Honda generator purchase help

Mike,
Note bgum didn't write-Honda wrote. Notice the quotes. Possibly you should notify Honda that they are wrong and that you have experience to prove it. If you are right just think of the money that can be saved both in purchase price and operating costs. In either case your experience is interesting.

bgum wrote:
(Please note: you can only parallel two identical units together.)

Not true. See this. Your Honda dealer may tell you this but it is just not true. I, as stated above, I have paralleled a 2000 and 3000 for many hours while tailgating. Using the 30 amp outlet on the 3000 I can actually run a 15k and a 13.5k air conditioner, as long as they don't try to start at the same time. If the 2000 should run out of gas or be shut down the 3000, by itself, will overload. You can even parallel three units, consisting of any mix of EU's. I'm not sure, but I don't think the Handi can be paralleled.

If this usage is likely to have any ill effects I have yet to see them. My EU3000is is almost 13 years old and I have two EU2000i units that are 8 years old. I probably have 500 or more hours running them mixed.

As far as the the necessity of the Companion goes, you can buy a set of parallel cables and build yourself a receptacle box for a 30 amp RV plug. Mine cost me about $40 plus the cost of the banana plug cables.

"Double your power with Parallel Capability
Parallel capability is an additional benefit of inverter technology.

Using a special cable or kit, you can link two EU1000i, two EU2000i, two EU3000 Handi, or two EU3000is generators together to get as much as double the output. (Please note: you can only parallel two identical units together.)

This gives you extra power when you need it, without having to trade up for a larger, heavier generator. You get more power without sacrificing portability.

Honda also offers a special Companion version of the popular EU2000i with a built-in 30-amp receptacle. This model is designed specifically for parallel operation with another EU2000i. It's also perfect for RV and use with a transfer switch, where a 30A outlet might be preferable."

Read the Please Note at end of first para before purchase

I would get the standard EU2000i first. You may later decide to go another direction. You can even pair the standard EU2000i with an EU3000is if you decide you need more capacity. I found that I can actually run both of my ac units at the same time.

Hello All. From what I understand the 30A receptical on the companion Honda 2000i only operates if it is paralleled to regular Honda 2000i. other wise a companion just has the regular 20A duplex outputs available.
Happy camping nm1oqrz

You do not need a Companion until you get another one to parallel with. Yes the Companion has a 30 amp outlet, (twist loc so you still need an adapter) but the generator only puts out 18 amps. If you know you will be getting another generator then it makes more since to get the Companion. You might find a used one but used Companions will be harder to find.

Moved from ATC

For RV use the Companion as the first generator you buy.. REASONS.

First, on the companion they have a genuine 30 amp outlet.. Not sure if it is TT or Twist Lock but it's 30 amp.

Second, if you later get another (Either a companion or not) you use a less expensive set of cables to parallel.

Finally, They did not put the useless 12 volt jack on the companion so you won't be asking questions about it or trying to use it and winding up doing mroe harm than good.