Posted 2012-05-06 10:13 PM (#143741 - in reply to #143738) Subject: RE: generator question-
Expert
Posts: 3853 Location: Vermont
Connecting two units together give you 4000 watts of portable power...so you need to check your power needs...most larger A/C units(13,500 BTU) will need the EU3000i unit
Posted 2012-05-07 5:34 AM (#143749 - in reply to #143736) Subject: RE: generator question-
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 489
Originally written by acy on 2012-05-06 8:28 PM
Given a choice would you pick two Honda EU2000i generators connected or one Honda EU3000 to run the AC and a few misc. things on a horse trailer? Someone on CL is selling 2 brand new 2000's for $1300 and that's a good deal I think. (as long as they'll work) thanks for your comments!
Chances are at that price they sold quickly, if you didn't buy them you probably missed them. If they haven't sold that is a great price.
Either the 3000 or 2 x 2000s would be a good choice. I have the 2 x 2000s and prefer that becuase I am able to easily move both units by myself. Moving the 3000 is a two person job. Yesterday we were at a show and had no need for AC but did want to run the TV and microwave so we were able to use just one of our generators, if we need the AC then we need both.
Posted 2012-05-07 11:48 AM (#143760 - in reply to #143749) Subject: RE: generator question-
Regular
Posts: 68 Location: West Tennessee
I second what blackcows said - I just purchased the 2 2000 units to parallel. I actually was told by several people (trailer dealer as well) that the 3000 **may** lug with the 13,500 AC when it's really hot outside but that 95% of the time it would be perfect. He suggested a capacitor to help with that on the AC if I noticed it. However, he said the 2 2000s running in parallel would do just fine. I also LOVE the idea that I can lift them easily. I bought the BERG tank as well.
Posted 2012-05-07 1:53 PM (#143771 - in reply to #143736) Subject: RE: generator question-
Member
Posts: 6
Location: Alpharetta, GA
Having a pair of EU2000i generators is usually preferred by most users over a single 3000 watt unit. They offer a number of advantages and are more flexible:
• More power (4,000 vs. 3,000 peak watts)
• More portable (49 lbs. vs. 134 lbs.)
• Only need to run one if not running A/C
• Second unit is nice to have and share when power goes out
The EU3000is 3,000 watt unit is nice too, and has some good things that may be important:
• Longer run time with larger fuel tank
• Sightly quieter
• Electric start with back-up pull start
• Aftermarket wireless remote start available
Finally, there's another Honda model that offers most of the best of both: It's the EU3000i Handi, and it's light (76 lbs) and has wheels and a carry handle built-in. It does not have electric start. Cost as much as 2 x EU2000i, but some people like a single package solution.
All three models have a 3-year warranty; it stays with the generator when sold, good to know if you are looking at used equipment. I work for Honda, and if you get the frame serial number off any unit, I can tell you the warranty status (if any is remaining).
-Robert@Honda
Caveat: I work for Honda, but the preceding was my opinion alone.
Posted 2012-05-07 2:32 PM (#143773 - in reply to #143771) Subject: RE: generator question-
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 489
Originally written by robert@honda on 2012-05-07 1:53 PM
Finally, there's another Honda model that offers most of the best of both: It's the EU3000i Handi, and it's light (76 lbs) and has wheels and a carry handle built-in. It does not have electric start. Cost as much as 2 x EU2000i, but some people like a single package solution.
Robert,
I am a big fan of the Honda generators, I can't tell you how many times someone has commented on how quiet my EU2000 generators run. One thing that I think Honda has not done a good job of, and which you just did, is not being clear about the differences in the EU3000 and the EU3000 handi. Based on your comments one would assume the handi is just the 3000is in a different case but based on the specs that is far from the truth. The EU3000is is a very quiet generator running at 49 - 58db, the handi runs at 57 - 68db. This is a big difference in terms of noise, I have read that a difference of 10db can be explained in laymans terms at twice as loud so there is a significant difference in terms of noise between these two generators.
When I was looking for a generator I considered the 3000 handi assuming it was the same generator as the 3000 in a different case. Nothing I saw on the Honda website gave me any reason to believe differently. The handi is even listed as a "super quiet" model even though the db specs don't really back that up in my opinion.
Posted 2012-05-07 4:08 PM (#143777 - in reply to #143736) Subject: RE: generator question-
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 391 Location: Columbia, KY
Well, we bought the 2 2000's. one has a few min. run time on it and the other was never used. put gas and oil in and they both started right up and are so QUIET. They came w/ all the extras- what a great deal! Can't wait until our next camping trip to try them out. :)
Posted 2012-05-07 4:26 PM (#143778 - in reply to #143777) Subject: RE: generator question-
Expert
Posts: 3853 Location: Vermont
Originally written by acy on 2012-05-07 4:08 PM
Well, we bought the 2 2000's. one has a few min. run time on it and the other was never used. put gas and oil in and they both started right up and are so QUIET. They came w/ all the extras- what a great deal! Can't wait until our next camping trip to try them out. :)
Here is your Honda wattage calculator...you will discover by Honda's calculations if you have a 13.5 ac and an RV electrical fridg and your flat screen tv and a big microwave all running...it will be exciting...:)
Posted 2012-05-09 9:17 AM (#143831 - in reply to #143773) Subject: RE: generator question-
Member
Posts: 6
Location: Alpharetta, GA
Originally written by blackcows on 2012-05-07 3:32 PM
One thing that I think Honda has not done a good job of, and which you just did, is not being clear about the differences in the EU3000 and the EU3000 handi. Based on your comments one would assume the handi is just the 3000is in a different case but based on the specs that is far from the truth. The EU3000is is a very quiet generator running at 49 - 58db, the handi runs at 57 - 68db. This is a big difference in terms of noise, I have read that a difference of 10db can be explained in laymans terms at twice as loud so there is a significant difference in terms of noise between these two generators.
When I was looking for a generator I considered the 3000 handi assuming it was the same generator as the 3000 in a different case. Nothing I saw on the Honda website gave me any reason to believe differently. The handi is even listed as a "super quiet" model even though the db specs don't really back that up in my opinion.
You're not the first one to notice that. The Handi came from a project where Honda asked EU3000is users what they would like to see changed. The #1 request, by a huge majority, was weight. The engineers went after that, and realized the battery, starter motor, and all the other electric-start parts were very heavy, and determined the engine was so easy to pull-start, why not lose the electric start to save some weight?
Next, they looked at the frame, and went with a magnesium frame member on the Handi. This is awfully more expensive than steel or aluminum, but it weigh so much less. Last, they realized a more modern inverter design and improvements to the technology would allow a slightly smaller displacement engine to produce the same 3,000 watts peak. So, the old EU3000is has a 200cc motor, while the Handi's is only 160cc.
While there was some weight saved there, the engine speed had to increase, and with that came a bit more noise. Still, if you compare a Handi to most other generators, it's incredibly quiet. The dB(a) ratings can be deceptive....it's about perceived NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) that make the real difference. While the regular EU3000is is the absolute, most quiet model offered by Honda, the Handi does a pretty good job when compared to other models, both by Honda and other brands. In testing, most customers felt it was just fine and still quiet enough for an RV/camping setting.
All that said, it's hard to convince a customer to consider a Handi when the regular EU3000is is quieter, has electric start, and a longer run time, for less money, too!
While the Handi is nice, I don't see the standard EU3000is going anywhere anytime soon.
-Robert@Honda
Caveat: I work for Honda, but the preceding was my opinion alone.
generator question-
