Posted 2013-03-03 11:32 AM (#150323) Subject: Honda 3000i or dual 2000i for LQ???
Member
Posts: 29 Location: California
Hi,For those of you with an LQ who went with the Honda - do you find the 3000i is a better setup or the dual 2000i and why? I will have to store my generator(s) in either my truck (will likely get a box for perm setup/lockup - if it will fit) or in my rear tack) - but I will have to run the cord from the side of the trailer. Anyone finding advantages / disadvantages - better locations or setups? How do you secure them, or do you? Do the Honda setups have remotes for starting inside the LQ once plugged in?Thanks.
Posted 2013-03-03 12:22 PM (#150325 - in reply to #150323) Subject: RE: Honda 3000i or dual 2000i for LQ???
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 368 Location: Georgia
I went with 2 Honda 2000 gens because I could not lift and handle a 3000 by myself. No problem with the 2000 cause it only weighs less than 50lbs. Wish I had the electric start of the 3000 but the 2000s pull start is not hard and they usually start easily. Also have a bit more power using the 2 2000s versus the 3000. I also got an extended run fuel tank and that works great and I can run those 2 gens seems like forever using that extended run tank. I got my gens (a companion model and a regular model and the parallel kit) from www.wisesales.com Best price I could find. I use a cable and master lock and secure the gens to the bed of the truck or sometimes to the foot of the trailer jack when it is down. My trailer jack is hydraulic and cannot be used without a key. Of course if someone really wants to steal something, no lock or cable will stop them. But if I catch em...well that is another story.
Posted 2013-03-03 12:41 PM (#150328 - in reply to #150323) Subject: RE: Honda 3000i or dual 2000i for LQ???
Elite Veteran
Posts: 656 Location: Rayne, LA
I looked at many different models and brands. I thought the best fit for me was the two 2000's with the extended tank. I was able to get almost as good of a deal locally as Wise Sales so I did buy locally but went to them for the extended run tank. I really like this because when refilling I am not adding gas to a hot generatot but to a tank several feet away. Each gen holds 1 gal and the tank 6 gals, this is normally enough for a good weekend. I had an onboard model and removed it to go this way due to the trouble I had with it. I am happy so far.
Posted 2013-03-03 12:43 PM (#150330 - in reply to #150323) Subject: RE: Honda 3000i or dual 2000i for LQ???
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 430 Location: TN
I have a 3000i and I store it in my rear tack or my extra slant. When in use, it is positioned at the passenger's side rear corner of the trailer with the exhaust pointed towards the rear of the trailer. I have 20 feet of heavy duty chain and two padlocks that I use to chain the generator to the last tie ring on my trailer or something else solid at the campsite like a tree.
Posted 2013-03-03 6:05 PM (#150340 - in reply to #150323) Subject: RE: Honda 3000i or dual 2000i for LQ???
Veteran
Posts: 112 Location: Bow, NH
I have the Honda 3000 and love it. It is a bit heavy for one person but with the help of a furniture dolly and trailer ramp it's not too bad. One of these days I'll spring for the wheel kit and make life easier. Can't believe I had no problem shelling out the bucks for a Honda 3000 but am balking at the wheel kit. Priorities, lol. I understand the two smaller units work well but it's just more moving parts and more chance of something failing (not that a Honda will ever fail...).
Posted 2013-03-03 8:00 PM (#150346 - in reply to #150323) Subject: RE: Honda 3000i or dual 2000i for LQ???
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 504
One thing I like about the 2000 is that I find that I use it a lot at various places. I'll just pick it up and take it out to the tractor or to the loafing shed that doesn't have electricity, of to the fence to connect a tool. It is just really handy and portable. The plan has been to get a second one, but I haven't gotten around to it but the 2000 has been very handy for more than just the trailer.
Posted 2013-03-04 8:36 AM (#150366 - in reply to #150323) Subject: RE: Honda 3000i or dual 2000i for LQ???
Expert
Posts: 3802 Location: Rocky Mount N.C.
I've had really good luck with my Yamaha EF3000iSEB, got over 1700 hours running time on it (generator has outlasted the hour meter!!) and no problems, has the original spark plug in it. I use Mobil 1 10W30 synthetic oil, change every 50 to 100 hours, depending on how hot it's been and how hard it has run.... It lived in the pickup bed for 5 years, now I carry it in the back of the trailer on a hand truck... Easier to move on a hand truck than using the factory wheels, specially is sand, soft ground, wet grass, etc... We never use it inside the trailer, it's always run outside and down wind of the trailer.....
Posted 2013-03-04 9:01 AM (#150367 - in reply to #150323) Subject: RE: Honda 3000i or dual 2000i for LQ???
Elite Veteran
Posts: 602 Location: md
I have a 2000 and a 3000. I just use the 3000. It stays in the back of the truck, chained down. I keep my vehicles under cover, so it does not get wet unless I am using the truck.
Posted 2013-03-04 9:08 AM (#150371 - in reply to #150323) Subject: RE: Honda 3000i or dual 2000i for LQ???
Member
Posts: 29 Location: California
Ahh - good thought - I'd prefer to keep a generator out of the rear tack - so the truck would be good. Anyone know a good way to secure it and keep it out of the elements? I have to park outside and it will be exposed for all the see.... I have a GN (obviously) so worried about finding a permeant storage container for my truck that can house it - maybe I'll look at having one built...Anyone done any permanent housing in the rear truck the doesn't interfere with the GN? Thanks.
Posted 2013-03-04 11:22 AM (#150373 - in reply to #150323) Subject: RE: Honda 3000i or dual 2000i for LQ???
Regular
Posts: 79 Location: Alberta Canada
I have a Honda 4500 watt genset mtd on the hayrack. It is rubber mtd so minimal vibration ,and the 4500 is the super quiet model. Has a 5 gal. gas tank which will run 7 -8 hours. I have a genset cover for it when trailer is stationary and not in use, so weather factor not an issue. Lifting fuel up is not an issue using a lead rope and pulling fuel can up once your on the rack. The remote start is great, and we use gen. for air condit. microwave, and general lighting. I have however changed all bulbs over to LED, so using 1/10 the power from 2- 12 volt batteries. Bulbs are 120 LED, per bulb and fantastic lighting in unit. Have unit mtd on hayrack is nice because there is no handling of unit at all, I even service it, oil change plugs etc which unit on roof. I am lucky to have other gen. sets for use when required elsewhere, so stationary unit its ok for me.
Posted 2013-03-04 11:28 AM (#150374 - in reply to #150323) Subject: RE: Honda 3000i or dual 2000i for LQ???
Regular
Posts: 61 Location: Pueblo, CO
We have 2 2000 watt Honda gens, and it works well for now. this time of year my wife can take one and I can take one to run heat (space heaters) and everything else in each of our trailers. During the summer who ever can't plug in takes them to run together for the AC. I do have extended run tanks, one has a splitter or we can put one on each generator and they will run a long time.
Be careful with the gen in the back of the truck both for fumes and for fire danger fueling up.
Posted 2013-03-04 1:36 PM (#150379 - in reply to #150323) Subject: RE: Honda 3000i or dual 2000i for LQ???
Expert
Posts: 2954 Location: North Carolina
When we dry camp, I take the Honda 3000 inverter and a 55 gallon water tank in the back of the truck for the duration of the trip. I use the tractor to lift the genset into the truck and chain it to the bed for security. I always park the truck downwind from the trailer before using the genset. (never run the genset under GN where one is sleeping!) This works very well for refilling the water tank and the genset as needed.
Posted 2013-03-04 1:50 PM (#150380 - in reply to #150323) Subject: RE: Honda 3000i or dual 2000i for LQ???
Member
Posts: 29 Location: California
Thanks all - another question....If I leave the generator in my back tack, there are no vents in there - I'm assuming I'll have to leave the door open? Also - my horse will be high tied'd right there at the end (right rear next to back tack) - will there be issues with fumes and his location to it?Other option is to go with the 2 smaller units and simply move them out and place them next to the trailer when in use - but again, my horse is high tied on that side - so concerned about fumes. I haven't put the high tie on. I would move it to the other side (LQ door side), but was thinking of putting an awning on one day and don't want him caught in it...Any thoughts?
Posted 2013-03-04 2:38 PM (#150383 - in reply to #150323) Subject: RE: Honda 3000i or dual 2000i for LQ???
Elite Veteran
Posts: 656 Location: Rayne, LA
I would think you are asking for trouble with the door open and the high tie right there. But moving the high tie to the other side would greatly shorten the awning length. Imo sounds like which ever route you go would call for removing the generator from the tack compartment
Posted 2013-03-06 11:07 AM (#150409 - in reply to #150323) Subject: RE: Honda 3000i or dual 2000i for LQ???
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 322 Location: Fort Madison, Iowa
I keep going back and forth between three generators. Honda 2000, Honda 3000 & Yamaha 2800. Each has advantages and disadvantages. I'm looking for easy to use for me when camping.
I like the 2,000 for the easy handling that I can do myself but question is if it's big enough. I've heard you can do damage to an air conditioner if you're not using enough power. One company told me if you can start your air conditioner, it's enough power but does it make a difference on actually running one too? I can always add another 2,000 but then I don't how well I'd do with setting up a parallel system myself.
It's be easier for me to have the 3,000 but then I'd always need someone to help me get it in and out of the trailer and I like to be independent but could probably find help.
The Yamaha 2800 seems to be my best answer since I could move it myself and it should be enough to run an air conditioner but I've never heard one run for sound nor do I know of anyone who has had one. I had a salesman suggest I could have problems find parts if I ever needed some. My non camping/horse riding husband doesn't want to consider the Yamaha, Honda only.
We have a 3500 generator but my neighbors wouldn't like me camping so I don't take it. It is nice to have one big enough to use a backup around home to start a furnance etc during a power outage. I think about my camping generator being used as a backup around home too and need to look at what it would take to run the water and automatic waterer. I'd probably be better off with the Honda 3,000 but still would consider a Yamaha 2800.
Posted 2013-03-06 11:28 AM (#150410 - in reply to #150323) Subject: RE: Honda 3000i or dual 2000i for LQ???
Elite Veteran
Posts: 656 Location: Rayne, LA
For the Honda 2000 you would need the companion model also to properly run an a/c. They look very similiar both are not quite. The twining kit is simply three wires, two plug in and one has a screw that connects them together. It is really easy to do.
Posted 2013-03-06 5:03 PM (#150412 - in reply to #150323) Subject: RE: Honda 3000i or dual 2000i for LQ???
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 322 Location: Fort Madison, Iowa
Good to know. I have a friend that has run his air conditioner in his trailer with just a 2000 unit and his air conditioner doesn't work anymore so I've wondered if by using a 2000 unit damaged it somehow. I'd like to see at set up with two, it sounds easy enough and it might give me more options on running things during power outages.
Posted 2013-03-07 8:23 AM (#150424 - in reply to #150323) Subject: RE: Honda 3000i or dual 2000i for LQ???
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 489
Like Cajun said it is simple to put the two units in parallel. I have two Honda 2000 generators and really like the setup, in my opinion it offers many more options than the single 3000. They are easy to carry and I have used the generators for many uses besides just the trailer.I would be concerned about leaving the 3000 in the back of a pickup, I know a lot of people do it but with the sleeping area right above the bed of the pickup I would be concerned about CO poisoning.I would say that although the 2000 and 3000 seem to have similar numbers as far a noise in my opinion the 3000 seems to be more quiet although the 2000 is very quiet. One other thing to consider is that with 2 of the 2000 units they are going to probably idle down most of the time making them more quiet while with a single unit it will be on high idle more.
Honda 3000i or dual 2000i for LQ???
