Seeking Generator/Inverter Recommendations to Power '13 18EC

[BrianSF-GA]

There are still several months before rally season, but I am starting to look at inverters to FULLY power our 2013 W&P 18EC w/13,500 btu AC while dry camping. From hearing generators and inverters at previous rallies, we are convinced we want an inverter rather than a generator for noise considerations.

My dilemma is actual wattage. I was convinced the Honda EU3000is was the way to go, but after researching the demands of the 18EC, I am no longer certain. Is anyone powering their entire 18EC with an inverter and what are you using?

I realize power hookups are the way to go, but several rally sites we go to don't have hookups. I don't want to mess with hard-start capacitors or turning off the ac to use the microwave or other items. So, I am looking for something that will handle the entire demand ... AC, microwave, stereo, water pump, lights, refrigerator, on-board inverter, etc. I am now wondering if I should spend the extra $1,000 and go to a Yamaha 4500ise. The EU6500is is an option as well, but is another $1,000 above the Yamaha and its size and weight are a bear, not that the EU3000is or 4500ise are light.

[Scott Colegrove]

we have a 3500 watt inverter and a 30 wrs that we take to races, if you truly want to run the microwave and the air on high at the same time you cannot do it with the 3000, it will kick the breaker. Yamaha's are very expensive, I would think you could do some looking and find a Honda 6500 for a better deal. There are also some new brands that offer quiet operation with good fuel economy that are not Honda or Yamaha. I have my 3500 and it is very quiet and runs great. We use it non stop for up to 3 days at a time. I just change the oil with synthetic.

[BrianSF-GA]

Originally Posted by Scott Colegrove

we have a 3500 watt inverter and a 30 wrs that we take to races, if you truly want to run the microwave and the air on high at the same time you cannot do it with the 3000, it will kick the breaker. Yamaha's are very expensive, I would think you could do some looking and find a Honda 6500 for a better deal. There are also some new brands that offer quiet operation with good fuel economy that are not Honda or Yamaha. I have my 3500 and it is very quiet and runs great. We use it non stop for up to 3 days at a time. I just change the oil with synthetic.

Thanks for the response .... I am reading the same thing that the EU3000 will be marginal at best. As far as other brands, I think we will stay with the Honda's and Yamaha's. The others all seem to be hit or miss in reviews. As far as price, the EU6500's are $4,500 and the EF4500's are $3,000 .... quite a bit of a difference. The Yamaha seems to bridge the gap between the EU3000 and the EU6500. Another option is a bridged pair of EU2000's, but the setup and a supplemental, external fuel tank are not appealing.

What brand is your 3500?

[Brett Rahn]

I have the 275 Work and play 15000BTU air etc, I have the Yamaha 4500 inverter and runs everything no problem,
Now 1 thing, that thing is heavy as hell and big, wont fit on tongue and you need 2 BIG dudes to lift in truck bed!
I also have a honda Generator 3000 watt Maxx and it runs the stuff as well, but not all at once,
The option of the 2 smaller honda inverters running in series is a neat idea but now you have 2units to fuel and can run 1 or both if needed!
I will also say this, Buy a good name Inverter and spend the money those cheaper units are just that Cheap, esc. some that are from generac, Parts are a pain to get etc.
another issue is when you use a generator vs Inverter, generator is spikey and not clean power and will hurt your electronics so after much research i bit the bullet and did the Yamaha 4500 Brett

[BrianSF-GA]

Originally Posted by Brett Rahn

I have the 275 Work and play 15000BTU air etc, I have the Yamaha 4500 inverter and runs everything no problem,
Now 1 thing, that thing is heavy as hell and big, wont fit on tongue and you need 2 BIG dudes to lift in truck bed!
I also have a honda Generator 3000 watt Maxx and it runs the stuff as well, but not all at once,
The option of the 2 smaller honda inverters running in series is a neat idea but now you have 2units to fuel and can run 1 or both if needed!
I will also say this, Buy a good name Inverter and spend the money those cheaper units are just that Cheap, esc. some that are from generac, Parts are a pain to get etc.
another issue is when you use a generator vs Inverter, generator is spikey and not clean power and will hurt your electronics so after much research i bit the bullet and did the Yamaha 4500 Brett

... thanks Brett.

So your EU3000 inverter starts your 15,000 btu AC alone?

No matter what generator I get, it will go in the back of the TH and not the truck. As long as it's on wheels, weight is not much of a concern. It might, however, be a problem when rolling across the grass ... most rallies we attend are in fields. Hmmm, that is something I will need to think about. I know the Honda has an "offroad" wheel package.

... and yes, I am aware of the clean power of an inverter over a generator and will be powering a laptop and tablet at times.

[Brett Rahn]

Yeah honda 3000 works but it works its hard, while air is on, Get the 4500 size and has a good set of wheels and deal with that, it is even heavy to roll up the ramp and I am 6ft 3 inch 280 lb guy and can bench 540lbs it is big but you will love the power,
turning air off to nuke something sucks, Brett