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1320quick's avatar
1320quick
Explorer
Jun 25, 2018

Honda eu2000 parallel to newer eu2200 issue?

I've got an older Honda EU2000i that I've had for 8+ years and it works great. We usually camp in campgrounds with electricity but recently have found a few places we are going to dry camp at. My wife asked me to buy a second Honda generator to run in parallel so we can run the 13.5 AC if needed. I see Honda now has the new eu2200 out. Their website says it is compatible only with a certain serial number range of eu2000's. Below is from the Honda website:

EU2200i and EU2000i Parallel Operation
The EU2200i are only compatible with EU2000i or EU2000i Companion models within a specific serial number range:

EAAJ-2017305 through EAAJ-9999999
EACT-1000001 through EACT-9999999
Connecting an EU2200i with an EU2000i or EU2000i Companion that is not within the compatible serial range above may cause a low voltage output, which can damage tools and appliances powered by the generators. Units outside the compatible serial number range should only be paralleled with another EU2000i.
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Anyone have experience with this issue? Is this truly something to be concerned about or is this just Honda doing some CYA? My current generator falls outside of the range of serial numbers. I don't have an issue buying a new Honda but having to buy 2 new ones and sell the old one seems like a big hassle. Thoughts?
  • 2oldman's avatar
    2oldman
    Explorer II
    Jun 25, 2018
    I would not hesitate to hook them up and see what voltage you get. They don't say you'll ruin anything. I have 2 new (2017) 2ks hooked up to a 2002 2k with no problems.
  • DrewE's avatar
    DrewE
    Explorer II
    Jun 25, 2018
    There is undoubtedly some reason why they'd have such specific instructions. While almost certainly no harm to the generators would come, I would follow Honda's advice. CYA would more likely to be "parallel with only the exact same model of generator."
  • time2roll's avatar
    time2roll
    Nomad
    Jun 26, 2018
    Plenty of posts paralleling 1000, 2000, 3000 together against Honda recommendation and seemed to work fine. You can also buy an triple parallel kit if you end up with 3 generators.

    Of course no actual guaranty of what works.
  • B_O__Plenty's avatar
    B_O__Plenty
    Explorer II
    Jun 26, 2018
    I saw somewhere in Hondas' advertising that they will work together.

    B.O.
  • Bobbo's avatar
    Bobbo
    Explorer II
    Jun 26, 2018
    I don't know the answer to your question, but my Honda is within those serial numbers. :B
  • WNYBob's avatar
    WNYBob
    Explorer
    Jun 26, 2018
    Have you tried running your 13.5 AC using the new inverter.
    I have a Ryobi 2300 that runs my AC just fine, of course I didn't have much else on at the time!
  • 1320quick's avatar
    1320quick
    Explorer
    Jun 26, 2018
    WNYBob wrote:
    Have you tried running your 13.5 AC using the new inverter.
    I have a Ryobi 2300 that runs my AC just fine, of course I didn't have much else on at the time!


    I have not tried that as I have not purchased the eu2200i and don't know anyone that has one. That is really interesting that you were able to run the 13.5 AC from just one 2300. I will keep that in mind.
  • 1320quick's avatar
    1320quick
    Explorer
    Jun 26, 2018
    Thanks for your input guys. It doesn't seem like anyone has yet to run into any issues using an older out of serial number range 2000i to a new 2200i. I did a bunch of google searches but came up empty and if no one on this forum has seen it, doesn't seem like it is an issue. That being said, a week ago I would have been very happy with a two eu2000I and parallel cable setup so I'm going to stay that course. I ordered a parallel cable with a 30A RV plug on it from ebay and I will try to find a newer used eu2000i local to me and that should work great for what I need.

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