Newbie Generator Question - Yamaha vs Honda

[tmlogo]

We have had our Rockwood Minilite 2104S TT for a few months now and have never boondocked. We've held off buying generators but are now thinking about it. From what I've searched out we need 2 inverter generators to be in the comfort we like. ;-)

How do you decide between Honda and Yamaha? Current pros and cons?

Thanks!

[sgtlm17]

This is probably a Chevy vs ford type question. But I'll tell you my experience. I have never owned the Yamaha so no input there. As for Honda I own 2 of the 2000 models. Love them super quiet always start and if you want you can buy what is called the companion generator. It connects to the first generator to the second companion generator and gives you a 30 amp plug for your rig.

[bshort]

I have the 2 Honda's and I usually only need the companion to run most everything. When I want AC, I plug in the other and fire it up. I did have a problem with one of the Honda's, because I left fuel in it for 2 months. Had to take the carb off and clean it out. It was my fault.

[carlsbad]

I’ve had/have both and you can’t go wrong. My Yamaha has a fuel cut off switch which is nice.

[sgtlm17]

Yes the Honda does not have a fuel cut off that I am aware of. I run a heavy mixture of seafoam in it when storing.

[DDC]

I have read that Yamaha does not have a pure sine wave and it affects the surge protector (EMC).

[ruggets]

I own a Honda 3000 is and it is ten years old.
Have replaced spark plug once and new battery three years ago.
Also has the fuel shut-off valve
Would recommend it.

[HangDiver]

Since we camp at high altitudes it was important to have the generator jetted, and to purchase it from someone locally capable of servicing it if needed. I bought the Honda but could have easily bought a Yamaha if servicing it locally was available.

[rsdata]

Why not add some of the Champion and Harbor Freight 3500 watt generators into the mix? Lots of new generators out there to compete with Yamaha and Honda... Youtube has tons of reviews on dozens of generators

[rthomaslyons]

Originally Posted by tmlogo

We have had our Rockwood Minilite 2104S TT for a few months now and have never boondocked. We've held off buying generators but are now thinking about it. From what I've searched out we need 2 inverter generators to be in the comfort we like. ;-)

How do you decide between Honda and Yamaha? Current pros and cons?

Thanks!

I’ve owned a Yamaha 2800 and now have a Honda 3000 both brand are good and reliable but priced outside the range of other inverter types on the market for that reason when I went to the Honda, I bought a single 3000 unit slightly used from a dealer. It’s heavy but you use less fuel and you can keep the cost of the power system to almost half of of a 2 unit set up. I get someone to help load it on and off my pickup or use my metal ramps and slide it up and down from my pick up on a piece of plywood. I’m 70 and it works!

[Big Vic]

I would consider the Champion 3500 dual fuel inverter...runs off gas or propane and quiet

[Steveboe]

Generac, makes a nice 2000 watt unit for less money than others.

[Carl Anderson]

I bought two 2000 watt generators from Northern Tool called Powerhorse. They are half the price of Honda and just as quiet. They give you the parallel cables with the generator where with Honda, they charge you $100.00 bill. I have not had any issues with mine.

[pkaplan]

For whatever it is worth, I have a Honda EU2000i for my boat Air Conditioner. I use aviation fuel purchased at the local general aviation airport in the Honda and in my outboard motor. Never a fuel problem like with Ethanol. While it is a little more money per gallon, the lack of problems and ability to store for extended periods makes the cost worth while. Just note that aviation fuel has lead in it so you can not dump the extra fuel into your car or truck - it will ruin the catalytic converter.

[yworrydog]

I had a Yamaha and my dog started to not want to go up the steps to the camper. When I felt the steps I got a small shock. Took the Yamaha to be fixed, and found the board or some such thing was bad and Yamaha would not cover it, warranty was just up. New parts were almost the price of a new one. Gave it to the dealer for $50.00 (parts) and bought a Honda. No problems for the last few years.

[Havasu Bill]

I have the Honda 2000s with one being the companion. They are 45# without fuel and I can get them in and out of the truck easily. The 3000 is almost 100#. If I'm going to the mountains and don't need the AC I just take one or leave one in the truck.

I also use this system so I don't have to fuel as often. It works great!



https://www.ebay.com/itm/HONDA-EU200...item2a53684578



The Honda 2000 has a fuel pump in them and the 3000 doesn't so this fuel system won't work with the 3000.



To me, smaller and more versatile is better. Especially getting them in and out of the truck.



Lots of great options and many are cheaper. I just wanted the simpler choice even though it was a bit more $.



Good luck!



Bill

[T11ravis]

I own both. You really can't go wrong with either one.

[NorSnrub]

Originally Posted by bshort

I have the 2 Honda's and I usually only need the companion to run most everything. When I want AC, I plug in the other and fire it up. I did have a problem with one of the Honda's, because I left fuel in it for 2 months. Had to take the carb off and clean it out. It was my fault.

Mine carbs clogged on my Preditor and I put in fresh gas with no alchacol, and Seafoam. Took about a week and next time I started it it ran well.

[emm-dee]

I have both a dual Honda setup and a Champion 3100 gen which is dedicated to the horse trailer. Both setups perform flawlessly. The Champion and also the Boilly have good reputations but they haven't been around 10-15 years like the Honda has.

The Honda is preferred for Nascar camping because I need long run times. Have the BERG extended run tank and with that I start the Hondas up and they run continuously for up to eight days. The BERG tank sits far enough away from the generators that I can refuel it without shutting the generators down. With continuous load they need refueling (five gallons) about every 30 hours. The Yamaha is not readily adaptable to external fuel because it doesn't have an internal fuel pump.

The Honda setup (2x2000 units, cable, covers and 200 ft. of good 12/3 extension cords) sells now for about $2150. The BERG or similar systems are $165 or so.

[dbledan]

I have the Yamaha 2000is. It has been great but alone would not power my A.C. and instead of another I went with a champion dual fuel that runs everything so when I get dual a.c. I don't need two new generators.

Comparing the Yamaha to Honda I like the shut off on the fuel cap and carb for the Yamaha. The not true sin wave was vesion1. V2 is all they sell now and does not have the issue from my knowledge.

To each his own. Get what works for you as either of these you cannot go wrong.

If you want accessories like extended run tanks Honda is good as I have never found them or for the Yamaha. Both have the ability to parallel. Noise wise they are about the same comparing to others Honda's side by side.