let’s talk portable generators...

[Wakebrdr94]

So I’ve always wanted a generator, just in case, and was always set on the portable Honda 2000. Then after buying a travel trailer, I was going to need a 3500w generator to get the AC going should I use it. The Honda 3000Eu was 2k, and would not necessarily do the job. I know the Honda’s are the way to go, but After doing a bunch of research and looking endlessly, I decided to give the Ryobi 2300 a shot. A little bigger tank than the Honda, a little more run time, about 5db louder. Has some cool features the Honda 2000 does not and has a higher rating for 1800 continuos vs 1600 with the Honda. Plus I got two of them for 1200 and a free parallel kit to use them both for AC if I venture during the summer months.

So far appears well built, has Bluetooth so you can see how much wattage it is running with different items running and an LCD screen that tell you as well. Almost all the reviews were pretty dang good, 4.5 stars out 5 with a lot of reviews.

Anyone else try these out? Seem like a good deal if they are all they are cracked up to be. I know it’s a ryobi, but we’ll see

 

[sailtexas186548]

I have a bunch of Ryobi power tools, and I run the piss out of them and they keep on going. I would expect it to be pretty good

 

[sml]

Predator 3500 quiet unit from harbor freight. A lot of people swear by it. Sale price now is $699. I don’t need one for the toyhauler but i’m picking one up because i feel like i have to.


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[CLdrinker]

Champion 3100

 

[Rondog4405]

Predator 3500 quiet unit from harbor freight. A lot of people swear by it. Sale price now is $699. I don’t need one for the toyhauler but i’m picking one up because i feel like i have to.


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I do that alot at HARBOR FREIGHT.

 

[Tinkerer]

I have a whole house Honeywell 16 KW model. I was at one of my customers house the other day and he had a Generac 16 KW portable.
It was the same generator that is in my stand by.

He told me it took two people to move it.

 

[pronstar]

If you aren't camping, get a loud, powerful generator from somewhere like Costco, with a good warranty.

Power is power (unless you need clean/inverter power), and if used for home emergencies who cares if its loud.


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[LargeOrangeFont]

I got the non Bluetooth Ryobi. It works nice, and as quiet as my buddies Yamaha.

 

[2Driver]

I have 2 Honda 2000’s that bridge. When we didn’t need the AC I would just take one. They had 5 hours on them and I paid $1600

After working at McCulloch for years Ryobi had such a bad industry reputation for being low-end I wouldn’t have chosen them but maybe that’s all changed. I know you can will your Honda’s

 

[Sunset]

View attachment 625350 So I’ve always wanted a generator, just in case, and was always set on the portable Honda 2000. Then after buying a travel trailer, I was going to need a 3500w generator to get the AC going should I use it. The Honda 3000Eu was 2k, and would not necessarily do the job. I know the Honda’s are the way to go, but After doing a bunch of research and looking endlessly, I decided to give the Ryobi 2300 a shot. A little bigger tank than the Honda, a little more run time, about 5db louder. Has some cool features the Honda 2000 does not and has a higher rating for 1800 continuos vs 1600 with the Honda. Plus I got two of them for 1200 and a free parallel kit to use them both for AC if I venture during the summer months.

So far appears well built, has Bluetooth so you can see how much wattage it is running with different items running and an LCD screen that tell you as well. Almost all the reviews were pretty dang good, 4.5 stars out 5 with a lot of reviews.

Anyone else try these out? Seem like a good deal if they are all they are cracked up to be. I know it’s a ryobi, but we’ll see

I had a honda 2000 and now a 3500 champion both good.

 

[Headless hula]

Did somebody say generator?

3 phase, 40KW, John Deere power...

 

[Melloyellovector]

Iv got 2 of the ryobis, only couple months old and used a handful of times. They work fine and Bluetooth is nice. Not enough power for my trailer. I’m gonna list em prob 1000 for both with parallel kit

Currently getting Onan 6500 installed

 

[bilz]

Bought the Champion 3100 dual. Fuel from Costco on line. Used it in Glamis is Pres. Weekend. Ran it on propane. It was nice not dealing with gas. Also I feel it is safer to keep in the garage without gas in the tank. Also I can run the tank dry and fire it up with propane to clear the gas in the carb no worries about the dreaded ethanol. Seems quieter on propane. Runs the 13k AC just fine on gas or propane.
b

 

[lbhsbz]

Be careful with the ratings...especially with Harbor Freight garbage. I picked up a conventional (loud style) 3600/4000 watt unit, with the idea that I'd use it when I needed it and share it with a buddy for his little toy hauler to run the A/C and charge the batteries during the day.

It wouldn't run the A/C. It would supply 3600 watts...ish, but would not run a single 3600 watt load. It would run 2 120V loads at 15A, or one 220V load at 15 amps.

Creative marketing.

 

[Willie B]

Iv got 2 of the ryobis, only couple months old and used a handful of times. They work fine and Bluetooth is nice. Not enough power for my trailer. I’m gonna list em prob 1000 for both with parallel kit

Currently getting Onan 6500 installed

...I’ve got a 4.0 O’Nan gas hooked to my solar power system...an O’Nan 6.5 gas on a portable cart for emergency’s...a 2.5 Onan propane in my Lance camper and a 6.3 Onan propane in my 5th wheel...apparently Im OK with O’Nan’s..,???...

 

[Meaney77]

Also looking at the Harbor freight Predator for my enclosed. Nice unit, quiet and cheap. I spent alot on my last Honda for it to sit in the dirt and run and eventually got stolen.

 

[Paul65k]

I have a Champion 3100 that is for the 5th wheel and had a tray made for the back to carry it and my Smoker when we camp.
This unit has worked well and does a great job running the AC when needed not to mention the 125A battery charger to get my 6 batteries charged when needed.

I went with the gas only version as propane is less efficient running a generator and I use this enough to make sure the gas is always in good shape........this thing has been bullet proof and starts on the first pull pretty much every time.......I bought it for $450 at Costco and the only thing I would do differently would be to get the one with remote start/stop just for convenience.

 

[McGruff38]

ive got the 2000 watt predator for my motorhome. it will run everything but the ac. its significantly quieter than the onboard generator, and sips fuel. over 3 days in glamis it only used about 2-2.25 gallons. for $400, its a heck of a deal. I, considering buying a second one to bridge for the AC.

 

[sintax]

View attachment 625443

Side note: how do you like that Green Mountain Pellet grill?

 

[Paul65k]

Side note: how do you like that Green Mountain Pellet grill?

It's BAD ASS!!!!.......>Runs on 12V not 120 so I simply added a 12V adapter in the back (scabbed off of stabalizer jack) and I'm good to go with or without shore power

 

[sintax]

It's BAD ASS!!!!.......>Runs on 12V not 120 so I simply added a 12V adapter in the back (scabbed off of stabalizer jack) and I'm good to go with or without shore power

Sweet man. I've seen them and I think that 12v is such a cool thing. Being able to toss a rack of ribs on there, or a pork butt and fill that sucker up with pellets and let it rock all day while you're out on the water or out at NASCAR crushing beers and not having to be tending a fire.

mind you at home, i like the fire tending, but there are times when I wouldn't mind a break.

One last question, how long can you run it on one hopper fill? Long enough for a 12 hr smoke?

 

[Bigbore500r]

View attachment 625350 So I’ve always wanted a generator, just in case, and was always set on the portable Honda 2000. Then after buying a travel trailer, I was going to need a 3500w generator to get the AC going should I use it. The Honda 3000Eu was 2k, and would not necessarily do the job. I know the Honda’s are the way to go, but After doing a bunch of research and looking endlessly, I decided to give the Ryobi 2300 a shot. A little bigger tank than the Honda, a little more run time, about 5db louder. Has some cool features the Honda 2000 does not and has a higher rating for 1800 continuos vs 1600 with the Honda. Plus I got two of them for 1200 and a free parallel kit to use them both for AC if I venture during the summer months.

So far appears well built, has Bluetooth so you can see how much wattage it is running with different items running and an LCD screen that tell you as well. Almost all the reviews were pretty dang good, 4.5 stars out 5 with a lot of reviews.

Anyone else try these out? Seem like a good deal if they are all they are cracked up to be. I know it’s a ryobi, but we’ll see

I have one of those Ryobi generators you posted a pic of. Works well, very quiet. Bought it for $400 from home depot as a "remanufactured" unit.

Might be selling it to get a 3500 harbor freight predator generator, been hearing good things. That way I can run my AC too, without having to run 2 of the smaller Ryobi units

 

[Paul65k]

Sweet man. I've seen them and I think that 12v is such a cool thing. Being able to toss a rack of ribs on there, or a pork butt and fill that sucker up with pellets and let it rock all day while you're out on the water or out at NASCAR crushing beers and not having to be tending a fire.

mind you at home, i like the fire tending, but there are times when I wouldn't mind a break.

One last question, how long can you run it on one hopper fill? Long enough for a 12 hr smoke?

Easily.......and the best part is that you can monitor it on your cell phone with the built-in WiFi connectivity.......so if you are in the pits you can make sure it's going the way you want!!

 

[timstoy]

Has anyone used the 3500 Predator camping to run a A/C in a R/V for a long period of time? Pros or cons?

 

[SHOCKtheMONKEY]

That's a NICE looking rack Mr. Bruce!

 

[Wakebrdr94]

I have one of those Ryobi generators you posted a pic of. Works well, very quiet. Bought it for $400 from home depot as a "remanufactured" unit.

Might be selling it to get a 3500 harbor freight predator generator, been hearing good things. That way I can run my AC too, without having to run 2 of the smaller Ryobi units

I tested it today and fired my AC and once running, was just over 50% load. Still ran AC, tv, some lighting, didn’t try the microwave, but I’m sure that would have taken it up.

Pretty quiet as you mentioned. I like the idea that one is small enough for tail gating or whatever, and small enough to transport easily. Tested well, I guess true test is getting out there. The app is pretty cool as well as you can monitor from there and shut off

 

[Bigbore500r]

I tested it today and fired my AC and once running, was just over 50% load. Still ran AC, tv, some lighting, didn’t try the microwave, but I’m sure that would have taken it up.

Pretty quiet as you mentioned. I like the idea that one is small enough for tail gating or whatever, and small enough to transport easily. Tested well, I guess true test is getting out there. The app is pretty cool as well as you can monitor from there and shut off

Your talking about the predator 3500 right?

 

[Wakebrdr94]

Your talking about the predator 3500 right?

No, the two ryobi set up

 

[Cray Paper]

Cant help you with the Ryobi, but I love my Honda EU 3500. It would run the AC on my last trailer, but nothing else.

 

[Flyinbowtie]

I have an EU2000 that has got to be 10 or more years old, we have run the heck out of it. It would run the easy start roof AC on the Arctic Fox Cabover we had, you had to make sure the refrigerator wasn't set to auto switch to 110ac when it sensed it....but it would run it. I hear there are slow start capacitor systems for RV AC's but haven't looked into them. Stay on top of the maintenance and they will run a long time. I need to run the valves on mine, it is due.
We used it on this last trip when the fuel pump on the Onan 4k died. Looking into alternatives to that pump set up. Only 130 hrs on that unit.
Honda has introduced an eu2200 to replace the 2k.
We also have an EU6500 that is for the house. I have a manual transfer switch for it on the house. Also have a 1988 Honda 5k up at Moms...
The Hondas are not cheap but when we need back up power they never fail us.

 

[Bigbore500r]

No, the two ryobi set up

Oh ok. I thought about getting a second one, or just selling the one I have and getting the predator 3500

 

[Dkahnjob]

I have a 16 KW Carrier (made by Generac) home standby natural gas generator with an automatic transfer switch. It works well and runs enough major systems in the house so that we can live comfortably. A bit noisy but not that noticable inside the house.

 

[tkrrox]

I bought a 5500 Honda for the house. The thing is a tank. Water cooled and as quiet as my 2000 Honda. Need a cherry picker to get it into a truck though. I have a transfer switch on the house and will run everything minus the big stuff. I was told by a Honda mechanic the biggest problem with generators is desert rats throw them in the dirt behind their trailers and let them run non stop. Most suck air from below. Grab a oil drip tray from auto store and set it on that.


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[Singleton]

I was told by a Honda mechanic the biggest problem with generators is desert rats throw them in the dirt behind their trailers and let them run non stop. Most suck air from below. Grab a oil drip tray from auto store and set it on that.
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Told the same. I lock mine in the bed of my truck and run the cord to the trailer.

 

[Flyinbowtie]

Something else I remembered...I have a dual fuel propane conversion kit for the 6500...I think it was built by US Carburetion or something like that. I just need to put it on. Figured worst case scenario being able to use more than one fuel was a good thing. If it interests you I am sure you can search for it or I will find the box and get the info. I am told the new EU7000 is EFI...I dunno if that is true.
I wish Honda would get into the RV generator business. I never had any problems with the Onan 6500 we had in the 1984 Southwind, but these newer units are not as bulletproof. Can you imagine a Honda EU5000 RV model?
Betcha the would sell like hotcakes...


I built a little platform for the EU2k to sit on when we use it in the desert. It raises the unit about 6 inches off the ground. I run a chain through the wheel and lock it to the trailer.
I thought about dropping the $ for a 50 ft, power cord to plug it in and leave it in the bed of the truck but worried about the exhaust...of course the onan is right there under the front of the RV too...but the exhaust is routed out to the side of the rig...who knows...
I could use the tractor and lift the 6500 into the truck and get a remote start deal, and lock it in there. I'd probably will before I drop the $ to replace the Onan if it ever dies.

 

[tkrrox]

Something else I remembered...I have a dual fuel propane conversion kit for the 6500...I think it was built by US Carburetion or something like that. I just need to put it on. Figured worst case scenario being able to use more than one fuel was a good thing. If it interests you I am sure you can search for it or I will find the box and get the info. I am told the new EU7000 is EFI...I dunno if that is true.
I wish Honda would get into the RV generator business. I never had any problems with the Onan 6500 we had in the 1984 Southwind, but these newer units are not as bulletproof. Can you imagine a Honda EU5000 RV model?
Betcha the would sell like hotcakes...


I built a little platform for the EU2k to sit on when we use it in the desert. It raises the unit about 6 inches off the ground. I run a chain through the wheel and lock it to the trailer.
I thought about dropping the $ for a 50 ft, power cord to plug it in and leave it in the bed of the truck but worried about the exhaust...of course the onan is right there under the front of the RV too...but the exhaust is routed out to the side of the rig...who knows...
I could use the tractor and lift the 6500 into the truck and get a remote start deal, and lock it in there. I'd probably will before I drop the $ to replace the Onan if it ever dies.

Biggest thing with the new onan is the stupid carb. The have the new CARB unit that is not rebuildable. You let that crap gas sit in it it will clog and you have to buy a new 300+ carb. I am thinking about going to put an inline petcock on the fuel line do I can run it dry but not sure it will hurt the fuel pump or not??? I’ve been just framing the bowl with the nut.


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[pronstar]

Biggest thing with the new onan is the stupid carb. The have the new CARB unit that is not rebuildable. You let that crap gas sit in it it will clog and you have to buy a new 300+ carb. I am thinking about going to put an inline petcock on the fuel line do I can run it dry but not sure it will hurt the fuel pump or not??? I’ve been just framing the bowl with the nut.


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That's a great reason to consider propane, especially if its gonna sit.

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[TPC]

I have all the Honda inverters.
The i2000 sits in the back of the truck to plug into when we do over nighters at roadside rests.
It’s 11 years old and has seen some tough service especially on our boat.

The Honda Handi i3000 is our favorite when glamping in the RV.
Quiet, lightweight and uses less fuel under the same load as the 2000.
Trouble is they are $2500.

Our Honda i3000 elect start is nice but a MFSOB at 140 lbs.

Da Kine’ generator now is the Predator 3500 at HF, $659 this past weekend. 99lbs and quiet.

Super quiet really and has 700 more starting Watts than the Handi i3000. A bfd when running the 15000 btu RV ac in the heat.
Ya have to clean the spark arrestor every 25 hours or so the first 100 hrs by simply turning 2 screws.

With all generators change the oil every 150 hours. Replace the spark plug every year.

 

[YZFRider]

I have the Ryobi that you purchased and am not overly impressed. I use it for my detail business. It is very temperamental and have noticed it does not idle very consistently. It will overload out the blue. One day I will use it for my shampooer and there are no issues. The next day it will go crazy and cut out.

 

[Radioactive]

Having had the Honda for quite some time, it seemed to have issues when it sat for a long time.

So I installed this,

https://hutchmountain.com/


Now I don't leave any gas in it, can start it in a minute, It can sit for forever, and if I don't want to drag a can of propane, it will run on gas.

 

[tkrrox]

Having had the Honda for quite some time, it seemed to have issues when it sat for a long time.

So I installed this,

https://hutchmountain.com/


Now I don't leave any gas in it, can start it in a minute, It can sit for forever, and if I don't want to drag a can of propane, it will run on gas.

That is awesome, how long does it run on a 5 gal at load? I read somewhere that they don't produce as much usable power on propane, have you noticed this?

 

[tkrrox]

I have all the Honda inverters.
The i2000 sits in the back of the truck to plug into when we do over nighters at roadside rests.
It’s 11 years old and has seen some tough service especially on our boat.

The Honda Handi i3000 is our favorite when glamping in the RV.
Quiet, lightweight and uses less fuel under the same load as the 2000.
Trouble is they are $2500.

Our Honda i3000 elect start is nice but a MFSOB at 140 lbs.

Da Kine’ generator now is the Predator 3500 at HF, $659 this past weekend. 99lbs and quiet.

Super quiet really and has 700 more starting Watts than the Handi i3000. A bfd when running the 15000 btu RV ac in the heat.
Ya have to clean the spark arrestor every 25 hours or so the first 100 hrs by simply turning 2 screws.

With all generators change the oil every 150 hours. Replace the spark plug every year.

So how many hours do you have on the predator? I've been reading that most are impressed with it and that they are coming out soon with a link setup to hook 2 together for 7k. I just haven't read anyone with real hours on them like with the hondas

 

[TPC]

So how many hours do you have on the predator? I've been reading that most are impressed with it and that they are coming out soon with a link setup to hook 2 together for 7k. I just haven't read anyone with real hours on them like with the hondas

Son has one and seems happy. They power lights and guitars and amps with his so it's not under a brutal hot and high load.

How long they last is the enigma, he's up to over 200 and seems ok.
Our Hondas easily have thousands of hours. At $659 the HF worth a shot IMHO.

We had to drill a couple 1" holes in the plastic side cover and install these filter plugs because it was starving and surging for air.

That may be cured by now.
Also they used a cheapo spark plug that lasted about 5 hours.
They now have a Bosch plug and a decent plug wire and cap.
Ya look inside and it's powered by that China cheap-o Buggs and Strap On style utility motor they sell off the HF shelf.
Did a hell of job with it.
We'll see, time will tell.

I bought the Honda Handi from Northern Tool on sale when it first hit the market and paid $1700 delivered. Couldn't find it under $2.300 anyplace. It's still $2300 everywhere.

 

[Devilman]

Biggest thing with the new onan is the stupid carb. The have the new CARB unit that is not rebuildable. You let that crap gas sit in it it will clog and you have to buy a new 300+ carb. I am thinking about going to put an inline petcock on the fuel line do I can run it dry but not sure it will hurt the fuel pump or not??? I’ve been just framing the bowl with the nut.

I had some other work done to the Onan on my moho recently & the service manager recommended doing this very thing. Had the same recommendation awhile back from the lawn mower repair shop due to the crap gas being produced now & it solved the issue, so when it came up regarding the moho generator I let them do it. No issues so far.

 

[boatnam2]

So will a 2000 run a small window shaker? Looking for a back up this summer when power goes out.

 

[TPC]

So will a 2000 run a small window shaker? Looking for a back up this summer when power goes out.

Yep.
If it's 110/120V plug:
Look at the FLA full AMP draw on the data tag and if it's under 10 amps you'll be ok.
It'll surge to 12 or more amps on start up then settle back down so you'll need that extra juice in reserve.
The i2000 has a 15 amp receptacle but delivers 13.3 amps grudgingly in hot weather.

 

[Big B Hova]

I too have the ryobi Bluetooth generator. Works great. Used it about 6 times so far. 4 power outages & 2 camping trips.

 

[77charger]

I have a honda 3000eu and its a great generator and very quiet powers my ac easily and does what i need for toyhauler.Only drawback its a heavy sumbitch.But they can be had for a good price used mine has many hours on it and IMO in the long run they will pay for themselves i use to but the open frame champion and the other brand which i forgot they were decent for the day but only got about a year and a half on them.

A friend that heads to glamis bought the newer inverter champion was trying to tell me how its just like a honda etc,Was not as quiet and second trip he had issues with it got it fixed under warranty and has had a couple minor issues here and there.

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

How do you guys set up your Ryobis for storage?

Pour out the fuel and run it dry? I don’t thing there is a carb drain on it right?

 

[Tinkerer]

I have a 16 KW Carrier (made by Generac) home standby natural gas generator with an automatic transfer switch. It works well and runs enough major systems in the house so that we can live comfortably. A bit noisy but not that noticable inside the house.

See the barn in my avatar. Mine is out there 200 ft away from the house. I can't hear mine run from inside the house.
It did cost me another $1000 in wire and conduit and trenching in all of the pipes needed.