Request: Thoughts on Honda EU2000iA Generator
 

Looks good on paper, er, computer screen.

How are they really?

Re: Request: Thoughts on Honda EU2000iA Generator
 

have two and bridge them when I need more juice for the AC.
Great units, quiet, reliable.

Re: Request: Thoughts on Honda EU2000iA Generator
 

My friend has one that he uses for job site power. I made him start it up because I've seen the specs and I wanted to hear it run in person. Holy crap is it quiet!! It's also quite compact and puts out a clean AC wave. They are very portable. I would buy one in an instant if I was in the market for a gas generator.

Re: Request: Thoughts on Honda EU2000iA Generator
 

If small, quiet and gasoline powered is what you need, then look no further.
The Honda EU2000 is damn fine kit.

Re: Request: Thoughts on Honda EU2000iA Generator
 

They are great. I had the earlier ~1000 watt generator and it would not pull the microwave. I sold it to my brother-in-law and bought the 2,000 watt (rated at 1600 watt continuous). In retrospect, I should have kept the 1000 and bought a second 1000 and would have had 1800 watt continuous. Two 2000 watt units plugged together will operate your RV airconditioner.

Re: Request: Thoughts on Honda EU2000iA Generator
 

Great units, very quiet and I like the fact that they will daisy-chain and have a near perfect sine output. Personally I would go with a big old Onan and a soundproof housing, if it's for a permanent installation for emergency or long-term use rather than camping use. They drink more gasoline, but can be easily be made tri-fuel and as simple to fix yourself as an old motorbike engine. If the coil goes - use a harley one, lots of little things like that. Lots of the parts are available at NAPA, and they are cheap cheap cheap for output versus lifespan.

Re: Request: Thoughts on Honda EU2000iA Generator
 

the honda eu series generators are first class...i purchased a 2000 for my daughter so she would have backup power at her house...

i have a 1000 eu generator...if ya have a 650 watt microwave it will power it just fine...but i do not recommend this small of genset unless you know your power consumption needs, and you have a small (electrical) footprint like i do...

last winter during a power outage i ran the eu1000 and kept the monitor heating stove going, powered up a light and my computer and posted on gim, while my wife watched satellite tv...

we get about 9 hours run time(a gallon of fuel) on ecothrottle setting on the 1000...the power delivered is pure and can be used to operate electronics...

Re: Request: Thoughts on Honda EU2000iA Generator
 

Wow, why would you buy a gas gen set?


A good diesel genset will outlive a comparable gas model 10 to 1.

Diesel fuel can be safely stored for years without degradation.

Diesel is the way to go PERIOD!.

Re: Request: Thoughts on Honda EU2000iA Generator
 

Diesel fuel gets the diesel bug. Gasoline doesn't. All diesel gets it eventually, and unless you have fuel polishing equipment handy, best get used to changing the fuel filter every half hour.

Re: Request: Thoughts on Honda EU2000iA Generator
 

For intermediate power outages you can do the same thing with a good inverter, an auxiliary battery and your automobile.

I handle winter storms with just that set up, a 2000 watt inverter in my truck and a heavy duty 100 ft extension cord to my cabin.

I run the engine only to charge the battery.

My truck IS my emergency generator.




-p

Re: Request: Thoughts on Honda EU2000iA Generator
 

How long can you draw on the battery before it needs recharging ?

I realize it will depend on the load you're carrying so it will vary, but just in general terms from your practical experience....

......

Re: Request: Thoughts on Honda EU2000iA Generator
 

I have an older model EU, it has well over 5000 hours on it. It has never let me down, very quiet and I have run a portable table saw off of it.

Cant go wrong with the honda EU!

Re: Request: Thoughts on Honda EU2000iA Generator
 

The company I work for makes parts that go into these.

Re: Request: Thoughts on Honda EU2000iA Generator
 

I have the eu3000is... admittedly I haven't had to power anything with it yet, but it is QUIET and starts easily every time, and runs perfect even after several months of sitting. I don't regret that purchase one bit.

I would recommend a similar generator. :ok:

Re: Request: Thoughts on Honda EU2000iA Generator
 

I love my EU2000 - broken in now so next oil change it gets Amsoil. Plan on getting another for bridging. Ultimately I'm getting a Listeroid for prime power.

Re: Request: Thoughts on Honda EU2000iA Generator
 

A 2000 watt generator would be too small for me. I can't think of any use for these little things besides RVing. Anything Honda makes is excellent. Converting to propane voids Honda's warranty. I don't think paralelling generators is such a great idea, twice as many things can go wrong, twice as many moving parts, and a whole lot more money spent than needed.


Small diesel generators are nearly impossible to find unless you go chinese (don't).
I paid $400 for my old Onan gasoline 5KW and $1200 for my old trailer mounted 8KW Winco with Italian diesel engine. Both my generators are 1800 RPM and purchased used.
The diesel runs my 2 HP well pump and the Onan runs anything in my cabin that isn't 12 volts.

The Onan is not pure sine wave but works my Iota charger, printer, vacuum cleaner and washing machine perfectly. I wouldn't pay extra for pure sine wave unless I needed it for some reason.

A little semantics: Please don't call gasoline generators "gas generators". Gas generators run on propane or natural gas. I feel better now.

Re: Request: Thoughts on Honda EU2000iA Generator
 

Ditto on that......

add...low fuel consumption
add...very lightweight
add...easy to hook up a aftermarket remote fuel tank
add...easy to hook two of these together to have twice the power
add...inverter style so great for sensitive electronics
add...load speed sensitive

only bad.....relatively expensive...(typical of inverter generators)

damn fine machines!!!!

PS yamaha also makes some damn fine inverter generators also

Re: Request: Thoughts on Honda EU2000iA Generator
 

i have many generators....all shapes types and sizes and fuels....there is definitely a place for these inverter generators in my opinion...

inverter generators are substancially different than other gensets i wish someone made a diesel powered inverter genset...if you can afford one i think they are the only way to go in a lightweight portable generator

Re: Request: Thoughts on Honda EU2000iA Generator
 

The main selling point of the Honda 900 and 2000 watt generators seems to be how quiet they are, which is nice if you have to leave it on much, but--at least in the case of the 900-watt model--there are others out there (Honeywell HW1000i) that are nearly as quiet for a whole lot less money. About half the money, in this case.....

Also we note that while a lot of people buy the Honda 900 because it's quiet, there's a few people who have had the economy-mode electronics fail, and Honda charges so much for the replacement parts (nearly half the cost of the generator itself) that it's not really economical to fix. The generator still runs, but only full-blast. It won't be quiet anymore.

-end-

Re: Request: Thoughts on Honda EU2000iA Generator
 

What do you want to bet that the 'Honeywell' generator is Hecho en Chino? Think there's good parts availability in the states for that Chinese generator branded 'Honeywell'? Think again.

When the Honda EU series is not in econo mode it's still relatively quiet compared to conventional gasoline generators of comparable size. Econo mode is only for lighter loads anyway, don't want to be starting any motors or compressors in econo mode.

Yamaha makes a good gasoline genny which is competitive with the Honda EU series.

Re: Request: Thoughts on Honda EU2000iA Generator
 

BUT! A Honda is portable-no, carryable, and I've never seen a diesel generator for even triple their weight (47 lbs). They have a 1K model that weighs 29 lbs!

Re: Request: Thoughts on Honda EU2000iA Generator
 

I'm using two golf cart batteries mounted in the crossbox, that's about 220 amp hr. I can run my tv, VCR, computer, a few 100 watt flouro lamps and my 10 cu.ft. fridge 24 hrs without running the truck engine. A small (950 watt) microwave oven is no problem either, just don't try cooking a turkey in it.

I don't have an energy gobbling furnace motor so, I don't need the big generator.

I can also run power tools when I want, just not all day long.



+p

Re: Request: Thoughts on Honda EU2000iA Generator
 

1800rpm I presume, for 60hz? Mine run at 1500 for 50hz. Quiet little thumpers.
Agree on the "gas" point - it can mean gasoline, LPG, Butane, Propane...

Re: Request: Thoughts on Honda EU2000iA Generator
 

I have a Yanmar "suitcase" genny, started every time, cost �400 new when bought. The voltage regulation board blew, and it started boiling batteries. Not repairable apparently, the only option was a new board at �500 and �120 fitting.
That's when I went Onan.

Re: Request: Thoughts on Honda EU2000iA Generator
 

I have a well pump so I have a 5000 watt generator.

http://goldismoney.info/forums/showthread.php?t=386496

read this thread it has lots of info, pay particular attention to where I talk about THD (total harmonic distortion) of the sine wave when producing power was low.
Basically it provide fairly "clean" power without high spikes that can damage computers TVs ect.

As clean power and quiet is what the Honda "Inverters" offer at a "high" cost.
JM2C


Edit: this website explain THD and Honda's inverter....That's what your paying for you should read it.

http://www.steadypower.com/catalog/honda_inverter.htm

Re: Request: Thoughts on Honda EU2000iA Generator
 

I have owned both the yamaha and the honda generators, I currently have a honda 3000 with electric start. Hands down I recommend the Honda, it's been reliable, quiet and low maintenance. If we end up staying in the bahamas into the summer we run the generator for A/C A LOT, this sucker gets a work out. I can run it and carry on a conversation while standing right next to it. Don't recommend the Honda, had to take it to the dealer 3 times, finally sold it.

Re: Request: Thoughts on Honda EU2000iA Generator
 

What are the most practical (AND SAFE) ways to store the fuel needed? Do not have land...

Re: Request: Thoughts on Honda EU2000iA Generator
 

[QUOTE=latitude22;2009833]I have owned both the yamaha and the honda generators, I currently have a honda 3000 with electric start. Hands down I recommend the Honda, it's been reliable, quiet and low maintenance. If we end up staying in the bahamas into the summer we run the generator for A/C A LOT, this sucker gets a work out. I can run it and carry on a conversation while standing right next to it. Don't recommend the Honda, had to take it to the dealer 3 times, finally sold it.[/QUOTE]

So, which one don't you recommend?

Re: Request: Thoughts on Honda EU2000iA Generator
 

Thanks. I meant 1800 RPM. I'll edit.

Re: Request: Thoughts on Honda EU2000iA Generator
 

Wiring instructions and more pictures in this thread if they are helpful.

http://goldismoney.info/forums/showthread.php?t=386496

The house is now wired to either run off the grid or the generator, the circutry is isolated.

My BIL is an electrician and he did the installation for about $1000.

Main panel on left and the generator panel on the right. The generator supplies a limited amount of power,
I had to choose which circuits were critical and ensure the generator had the watts to power those circuits.
http://goldismoney.info/forums/pictu...pictureid=1005

This is the outlet in the garage that runs to the generator panel.

My BIL made me this "extension cord" which is about 20ft long and reaches outside to where I wheel the generator to run.

http://goldismoney.info/forums/pictu...pictureid=1001

Re: Request: Thoughts on Honda EU2000iA Generator
 

We have one at work, we use it mainly for operating tools out in the field. No problems with it so far, I've considered buying one for personal use.

Re: Request: Thoughts on Honda EU2000iA Generator
 

A little more sematics....."gas generator" to me means a unit that generates gas!!! such as a hydrogen gas generator etc...


the correct term i think would be a "gas fueled electric generator" if we want to get semantical :biggrin:

Re: Request: Thoughts on Honda EU2000iA Generator
 

Ahh-then you truly are self-sufficient!

:111:

Re: Request: Thoughts on Honda EU2000iA Generator
 

Got one of those little 38 pound chinamart 2 hp 2 cycle 1000 watt rated gen sets at steep discount for $80. Started in three pulls, ran quiet 58db, powered my big frig with icemaker 8 amp, powered my computer without a glich. Huummmmmm, so I bought another at steepdiscount when the chance offerred itself a year later for $76.

Not to knock Honda

Re: Request: Thoughts on Honda EU2000iA Generator
 

And if you get 30 or 40 trouble-free hours out of a Chinamart genny you've done ok. Just don't fool yourself into thinking that you are thus prepared.

Re: Request: Thoughts on Honda EU2000iA Generator
 

How about a few quality solar panels, a couple good golf cart batteries and a reliable inverter ?

Is that closer to being SHTF prepared ?