Click on the "SEARCH" feature at the top left of the page and type in "GENERATOR" or "GENERATORS"...... Read those posts over the past 365 days, that should answer most of your questions.

Search for "generators" here also.....  http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/listings/forum/39.cfm

This Yamaha has enough capacity to run an A/C, light enough to move about by one person, and much less expensive and lighter than two coupled Honda units.

http://www.electricgeneratorsdirect.com/Yamaha-YG2800i/p1209.html

Gard

Gard... If for some reason I ever have to replace my EF3000ise/B.... I'm going to take a look at the one you listed and this one!!

http://www.yamaha-motor.com/outdoor/products/modelhome/475/0/home.aspx

Look at the difference in run times. Smaller gas tank. Similar weights, the newer one is quieter. Both are portable and compact, with good outputs.

Problem is, if your present generator is like most Yamaha products, you and I will both be long gone before it gives up. We have to want to replace the older units, not need to.

Gard

Hi Gard -

Which one are you refering to?  "Similar weights, the newer one is quieter."

I am interested in small and quiet!

I was referring to the two Yamahas that Retento and I were discussing:

http://www.electricgeneratorsdirect.com/Yamaha-YG2800i/p1209.html

http://www.yamaha-motor.com/outdoor/products/modelhome/475/0/home.aspx

Gard

I think the one Retento was referring to is newer than the one I mentioned. Here's a link to Honda

http://www.hondapowerequipment.com/products/modeldetail.aspx?page=modeldetail&section=P2GG&modelname=EU3000IS&modelid=EU3000ISAN

Forgot to mention that I have a 6000 watt noise machine at home if the elec. goes out.

I too would love to purchase either the Honda or the Yamaha but just can't swing the price.  I look on Ebay every once in a while to see if I can snag a used one but even the used ones are pricey.  I saw this brand...never heard of it, can't find any bad reviews...only found 1 review of this specific model and they had just purchased it so still don't know if it will last. 

http://cgi.ebay.com/New-Magna-3300W-Remote-Elec-Start-Inverter-RV-Generator_W0QQitemZ270361262270QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item270361262270&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A570%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318%7C301%3A1%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A50

If that link does not work, it is a Magna 3300 with remote electric start.  The one thing I did notice in comparison to the Honda and Yamaha is that it is rated slightly higher for noise but not much. 

Has anyone ever even heard of the "Magna" brand?

Thanks.

 The item is still there ...guess the link just does not work. 

Check out the CUMMINS/ONAN P4300ie, they have more power than the Honda EU3000, cheaper price and the wheel kit is STANDARD EQUIPMENT, not an added charge!

I was more interested in having a generator with an electric start than I was worried about the 163#.  The smaller Yamaha's I looked at was all pull start and much higher price.

With it in the first stall (for now) I can roll it to the back of the trailer if needed.  Working on the frame work to install it in/under the front tool box on my truck.

Bottom line is with the electric start the better half is HAPPY!  If she's not happy, nobody's happy! 

Traveller

My ease or difficulty at pull starting a motor may be unlike your experience. To be sure, I would recommend that you visit a dealer or a friend of similar ownership, and try one for yourself.

It has a solid state ignition and modern overhead valve design. It's not a very large HP motor,and even when coupled to an inverter, has a relatively small rotating mass. Any average person should easily be able to start this generator. By eliminating the electric start, you also save the additional weight of a starter and battery to move about.

BOL  Gard

Originally written by genebob on 2009-03-27 11:09 AM

I noticed in comparing spec's of Honda and Yamaha that they disagree as to how many watts it takes to start up your 13,500 btu air conditioner. Honda says it takes 2800 and Yamaha says 2500. Just wondering which is correct?

They may both be accurate.

I would think there would be variables among the various A/C manufacturers, regarding starting and running draws, and wiring installation configurations. Also the age of your equipment will alter the loads, as it become less efficient with age and wear.

Some generators have a better tolerance for starting surges and overloads than others. That's why they often have a maximum rating, a working rating, and a half load rating. Very few can be run continuously at their maximum ratings indefinitely.

Gard

I found a Honda 3000 on the local Craigs List for $1,510.  Seller claims the check would be written directly to Honda in that he is selling a demo unit for a dealer.  Hmm, price sounds okay, I think, but the rest of it sounds a bit curious. 

I own and have used the Yamaha EF2400is for the past 3 years.  It will start and run my A/C unit.  I can not run a Microwave or Hair dryer at the same time as the A/C. But I can run my stereo and a few lights at the same time as the Air.

It's 72-74lbs so it luggable to lift in and out of the truck bed. I don't find it very hard to pull start. I usually leave it in the bed of truck and just reach over and pull the starting cord. So you know that is not a great angle to get any strength on the pull. But it starts right up.  I think the honda's are just a tad bit quieter. But the Yamaha is a lot quieter than most generators I hear.  You can join two of them together like the hondas if you need more than 2400 watts. It's an invertor technology product, So it will produce clean power for your electronics.

If you want to run your A/C AND another appliance ( like a Microwave, hairdryer, coffee maker) get the 3000 or bigger generator. For me I rarely run my A/C, so the Yamaha worked great for me.

You are able to run your stereo and lights because they are 12 volt and are running off the battery/converter, whereas the hair dryer and micro are 120 volt and are direct from the genny.

You are able to run your stereo and lights because they are 12 volt and are running off the battery/converter, whereas the hair dryer and micro are 120 volt and are direct from the genny. {QUOTE}

The converter is also powered from your AC source, and is part of your total amperage/wattage draw from the generator.

Gard