Community Forums

RobCN · 08-25-2007, 07:02 AM

We just got a Honda EU2000i Generator for RV trips in the 5th wheel. Wondering how you experts handle these.

Where do you set the gen for operations? How far from the rig to avoid carbon monoxide getting inside. I'm guessing not under the front overhang. Maybe in the pickup bed? Near the back of trailer close to power cord?

How to keep rain off generator? Or does it work in the rain?

What do you do about securing the generator against theft? Chain and padlock? Kryptonite locking cable? What's your favorite?

Since the pickup is diesel, how and where do you carry gasoline? Plastic or metal gas can? In bed of truck? Inside 5ver compartment?

Any other tips for generator operations while traveling?

Carri-Lite 30 ft. 5ver, Dodge Ram 2500 Cummins Turbo Diesel.

RobCN · 08-25-2007, 07:02 AM

We just got a Honda EU2000i Generator for RV trips in the 5th wheel. Wondering how you experts handle these.

Where do you set the gen for operations? How far from the rig to avoid carbon monoxide getting inside. I'm guessing not under the front overhang. Maybe in the pickup bed? Near the back of trailer close to power cord?

How to keep rain off generator? Or does it work in the rain?

What do you do about securing the generator against theft? Chain and padlock? Kryptonite locking cable? What's your favorite?

Since the pickup is diesel, how and where do you carry gasoline? Plastic or metal gas can? In bed of truck? Inside 5ver compartment?

Any other tips for generator operations while traveling?

Carri-Lite 30 ft. 5ver, Dodge Ram 2500 Cummins Turbo Diesel.

The-washer · 08-25-2007, 08:02 AM

We used to have an EU2000. It was liberated to live a free roaming lifestyle by some compassionate soul in the middle of the night. It was secured with a Kryptonite cable, and whatever was used in the liberation process had no problem in cutting the cable. I would suggest a fully hardened chain, like those that cannot typically be cut by bolt cutters. We did leave ours at the back of our trailer, and had zero problems with CO or noise. We carried gas in a proper gas can in the trailer. If it does not vent, there should be no smell. Since you have a pickup, I would just anchor it in the bed of the pickup and then you do not have to worry about your significant other having a problem with the odors that can happen if it is inside the trailer.

WaveMaker · 08-25-2007, 04:43 PM

That is exactly the reason i didnt want to spend that kinda money...
i bought a coleman 1850 and it was only $350.00
i can afford to loose that {If i must} but not 2000.00

Ray,IN · 08-25-2007, 08:53 PM

Dean, I bought a Coleman 4.5 KW for power when boondocking. The best feature about the Coleman gensets is the noise. If anyone attempts to steal it, you know immediately when they turn it off! I spent another $500 trying to quiet it down to USFS level, without success. It is now relegated to ranch work, even then all the cattle come to investigate what that loud noise comes from. Waaay to noisy to take camping.

RobCN · 08-26-2007, 09:40 AM

I just fired up the new EU2000i for the first time. Very nice little machine. Remarkably quiet. Most important thing, it has been successfully tested running the essential hair dryer! Will test microwave later. No worries about TV, satellite receiver, DVD, etc.

Think I will secure the unit as best I can using chain, security cable, etc., and make sure it is insured.

Remaining laidback and unruffled, as advised. :-)

WaveMaker · 08-26-2007, 12:22 PM

im camping in the blm not in a campsite.. and i have some solar panels also, but i will not buy a 2000 because of where i camp, thats why i went solar... its on the roof and nobody can get at it... ive heard of stories of people getting ripped off anymore...

Jeff_in_The_Dalles · 08-26-2007, 02:45 PM

I have a 15mm thick kryptonite cable designed to secure motorcycles. It is supposed to be nearly impossible to cut with a regular bolt cutter, but specialized cable cutters or a cut-off wheel on a hand grinder I'm sure would work.

Actually, the handle on the generator would likely be the weak spot.

At least with it locked down, other campers would hopefully realize the guy with the bolt cutters is a thief...

Beyond that, I have insurance...

I thought Honda made some sort of base plate that locks to the metal bottom of the generator, but I couldn't find it on their site...

RobCN · 08-26-2007, 05:22 PM

Just finished test running the EU2000i. Works just as expected. Ran it for about 1/2 hour with everything in the RV turned on except the AC. Lights, 120 volt fans, TV, etc. Tested running the microwave oven and hair dryer (not same time), and all that worked. Looks like it will do what I want it to.

Jeff, I was also looking for some sort of base plate or security attachment from Honda. Couldn't find it either.

Found out the generator won't quite fit inside my truck toolbox with the lid closed. Will go if I tilt it about 25-30 degrees. I would rather carry it there than in the RV. Has anyone tried transporting one of these sitting at a slight angle. I wouldn't run it that way, of course.