Generator-Honda 2000- to keep or to sell?

[Losangeles]

Originally Posted by tsherrard

Thank you, thank you!! for this info. I've been about to post a question about this for a while -- we need a generator at our summer cabin: unreliable power grid and a fridge and freezer full of food (not to mention -- the unmentionable sewer pump...). Since we already have propane for the grill, and shortly for the 5.0TA (Tuesday!), and because gasoline is obnoxious, we definitely want to pursue the conversion.

Overall I am very happy with the propane conversion

Just be aware that it runs slightly differently.

Subtle - but I suspect that it may have slightly less "oomph" on propane

Plus I have never run it at high altitude. It may run less well there.

Just be sure to research it - and maybe call the conversion kit company I mentioned above.

And .... I bought a big Tupperware container at Home Depot to fit it al in. Protects the conversion bits that jut out the bottom.

[C&G in FL]

Originally Posted by Losangeles

Subtle - but I suspect that it may have slightly less "oomph" on propane

Definitely true. I have a Tri-fuel generator from Northern Tools powered bu Honda. 6,500 wattsxwith surge to 8,000. The manual states that each fuel has a different output, with gasoline having the most oomph, propane in second place, and natural gas having the least.

[Brian B-P]

Originally Posted by C&G in FL

I have a Tri-fuel generator from Northern Tools powered bu Honda. 6,500 wattsxwith surge to 8,000. The manual states that each fuel has a different output, with gasoline having the most oomph, propane in second place, and natural gas having the least.

That's expected with engines like this, which have vapour carburetors. Gasoline is delivered to the engine as a mist of liquid. The propane and natural gas go in as vapour, so they take up space that would otherwise be air. The maximum power produced is limited by how much fuel is burned, and that is limited by how much air can be taken in, and the vapour fuel is competing with air for space. Natural gas (which is methane and some ethane) is less dense than propane, so it takes up even more space... so less power.

This reduced power isn't an efficiency concern: there's less power, but proportionately less fuel burned.

Turbocharging fixes this, but of course small generators don't have turbochargers.

[Tom and Sharon]

Originally Posted by Losangeles

Overall I am very happy with the propane conversion

Just be aware that it runs slightly differently.

Subtle - but I suspect that it may have slightly less "oomph" on propane

Plus I have never run it at high altitude. It may run less well there.

Just be sure to research it - and maybe call the conversion kit company I mentioned above.

And .... I bought a big Tupperware container at Home Depot to fit it al in. Protects the conversion bits that jut out the bottom.

Thanks for the pointers -- esp. the idea to put it in a plastic tub for protection. I'll post when we've done it and had some experience.

[rubicon327]

Just wanted to add that we experimented running the 11,500 BTU Duotherm A/C unit with a Honda EU2000i on a recently acquired 2010 19' and it worked just fine. Granted this is near sea level. Can't run the microwave at the same time though which was to be expected. Can't beat the Honda 2000 for portability, reliability and ease of use.

[rubicon327]

Originally Posted by rubicon327

Just wanted to add that we experimented running the 11,500 BTU Duotherm A/C unit with a Honda EU2000i on a recently acquired 2010 19' and it worked just fine. Granted this is near sea level. Can't run the microwave at the same time though which was to be expected. Can't beat the Honda 2000 for portability, reliability and ease of use.

Correction to my post just to avoid any confusion: The A/C unit is 11,000 BTU with 10.5 RLA (rated load amps). For those that don't know the Honda EU2000i is rated at 13.3A (1600W) continuous with a max of 16.7A (2000W) which is recommended for no more than 30 minutes.

[GCS]

Good info. Will add to my list. I like the idea of a two way generator. May convert my home unit as well.

[Losangeles]

Originally Posted by GCS

Good info. Will add to my list. I like the idea of a two way generator. May convert my home unit as well.

The nicest thing about a propane / gas generator is that gasoline goes "off" after 6 months... propane *never* does.

our Honda 2000 sure does run cleanly on propane.

there is a reason that the 2000 is so popular. It is a great unit

[The Quilting Lady]

Does the honda 2000i run the air condition if it has been switched to propane instead of gasoline?

[rubicon327]

Originally Posted by The Quilting Lady

Does the honda 2000i run the air condition if it has been switched to propane instead of gasoline?

Great question. It will be interesting to see if anyone has done it. I can say that I wouldn't want to run the 11,000 BTU Duotherm on anything less than the Honda EU2000i running on gasoline. It is right in the sweet spot for constant generator load. Propane has an energy content 74% that of gasoline. A propane conversion website that I found claims (of course) that there is no loss in power and fuel consumption is nearly the same. This is just simply not possible. Even if it did barely run the A/C you would be working the machine very hard. Altitude would make it even worse. General rule is 10% derate for every 3,000 feet. I'd love to hear real-world experience with propane, but absent that I would leave the Honda alone or be prepared to revert to gasoline to run the A/C if you feel compelled to do the conversion.

[Brian B-P]

Originally Posted by rubicon327

Propane has an energy content 74% that of gasoline.

Sounds about right... per unit volume. That's the reason that you need more volume of propane to produce the same energy from the engine than with gasoline.

Originally Posted by rubicon327

A propane conversion website that I found claims (of course) that there is no loss in power and fuel consumption is nearly the same. This is just simply not possible.

No loss of power is not possible without other changes. That site may be assuming changes such as increased compression ratio, which are not done in these simple generator conversions.
The great thing about a statement such as "nearly the same" is that it doesn't mean anything specific. How much more is "nearly the same" - 1%? 5%? 20%?...

[GCS]

Well the question now is will the Honda 2000i still run an AC if it's been converted to propane as some report that the unit is marginal at best when running on gas.

[H46Driver]

Originally Posted by GCS

Well the question now is will the Honda 2000i still run an AC if it's been converted to propane as some report that the unit is marginal at best when running on gas.

I can't speak to the Honda 2000 on propane but I do know that the Yamaha 2000 on propane will not run my Casita AC. It will run it on gasoline. I'm pretty sure the capabilities of the Honda and Yamaha are very, very close to the same. So, I think it may be safe to assume that even if the Honda 2000 will run the AC on propane it would be doing it on the edge of its capability.

[rubicon327]

Originally Posted by H46Driver

I can't speak to the Honda 2000 on propane but I do know that the Yamaha 2000 on propane will not run my Casita AC. It will run it on gasoline. I'm pretty sure the capabilities of the Honda and Yamaha are very, very close to the same. So, I think it may be safe to assume that even if the Honda 2000 will run the AC on propane it would be doing it on the edge of its capability.

Thanks for sharing real-world info Dave. That would have been my guess based on the numbers, but that is assuming a rooftop A/C with considerable draw similar to those on an Escape. Can you share your Casita AC specs so we know what you were asking of the generator?

[Bill_75]

Originally Posted by The Quilting Lady

I forgot to ask.... how do Escape owners transport the generators and the gas? Would it possibly go in that large box at the front?

There is this option you can use :

http://www.escapeforum.org/forums/f8...tank-6863.html

[GCS]

I was afraid of that. I'm sure the output is identical. Guess I will plan on coverting the Honda 3K and mount it either in a top box in the bed of a supercrew or see if I can fab a box for it to ride on the tongue. Then I will know for sure that I'm covered. Best option would be to fab a tongue box. Will use diamond plate if dimensions permit. Thanks.

[Dave Walter]

I don't really need or want the hassle of carrying a generator with me while camping, I have experienced too many camp sites where noise from neighbors generators bothered me at all hours of the day and night. But if I did ever get a generator for boondocking in the desert heat, I would seriously consider a Yamaha 2400 size as it seems just about right for the Escape air conditioner.

[rubicon327]

For those that might be wondering, the Honda EU2000i and Yamaha EF2000iS that we part of the original thread discussions have the exact same performance specs on paper: 1600W (13.3A) rated, with maximum 2000W (16.7A).

Also another handy feature to keep in mind with these two inverter generators (and probably others out there) is the 12V, 8amp battery charging feature. Might take a little while but if you carry the special cord and your tow vehicle battery dies you should be able to provide enough juice to get started. This happened to me once and I was lucky I could just steal the group 24 12V trailer battery, but this is not possible for those out there running dual 6V or maybe even big 12V that may not fit in the vehicle.

[GCS]

Sounds like a good argument for a duel battery setup under the hood. Should be able to fit one in somewhere.

[Greg A]

I picked up this one on a one day deal at Woot for $380. Sold out now, but they run it from time to time.
http://www.amazon.com/WEN-56200i-Sta.../dp/B00SMNLF4M

I had been borrowing a friends Honda 2000, and so far I'd rate the WEN a match in noise level, power, and performance. It has really good reviews around the web and I figured I could buy 3 of these for what they want for a Honda.