[heruide]

Harold, The fact that you want to run your AC will take you out of the 2000 watt and into the 3000 watt range. You have two options. You can go with the Honda EU3000is or the Yamaha EF3000iSEB.

I have the Honda EU3000is and have been very happy with it.

Ruide

 

[heruide]

Ctfortner, I'll answer the easy question first. Although I've never run it until it was empty, it is suppose to run for 7 hours when it running wide open or a lot longer if the Eco-Throttle is on.

Now to noise... At seven feet away the noise level is 49 dB with the Eco-Throttle and 59 dB at its rated load. Putting that it perspective, a converstation is about 55 dB, your TV at home is 60dB, a lawnmover 92 dB and a circular saw 115 dB.

Unfortunately noise is relative especially in different environments. I have no problems running the generator while I'm camping by myself. However, while I don't have a problem warning up my Hummer engine or running my AC, I would not think of running the generator at a camp ground even during the day just becasue it is a "generator".... Hummm I probably need to compare noise levels and see it there is a big difference or is it just my perception.

Ruide

 

[heruide]

One thing to be concerned with is whether the EU2000 has enough amps to start up your AC. I've heard of folks having to connect the AC directly to the generator versus going through the converter because of the extra draw from the converter.

The good news is that if it did not have enough power, you could buy another one and with a twining cable and external tank you would be in generator heaven.... plus the EU2000's are so light and easy to move around.

Ruide

 

[heruide]

As you are looking at 2000 watt generators other than Honda and Yamaha, I would make sure that they have the ability where two can be connected to produce twice the wattage. That way if one is not adequate you can purchase another one.

Ruide

 

[heruide]

Given the interest in this topic, here are two articles by the same author on small generators.

Compact Generators
Packable power

Ruide

 

[heruide]

I have not heard anything good or bad about the tri-fuel generators. Maybe Ruide will have some insight on these.

What I've read about are kits that allow you to convert a gas generator to run with propane and natural gas. While I'm always one that wants to be prepared for any situation, I will admit that I've opted to carry two 6 - gallon Gerry cans of gas with me (which I can also use in my TV). My other issue is that my generator is permanently mounted on the deck of my trailer so I would only need the propane option. However, I figured if I can't purchase gas I'm in deep trouble and I'd want to keep the propane for heat and cooking versus lights and cooling. It may be that I'm not that much of a survivalist.

Ruide.

 

[heruide]

Cuzican,

There are two major differences between your EB3000 and the EU3000. The first is weight. The EB3000 only weighs 68 lbs compare the the 134 lbs of the EU3000.

The other difference is noise. The EB3000 is rated at 68 dB at 2600W rated (21.7A) versus the EU 3000 which is rated at 58 dB at 2800W rated (23.3A).

That means the EB 3000 is half the weight but will be perceived as being TWICE AS LOUD compared to the EU 3000 :comfort_:

To help here is a chart with a comparison of noise.

Better yet Honda has a nice link that actually demonstrates the noise level of their generators including both the EB3000 and the EU3000. Go to this link and look at the left hand side under Tools and Resources and click on the "Honda Generator Sound Level comparison". Make sure your computer audio is turned up.

Hope this helps.

Ruide

PS I think you can get the adapter. IIRC I bought a locking male plug and connected it to a short 30 amp RV cord (dog bone) with a female end.

 

[heruide]

Cuzican,

You are welcome. Wishing you all the best.

Ruide