Forum Discussion

BPRescue's avatar
BPRescue
Explorer
Aug 21, 2017

Generator experience Honda EU2000i&EU2000ic vs. EU3000is

Hi All,

I do a lot of boondocking and will be supplementing Solar with a 3000+ watt generator. I'm not looking for cheap. In my years I have learned that in certain applications, splitting pennies will almost always leave you spending more later, or just wishing you had. In that regard, while I believe you should be frugal if it is the difference in getting you into an activity vs., sitting on the sidelines, but if there is wiggle room to just bite the bullet and do it right. At the same time, one must still be reasonable and Want to stay below $3K including boxes to store it in...

As for my usage, it has to be quiet, dependable and last; which I believe pushes me towards Honda. While I do want the ability to run a 13.5K AC unit during some days, most often I won't need that since I typically go into the high country. At the same time, one of the reasons for purchasing what I am almost sure will be an Outdoors RV Black Rock 23BKS, is to potentially open my range and hit some warmer climates as well. I would rarely use it at night, instead relying on multiple batteries to operate lights, the furnace where applicable, and the occasional pump for washing hands and bathroom business. If I need anything else, I can pop the generator on/off quickly.

I was looking at two different setups in the Honda EU2000i & EU2000ic companion in parallel, or the EU3000iS. I like the 2000 watt package, because most of my usage would be below 2000 watts, though I would also be able to bump it up to more power than I could achieve with the 3000 when I do run the AC. I also plan on purchasing some form of box like the nice diamond plate boxes at RVGeneratorbox.com. This will allow me to transport, lock and run the generators while inside also protecting them from the elements. One factor is I do not want to store, or transport the generator inside the TT, so I do like the solution of a box.

The above said, I am looking for your experience with generators; especially if you utilize the models above where you could provide a review or comparison of sorts. The 2000 option is where I am leaning now per the ease of moving them around, most usage being quieter per the single/smaller unit operation, added power when needed to ensure my AC is at peak levels, and finally affording me a bit of redundancy in terms of failover. It appears both models get excellent ratings, so it comes down to usability.

Also, any experience with generator boxes would be great as well. As I indicated, I want a generator box to pop on the rear of the TT, and especially if I get the 2000 combo, would consider one of the wider truck type tool boxes rather than stacking. I am also considering a supplemental gas tank, but at this point that is not a requirement unless it makes sense.

Thanks in advance!

18 Replies

  • I have Honda 2k use it weekly on houseboat, it's bullet proof, there may be 3-5 HB's parked together ever week all use the similar set up. Once in a great while a fuel setiment is an issue, I use the snake oil product Extron fuel stabilizer its cured 100%
    Of my small engine fuel issues with our unleaded gas

    I did try making a shore cover box from a large tote put 4 floor vent registers around it to eliminate some of the heat, It's handy to cover the unit in sever rain and makes a nice storage container in the hull. Maybe a little help on the db level. Could help on quite time hours

    The conversion honda gas tank caps to run a extra tank are down to under 15$ on Amazon go the extra an get a quick release for fuel line at the Honda end well worth it. I easily get 3 -4 full
    Days on an extra 6 gallon tank. That includes throwing 10 amps back in my AGMs bank

    one pull start is normal

    If. Your still reading my neighbor, his wife will say the gen isn't running his reply I know. Her. Is it out of gas, not sure it could be gas or oil I'll check.
    No not me at 13.5 ounces mine is getting change ever two wk ends.
  • BPRescue wrote:
    As for my usage, it has to be quiet, dependable and last; which I believe pushes me towards Honda. While I do want the ability to run a 13.5K AC unit during some days, most often I won't need that since I typically go into the high country.


    Why not just invest in one EU2000i (or Companion if that's your preference) plus a MicroAir Easy Start Soft Starter Kit and pass on the second genset. You can always buy a second later should it prove necessary - unlikely judging by reports from those who've already done it.
  • I have two Honda 3000i Handi, easy to handle, paralleled them , they run my 15k ac on eco mode.
  • The Hondas are good and have a good following. "If" I were purchasing today, it would be an electric start 3,500 watt unit from a company with a good reputation.

    Reasons; I will never come close to wearing out a generator. Money matters to me. I do not want to mess with two machines when one will do the job. Electric start would be appreciated by my girlfriend. (and me in the middle of the night) There are a lot more options today than ever before. Portability is not a factor as mine is mounted in the bed of my pickup. I would rather spend $1,000 instead of $2,000. Quiet is good, but not the only thing, as I only camp around other people when I have full hookups. I tend to be an early adopter and willing to try the latest and greatest. (Sometimes that is not the best way to go) I know that.
  • You will find that two 2000 watt Honda's running in parallel are quieter then one 3000 watt Honda while running a high demand item like the air conditioner.
  • If I could do it over again, I would get the newest Yamaha 2400 gen. rather than the eu2000i.
    It provides just that little extra bit of power that I often could use.
    And, it start my buddies 13.5K AC at, or just above idle and stays there.
  • I've had 2 2000i hondas with the older parallel kit (a unit attached to one of the generators) for over 10 years. They work great and still start with just a couple of pulls. I haven't done anything to them other than change oil. I don't even run them monthly when they are stored. When I first got them they were used about once per month for 3 to 4 day camping trips. About 6 to 8 hours per day. About 3 years ago we haven't been able to boondock due to medical issues but I have used the generators for construction projects and a couple of times when the power went out at our home.

    They handle our 15,000 btu Dometic air conditioner along with all of the other electric/electronic items we use in the RV.

    If I was to do it over again I would look for a remote start Honda generator
    http://www.steadypower.com/categories.php?category=Generator-Accessories/By-Brand/Honda-Accessories/Honda-Remote-Start-Kits