Generator questions

[rubicon327]

Originally Posted by Selkirk

The Yamaha includes 2x15amp standard outlets and a single L5-30 twist lock receptacle. The deal included a short adapter cable that that allows a standard 3-prong 30 amp RV plug to connect to this outlet.

What's the best way add a bonded neutral? I know I could make a new adapter cable that features strapped neutral and ground lugs on one end. Does anyone know if a pre-made version exists?

Alternatively, I could pick up a standard bonding plug that's been discussed in this thread and plug it into one of the 15 amp outlets....but I'm unsure that would work (since the 15A outlets are on a separate circuit). Even if it did, I don't know if that would be the best approach.

A photo of the panel is provided for reference.

Check your manual for the wiring diagram. The one I found online has all the outlets wired in parrallel without any isolation. Using a neutral bonding plug in one of the 15A outlets should work fine.

[Camp@Home]

I have Champion 2000. I made my own plug with neutral-ground strapped together in 2nd 15A outlet and powered E19 fine to run A/C and anything else. I think my outlets are in parallel. You can always simply check with an ohmmeter/shorts meter/DMM. Easy-peasy.

[Selkirk]

Originally Posted by rubicon327

Check your manual for the wiring diagram. The one I found online has all the outlets wired in parrallel without any isolation. Using a neutral bonding plug in one of the 15A outlets should work fine.

Yep, just confirmed in the manual for my specific model that the neutrals for the all outlets are common/not isolated....so a standard bonding plug should work.

Thanks!

[MyronL]

I sent an email to WEN to complain about my 2350W generator failing to run my air conditioner. It took a few weeks for them to answer. I bought the Honda. But anyway, they finally responded.

First they answered: “Make sure the oil is coming halfway up the crankcase threads…if oil is fine, try bypassing the sensor…follow the wire from the part where it is imbedded in the crankcase to the connector – disconnect the connector… or it could be a fuel or air flow issue…or a vacuum relief valve… or check the spark plug.. etc. ”

That was totally useless advice. I removed a side panel but there was no way to identify or find that yellow wire or access the crankcase and do what they wanted me to try. I replied as much. Their other suggestions simply were not relevant. I said so. A few more weeks passed.

They then replied: “…I think a 11000 btu AC maybe a little too much for model 56235i, the generator can only produce 1900 rated watts…”

End of story. Did I mention I bought the Honda?

[rubicon327]

Originally Posted by MyronL

I sent an email to WEN to complain about my 2350W generator failing to run my air conditioner. It took a few weeks for them to answer. I bought the Honda. But anyway, they finally responded.

First they answered: “Make sure the oil is coming halfway up the crankcase threads…if oil is fine, try bypassing the sensor…follow the wire from the part where it is imbedded in the crankcase to the connector – disconnect the connector… or it could be a fuel or air flow issue…or a vacuum relief valve… or check the spark plug.. etc. ”

These cheaper inverter generators are tempting. Then you have a problem and can't get help from the company and no one will work on it. This person who responded has probably never even started a generator. They just spew some generic language attempting to appease the customer.

You'll be very happy with the Honda. You shouldn't have any troubles and if you do any small engine repair place that deals with Honda power equipment will be able to take care of you.

[MyronL]

I really liked the WEN because it was cheap, always started quickly, claimed to produce 1900 watts continuous running power, and at 39 pounds light weight. Lesson learned.

[Selkirk]

Originally Posted by rubicon327

These cheaper inverter generators are tempting.

Agree....given the amount I would need to use it, a chinesium version of a 2200ish watt invertor generator for about half the price of a Honda/Yamaha was very tempting. However, I was dissuaded by literally everyone I talked to that had experience with generators.

The advice I received is that those low-cost generators need to be treated as disposable units. If something dies, even basic replacement parts may be impossible to find after a couple of years. The name brand units are designed remain serviceable for decades. IE: we use a 30+ year-old Honda generator at work that still runs perfectly fine.

I feel lucky to have acquired a very lightly used 2800 Yamaha from the original owner in perfect working condition for a very fair price.

[brroberts]

I bought my Honda 2000 in 2002. It was troublesome at first, but a replacement carb and it’s been great ever since.

[MyronL]

Sound tests using my cell phone ap and - file this in minor fun and games department: Note: picture is deceiving. The Honda is actually just an inch shorter.

Honda EU2200i - 75db @ 3 ft; 67db @ 18 ft.; 60db @ 30 ft.
WEN2350W - 76db @ 3 feet; 66db @ 18 ft.; 61db @ 30 ft.

Just sayin'

[John in Santa Cruz]

sound tests of my 350W solar panel

......

<crickets>

[Rockhead]

I’d rather listen to the gens than the dang crickets

[Iowa Dave]

Crickets, Katydids. whippoorwills, owls, coyotes, all reasons why I camp. I love the night sounds. In the deer stand at the farm this afternoon, windy, cool, alone, perfect.
Iowa Dave

[Rockhead]

Dave, I agree with all what you say except crickets. Can’t stand ‘em. Lol

[rubicon327]

Originally Posted by MyronL

Sound tests using my cell phone ap and - file this in minor fun and games department: Note: picture is deceiving. The Honda is actually just an inch shorter.

Honda EU2200i - 75db @ 3 ft; 67db @ 18 ft.; 60db @ 30 ft.
WEN2350W - 76db @ 3 feet; 66db @ 18 ft.; 61db @ 30 ft.

Just sayin'

I wonder what distance Honda tests the 2200i at. The specs show 57 dB(A) @ rated load 48 dB(A) @ 1/4 load. Did you have any ambient noise affecting your numbers? Maybe the difference too is the Honda numbers are A-weighted which adjusts for perception by the human ear.

[HABBERDABBER]

Thar be days I never hear the busy nearby highway. But if the wind is right, it's downright annoying. I've noticed this effect multiple times in multiple places with multiple conditions.

Windy City there in NM?

You may need to measure ambient wind speed and direction during your data collection endeavor.

[brroberts]

Honda EU2000 runs my Coleman 13.5. I only run it on low. I’ve never run it on high with shore power or a generator. I use it more for heat than cooling. The Dometic is simply too loud for me. The Houghton on high, is a little quieter, but not much, than the Colman on low and output is close enough. It was one less thing I had to do to get the trailer set up for my needs.

[RangerMan]

Originally Posted by Rockhead

Dave, I agree with all what you say except crickets. Can’t stand ‘em. Lol

Crappie like crickets, so I like'em too.

[MyronL]

Both generators were tested at full power, not on eco mode. No crickets here, and no road noises. I was breathing hard, though.

[rubicon327]

Originally Posted by rubicon327

I wonder what distance Honda tests the 2200i at.

It appears Honda does their testing at 9 feet. Unfortunately there doesn't appear to be an industry standard test method so comparing to other brands can be difficult.

[IanC]

Originally Posted by rubicon327

... you will not want the gen that close to the trailer due to noise and fumes.

Yes, make sure you put the generator away from your trailer and closer to your camping neighbors. They'll appreciate the noise and fumes. (insert sarcasm).