honda 2200 generator

[b.d.keathley]

Will the honda 2200 generator power a 30k btu and lights and tv in a 333mks?

[BulletOwner1]

Forgive my ignorance but 30k btu propane furnace or AC? Yes when you mean furnace, no when using the AC.

[b.d.keathley]

Crapp! The furnace is run off the propane. And that generator just runs the fan I guess?

[chuckster57]

Crapp! The furnace is run off the propane. And that generator just runs the fan I guess?


The furnace fan is 12V so yes pretty much any generator will "run" it. A/C units are also rated in BTU's, common is 13,500.

[G-town]

Is it necessary to have a generator for full time living?


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[chuckster57]

Depends on where your going to spend the night. If your only going to stay in parks with hookups, then a generator is useless weight. If you plan to stop somewhere that doesn't provide services, then yeah a generator is a good thing. But that begs the question, how many watts do I need?

One or two roof A/C's appliances and such will dictate that.

[wahoonc]

Is it necessary to have a generator for full time living?


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Depends on your needs and comfort levels. Do you have a backup generator at home?

I don't right now, if the power goes out at the campground we will "dry" camp until it comes back on. If it doesn't come back on we can go home.

At home I have a couple of generators and use the camper as a backup home if the power goes out for more than a day or so in the winter. Summer is not as much of an issue.

If I were full timing I probably would have a small generator to power up the basics just as a back up to grid power.

Aaron:cool:

[G-town]

This may be a newbie question but without a generator wouldn't we still need to have electric hookups to have lights and fridge?

[wahoonc]

This may be a newbie question but without a generator wouldn't we still need to have electric hookups to have lights and fridge?

No, not in the short term. Lights will run off battery for a while, fridge can be switched to run on propane.

On my camper the lights and furnace blower are on the battery. The fridge, water heater and furnace all run on propane. The fridge can be switched to shore power when available.

I just swapped out all the light bulbs in my camper for LED which will make the battery last even longer between charging.

Aaron:cool:

[filmtex]

No, not in the short term. Lights will run off battery for a while, fridge can be switched to run on propane.

On my camper the lights and furnace blower are on the battery. The fridge, water heater and furnace all run on propane. The fridge can be switched to shore power when available.

I just swapped out all the light bulbs in my camper for LED which will make the battery last even longer between charging.

Aaron:cool:

WE just replaced ALL the lights in our TT with LED's bought directly from aliexpress. Cost us about $20.00 and our electrical "draw" with all the lights in is less than it was with just two fixtures on. I reckon we could run for 4 or five days now. That said, a generator is on the top of my list for this years preps.

[michael_h]

If it helps, I did a lot of research on generators for dry camping, and after watching countless videos and reading countless reviews this is where I ended up.

The three categories most campers seek are weight management, decibel levels, and performance

With that I came to the conclusion that I could get by on one 2000watt inverter unit for the cooler 3 season camping (working load 1600watts) just to keep my batteries charged, watch TV or use 110v appliances, then if I wanted to summer camp a second paralleled generator for running the A/C would be needed. One of the advantages of two paralleled units is more wattage than the comparable priced single unit (Honda EU3000i/Handi 2800/2600 watts) (two Honda 2000i paralleled 3200 watt)

Of the big two the Yamaha EF 2000iS has a fuel cutoff and a tank drain & is about $100 cheaper. The Honda EU2000i also had a fuel cut off and a carb drain, the difference is Honda doesn't allow you to run the carb dry, you must remove the side cover and manually drain the unused fuel. But the biggest difference I found between all the generators in the 2000 watt category is the Honda's motor is 19cc larger.

Pros - Each 2000w weigh in at about 50 pounds topped off with gas.
Cons - The high end name brands are pricy. May need an RV plug adapter

Good luck

[NotyetMHCowner]

Also, if you have a Northern Tool in your area, check out their PowerHorse brand 2000 generators. I have read countless reviews about them being just as reliable and quiet as the Hondas but much less expensive. The Hondas are generally $999 and the PowerHorse are usually $549. There is a floor model at my local store for $449 and I have a coupon for $50 off. Anyway, a lot more brands are now copying the Hondas with much better prices.

P.S. Each PowerHorse comes with a parallel cable and 30amp plug, so you don't have to purchase separate stuff like Honda

[JRTJH]

Each RV'er must make his own decision whether to invest in generator(s) to power their RV. Many make it with no generator and truly enjoy their camping trips. Some use a "contractor generator" to recharge batteries and truly enjoy their camping trips. Others purchase "moderately priced generators" and truly enjoy their camping trips. And then others purchase relatively expensive generators and truly enjoy their camping trips. The point is to "truly enjoy your camping trips". Honda/Yamaha are very good generators, but not every RV'er needs (or can afford) the price of these units for the occasional RV dry camping trip.

Some of the "other brand" choices that are on the market are priced significantly lower than Honda/Yamaha and provide very much the same advantages without the high prices. Champion's 2000 watt generator models are often available for less than $500, http://www.amazon.com/Champion-Equipment-73536i-Generator-Compliant/dp/B0041K09D8/ref=sr_1_1?s=lawn-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1422019282&sr=1-1&keywords=champion+generator&pebp=1422019290160&peasin=B0041K09D8

Smarter Tool's API2000, is powered by a Yamaha motor and is currently available at COSTCO for $599 and Home Depot for $649. http://www.costco.com/Smarter-Tools-2000-watt-Parallel-Capable-Inverter-Generator-with-Yamaha%c2%ae-Engine.product.100121916.html
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Smarter-Tools-AP-2000iQ-1600-2000-Watt-Gasoline-Powered-Parallel-Capable-Portable-Inverter-Generator-with-Yamaha-Engine-ST-AP2000iQ/205627293?N=5yc1vZbx9nZ96uZ2bctk4

Boliy produced inverter generators in the 2000 watt power range, but currently only offers a 3300 watt generator. It sells for less than $1000 and has proven to be a very good power source for RV use. http://www.bottomlinetrading.com/BOLIY.html

As RV use becomes more popular, many people are learning of the choices in camping experience. Full hookups, partial hookups and "dry camping" are all becoming very popular with the "new RV crowd". Often times they are not in a position to purchase a small generator at a cost of over $1000. Rather than see them purchase a $400 "contractor generator" with its obvious noise issues and "dirty power", the generators above are reliable inverter generators that compete with Honda/Yamaha, often use the same power source and provide the same "inverter clean power" with very similar (sometimes less) noise.

Anyone who is looking for a reliable, quiet inverter generator has several alternatives to Honda/Yamaha.

It doesn't take a $2000+ investment to power an RV when dry camping and still be a "good neighbor" in the campground.

Do your research and buy what fits your requirements, your budget and your ego. The important thing is to take your family camping and enjoy the relaxing benefits of the RVing lifestyle and stay within your budget restraints.

Good Luck

[Ram189]

I will throw my .02 in here.

My main concern when camping is noise. I do 99% dry camping at racetracks around the country. My next door neighbor is an arms length away. When the guy moves in next door with his construction gernerator the whole trip goes to hell.

I am looking to upgrade this year and know of a used twice Honda 3000, or whatever the midsize is, for $1500.00. I can buy a brand new out of the box Home Depot brand for $1100, but not sure of how noisey they are compared to the Honda.

You can have a conversation over the Honda at full load and never miss a beat. I have a 15 year old Yamaha 3100 that works great but is twice as noisey as the new ones and is not an inverter.

I don't like the 2000 range generators because of the fuel tank size and having to buy 2 to run A/C anyway. Just by 1 big one and be done.

Noise is my deciding factor right now.

[NotyetMHCowner]

I agree 100% about the noise. I don't think they should ever be allowed in a "campground" At race tracks though, there probably isn't much you can do about it.

The reason I would want to have 2 2000's instead of 1 3000 is weight. The 2000's are about 50 lbs, easy to handle with one person. If you don't need AC, then only bring one. The 3000's are way over 100lbs, some 150lbs.

There are mods to have auxiliary fuel tanks for the small ones also.

[mazboy123]

NOISE is the issue. regardless of what you buy keep the noise issue in front of you.

also, a honda 2000 running at max is noisy.

i would stay with a yamaha or honda.

[JRTJH]

The Champion 2000 has the same "noise profile" at 25% and 100% power as the Honda 2000. They are the same "quiet" or the same "noisy" so there's no argument that a "construction generator" is a campground "annoyance". But you don't have to buy a $1000 generator to get a 53 dB noise level at 25% power output.

Actually the API2000 is rated at 51dB and the Honda is rated at 53 dB..... Just for comparison.

[Desert185]

The Champion 2000 has the same "noise profile" at 25% and 100% power as the Honda 2000. They are the same "quiet" or the same "noisy" so there's no argument that a "construction generator" is a campground "annoyance". But you don't have to buy a $1000 generator to get a 53 dB noise level at 25% power output.

Actually the API2000 is rated at 51dB and the Honda is rated at 53 dB..... Just for comparison.

I have two AP2000iQ's from Costco. Yamaha engines. So far, so good.

[JRTJH]

I have two AP2000iQ's from Costco. Yamaha engines. So far, so good.

The API2000 (AP2000iQ) has a Yamaha MZ80 engine and the noise level is rated at 51dB. That is a small bit less noise than the Honda 2000 and the same noise level as the Yamaha 2000. Whether it is a "noticeable" difference is something I can't say at this point. I looked at the generators in COSTCO and seriously considered them, however at that time there was no "history" for the brand or the model, so I passed. The more I learn about them and the longer they are in service, the more impressed I am with their reliability and performance. It appears that they may be a very good alternative to the Honda/Yamaha brands. Of course there will always be people who prefer one brand over another and just as with the "truck preference", some will always feel that their brand is significantly more preferable than some "other brand".

If the reputation of the API brand generators remains where it currently is, they will be a "neck and neck" rival to Honda/Yamaha. I think it will just take "more time in the field" with owners using them to build the reliability history. So far, they appear to be worth the price and seem to be a very good alternative to the "high priced spread" at a cost of about 55% of the Honda.

[Ken / Claudia]

Today I was running gas thru my yamaha 2000. At about 15 ft from back door to house at the patio door it could be heard, standing inside at the closed patio door it could not.

[JRTJH]

My Champion has the same "low noise" profile. I can run it outside the garage, close the garage door and not hear it inside. The API2000 is even quieter than my Champion and even quieter than the Honda. The specs on the API (if they are correct) indicate that it and the Yamaha 2000 are both 51 dB. The Honda and the Champion are both 53 dB. I believe they are all "good choices" for someone who needs a generator for dry camping. Surely they are much better choices than a "contractor generator" for use in "close quarters" like a campground.

As for reliability, it usually costs more to buy a product with a history of reliability (reputation). In the case of Honda/Yamaha generators, about double the price. For someone who full times or who can afford the additional cost, it's an investment. For someone who seldom uses the generator, it's an extra expense. Given the income and budget that many people are forced to live with, I believe a major decision maker is the price of a generator that for some campers, would mean not taking the family vacation and buy a generator or buy a cheaper generator and take the family vacation. For some, that will mean either camping or having a generator. For those people, especially the ones that wouldn't use the generator frequently, an expensive generator is not a "necessity" rather it's a luxury that many simply can't afford.

I'd think that having a Champion, an API, a Boliy or one of the other "less expensive inverter generators with a similar operating profile to the "luxury models" is sufficient.

Not everyone can afford, nor do they need to invest $2000 or more so they can watch TV and run the A/C. If it means a difference in going camping or buying a generator, it becomes a "no brainer" to not invest all the family savings on a piece of equipment that you then can't afford to use.

I think (my opinion) the general message is that Honda/Yamaha make good generators, but they are not the only game in town. For someone who can afford them, "go for it"... For those who can't justify the expense or who simply can't afford the expense, there are alternatives that will work. I don't think there's any reason for people to "put Honda stickers" on their "off brand" generators or "hide them in shame"..... A generator is simply a tool, not everyone has to have "SnapOn" so they can feel pride in their garage.

[Desert185]

Those Yamaha-engined, Smart Tool gens at Costco saved me $1000 for two of them. They parallel and they have a three year warranty. I can afford Honda's and Yamaha's, but why spend a grand more? It's not like I'm driving a Yugo or flying a Maule instead of a Cessna. Some things are worth spending the money on, but in this case, the AP2000iQ's are justified.

[jtyphoid]

Another thing to be aware of when considering brands is the availability of service and parts.

I haven't looked into parts availability for a number of years, but I had problems finding parts for my Champion generator when it developed a fuel leak around the gas gauge.

[JRTJH]

Another thing to be aware of when considering brands is the availability of service and parts.

I haven't looked into parts availability for a number of years, but I had problems finding parts for my Champion generator when it developed a fuel leak around the gas gauge.

Any Champion repair center either has the parts for sale to customers or can order them. A complete list of Champion repair centers is listed on the website. There is also a page on the Champion website: http://www.championpowerequipment.com/sales-service/where-to-buy/parts-accessories/ where all of the companies that provide parts for Champion products can be located. All of those companies are "linked" to their own website by clicking on the logo at the Champion site.

Amazon.com has a very large inventory of parts for Champion. If you look up the part number from the owner's manual or from the IPB on the Champion website, do a search for that part number on Amazon, you can usually find what you need without any issues. If it's not available on Amazon, you can call the Champion customer support (numbers are listed on the website and they will either give you the location, or in many instances, they will ship the part to you.

Every part I've needed has been available at the local "mom and pop" small engine repair shop. They are a Champion repair center BTW.

[jtyphoid]

Any Champion repair center either has the parts for sale to customers or can order them. A complete list of Champion repair centers is listed on the website. There is also a page on the Champion website: http://www.championpowerequipment.com/sales-service/where-to-buy/parts-accessories/ where all of the companies that provide parts for Champion products can be located. All of those companies are "linked" to their own website by clicking on the logo at the Champion site.

Amazon.com has a very large inventory of parts for Champion. If you look up the part number from the owner's manual or from the IPB on the Champion website, do a search for that part number on Amazon, you can usually find what you need without any issues. If it's not available on Amazon, you can call the Champion customer support (numbers are listed on the website and they will either give you the location, or in many instances, they will ship the part to you.

Every part I've needed has been available at the local "mom and pop" small engine repair shop. They are a Champion repair center BTW.

It's good to hear that Champion has built out a good parts & service network.

My experience was when they were still fairly new in the U.S. market, which gets back to my point of being aware of the possible downside of buying from the latest company to enter the market.

[michael_h]

I think what most people missed in my original post is that the Honda 2000's motor is 19cc larger, nearly giving it nearly 20% more power than any of the other competitor's in that class rating. For me that's a good point to note that for the money they are not all equal in performance abilities

[michael_h]

not sure this was a good comparison of units as these CPE's are in a red cover verses the common one's we see today in the yellow covers, and the fact I'm not certain exactly what the guy plugged in, but if by chance the video is total factual and these CPE's are identical to all others in this wattage, the test is one to consider when making a purchase IMO

http://youtu.be/DSxBj9VCs_U