Sound Level (high load): Two EU2000i vs. One EU3000iS

I live at 5000 ft and usually dont go below that very often. My 3000 has to be off of eco mode and everything turned off to start AC at this altitude. At sea level it starts it much easier so you should consider this when buying. I recently bought a EU6500 and its as quiet as the 3000, maybe even quieter and runs anything i need but i cant even dream about picking it up.

2oldman wrote:
. . . The 3k is absolutely one of the quietest gens I've ever encountered. The only problem is, and one I have previous thread(s) about, is how it *may* have a problem starting an air conditioner, whereas the 2-2ks have an additional thousand watts . . .

Visited my local Honda dealer yesterday. They were gracious enough to start their floor units up and put a load on 'em for me. Have to say, that EU3000iS is wicked quiet with little load--it's almost ridiculous! For my ear, the two EU2000i's were always just slightly louder than the EU3000iS from idle to moderate load. Nothing significant by any means. The EU3000iS is heavy--there's no way I could lift that thing into a truck bed by myself without hurting myself. FWIW, I could carry both EU2000i's at the same time with very little drama.

I was favoring the EU3000iS 'cause it's so quiet. I'm now starting to favor the two EU2000i's for one major reason--the additional 1000 watts of surge capability. RV's are very popular in this area and this dealer sells a lot of generators. Both salesman said on occasion they've had customers that weren't able to power their rooftop a/c unit with their EU3000iS. One EU3000iS outputs 2800/3000 watts, two EU2000i's paralleled, output 3200/4000 watts--that's a big difference in surge capability.

Originally, I was putting a very high priority on sound level. However, a potential go, no-go situation with the very quiet EU3000iS may be deal-breaker for me. I'm not sure I'm willing to take the chance an EU3000iS may or may not power my next TT's a/c unit, or my current a/c unit when it's 110 degrees outside.

It's looking more like two EU2000i's may be a better fit for my needs.

Purchased our EU3000, Dec. of 2000. Used a 2500W Honda gen previously. Our Honda dealer let us trade in the 2500 on the 3000. Got a good deal needless to say. The EU2000's were not on the market at the time. The weight of the 3000 can be awkward. I use a 4 part rope block to hoist the 3k in my garage, back in and lower it into the back of my pickup (passenger side),making sure the exhaust faces to the rear of the pickup!! The 4 part rope block makes for an easy single man operation (no back injuries).
In ECO mode the 3k idles with enough output to charge batteries,run lites,power 2 TV's and direct tv receivers, assorted device chargers and will kick up automatically to power the microwave. To operate the AC you should take it out of ECO for AC startup load. Much easier on the Gen. Those who have camped close to us have commentd how quiet the 3000 is. Have replaced the starting battery 2 times since purchased. No other maintenance problems.
We can shut off the gen from inside our fiver via a shutoff switch in the bedroom and added wire run with power cord to the gen start switch. Made a portable weather cover out of 1" elect PVC sch80 pipe, assorted fittings (no gluing) and blue tarp+zip ties. Breaks down to a small bundle for transport. This gen has worked out very well for us. A good day to all you. The Hooks

otrfun wrote:
how much louder are "two" EU2000i (vs. one) under relatively high load, say 2500 watts?

Not much, and definitely quieter than one 2k trying to run that load.

The 3k is absolutely one of the quietest gens I've ever encountered. The only problem is, and one I have previous thread(s) about, is how it *may* have a problem starting an air conditioner, whereas the 2-2ks have an additional thousand watts.

If you're like most dry campers, it will be a relatively rare occasion you'll be running your gen at full load for more than a few minutes. Most dry campers just don't run the air con.

Double Post...

I move my dad's EU3000is around several times a year, I'm 33, 6'4'' and in good shape, it's a cumbersome generator to move. Your arm width is wide and it is ~155lbs. My dad takes a hand truck with him camping just for moving the generator.

That being said if it's being hard mounted to the tongue then I would go with the single 3000, if you ever plan on moving it around then the 2000's are far better. Two 2000's are easier to carry at the same time than 1 3000. The 3000 is pushing 155-160lbs full of fuel/oil.

Not to mention the pair of 2000's provide 3200w continuous and 4000w peak, vs the 2800w continuous and 3000w peak of the 3000. That's a nice difference if you ever plan to use them as an emergency backup at home. The 2000's also have the ability for extended run tanks.

Not only is the 3000 quieter, you also dont have to add exstened run fuel tank as it has a bigger fuel tank. My 3000 is definately quiter than our freinds 2 2000's and when only idleing the 3000 will go approx 20 hrs on a tank and 8 hrs at full load. I load and unload my 3000 by myself.

pa traveler wrote:
Im leaning towards getting a Honda EU3000 in stead of two 2000s. I like that samsontdog says he moves it without major problems. A little more quite and the remote control, plus not starting two different units everytime.Just worry about it getting stolen. Easier to put 2000s in backseat of truck for safe keeping.Guess I will have to weld a cage on hitch carrier ,to help deter theft,and keep it covered.

I welded a cage out of 11 gauge 3/4" square tubing for my last generator. Bolted and padlocked the cage to the OEM generator/battery shelf on my toy hauler. IMO, the most important thing to deter theft is covering up all that "red" on these Honda generators. If I go with the EU3000iS, it'll be completely covered and protected from the elements with either sheet-metal or thin plywood panels when not in use. When in use, I'll just remove just the two "end" covers to allow access to the muffler and control panel.

Im leaning towards getting a Honda EU3000 in stead of two 2000s. I like that samsontdog says he moves it without major problems. A little more quite and the remote control, plus not starting two different units everytime.Just worry about it getting stolen. Easier to put 2000s in backseat of truck for safe keeping.Guess I will have to weld a cage on hitch carrier ,to help deter theft,and keep it covered.