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

Two of the ideas behind having a pair of 2k gennies is the portability and the versatility. If you are planning on mounting a unit semi permanently, then I'd opt for the 3K as well. One less unit to have to remove if it should need service or repairs. My 2k generators run at 52d on eco mode and that is fine with me. Any quieter than that and I'd worry that someone stole them.

Wow, appreciate everybody's replies! It's good to get so many opinions on subjective stuff like how loud something is--lol!

It's a bit of a tough call whether to get two EU2000i's or one EU3000iS. Right now, I'm leaning towards the EU3000iS. I'll be mounting it semi-permanently on the tongue of my toy hauler (with custom covers to protect it from the elements), so moving it won't be a big issue. However, what's really pushing me towards the EU3000iS is the db rating at 1/4 load (700 watts)--49db! That's 4db quieter than one EU2000i. Plus, everyone more or less agrees two EU2000i's are slightly louder than one EU3000iS at full load. Well that's a win-win in terms of sound level in my book. When you factor in the EU3000iS's electric start capability, well, that sweetens the deal.

We'll see . . .

I had two Hondas EU2000 then I bought a EU3000. I prefer the 3000 since it takes up less room,elect start. I keep it in the rear of my P/Up which has a shell on the bed. I found the 300 quitter than the two EU2000 but not by much. I am nearly 80 and I can move the 3000 around with no help.

They are very close, with the 2000's having a higher pitched exhaust.

I have found that the volume level changes based on how the 2000's have their exhaust pointed. About a 10-15 deg split makes a big difference on total volume, but not really on how far the sound is carried.

I have a Yamaha 3000iSE, which is very similar to Honda's 3000 watt inverter, except it can't be paralleled. Down the path is a guy powering his 15K BTU A/Cs from his Honda twin 2000 watt inverters.

When running my A/C from my 3000 watt model, and he is running his A/C from his twins, the twin Hondas are louder, but not by that much. When there isn't a large load, his twins are quieter, especially on Eco-Throttle.

I can't really give accurate measurements because of sound reflections. For example, a 2500 watt Yamaha sitting in a pickup truck will rattle around more than my 3000 watt that is on the ground.

My take: They are so close, buy the form factor that you want. The twin Hondas are easy to move around, the 3000 is nice because of remote start. If the generator is mounted to the RV, remote start makes life easy in the very cold/hot mornings.

I love my Honda 2000, used to have two but no longer need the second one so sold it to my neighbor. The 3,000 is quieter than a 2000, go figure, but the difference is not much. I recommend 2 - 2,000's. As noted you usually only need one and they are lot easier to move around than a 3,000.

:C

I have 2 yamaha 2000. You will barley tell the difference between one running or two running.

"Adding" noise is tough (weighting factors, phase cancelation, additive/destructive interaction, etc)...(OK, so I'm geeking here, I spent years in sound measurement)

But the maximum addition of two EU2000s is 3dB, realistic is probably more like 2.7 to 2.5dB.

But honestly, you probably can't hear 3dB of difference, most people can't. It's not twice as loud, it's twice the energy.

But the real advantage is that you often only need one EU2000s running.

Buy which ever suits your needs the best, you really couldn't hear the difference.

I agree that 2 should produce 62db.