generator choice

[tractors1]

Originally Posted by padlin

I have a Honda 2000, bought for charging the batteries although it is rarely used. I have tried the A/C and it does indeed work although I had to disable the surge protector. I've heard it takes more power if it's really hot out or at altitude, so that should be verified. If I were buying one for the purpose of running the A/C I'd go for the Yamaha 2400.

To me, even the Honda is too loud.

The reason the surge protector (the Escape EMS, in mine) objects to a generator is the lack of a common ground between the generator and the trailer. I turn mine off before firing the generator up.

[Fox hunt]

how do you turn off your surge protector/escape EMS

[padlin]

Originally Posted by Fox hunt

how do you turn off your surge protector/escape EMS

There is a button/switch on the status panel.

[craiginpetaluma]

I started with one Honda 2000 to run a rotisserie BBQ at street fairs. I was drawing 8-12 amps at peek load which made the generator run at high RPM, that's loud . AT Idle It's very quite. So I added a second Honda 2000 to run in series, now they both just Idled and was much quieter. Running 2 smaller generators at Idle was a good option for me as my neighbors did not like the single Honda running at high RPM. But 2 at Idle was acceptable .Also I did not have a large enough single space to haul a larger one, finding 2 smaller spots for storage was easier. The 2000 is light enough for anyone to move easily.

[Fox hunt]

when you do two hondas in series do they need to be the same size could you do the 2000 with the little 1000?

[PGDriver]

Series would give you 220 volts 2000 watts. Parallel would give you 110 volts 4000 watts.

Cheers
Doug

[Jim Bennett]

They should be the same size. Manufacturers make kits Hi do just this

[tractors1]

The Honda 2000i and the Honda 2000 Companion are two different generators with different features. The Companion doesn't have the 12V capability; the two connect by using a Honda manufactured special parallel electrical cord. They must run in sync to have the AC output waveforms (60Hz) not conflict.

Honda EU2000i Companion Model Info | 2000 Watt Inverter Generator | Honda Generators

[Ray N]

A couple of years ago (or so), Trailer Life did an article on generators and they picked the Yamaha as their favorite. Sorry, but I wasn't in the market for one so I don't remember the reasons why.

[gbaglo]

Originally Posted by Ray N

A couple of years ago (or so), Trailer Life did an article on generators and they picked the Yamaha as their favorite. Sorry, but I wasn't in the market for one so I don't remember the reasons why.

Probably because they bought a double-truck full colour ad.

[Patandlinda]

Here's another vote for Honda. Bought my Honda generator about 23 years ago . Put the oil in ,ran it then ,emptied the gas, in tank and carb . covered generator and forgot about it . I only have a 80 watt folding panel so decided to see if it would start . Checked that it had oil , put gas in and gen started right up . So I changed to fresh oil and have been bringing now when I don't have hookups . Found I have to shut off surge . It is only a 1000 watt . Can't do AC . but is charges up the batteries real good , It is metal , has a gas gauge . Very fancy for it's day and all everyone needed then . Looks like new so I think I will keep it .Oh it even carries spark wench and screwdrivers under metal flap on Generator . Pat

[cpaharley2008]

When using a generator one must disable the EMS as it senses an incorrect wiring issue since the generator is not grounded. Either bypass the EMS via the switch or there is a plug in widget which fools the EMS into thinking there is a ground.

[yardsale]

Originally Posted by cpaharley2008

When using a generator one must disable the EMS as it senses an incorrect wiring issue since the generator is not grounded. Either bypass the EMS via the switch or there is a plug in widget which fools the EMS into thinking there is a ground.

Here is now to make the "plug in widget" and why you need it. Generator Ground-Neutral Bonding | No~Shock~Zone We have the 2000 watt tri fuel Yamaha generator matched with a Polar Cub 9200 AC. Wicked finicky to adjust but seems to work ok now.

[cpaharley2008]

Thanks Nick,
It has been awhile since I used a generator but my memory is still there, somewhat.

[Patandlinda]

Originally Posted by cpaharley2008

When using a generator one must disable the EMS as it senses an incorrect wiring issue since the generator is not grounded. Either bypass the EMS via the switch or there is a plug in widget which fools the EMS into thinking there is a ground.

My brother made me one . Didn't work so I just slide the slide over on the bottom of the remote ,to shut down the surge . I turn the surge back on when generator is not hooked up . It is a plug wired to fool generator to think it is grounded but it didn't work for me . I could also get a long battery cable , put it on my ground on generator then attach somewhere to my trailer frame . Maybe . Pat

[yardsale]

Originally Posted by cpaharley2008

Thanks Nick,
It has been awhile since I used a generator but my memory is still there, somewhat.

I'm with ya. We don't use ours much as the 160w panel has been so robust!

[jxoco]

I have a Honda 3000 because it is so quiet.
My wife decided it was the one for us.
We don't enjoy generators running and it is very hard to hear a 3000 running.
But it takes two people to lift it into the back of my truck.
And the Surge protector prevents it from running the A/C.
It complains about E6 no ground.
Now, in one of the posts in this thread it tells how to wire a plug to fool it.
I'm going to have to try that.

[C&G in FL]

Originally Posted by Patandlinda

I could also get a long battery cable , put it on my ground on generator then attach somewhere to my trailer frame . Maybe . Pat

I don't know for certain, but I would think a ground wire from the generator to a metallic rod pounded into the soil a couple of feet might also work.

[cpaharley2008]

Originally Posted by jxoco

I have a Honda 3000 because it is so quiet.
My wife decided it was the one for us.
We don't enjoy generators running and it is very hard to hear a 3000 running.
But it takes two people to lift it into the back of my truck.
And the Surge protector prevents it from running the A/C.
It complains about E6 no ground.
Now, in one of the posts in this thread it tells how to wire a plug to fool it.
I'm going to have to try that.

You can also turn off the surge guard via the little switch on the display, maybe easier. Just remember to turn back on when hooking up to electric.

[cpaharley2008]

Originally Posted by C&G in FL

I don't know for certain, but I would think a ground wire from the generator to a metallic rod pounded into the soil a couple of feet might also work.

Nope, tried that, even tried grounding to the trailer !