I am very satisfied with this model. It is two years old and starts the first pull every time.
We run it in the am for coffee. On hot days after a long ride we cool off in the AC have hot dogs inside, shower and then emerge refreshed with an adult beverage :)
Posted 2010-02-25 8:41 AM (#116987 - in reply to #116973) Subject: RE: generators
Expert
Posts: 2453 Location: Northern Utah
I also have the Yamaha EF2400is. It weighs 70 lbs so it's luggable. Most of the 3000watt units all weigh in around 130lbs. The 2400 puts out 2400 watts which will start most A/C units. It is quite at 53db. and pretty fuel efficient.
The down side is that you can't run several larger electric items at the same time. For example, probably have to turn off A/C while you run Microwave.
If you are going to mount it and leave it put, Get the 3000 watt unit. Honda or Yamaha both make great invertor type generators. If you want something that you can lift into the truck or use around the farm that is a little more portable, I think the EF2400 is a good sized unit.
A few bits of advice.
Buy a quite generator. Something around 52-54db. DON"T buy a unit that runs at 60-70 db. Your camp neighbors will hate you.
Buy an INVERTOR generator. They produce CLEAN electricity. Light bulbs don't really care about clean or spikie electricity, but laptop computers, flat screen TV's, Microwaves anything with electrical circuitry will care and will last longer with clean power. Most of the cheaper generators that you will find, are not invertor based.
Posted 2010-02-25 1:15 PM (#117000 - in reply to #116973) Subject: RE: generators
Veteran
Posts: 123 Location: Indiana
Ditto to what painted horse has said. Stick with Honda or Yamaha. They both are quiet and about the same as far as features. Whichever one you can get the best deal on is the one I would recommend.
Posted 2010-02-25 3:57 PM (#117010 - in reply to #116973) Subject: RE: generators
Veteran
Posts: 225 Location: Kansas City
I have the Honda EU3000. Wt ~130 lbs I just put in a weekender pkg over the cold crappy winter. The other day the generator ran a 1500 watt electric heater and 1000 wt microwave at the same time plus the converter running all the lights. Figure the AC won't pull more than the heater. Little heavy but it has 2 easy to hold handles. 2 ppl can carry it anywhere (theft???) and me (a guy) can sit it in and out of the 1st stall through the escape door by myself. So far I am pleased.
Posted 2010-02-25 4:27 PM (#117012 - in reply to #116973) Subject: RE: generators
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 368 Location: Georgia
I wanted to get the Honda 3000 but my honey talked me into getting the Honda 2000 Companion because it only weighs about 47 lbs. It is very easy to start even though it does not have the electric start. I plan on getting a second Hoonda 2000 and link them together to have enough power for the AC. Even if honey does not go with me, I can pick up the 47lb units. There was no way I could pick up the 130lbs that the 3000 weighs. From what I understand I should have more than enough power with the two units put together. I found the best deal through Wise Sales as well.
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Posted 2010-02-25 7:09 PM (#117019 - in reply to #116973) Subject: RE: generators
Veteran
Posts: 134
I have two Honda 2000 that I can link together with a cable. I think they are wonderful. They start easy, seem to run forever, and you can carry them with one hand. They'll run my AC all night on one tank of fuel and then some. Last winter when we were without power for three days because of an ice storm they ran my refrigerator/freezer, TV, VCR , and computer. Only wished I had bought them sooner. They have more than paid for themselves.
Posted 2010-02-27 10:10 PM (#117081 - in reply to #116973) Subject: RE: generators
Regular
Posts: 74 Location: IN
So Honda eu2000i will NOT run a 13.5 Ac unit? I have a small LQ (4' SW). I suppose I could turn off the AC when I have to run the microwave. I thought it would be enough. The 3000 is too heavy.
Posted 2010-02-28 12:15 AM (#117084 - in reply to #117081) Subject: RE: generators
Expert
Posts: 3802 Location: Rocky Mount N.C.
Originally written by Dunagain on 2010-02-27 11:10 PM
So Honda eu2000i will NOT run a 13.5 Ac unit? I have a small LQ (4' SW). I suppose I could turn off the AC when I have to run the microwave. I thought it would be enough. The 3000 is too heavy.
The Yamaha EF2400 should start and run your AC. It weighs approx. 70#. You got to have generator enough to get the appliance started. An RV, AC takes 1500 to run, but it takes 2200 to start it......
Posted 2010-02-28 6:06 AM (#117086 - in reply to #116973) Subject: RE: generators
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 420 Location: Florida
I have the Yamaha 2400 It does run the AC. We do not have a microwave. I can not speak to that. We do run a coffee maker and it can be run at the same time as well as the pump with the ac.
It took me about two trips. The first time I thought I made a mistake buying this model. The second trip and so it all worked out.
I like the portability and size. If I wanted unlimited power I could always bring my Generac electric start that I use for my House back up. But noooo this model works just fine.
I will be honest you have to be carefull.
If your batteries are low or you have another appliance running the AC will not start and the gen will pop its overload switch.
When I want AC I run the Gen for a few minutes. In other words I don't turn on the gen and then flip the ac switch. I will generally place the ac into fan mode for a few seconds and then back the thermostat into it. I also make sure any of the extras like motorized vents are in the off position.
I am also careful to ensure the refer is on propane only as it will automatically switch to the generator if you are in the auto mode.
Once it starts everything else as normal.
We do not have a microwave. So I can not speak to that. We do run a coffee maker and it can be run at the same time as well as the pump.
Posted 2010-03-01 8:05 AM (#117123 - in reply to #116973) Subject: RE: generators
Regular
Posts: 69 Location: NW Florida
I am surprised no one has mentioned an Onan generator. I will admit I don't know much - but I have heard good things about them for reliability and quiet operation. Maybe someone else can comment more?