Struggling with generator size

[jmcgsd]

I will be CG hosting this summer in Sequoia NP in a site with no hookups at 6700'. I have a large 4D battery and solar on the TT, but since I'll be in the Sequoias I'm thinking the solar will not be very effective under the cover of the trees.

So I intend to purchase a generator - inverter style to minimize noise. I'm torn between buying a small unit (1-2 kW) that will charge the batteries, will be lightweight and relatively inexpensive, or a 3kw unit. As I see it the advantage of the 3kw would be that it would run the AC, the disadvantage is weight and cost.

What am I missing in my logic?

[jmcgsd]

profdant139 wrote:
Be sure to add Seafoam to the Honda to keep the carb jets clean -- the gas in California will gum it up.

Are you hosting in Azalea or Dorst or Lodgepole?

Thanks for the suggestion. I'm at Dorst.

[jaycocreek]

Never had a problem running the air conditioner at 7-8k here in Idaho with my 3k Honda. I also have one 2k Honda but if I had to pick between the two, I would go with the 3k rather than two of the little guys.

The 3k is quieter( atleast mine is) and has electric start for the wife. The 2k screams running the coffee pot or microwave and the 3k just idles on it seems without the noticeable surge and noise that goes with it.

I won't be getting rid of either, they both have there place.

[AH64ID]

I do a fair amount of camping at elevation, and you lose power as you go up and it's evident when trying to do things like start an a/c.

If you are going to spend the money on a 3KW inverter it would better to buy 2 EU2000is with a parallel kit for ± the same cost. You end up with more continuous power, more surge power, a lighter overall weight and easier to carry generators. You also can only take one if you don't need the a/c.

Either way you will need to re-jet the carb's, which is much easier on a EU2000is than a EU3000, but both can be done sitting on the tailgate.

I have a friend with a Yamaha 2400 and it will run his a/c at lower elevation.

Even with the parallel 2K's or a 3K I would put a hard start capacitor on the a/c, it really helps the startup. Supco SPP6E is a good model and they are well priced.

EDIT: I missed page 2 where you bought a EU2000, good call. I have the pair of Honda 2K's and my dad has the 3K, after a few weekends of camping he wants the 2K's.. an all around better package.

[profdant139]

Be sure to add Seafoam to the Honda to keep the carb jets clean -- the gas in California will gum it up.

Are you hosting in Azalea or Dorst or Lodgepole?

[OhhWell]

That is good news and it must have felt great to hear that compressor kicking in. It must be a newer efficient unit and probably already has a cold start capacitor installed.

[SteveAE]

jmcgsd,

Great on running your AC. Keep in mind that it will become increasingly more difficult as temperature and/or altitude increases.

Steve

[jmcgsd]

The temp on my backyard thermometer is presently at 87f, so it is not too warm. I just tried starting the AC in the TT using the eu2000 and it started up fine on low and Ran it for about 30 mins without an issue. It cooled the TT very nicely. Of course I had all other electric appliance off and it doesn't necessarily prove that it will fire up on a 110f day, but at least it works.

[jmcgsd]

Well the eu2000i is in the garage. I bought it from Fun Bike Center in SanDiego. They matched Camping Worlds internet price, filled it with oil, tested it and had me start it before I left the store. They are also an authorized service center for Honda.

I'll get my first chance to use it next weekend at the Temecula Bluegrass Festival.

[OhhWell]

jmcgsd wrote:
Thanks for all the thoughts. Although it's not the cheapest alternative, I believe I'll start by purchasing the Honda EU2000i. My logic is as follows:

• I don't need the AC immediately and there's a slim chance that in a pinch the 2k will work for it if I turn everything else off.
• there are too many negative reviews on all of the inexpensive alternatives. Worst case if I decide the eu2000i is not suitable it will be easy to sell and I won't get burned too badly.
• when I do need more power for AC I'll buy the companion. My total cost will be about the same as the eu3000 but I will have two units that are far more portable.
• yes I pay a premium for the Honda, but I know I'll be able to get parts and service five years from now.

Bad reviews?

http://www.amazon.com/Champion-Equipment-73536i-Generator-Compliant/dp/B0041K09D8/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1394216774&sr=8-2&keywords=champion+inverter+generator

http://www.amazon.com/Champion-Power-Equipment-No-75531i-Generator/dp/B00BBDCE1S/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1394216774&sr=8-1&keywords=champion+inverter+generator

There is a HUGE difference between the Champion stuff and every other Chinese knockoff. Kipor may be decent as well I think. Yes, I am something of a Champion fan-boy but with good reason.

I hear you though. Honda is pretty much guaranteed be around for a long time.

[jmcgsd]

Thanks for all the thoughts. Although it's not the cheapest alternative, I believe I'll start by purchasing the Honda EU2000i. My logic is as follows:

• I don't need the AC immediately and there's a slim chance that in a pinch the 2k will work for it if I turn everything else off.
• there are too many negative reviews on all of the inexpensive alternatives. Worst case if I decide the eu2000i is not suitable it will be easy to sell and I won't get burned too badly.
• when I do need more power for AC I'll buy the companion. My total cost will be about the same as the eu3000 but I will have two units that are far more portable.
• yes I pay a premium for the Honda, but I know I'll be able to get parts and service five years from now.

[OhhWell]

I agree with almost all of the advise but will add to look at the Champion Brand inverter generators. They have a very good track record and cost ALOT less than the Honda and Yamaha units. You can get two 2000w models with a interconnect kit for not much more than one Honda 2000w unit.

[goducks10]

If your hosting for the summer why not go with the 3000W. You aren't moving it around like weekend campers would. It'll probably sit in the same spot all summer. We go to some CG's in Oregon with hosts and every year they have their gens in the same spot all summer. Elec start would by my choice.

[westend]

The new Yamaha 3K watt has remote start using a key fob option.

[jaycocreek]

nevadanick wrote:
Listen to a 2k and a 3k Honda. The 3k is quiter, holds more gas and it runs my ac when needed.

I have both and agree. The 3k is a better all around generator than the 2k with its only draw back being the weight for some.

The wife loves the electric start without having to yank on it although it does have that option.