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agesilaus's avatar
agesilaus
Explorer III
Apr 13, 2020

Yamaha vs Honda 3K

OK I'm thinking about upgrading my current generator to either a Honda or Yamaha 3K. And want to use an extended run tank. I understand these larger units do not have a fuel pump so use the vacuum pull system for extended run.

The much greater weights are an issue, but these are supposed to be much quieter that my current gen and I may be able to run one from the platform on back of my TT.

I have an old Honda 2K and it has been nothing but trouble, went to the shop for a carb replacement with not much improvement. So I am slightly leery of Hondas. But understand I may just have a lemon.

The other option is 2 2K units ganged together but then you have to feed two tanks. I wonder if you could feed both from a common external tank.

Anyway whatever comments you have will be helpful. Does the Yamaha have an RV plug?
  • Here's a link to a post I made in thread last year regarding inverter generators.

    I haven't had any trouble out of the Northern Tools Powerhorse, but I haven't had a lot of opportunities to use it. I run it for at least 15 minutes every 30 days with a space heater attached for load, and I've used it at the house for several hours during power outages. I only have around 20 hours on it though.

    For the reasons I referenced in the other post, primary being Northern Tools in house service, I would definitely purchase from them again.

    Someone recently posted this link to a company that does aftermarket extended run fuel systems. Looks interesting, but pricey.

    I'm not affiliated with either company and don't have any first hand knowledge of the extended run systems or the company that makes them.

    Honda has always been a good product, but they aren't worth the price difference to me. The Honda is more than double the equivalently rated Powerhorse.
  • I would go with two 2000W units just because they are easier to carry around.

    A compromise would be a Westinghouse iGen2500. It probably has the most power of any unit that you can carry with one hand (dry weight 48 lbs). Initial "field" reports have been good.

    Westinghouse iGen2500 vs Predator 3500
  • Hi,

    I would get the Champion 3400 watt with remote electric start.

    Next choice would be the Harbor Freight 3500 watt, with electric start.
  • agesilaus wrote:
    Does the Yamaha have an RV plug?
    DK, but you can make your own parallel wires for a LOT less money.
  • I own the Honda 3000i and it is a great gen. It is very quiet.
    I currently would buy 2. Honda 2200 gens. You can buy a single tank with two feed lines. Weight is a concern.
  • Well have an off the grid house that we are powering from a generator so that won't be a problem. Until we go on the road, if we ever get to anyway. I'm using a Champion 3500/4000 and while it's good it just gets worn down after continuous use.

    I've used a propane gen and they use a LOT of propane. Not practical unless they are piped to a big 250 gal or larger tank.
  • I think they are both good generators. My problem with gas generators is that we don't use them to often so I have problems with the carbs. I have a little 900 watt propane genny that works great. Check out the 3000 watt champion dual fuel generator it has good reviews.
  • agesilaus wrote:
    The other option is 2 2K units ganged together but then you have to feed two tanks. I wonder if you could feed both from a common external tank.

    My neighbor in a campground had 2 Hondas paralleled sharing a single feed tank, so it can be done. I am sorry, but I don't have a photo or details.