We are looking at buying a Honda generator and are having a discussion as to which one to get. At the moment getting both to run parallel is out of our budget.I am assuming that either of these two can be run as a stand alone, and if that is so then is there any advantage to Honda Companion over the other? We're willing to pay the extra for the Companion if it's the better one for RV use.

The companion has 1 "normal" 120v 20A outlet and 1 120v 30A twistlock outlet. You obviously can't pull 30 amps from it without having 2 generators in parallel. The "regular" Honda doesn't have the twistlock; instead it has a duplex 120v 20A outlet.Either will work if you don't need to plug in more than 1 thing.

KD4UPL wrote:The companion has 1 "normal" 120v 20A outlet and 1 120v 30A twistlock outlet. You obviously can't pull 30 amps from it without having 2 generators in parallel. The "regular" Honda doesn't have the twistlock; instead it has a duplex 120v 20A outlet.Either will work if you don't need to plug in more than 1 thing.This is what confuses me - are you saying that even though the companion has the 30A outlet, I still need two in parallel to run a 30amp camper - stuff like microwave and AC?

2012Coleman wrote:KD4UPL wrote:The companion has 1 "normal" 120v 20A outlet and 1 120v 30A twistlock outlet. You obviously can't pull 30 amps from it without having 2 generators in parallel. The "regular" Honda doesn't have the twistlock; instead it has a duplex 120v 20A outlet.Either will work if you don't need to plug in more than 1 thing.This is what confuses me - are you saying that even though the companion has the 30A outlet, I still need two in parallel to run a 30amp camper - stuff like microwave and AC?The 2200 may run some ACs if no other draw, and many microwaves, with no other draw. The reason it has the 30A connector, and is called the Companion, is it would normally be purchased as a 2nd gen, to be used with the regular 2200. Jerry

MFL wrote:2012Coleman wrote:KD4UPL wrote:The companion has 1 "normal" 120v 20A outlet and 1 120v 30A twistlock outlet. You obviously can't pull 30 amps from it without having 2 generators in parallel. The "regular" Honda doesn't have the twistlock; instead it has a duplex 120v 20A outlet.Either will work if you don't need to plug in more than 1 thing.This is what confuses me - are you saying that even though the companion has the 30A outlet, I still need two in parallel to run a 30amp camper - stuff like microwave and AC?The 2200 may run some ACs if no other draw, and many microwaves, with no other draw. The reason it has the 30A connector, and is called the Companion, is it would normally be purchased as a 2nd gen, to be used with the regular 2200. JerryMakes sense - thanks

Why not look at one Predator 3500?Predator

Honda 2200i or Honda 2200i Companion? | Good Sam Community

B92F
Explorer
Jun 24, 2020
Thanks for all the info. We'll be going with the 2200i and if needed get the Companion later.

As for why not the Predator? I like Honda's

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qZOGlgVldAs
jjrbus
Explorer
Jun 24, 2020
Ditto on the Honda! I use a 2000 watt with an 8k window AC. If you want to run an AC with the Honda, might want to look into one of these. I have not bought one, but would spend my money on one if needed.

https://www.microair.net/products/easystart-364-3-ton-single-phase-soft-starter-for-air-conditioners?variant=30176048267
B92F
Explorer
Jun 25, 2020
jjrbus wrote:
Ditto on the Honda! I use a 2000 watt with an 8k window AC. If you want to run an AC with the Honda, might want to look into one of these. I have not bought one, but would spend my money on one if needed.

https://www.microair.net/products/easystart-364-3-ton-single-phase-soft-starter-for-air-conditioners?variant=30176048267

We're looking into those at the moment. I need to find out if it voids the factory warranty and check with my A/C guy about an install.
jjrbus
Explorer
Jun 25, 2020
&^%$# warranty's. You used it, warranty is void! We can fit you in for repair in 2 months, you will have to leave the vehicle for 2 weeks. The warranty only covers the $3 part made by the lowest bidder in China. You are responsible for the $500 in labor, environmental fees and shop rags. My rant for the day.
C_B_
Explorer
Jun 25, 2020
Why would you not get the 2200 Companion first? That way you can plug in to your 30amp plug from generator to trailer. without 30 to 20 dog bone.

C.B.
B92F
Explorer
Jun 25, 2020
C.B. wrote:
Why would you not get the 2200 Companion first? That way you can plug in to your 30amp plug from generator to trailer. without 30 to 20 dog bone.

C.B.

Cost and we would have to have the Companion ordered in, instead of getting the in stock 2200. And our new trailer will be 50 amp so I'll still need a dog bone to plug in.
ford_truck_guy
Nomad
Jun 25, 2020
C.B. wrote:
Why would you not get the 2200 Companion first? That way you can plug in to your 30amp plug from generator to trailer. without 30 to 20 dog bone.

C.B.

X2 for sure !
librty02
Explorer
Jun 25, 2020
I'd not get the companion right now as the regular 2200 is $100 off at the moment everywhere for the next few days....so save that $100 now and the companion is giving you nothing more than the other now as you will need an adapter for 30a or 50a....as mentioned above the companion is not a straight shore cord plug and play a 30amp twist lock adapter is still needed.
Ron3rd
Explorer III
Jun 25, 2020
theoldwizard1 wrote:
ford truck guy wrote:
If you want a red Honda, i would do the companion... At least you will have the ability to plug the camper directly into the 30amp port.

It is NOT a TT30 port ! It is a twist lock 120V 30A NEMA L5-30. An adapter is still required.

You beat me to it.

Never understood why they went with the 30A twist lock and not the 30A TT like trailers use. You still need an adapter.

Maybe someone can explain the logic because I never saw the need for the Companion.
enblethen
Nomad
Jun 25, 2020
Blade style will vibrate out. That is more apt then a twist lock.