Small Honda Generator or Predator

[yeldogt]

We have have had an unusual string of power outages in the suburbs recently .... 25 plus years of owning this place -- I can count on one hand any extended outages.

Extended being still under an hour .. we had one that lasted the better part of a day about 10 years ago when a freak snow came through on Halloween.

This year there have bee three -- one almost 3 days.

So -- I'm thinking maybe a small generator just to have ......"in case"

The Honda 2000i being the gold standard in that size and class -- quiet and clean power. That size will start my sump pump. Again .. another item never needed ... but, when stuff goes bad it goes real bad?

Does anybody have the new Predator? Clean power? Quiet ? It's $499 vs $1100.

My guess:When I sell this house in a few years it will still be in the box .. whatever I get.

 

[NUTTSGT]

I have a Honda bought from the rental dept of HD for about half off and looks pretty much new. So you may want to consider that as a source to buy from.

You may want to follow the link to HD for their special buy. I have no idea but the price is right.
https://www.homedepot.com/SpecialBuy/SpecialBuyOfTheDay

 

[930dreamer]

We bought a Predator 3500 in 2018, amp/volts display stopped working but still works fine. I'll buy a Honda next time.

 

[jd_1138]

It's better to have a tool and never need it than the opposite. If the power does go out, and your sump pump stops working, water and sewage in the basement will be a PITA to clean out.

I'd probably try to get a Honda (new or gently used), as parts and service should be better available. Also make sure you have a battery backup for the sump in case you are out of the house or asleep when the power goes out. You can also add a water leak alarm in the basement.

 

[A**holes Garage]

I have a Honda 2000 for small stuff, I believe they make the new 2200 now.
Always started and quiet. Not enough wattage for heavy amp appliances.

I also have a 10K watt Harbor Freight for heavy loads, but is loud, have to locate it away from any windows. It is not an inverter type.

 

[Metallitubby]

I believe they make the new 2200 now.

That we do. Almost all EU2200i models can be run in parallel with an EU2000i as well to double (or more) your electrical output.

 

[A**holes Garage]

That we do. Almost all EU2200i models can be run in parallel with an EU2000i as well to double (or more) your electrical output.

That's good to know, I'm thinking about buying another and was wondering if you could mix the two.

 

[FMC1959]

That we do. Almost all EU2200i models can be run in parallel with an EU2000i as well to double (or more) your electrical output.

What other models can be run in parallel, and how many can you "stack" (like 4 EU2200i can be run together....e.g.)?

 

[MoonRise]

I almost tripped over a RUNNING Honda EU2000 once. They are that quiet.

Check your 'needed' start-up amps/watts requirements as well as the running amps/watts.

Especially for things with motors (like a refrigerator, or the sump pump, etc). As long as multiple motors don't all try to start up at once, you might be OK.

And unless you want to run multiple extension cords from the generator to the 'appliances' you want/need to run in a power outage, you do kind of need a transfer panel/switch to get the power from the generator to the items you want/need to run.

I have neither the Honda nor the Predator version Honda-clone, but I do have another 'brand' Honda clone. Relatively quiet, not too thirsty on the gas, but the power is not all that clean. My UPS's pretty much ALL squawk when I have to run the generator. Motors on the fridges seem to run OK, and the incandescent lights are fine off the generator (incans don't care too much about waveforms ). I would need to check the power with an oscilloscope to see the actual waveform(s), as the multimeters say voltage and frequency are both OK. And I don't have an oscilloscope (at the moment).

YMMV with an actual Honda or the Predator version.

And safety reminder, ALL running generators MUST be located AWAY from windows and NEVER in an attached garage. Carbon Monoxide from running generators kills people every year.

 

[Jackfre]

I just rec'd a report from PG&E that last year i had 155.1 hrs of "Safety shut-downs." Power outages kinda drive you nuts, but out here as hot and dry as it is and the recent fire history, when the wind gets up and they shut things down, yes it is aggravating, but kinda comforting too. Strange!
I have heard pretty good things about the Predators. Honda is indeed the Gold Standard but for the cost difference and infrequent use, I'd give the HF a shot.

 

[MoonRise]

What other models can be run in parallel, and how many can you "stack" (like 4 EU2200i can be run together....e.g.)?

The little Honda EU generators (or some/most clones) can only run two units in parallel.

That gets you twice the amperage, but still only 120V.

https://powerequipment.honda.com/generators/super-quiet-generators

So if you need 240V power (for a well pump maybe), you have to go for a bigger model like the EU7000i (used to be an EU6500i IIRC, Honda 'upgraded' it a few years ago).

Which can be run in parallel with another EU7000i for ~14 kw of power.

https://powerequipment.honda.com/generators/models/eu7000is

 

[toolmiser]

I don't have a recommendation, but I have a 15 year old Honda that I bought as insurance. About 20 years ago we had two outages that lasted about three days. We are in Wisconsin, and they were in summer. Generator will run our furnace, fridge, and freezer, but not more than one at a time, but that will take care of many emergencies. I've never really had to use it, and that is ok. I still start it up and run it once in a while. I think this one cost about $800 new and after 15 years that is about $50.00 a year.

 

[FMC1959]

The little Honda EU generators (or some/most clones) can only run two units in parallel.

That gets you twice the amperage, but still only 120V.

https://powerequipment.honda.com/generators/super-quiet-generators

So if you need 240V power (for a well pump maybe), you have to go for a bigger model like the EU7000i (used to be an EU6500i IIRC, Honda 'upgraded' it a few years ago).

Which can be run in parallel with another EU7000i for ~14 kw of power.

https://powerequipment.honda.com/generators/models/eu7000is

Cool, and sorry, didn't mean to hijack the thread....thanks

 

[rburke65]

Never heard any bad comments on a Honda

 

[Racy2]

Yamaha are just as good if not better than Honda. You can google them both.

 

[Showkey]

I don't have a recommendation, but I have a 15 year old Honda that I bought as insurance. About 20 years ago we had two outages that lasted about three days. We are in Wisconsin, and they were in summer. Generator will run our furnace, fridge, and freezer, but not more than one at a time, but that will take care of many emergencies. I've never really had to use it, and that is ok. I still start it up and run it once in a while. I think this one cost about $800 new and after 15 years that is about $50.00 a year.

A good used Honda EU2000 will sell quickly for $600-700 so your 15 year actual cost is $6.66- $13.33 Per year

 

[snorky18]

That we do. Almost all EU2200i models can be run in parallel with an EU2000i as well to double (or more) your electrical output.

I'm not quite sure about "almost all".

Honda has a list of serial numbers of EU2000s that can be paralleled with EU2200s.

https://powerequipment.honda.com/generators/generator-parallel-capability

 

[Rc_Guy]

I have 2 of the quiet 2200's and a quiet 6500, 3000 hours on the 6500, I like the Honda generators

 

[Fuelboat]

I had a Honda EU300is for 5 years not a problem with anything. Really quiet. Start it up every couple of months and run if for a couple of hours just to make sure it is ready if needed.

 

[Chuckster in NJ]

Honda, hands down!........ "Clean" power for electronics and built to last.

You will never regret investing in a Honda.

 

[JCQuick]

I have to say this. I bought a HF predator 3500 to use when i went racing. run a fan or 2 and my battery charger.
I live in Florida we have hurricanes where i live its a week or more with out power. This thing ran for 10 days straight only shutting off for fuel ran my fridge, Freezer and a few lights my computer and 2 TVs for over a week oh 2 YV's and the reciever's

The other thing was it was quiet IMO it paid for it;s seft that time we have since used it many times at the track with no issues

 

[FJ 432]

My company sells these:

https://www.cummins.com/generators/onan-p4500i-inverter-portable-generator

 

[nadogail]

The Predator received a “Best Buy” rating a few years ago.

 

[58Yeoman]

I just bought another HF Predator, 7250/9000 to replace the 11 year old 6500/7000. I live in the country so the noise doesn't bother any neighbors. It served me well with the only problem being the oil level shutoff failed. The new one doesn't have the amp gauges, but I can live with that. With coupon, it was $600. I've never had any problems with electronics, but I do unplug the upright freezer and don't turn on the central a/c.

 

[Metallitubby]

That's good to know, I'm thinking about buying another and was wondering if you could mix the two.

You can, but there are some rare exceptions. The only EU2000s that cannot be paralleled with an EU2200 are very early production models of the EU2000.

We have a generator in the works that will cover quite a few models being mentioned here, but I cannot (and will not) elaborate on that.

 

[yeldogt]

Want something small -- only 110v. Quiet and clean power ....

Our town is full of huge trees that we protect .....freak wind storms this summer that have taken down some huge trees around me. One was so big they had to get special equipment to remove it .... it took out poles and transformers.

In the burbs with all the lines -- the outages are normally very short .... even in really bad ice storms.

 

[Showkey]

Read the first post in the this link :

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=459242


No further comment is needed other than ...........“parts and service“ ?

 

[finn]

I bought two Champion inverters, 2000 W each. The two were ~$200 cheaper than a single Honda, and they work fine after several years.

Also bought an open frame 3400? Watt Wen with 240 volt capability to run the well pump. It’s a little lower output than I really want for starting the pump, but it has worked fine for a couple of years now, and was only $187 at Menards on Black Friday.

They really don’t accumulate many hours when used as a backup for power outages here. We get frequent service interruptions here, but most are an hour or two due to trees over the lines.

I only recall one 12 hour outage in recent memory.

Reminds me that I should replace the fuel in all three generators.

 

[ddurrett896]

I'd meet in the middle and buy a Champion.

 

[minke]

I've not owned a generator, but from reading:

• exercise care to avoid stuff growing in your old fuel,
• consider a propane conversion kit to avoid the old fuel problem.

 

[Greenlawnracing]

I have a 2000 that is about 10 years old. Doesn’t get much use these days, but has powered tire warmers at the track for many weekends. They are very popular in racing applications because noises is an issue. Used it the other day when the power went out. It does take a couple pulls, ironically my crappy Troy Bilt starts on the first attempt. Small tank and 2k may limit applications. Quite and reliable. Basically, Honda FTW

 

[Busted_Knuckles]

I'd meet in the middle and buy a Champion.

I sell and service standby's, but dont sell Predator, Honda, or Champion, but depending on budget, and what Ive seen and know, this is good advice, or at least my first thought when I saw the title, as well...

 

[gearhead1]

My buddy bought the HF 3500W predator (inverter) and takes it to the track every weekend During racing season for the Last 2 years. It runs the lights in the trailer, a battery charger, and a small air compressor. He’s had no issues with it whatsoever.

 

[greasyfingers01]

I picked up a 9,000w Preditor on the cheap with a coupon ($600). Then I picked up a multi fuel carburetor for it ($30). Honestly if something goes bad, its going to be the carburetor, and thats not likely because I'm running propane. Also I can keep propane for a decade + vs 6 moths max with non ethanol gas. I currently have 6 20 lbs. Cylinders incase of emergencies. If I can't get propane when I run out, I can run gas as well. I also have the new factory carburetor if there is a problem with my multifuel carb. I can run the whole house including a window shaker I keep around just in case, excluding the main AC, and I have multiple freezers, gas water heater and range. I was was wanting to get something higher end like a Honda, Yamaha, or used Onan. However in the end my current setup made more sense. I'll probably sell the genset in 5 or so years at not much loss, and pick up a new one.

Sent from my SM-A505U using Tapatalk

 

[Lou's Garage]

We have a 3500 Predator. While it only has about 15 hours on it, most of them were all at one time. It easily handled a two room (kitchen & family) load and provided clean power that presented no problems for the computerized equipment. It's not very noisy (certainly louder than a Honda) but if you're able to engage the "Economy" mode, the noise drops substantially and it just sips fuel. I'm impressed and pleased. FWIW, I have worked in emergency services off and on so I've had the privilege to operate a lot of different generators.

Lou

 

[dcg9381]

I'd meet in the middle and buy a Champion.

I've owned a bunch of generators. Honda is top of the line in efficient and quite 2000-watt class. The price gives me pause.

I largely run Champion. No matter what I do, eventually carbs fail - so I've moved to propane. Champion has a ~3000 watt framed inverter generator - dual fuel for less than a Honda. No, it's not as quiet, but sitting outside your garage, it's not going to bother you. More quiet than open framed generators. 110V only, but it'll do 20-30A, which might come in useful during an extended deal...

Can't go wrong with the Honda.