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johndeerefarmer's avatar
johndeerefarmer
Explorer III
Oct 26, 2014

Genny questions and Parallel Hondas

I currently have two Honda eu2000i's a parallel cable and extended run fuel tank. I have been considering upgrading to a fiver but the generator is an issue.

I am not interested in a propane powered Onan that most RV's come with. From what I have saw I would have to get a toyhauler to get a gas powered one, which I don't want. First question does anyone know if a gas powered genny is an available option or can be retrofitted to a fiver? I don't know where you would mount the gas tank? Maybe a fuel cell next to the genny?

Second since I already own two Hondas, has anyone put three in parallel? This would give me 6000W surge and 5400W running which would be plenty. I would have to splice into the parallel cable to go over to the third unit but this wouldn't be a problem. I would also have to change the plumbing on my BERG tank which wouldn't be an issue either.

What do you think? $1000 for another Honda is way cheaper than a 5500W Onan and if I can't run it on gas I don't want it anyway.

My other option is that I also have a Yamaha 4500W. I bought it originally for use with my travel trailer but found that it was too heavy to move around. With the B&W companion in the back of my truck there is no room for this generator in front of the hitch and I think it may be too tall to store behind the hitch. I might could put a heavy slide out draw in one of the side storage bays and pull it out when I wanted to use it. Wonder if I could parallel my Honda to my Yamaha as it's not big enough either?
The other option is the 5500W Yamaha but they are high dollar and I already have all of these other gennies, plus I would have the same issue with "where do I keep it"?

Any ideas or suggestions? Between not being able to find a fiver that will fit in my 13' barn door (with the 2nd A/C installed) to this genny issue I am about ready to keep what I have.

Thanks

14 Replies

  • johndeerefarmer wrote:
    . . . Second since I already own two Hondas, has anyone put three in parallel? This would give me 6000W surge and 5400W running which would be plenty. I would have to splice into the parallel cable to go over to the third unit but this wouldn't be a problem. I would also have to change the plumbing on my BERG tank which wouldn't be an issue either . . .
    It would probably "work". However, under high load one may end up exceeding the maximum current rating of the parallel cable kit itself and/or some of the internal circuity of each generator to include the L5 30 amp plug on the Companion unit (delivers the total, combined output when paralleled).
  • There's videos on youtube of folks running more than two Honda or Yamaha in parallel, never tried it myself. some of them go into deal about the "combiner box" used

    it's cheaper, but is the hassle of fueling and maintaining two or three separate motors worth the one-time cost of a bigger single generator, propane powered or gasoline?