Honda EU2000

Originally posted by techntrek I've been using Stabil for a couple of years now, I store several 5 gallon cans year-round as an emergency supply.  No issues rotating it once a year but I discovered something odd this summer.  The Yamaha genset I bought this spring will start on the first pull.  I rotate my gas supply in July so in June I put some of that gas in the Yamaha.  Suddenly it took 8 pulls to get it going.  Once running it ran fine.  I didn't know why it changed until I put fresh gas in it.  It went back to starting on the first pull.  So in general Stabil may keep gas usable but it is not perfect.  I'm considering rotating my supply every 6 months now.

You are right about Stabil.  I belong to a few local area fishing clubs and the consensus is that Marine Stabil is somewhat better than the standard Stabil.  But, as you said, it is not perfect.

We have found that ethanol affects our older engines in yet another way.  It will deteriorate rubber fuel lines over time.  I still have my old 1750 watt Coleman PowerMate which I bought to power a small Coleman A/C unit I installed in a 1979 Toyota motor home.  After changing to synthetic fuel lines, it once again ran like new, even after setting for a year or so with "Stabil" fuel.  It is definitely better than not using anything.

Bob

Good information, Doug.  Here in Florida, we go one step further.  When some people started having problems with ethanol, we all started using fuel stabilizer in the fuel for all of our equipment we did not use every day.  I always added it to my outboard motor fuel since my boat has a 17 gallon tank which is enough to last me for a month or more.  With the stabilizer, I have had no problems with the outboard, chain saw, or any other items not used on a frequent basis. 

My only ethanol problem has been with my large generator used for backup during power outages.  This season we have had no hurricanes, and I often forget to exercise it regularly.  With a fuel stabilizer, no problems this season.  I do shut off the gas and run the carburetor dry after exercising it.

Bob

Originally posted by bakes99 Thanks. That's what I needed to know. Believe the 12v charger is ordered separately from the actual units. Can I still use the 30amp receptical if I don't have the 2nd unit even though I won't be getting 30amps. Can I still plug the RV in to that and receive the same amt of power as the standard recept.?

Yes, the 30A plug is connected and you can plug anything into it, you cannot however put more load on it than the unit can handle.

These Hondas have two run modes normal (high RPM) and ECO RPM matches load automatically. The problem with starting an A/C is that it must stay in high RPM mode all the time so the compressor can cycle.

When you parallel two units, then you can run both in ECO mode and save fuel. So it is cheaper to run two than one.

The 12 Charger is just a simple wire with connectors. The issue on the companion is no 12v Outlet as is on the Main unit. If I were you, I would not get the companion first.

Originally posted by bakes99 Close to pulling the trigger on the Honda EU2000.  Emailed a couple of places in the US and they all state that Honda will not allow them to ship the Generator across the border to Canada, except one.  States that he has them CSA certified when bringing them across so it's not a problem.   Just really want to make sure I get the US version and not the Canadian. Anywho, I'm not sure which one to go with.  Leaning towards getting the companion first, as it has the 30amp receptacle.  Wondering, are you able to charge the RV battery with the companion as with the non companion?  On the site it says there is a Honda generator charging cord availble, I'm assuming that it will work with the companion as well.  KNow that it may not be enough to get the AC up and running but may break down and purchase the other unit next year if I need it.

I would get the HONDA not the Yamaha. Honda has a fuel pump and with a special cap you can connect an outboard motor fuel tank. Here is cap.
See Special Cap Here

I have both the units and the Companion does not have 12V battery charge output. The 30A socket on the Companion only gives 30A when running in parallel with the main unit. But you can run the companion stand-alone with just the 20A socket.