Amp PowerGrip Adapter: Automotive

[CapnMorgan]

Originally Posted by grafxman

I just use a 30 amp to 15 amp adapter plug and plug the power cable into the generator.

D'oh!

[jauguston]

I have a Honda EU 1000i in a sound deadening box I built that we use to charge batteries when we are in non-serviced sites which is most of the time. It has over 1200 hours on it with only oil changes and it still starts the first or second pull.

Jim

[Full.Monte]

I have an EU1000 Honda. I don't know how the Yamaha compares. If I were you, I would ask for a demo of both of them and pick the one that runs the quietest. I can't tell you how many times I've heard campers complaining about the noise factor of their generator or that of other campers. Hondas don't get those complaints.

[CapnMorgan]

Originally Posted by jauguston

I have a Honda EU 1000i in a sound deadening box...

Jim

Have any pictures or could you describe what you built?