Forum Discussion

TGPILOT's avatar
TGPILOT
Explorer
Jul 04, 2015

THIS ONE? OR THAT ONE?

Okay, I have an older Honda 3000C with inverter, I've had it since about 2006 and I bought it used then. Except for firing it up now and then to make sure it would still run, I've never used it.

Now that I have another RV, I dug it out to use on my 5th Wheel. It run's the A/C, except today when we really needed it here in MT in the Glacier NP, it acted up some. It would run fine a few minutes, then cut back and drop off, then pick up again. Before I had to shut it down for the night it acted better but not happy.

The other day at Camping World they had the NEW Honda 3000 with inverter on sale for $2,200. I was tempted then, but since then I was wondering if the new one would work better being at least 15 years newer? I know a lot of guys are buying two 2K's and putting them together. I really don't want to go to that much trouble. I've looked at the Yamaha also, and even considered the Champion 3500/4000.

Yes, I know the Honda and the Yamaha are two of the quietest out there. How does the Champion stack up against them?

If I did replace the old Honda, what would you guys recommend. If the Honda or the Yamaha, which of them and should I stay with a 3000? Should the fifteen year newer Honda out preform my old one of the same size 3000?

Thanks for your input.

Tom
  • 2oldman's avatar
    2oldman
    Explorer II
    Jul 04, 2015
    Tons of Champion posts, and generator posts, in Tech Issues. Years' worth.

    Just keyword search Champion or 3000 or Honda or Yamaha.
  • chiefneon's avatar
    chiefneon
    Explorer
    Jul 04, 2015
    Howdy!

    Just a guess but it might be the higher elevation causing the problem. I beleive Honda has a carb kit to solve the problem. Might be cheaper than a new generator.

    "Happy Trails"
    Chiefneon
  • JiminDenver's avatar
    JiminDenver
    Explorer II
    Jul 04, 2015
    The Champion 3500/4000 will start our A/C with just a bit of grunt at 10,000 ft if the converter is off. I wanted a 2800w inverter generator but was told they are limited to around 8000 ft before they lose the ability to run the A/C. Ours works for us as we boondock without neighbors.

    The Champion 3100i is said to have more surge ability than the Honda EU3000is, is much less expensive but is also louder both in eco mode and under load.

    Changing the jet will make the generator run cleaner at altitude but wont replace the thinner air. You will still have to deal with the loss. (up to 40% on a hot day at 10,000 ft)
  • romore's avatar
    romore
    Explorer II
    Jul 04, 2015
    I would remove the carburetor and completely clean it while draining all of the fuel from the tank. It is likely gummed up with varnish from sitting so long, Honda carbs are very intolerant to contamination. Replace the fuel line while you are at it.
    IMHO, you will be a lot happier with it over the Champion.
  • Dtank's avatar
    Dtank
    Explorer
    Jul 04, 2015
    2oldman wrote:
    Tons of Champion posts, and generator posts, in Tech Issues. Years' worth.

    Just keyword search Champion or 3000 or Honda or Yamaha.


    As indicated - The *Tech Issues* forum (here) has everything "generator"..:C

    Wise sales lists the Honda 3000c as - industrial/commercial.

    It may be time to upgrade to the two (true) inverter Honda 2000i or a Honda 3000i.

    Noise levels may be a significant improvement.

    Also, as "2oldman" indicates - there *are* other less expensive (than the blue or red ones) inverter gens available.

    However, if you use it infrequently - a carb clean out (& seafoam in the gas), & high altitude jetting, may produce the results you expect and avoid the cost of a replacement...;)

    .
  • FlatBroke's avatar
    FlatBroke
    Explorer II
    Jul 04, 2015
    Those Hondas don't like sitting around doing nothing. Never had a motor that sensitive. Clean carb, put in fresh fuel with Sta-bil. Run often with fresh fuel.
  • TGPILOT's avatar
    TGPILOT
    Explorer
    Jul 04, 2015
    Great info guys, please keep it coming. Over the years I kept sea foam and stable in it and ran it for a few hours with a lot of sea foam before leaving on the trip. So, a good tune up should take care of it and not have to buy another right now? I live in a small town in Oregon with a pop of about 25000, don't know if they will have a Honda repair shop or not.
  • Dakota98's avatar
    Dakota98
    Explorer
    Jul 04, 2015
    How often do you actually need & use a generator capable of running the AC ?

    Maybe just a good carb service would solve the issue.

    On the other hand, maybe this chart will help. All measured at about 23'

  • TGPILOT's avatar
    TGPILOT
    Explorer
    Jul 04, 2015
    Again, great answers guys, I do plan to have this one gone through when I get home and see if that doesn't help. Will still consider a new unit of some brand just because it should be quieter with a bit more power of the same size.

    Tom
  • WE-C-USA's avatar
    WE-C-USA
    Explorer
    Jul 05, 2015
    I've away had good luck with giving mine, 2000, a shock treatment of Sea Foam. Key is to let it run as long as possible.

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