Honda

Congrats on the purchase! I think you will not be disappointed. Regarding sharing power. Yup, we do that too and it has no problem powering 2 campers plus several large fans. AND you can stand next to it and have a normal conversation!

Well thanks to all of your input. I had the techs at my local dealer show me the difference.
They connected a 3000 and the AC struggled but fired up. Then I turned on the microwave and it shut the gen down. So I turned on the 6500 connected everything and it never even got above a moan. So now we have the 6500 and the extra weight however I don't think we will have a shortage of power. Who knows I may get a chance to share power with someone from here when they are in a bind. Thanks again for the info and knowledgeable insight.

That is true, but how does that relate to the original question? He said he is interested in a 3k or 6500 unit.

A roof air will start at 102 volts but I don't have that kind of money (to put out the fire and replace the compressor after a short while doing that). To be more explicit, a generator that will high-head start a roof air and slump to a minimum of 108 volts. I've seen windings turn from a nice varnish yellowish amber to black in three seconds. Starting caps assist help but that 108 volts is it. I'd like to see somebody test this with any 2K rated unit. My 5500 diesel running through a transformer (to use both phases) use to slump to 111 volts on high head restart.

I've have 2 EU2000s with a parallel kit, used a EU3000, and have an EU6500is. My take on it is:
- the 2000s can be moved easier.
- the 2000s can use an extended run tank.
- Unless you build a box to monitor amps for each, are you under the rated load for each? Most folks say "it will run..." but are you at or under the rated load to not hurt the generator.
- the 2000's are the easiest to steal.
- the 3000 and 6500 are electric start.
- the 3000 is the quietest.
- the 3000 will power most AC units - but not much else along with it.
- the 6500 is the next quietest.
- the 6500 can provide the full amount of power at 120V OR will do 120/240. Most 240 gen sets can only provide half the rated load for any 120 outlet. (ask more if you don't understand).
- The EU6500is is a pain to gas up. Why did they put the fill in the middle of the tank!?!?
- The eu6500 has a fairly small tank 4.22 gal for the new ones thanks to them being CARB compliant.
- If you get the 6500 - get the lift kit then you can use an engine lift, bucket, etc to move it around.
- the 6500 has a real hour and load meter built in.
- I use the 6500 to power the house via a transfer switch - never a problem.
- Can add an extended run to the 6500 but it is more than just a cap and tank (I've yet to do this but plan on it).
- no 2 normal people will walk away with the 6500.

If I had it to do over again - I would have bought the EU6500 and not the 2000s. I'll be selling 1 of the 2000s and keeping one for now and maybe selling it too. Not sure yet.

Even with the Eco switch off, I've encountered the generator not able to handle the locked rotor amps of an A/C, although a stop and restart fixes that. I am guessing the added load from the MW is good enough to scrape any oxidation from windings, or just get the engine part warmed up, but after the MW runs 30 seconds, I have no trouble with the A/C starting, unless the generator hasn't been used for a couple months.

mlts22 wrote:
There are issues with 3000 watt generators and A/Cs. It is random if it works or not. For example, my 3000 watt Yamaha is on the edge. It will run the A/C fine, but to get it to start it cold, I have to fire up the generator, run the microwave with a cup of water in it for 30 seconds, then flip the A/C on while the generator is still "spun up" right after the microwave cuts off. Else, it won't "catch" the load, forcing a stop and restart.

Does the 3,000 have an ECO switch like the 2,000? If so you should be able to just turn the ECO switch off and skip the microwave part.

I like the idea of the ramp so I was going to store it in he cargo area of the toy hauler and roll out on site and lock it down with log chains, pit bulls and a perimeter protection of claymores....

MEXICOWANDERER wrote:
I still am looking for a 2,000 watt generator that can start a 13.5K roof air at high head pressure.

And looking

No not the Honda

And looking

Yamaha either

And looking

I haven't done it but I read it here from a guy that is doing it and the specs add up.

The Coleman Mach 3 P.S. (13.5K BTU lists a max draw of 11.2, which a single Honda 2000 will supply. You won't have much to spare but people are doing it.

Can't go wrong with the 6500 then. I'd recommend using either a ramp or some type of hitch mounted crane to get it in and out of the pickup if need be, just for the sake of your back.