OutTheDoor
USA
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Joined: 08/07/2008
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We are looking to start carrying a generator with us to use. We have been looking at a Honda. What do you all use and what do you recommend? We're really confused about this issue and need some guidance.
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thomasinnv
where ever i stop
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might help by posting what you intend to do with the genny. run a micro? run ac? just watch tv and charge batteries? the size and type of genny you will need depend on what you intend to do with it.
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PackerBacker
Montreal, Quebec,Canada
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I use a Honda 2000i and it runs everything except the air conditioner. I use it to recharge the battery, make coffee, run the toaster, our 900 watt microwave and the tv. Very happy with it.
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rolnrolnroln
WA
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One EU 2000 will not run the built in micro in my TT. Won't run the 15KBTU AC either. I run twin EU 2000 units wired in parallel. You'll find that there are lots of folks on here using twins. Some like the EU3000 but it is too heavy for me and not as much starting power as the twins. I can boost the EU2000 into the truck one handed.
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Dixonmatco
Santa Rosa, California
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PackerBacker wrote:I use a Honda 2000i and it runs everything except the air conditioner. I use it to recharge the battery, make coffee, run the toaster, our 900 watt microwave and the tv. Very happy with it.
Me too....(but microwave is 1200W and still works fine)
Actually I can run my Air Conditioner with it but I have to do the following:
1. Make sure that nothing else is using 110Vac. I have a switch to turn off the converter, I run the fridge and Water heater on LP.
2. Make sure the eco switch is OFF.
3. Turn it to max cold so it does not try to cycle the compressor.
Works for me!
Added note: I rarely need to use my Air Cond. I have only run it with my Honda 4 times in 3 1/2 seasons, and then only for long enough to cool the trailer off after it had been closed up. If you need Air Conditioning often I reccommend either the 3000 or a pair of 2000's
There are many that have great success with the 2400 Yamaha also.
2000 Chevy Silverado 1500
2005 Komfort Trailblazer T23S
Honda EU2000I
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mowermech
Billings, MT
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First, you will probably need at least 3KW to run everything you will want to run. 2KW might do, but 3 is better.
Honda is good, but expensive.
Yamaha, same thing.
Kipor seems to be OK, but some say they aren't very reliable. I don't know.
Champion makes an RV ready generator with a 30 amp RV socket built in, it is available from some auto parts stores, and some RV dealers. Those who have bought them seem to be pleased with them.
If you buy a Generac or a Coleman or any other "contractor" generator, you will make everybody within 200 yards very mad at you when you start it. (except me, I'll be fishing)
Good luck.
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Ductape
On the Road
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We have the Honda 2000 twins. Previous rig needed both to run the a/c. Anything else ran on one.
New rig will run the a/c on one 2000. 
I'm a fan of these gens. Run all night on a gallon of gas. Quiet. 50 lbs.
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bikendan
Napa, Cal.
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OutTheDoor wrote:We are looking to start carrying a generator with us to use. We have been looking at a Honda. What do you all use and what do you recommend? We're really confused about this issue and need some guidance.
well, you are going to get a LOT of guidance!
since this is one of the most asked questions, do a search first and read thru some of the similar posts.
you do need to state what RV you have, what you want to use it for, how heavy you want it to be and how much you want to spend.
there are 3 categories of gennies: 1. quiet inverter ones, such as Honda, Yamaha, Kipor and Boliy. these are also more expensive. 2. Contractor-type gennies. these are cheap but LOUD! 3. in-between gennies, like the Champion that was mentioned. it is cheap but not as loud as the contractor-type. but still about 10db louder than the quieter gennies.
#1 and #3 have fans on both sides. i was going to buy the Champion but the DW wanted the quietest. so, i bought a Honda 2000. that way, i can buy another in the future, if we need more power and parallel them.
we don't need the a/c much but it will run ours at sea level.
Dan- Firefighter , Shawn- Musician/Entrepreneur , Zoe- Faithful Golden Retriever , 2007 Chevrolet Avalanche LS, 2007 Rockwood Roo 23SS w/Equalizer and Prodigy, and 5 Mtn. bikes and 2 Road bikes
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windriderjr
Massachusetts
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I use a Honda EU3000is. If I had it to do over, I would have gone with 2 EU2000is' but only because of the weight. I can get it into the bed of the truck by myself but it isn't fun.
There are three things you need to know in order to narrow your choices of generators: 1) how much power do you need; 2) where will you use it; and 3) is it practical for you?
1) how much power do you need?
The best way to find this out is to use a clamp-on Ammeter. Plug your rig in and measure the peak draw with the A/C cycling and whatever else you are likely to be using. Measure the voltage of the line and use ohm's law to get watts (watts = amps x volts).
The second best way is to look at the ratings for each device you are powering and add up the watts.
Either way, I would add another 10% or so to be safe. Now you know how big a generator you need. My answer was 2,700 watts peak.
2) Where will you use it?
If you are camping on your land out in the woods with the nearest neighbor 20 miles away, go cheap. If you are camping in State Parks, you need something quiet.
Measuring sound is not something most of us understand well. Technically, what is being measured is "sound pressure level" (SPL), commonly called "volume". Sound obeys the "inverse square law" which means the further you are from the source of the sound, the lower the SPL. SPL is measured in units call "Decibels" (db) at a given distance. The law for noise limits in National Parks is 60 db at 50 feet (36cfr2.12)
I wouldn't want to be next door to someone with a generator that loud. the Honda I have produces 54 db at 20 feet. Just make sure you are comparing apples to apples by looking at both the db number and the distance it is measured at.
3) is it practical?
Can you pick the thing up and put it where you need it by yourself? My generator weighs about 150lbs with gas in it. It isn't easy to move and would be hopeless for my DW to try to pick up. Does it have an electric starter? is it going to last?
Good luck on your search. I hope this helped.
DW and I in our Gulfstream Amerilite 21MB
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dave54
CA.
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Joined: 02/12/2004
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Like many others here, two honda 2000's.
Several reasons. Easier to lift and move a 2000 than a 3000. We rarely use both in parallel, as that is only needed for the A/C or microwave (we use the grill far more than microwave, and if it is so hot we need the A/C we pull up stakes and head to a higher elevation).
So we alternate them in charging the batteries. I try to keep the same # of hours on each. With two, and using only one at a time, I have a backup if one decides not to work. That has only happened once, bad gas.
We also use them at home during power outages. Somehow, I also got 'volunteered' at a community service day at the town park when power tools were needed to repair playground equipment.
FYI -- the Honda repair tech at the local shop told me the Honda generators like mid grade fuel better than the regular. They'll run OK on the 85 octane regular, but you have fewer problems over time and start easier in really hot or cold weather with the 89 mid octane. And use brand name gas.
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