Generator question - worth it to sell Champion gen for Honda

SoundGuy wrote:

otrfun wrote:
The OP said he wants to power his RV a/c. Depending on his a/c unit's LRA, it may or may not be possible with the Honda EU3000iS---especially with the Eco mode on.

If the OP installs a Micro-Air Easy Start Soft Starter Kit on his A/C an EU3000iS will easily start the A/C compressor every time and I'd bet it would hardly break ECO speed keeping it running, meaning the quietest solution he's going to find. :)

A possible solution if you're spending someone else's money--lol!

$2000 Honda EU3000iS
$300 Micro-Air Easy Start
--------
$2300

vs.

$750 Champion 3100 Inverter generator

otrfun wrote:
The OP said he wants to power his RV a/c. Depending on his a/c unit's LRA, it may or may not be possible with the Honda EU3000iS---especially with the Eco mode on.

If the OP installs a Micro-Air Easy Start Soft Starter Kit on his A/C an EU3000iS will easily start the A/C compressor every time and I'd bet it would hardly break ECO speed keeping it running, meaning the quietest solution he's going to find. :)

Ski Pro 3 wrote:
Anyways, what may sound louder to one person may not to another.

x2. Db ratings are not gospel either. Two gens may have the same db rating, but the kind of noise makes a difference in how far it carries. I've found Honda to be the best at controlling that, with the 3000 being the quietest there is - to my ears.

I found youtube videos comparing sound from the Champion and Hondas you are looking to compare.

Something to consider; hearing loss. I have the higher frequency hearing loss and any genny that makes noise that is higher pitched is going to sound quieter to me. As an aside, it takes more energy to produce low frequency sounds than high frequency sounds. This is because there are more sound waves per second with high frequencies. High frequencies are more directional as well and more easily blocked than low frequency sound waves. Anyways, what may sound louder to one person may not to another.

Looks like only one person was able to answer your question and said the Honda is quieter but not significant compared to weight difference.

I can't answer it either, but I think your plan has a hole in it. That Champion can be bought new on sale for around $700. Used is used regardless of hours so I'm not sure what you'll actually get for it.

I do have the Champion and unless you are right on top of it I find it to be quiet enough.

Ski Pro 3 wrote:

azrving wrote:

Approached during legal hours. Does someone gets to over ride the park rules?

No, but they have a right to ask me about it. I had a right to tell them to f-off, but I didn't. :)
I explained the rules and when I would shut it off and offered to move the generator if they thought that would help. They thanked me and that was that. I didn't feel bad as I wasn't breaking any rules and I was doing all I could to keep the noise to a minimum including the purchase of a high dollar inverter genny.
I'd rather them reach out to me than to rant at some ranger and get on their radar, so to speak.

I don't much care for camping in formal campgrounds, but it really is unavoidable in a place like Yosemite. The campgrounds there would be a whole lot quieter if electric power was put in to them. For the fees charged, should be. (Now I'm ranting!)

They sound like the do gooder wanna be self appointed look alike rangers who wander around accusing people who just pulled in of trashing the place. Social justice warrior types. :)

azrving wrote:

Approached during legal hours. Does someone gets to over ride the park rules?

No, but they have a right to ask me about it. I had a right to tell them to f-off, but I didn't. :)
I explained the rules and when I would shut it off and offered to move the generator if they thought that would help. They thanked me and that was that. I didn't feel bad as I wasn't breaking any rules and I was doing all I could to keep the noise to a minimum including the purchase of a high dollar inverter genny.
I'd rather them reach out to me than to rant at some ranger and get on their radar, so to speak.

I don't much care for camping in formal campgrounds, but it really is unavoidable in a place like Yosemite. The campgrounds there would be a whole lot quieter if electric power was put in to them. For the fees charged, should be. (Now I'm ranting!)

IMO there are two significant issues the OP should keep in mind if he swaps his Champion 3100 inverter for a Honda EU3000iS.

1. Good news: The Honda EU3000iS is rated 49-50db at 25% load. The Champion 3100 is rated 57db at 25% load. That's a significant difference that's very noticeable if you've had the opportunity to operate these units side-by-side under the same load.

2. Bad news: The Champion 3100 inverter generator produces significantly more inrush current than a Honda EU3000iS. This means a Champion 3100 will successfully start and run significantly more 13.5-15.0k RV a/c units than the Honda EU3000iS. Even Honda advertises the EU3000iS as only capable of powering more "efficient" 13.5k RV a/c units.

The OP said he wants to power his RV a/c. Depending on his a/c unit's LRA, it may or may not be possible with the Honda EU3000iS---especially with the Eco mode on.

Ski Pro 3 wrote:
Just an FYI, I have a Honda 1000 inverter genny I take along as well. The thing is so small and light, it really doesn't take up any space. I use it when I don't need the AC or microwave. It will run my DW hot rollers and hair blow dryer (on low) as well as full charge with the AC battery charger built in. I have solar too, but like you said, trees and clouds sometimes shadow a bit too much if it's been cold and the heater blower ran much at night and for more than 3 nights.

If I had the bucks and was starting over, I'd seriously consider the Honda 2200 and see if it could handle the AC. I know it will handle the microwave. But I have a Yamaha 2400 inverter genny and I doubt I could get enough for it to be cost feasible. It's not too loud, but I have been approached at Yosemite about it even though it was only running during the legal hours. It's tough to stay quiet when there are tent campers in the vicinity and I don't want to impose on anyone else's experience any more than I want them to impose on mine.

Approached during legal hours. Does someone gets to over ride the park rules?

Ski Pro 3 wrote:
Just an FYI, I have a Honda 1000 inverter genny I take along as well. The thing is so small and light, it really doesn't take up any space. I use it when I don't need the AC or microwave. It will run my DW hot rollers and hair blow dryer (on low) as well as full charge with the AC battery charger built in. I have solar too, but like you said, trees and clouds sometimes shadow a bit too much if it's been cold and the heater blower ran much at night and for more than 3 nights.

If I had the bucks and was starting over, I'd seriously consider the Honda 2200 and see if it could handle the AC. I know it will handle the microwave. But I have a Yamaha 2400 inverter genny and I doubt I could get enough for it to be cost feasible. It's not too loud, but I have been approached at Yosemite about it even though it was only running during the legal hours. It's tough to stay quiet when there are tent campers in the vicinity and I don't want to impose on anyone else's experience any more than I want them to impose on mine.

I think you hit the nail on the head. While I agree some gensets are quieter than others and only inverter gensets should be used for camping. There is no such thing as a totally quiet or silent genset.
They all make some noise.
The questions becomes is quiet acceptable or is silent the standard. As inverters grow in popularity and capability silent is becoming the new standard.
Any long term genset use is frowned upon now that silent inverter power is readily available.
To the OP trading your Champion for a Honda is admirable, but putting your effort and money into a nice inverter, solar package is the wave of the future.