Which Honda Generator?

[NorCalDoug]

Which one should I get?

Honda EU1000i for $650?


Honda EU2000i for $900


The prices are aproximate.

The cool thing about the eu2000 is that I can buy a 2nd one and link them together (with cables that I'd need to purchase separately) to get 4000 combined watts.

Thoughts? Comments?

Hold out for a deal on a EU3000?

 

[yooper]

Depends on your needs. How much wattage do you need in your cottage?

I'm holding out. Let me know if you see a EU3000 deal.

I thought you could link any of them, including the EU1000.

 

[wob]

I've got the 2000 and I like it. But, really, it all depends on how much of a load you're going to run. It is better to have more generator than you need so that it doesn't have to run full strength.

 

[Scamper]

I'd go for the 2000 -- that's a really good price unless they've come down a lot in the past couple of years. I paid just under $1000 for mine. For that small difference in cost, the 2000 is a way better deal. It also has the auto-rev feature that I don't think the 1000 has (the engine speed drops and rises depending upon what the demand is), as well as some other features I can't remember.

The 1000 is good for very light duty stuff (an ARB, lighting, etc.), but would not be advisable for things like power tools, even if their current draw is below 1000 watts. Electric motors require something like three times their rated power draw to start, so if you have a circular saw with a 1000 watt draw (about 8 amps), you won't be able to start it with the 1000. Even with the 2000 you'd have to bump-start it (hit the trigger for just a second to get the motor turning, then hit it again to get up to speed), though with the 3000 you'd be okay. I used my Skillsaw (7.5amp IIRC) with my 2000 for a lot of work, and though it usually needed a bump-start, it worked quite well with the 2000.

 

[NorCalDoug]

you guys are right -- I should've stated my intended use.
I'll be using it with my tent trailer to power large and small things. Occasionally, I'll take it on expedition-type trips if I need extra power. Even at 48-ish pounds, the eu2000 is light enough, IMO.

I think the 2000 is the way to go for my needs -- possibly pick up a second one if my power needs increase.


I also did find out after I posted that similar units can be linked together.

 

[Cube Dweller]

Look on Craigslist, I see a ton of them on there....

 

[NorCalDoug]

Look on Craigslist, I see a ton of them on there....

I've been checking for the past month...since I got generator envy at Surf-n-Turf.

There's 2 right now. Tons of generators, lots of hondas, not many eu1000s, eu2000s, or eu3000s.


I'm stuck on the eu model

 

[NorCalDoug]

Depends on your needs. How much wattage do you need in your cottage?

I'm holding out. Let me know if you see a EU3000 deal.

I thought you could link any of them, including the EU1000.

I'll let you know if I see anything -- the eu3000 model is pretty scarce right now on ebay and local listings.

I was leaning that way in the beginning, but then realized that if I can get a screamin' deal on 2 eu2000s, I can link them together and have more power for less weight (2 x 48 vs over 130 lbs) for about the same amount of money.

 

[e9999]

what does "linking them" mean?
how do you do that, electrically-speaking? parallel phase-synchronized somehow?

 

[FirstToy]

Doug,
2000 sounds ideal! Portability will be a big issue and 48lbs sounds about as heavy as you want to go if you take just the 80 (no trailer). And, it sounds strong enough to handle your other uses as well!

 

[Snook]

Yes, at Surf & Turf, Desertdude's eu1000 did powered up the dvd player, sound mixer, TWO 15" speakers and digital projector without any problem!

However I am getting eu2000 for camping, welding and terrorism blackout.

 

[Scamper]

However I am getting eu2000 for camping, welding and terrorism blackout.

Welding Didn't know I could do that with my 2000. I assume it uses the DC side, but I didn't think it would have enough juice to pull that off without tripping out all the time. Is there some special attachment to use?

 

[NorCalDoug]

what does "linking them" mean?
how do you do that, electrically-speaking? parallel phase-synchronized somehow?

You can purchase cables that will allow you to link same model eu generators together. I don't have the specifics of how it works...just know it's pretty much plug-together-and-play.

I found this pdf file on honda's web site with a list of accessories available for their generators -- cables, welders, heaters, etc.

 

[Snook]

Welding Didn't know I could do that with my 2000. I assume it uses the DC side, but I didn't think it would have enough juice to pull that off without tripping out all the time. Is there some special attachment to use?

You're right. I was spoiled by a borrowed 4000 watts generator.

 

[rusty_tlc]

Scamper: The 1000 has the auto rev ctrl.


A few thoughts. I've had the 1000 unit for a few years, love it. The only thing I use it for is recharging batteries. We routinely dry camp for a week at a time.

IMHO the best bang for the buck (weight and $) is to invest in dual batteries. Rather than two 12V get two 6V with higher amperage ratings and hook them in series.

As quite as the Hondas are I hate to hear them when I camp. I usually run mine for an hour or so around mid day, that keeps everything in my 22' travel trailer running even in mid winter.

HTH

 

[yep]

I have the 2000. I use it for my sump pump if the power goes out.

I have configured an outlet on the same circuit as my pump, and I have a power cord with a standard plug on each end (one into the generator the other into the wall outlet).

When the power goes out, I turn off the circuit breaker that feeds utility power, plug in the generator and I am good to go. Isolated generator power. The Fridge/Freezer is on the same circuit. This eliminates the need for a transfer switch at my main breaker panel.

 

[photogod]

I have the little Coleman 1800 from Home Depot. I got it for 285.00 when they were closing them out with the new style. I can run a Mikita 18" chainsaw with no problem. It will run for about 6 hours on full load. I love the Honda stuff and I have a 4500 that is actually quieter than the Coleman but the price was too good to passup. We were at a Michigan State tailgate and the guys next to us had a Honda 1000 and ran their satelite dish a blender and a 27" tv all day and you could barely hear the thing at 10 feet away. Great product.

e999 linking two generators is like linking two 6 volt batteries in "series" to get 12 volts.

 

[rusty_tlc]

...I have a power cord with a standard plug on each end (one into the generator the other into the wall outlet). ..

FWT That is refered to as a suicide cord by electricians.

 

[locrwln1]

You can purchase cables that will allow you to link same model eu generators together. I don't have the specifics of how it works...just know it's pretty much plug-together-and-play.

I found this pdf file on honda's web site with a list of accessories available for their generators -- cables, welders, heaters, etc.

Doug,

Just so you know, if you go to a RV website like rv.net, you can find the directions on how to make your own cables to link your two honda generators together. I think the honda cables run around $150 dollars and you can make your own for around $ 20-30 bucks. If you go to any of those websites, you can get all of the information you would ever want on generators.

Now having said that, I run two golf cart 6volts in series and then to an inverter to run the microwave, hair dryers, toaster, computer, tv and coffee maker in my cabover camper. I then have a solar panel on top to recharge the chassis (single 12 volt) or I can switch it over to charge the 6volt batteries. I don't have A/C and my set up wouldn't run one, but for every thing else, it works great and is SILENT.

later,
Jack

 

[Scamper]

You're right. I was spoiled by a borrowed 4000 watts generator.

Yeah, too bad. If you look at that PDF file, it says that they're accecories for their generators and welders, meaning that they also sell welders that these accesories can be used on.