Generator Choice - 1 - 3000 or 2 - 2000? - Fiberglass RV
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Old 06-08-2018, 06:54 AM   #1
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Name: Andy
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New York
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Generator Choice - 1 - 3000 or 2 - 2000?

I'm looking at a generator solution for my Escape 21. One question I have is does it make more sense to look at getting 2 2000W units, or 1 3000. Both choices are about the same $$ and the 2000 W can be connected to run larger loads so either combination will run everything I ever expect to run on the trailer. I can argue both sides of this and often end up favoring the two unit solution, but would like to hear from others with real world experience. For what it is worth, I am currently considering Honda generators.
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Old 06-08-2018, 07:08 AM   #2
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Name: Gordon
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Get the two.

Assuming total price is about the same.
  • 3K is so darn heavy.
  • 3K will be be less efficient (use more fuel) for times when you only need the 2K, which is likely most of the time (unless maybe its only for A/C).
  • 2+2 is more than 3 (for the times you need a lot of power).
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Old 06-08-2018, 08:02 AM   #3
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Name: Jack L
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Another consideration to me. What is the noise level on a 3K vs one single 2K?
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Old 06-08-2018, 09:01 AM   #4
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Originally Posted by Jack L View Post
Another consideration to me. What is the noise level on a 3K vs one single 2K?
The Honda 3K is quieter than even one Honda 2200, so if noise is the most important criteria, go with it.

On the other hand, I have to agree with the weight problem. if you are going to move it around, the 3K weighs 134 pounds dry.
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Old 06-08-2018, 09:06 AM   #5
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Name: Henry
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Get 2

I have a honda eu3000is, remote start, gas. I have it more or less mounted on an overtook platform. It can run everything I need all at the same time. Very quiet, but probably not as quiet as a single 2000. A bit quieter than both 2000's running at the same time however.

Next time I will get double 2200's so I can carry in the bed of the truck. Just much easier to handle and together will handle everything. or I may just get a Honda 7000, so I can REALLY handle everything.

Honda now has 2200's, which is even better.

I really like the Honda's, get this brand if you can possible afford them. If not the other brands are ok, just can't get parts if you need to have them fixed.
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Old 06-08-2018, 09:07 AM   #6
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Weight. I would not buy anything that has an optional wheel kit or needs a two man lift.

I just bought a Champion 2000 Watt stackable Inverter Generator and am happy with it. It's still 50 pounds or so, though, and it's about as much as I want to lift, with concern for my back. I find it can run my AC, or Microwave, but not both at the same time. That's enough for me.

Good luck with your search!

Tom
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Old 06-08-2018, 09:24 AM   #7
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Name: Billy Sharpstick
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Yamaha gennie

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Originally Posted by AndyF View Post
. . . For what it is worth, I am currently considering Honda generators.
Last year at the end of hurricane season(Florida), I went shopping. After perusing reviews and specs, I decided on a Yamaha over a Honda. (Don't ask me for details, I forget now.) Haven't used it yet, so I have no experience to share. https://www.yamahagenerators.com/Pro...RoCodoQAvD_BwE
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Old 06-08-2018, 10:15 AM   #8
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Originally Posted by sharpstick View Post
Last year at the end of hurricane season(Florida), I went shopping. After perusing reviews and specs, I decided on a Yamaha over a Honda. (Don't ask me for details, I forget now.) Haven't used it yet, so I have no experience to share. https://www.yamahagenerators.com/Pro...RoCodoQAvD_BwE
I know of a number of people who bought the Yamaha 2000 over the Honda 2000 due to being able to run the card dry on the Yamaha without having to jump through hoops. The new Honda 2200 is just as easy as the Yamaha to run the card dry for storage.
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Old 06-08-2018, 10:46 AM   #9
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Name: Jack L
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On some Yamaha models. the engine has a steel cylinder sleeve and a fuel shut off valve. I do not know if the new 2200 Honda has these features.
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Old 06-08-2018, 11:39 AM   #10
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Name: J Ronald
Trailer: Casita 17 ft. Liberty Deluxe
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Which Generator?

We use a Honda 2000 we bought when it was the only one on the market. If buying today I would certainly consider Harbor Freight's brand. We installed a shelf over the propane tanks from Camping World. The Honda and a 3 gal outboard motor tank sit nicely on the shelf. Ìt is seldom we use the Gen but it is handy, easy to connect and use. Wife made covers for Gen and tank and waterproofed them. With the 3 gal tank connected to Gen it has a long run time. We're preparing to make an awning to cover Gen and tank so can use in rain. Turning the AC off long enough to use the mIcrowave is defiantly not a problem. If you have space to mount the 3000 permanently the remote start would be handy in the rain. I cannot justify 2, 2000s or a 3000 just for remote start and not having to stop AC to use micro.
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Old 06-08-2018, 11:45 AM   #11
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Name: J Ronald
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PS to my post.

If you buy a 2000 or 2200 and decide more power is needed there is an easy fix. If you buy a 3000 you will have that weight and size to deal with even if you decide it is too heavy for you. Two 2000s would be much easier to move around.
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Old 06-08-2018, 12:12 PM   #12
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. . . If buying today I would certainly consider Harbor Freight's brand. . . .
I got burned more than once by cheap HF tools falling apart when I needed them. Classic example: Bargain heat gun to strip glue off floors. It died the second day. I went out and bought a name brand one for half as much more that is still working eight years later. How much money did I save?
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Old 06-08-2018, 12:58 PM   #13
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I have one Honda 2000i and really like it. It also is all I need for my boondocking in the Scamp and it has gotten me through two hurricanes (so far). That said, if I needed more power, and 3000 watts of 120V was enough for my needs, I would seriously consider the HF unit. I do not have one, or know anybody that does but it seems to have good reviews on the net. One of those on sale, or with a 20-25% off coupon would be in the mid-$600 range and beats even one 2000 Honda by at least 2-$300. When talking $1800-$2000 for two Hondas I would consider the risk of the HF unit, and maybe buy the extended warranty?
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Old 06-08-2018, 01:36 PM   #14
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Name: BARNEY
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Why a genertor ? Take a look at champion invertor/gen ! They react to the load as needed. A genertor must run @ 3500 rpm constantly.
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Old 06-08-2018, 03:28 PM   #15
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I have a Harbor freight generator, 2000 , runs great, I have the 2014 Casita 17 Freedom Deluxe. Runs the AC just fine. I had a Honda 2000, this is just as good, $459.00. I love honda, have had motorcycles, lawn mowers, snow blowers, generators, just too expensive!!
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Old 06-08-2018, 03:33 PM   #16
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Name: James Y.
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Originally Posted by BARNEYCONE View Post
Why a genertor ? Take a look at champion invertor/gen ! They react to the load as needed. A genertor must run @ 3500 rpm constantly.
The Honda generators discussed here are inverter/generators and only run as fast as they need to depending on the load.
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Old 06-08-2018, 04:17 PM   #17
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Name: Myrt
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2 Hondas

I would only buy Hondas; I have two 2000. I cannot lift the 3000. I use only one in Winter and two when i need the AC. Myrt
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Old 06-08-2018, 04:32 PM   #18
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I would probably buy a single Yamaha EF2400iSHC. a real yamaha, not one of the noname-generator-with-engine-by-yamaha such as you find at Costco. Yahama has quite reasonable parts availability, albeit not as many retail dealers as Honda. Yamaha has a *better* reputation for reliability than Honda has of late.

re what someone said above, the 3000 *is* quieter than a single 2000 at similar output levels, as its sound is lower pitched, but they are definitely heavy pigs.
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Old 06-08-2018, 04:43 PM   #19
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The Harbour Freight is an inverter as well.
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Old 06-08-2018, 05:13 PM   #20
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Name: bill
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One heavier unit with just one generator to fuel up, maintain and store or two lighter weight generators with two to fuel up,maintain, and store. Those are the choices. I can make good arguments for both.

#1 thing I like with two smaller generators is to can take just one on a trip if you don’t need AC. Light weight is an obvious plus too.



I am going through the same thought process right now. I am leaning towards one larger unit, but tomorrow I may be thinking differently.
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