Honda generator(s) dilemma

[Capt Steve]

Now this particular dilemma is not a problem except I could use some advice on how to proceed. I have been shopping for a 2,000 watt generator to use with out 18' travel trailer. We mostly camp off the grid and after 3 days lights are starting to get dim and 4 days is pushing the limits of the two batteries. I was strongly advised to forget the rest/buy the best as in Honda by the fine folks here so that is what I decided to do. Now used Hondas are few and far between and not much cheaper than a new one. Best new price I could find was from WiseSales at $879 (no tax/freight). Most of the decent used ones on E-Bay go for around $700+.

I have been bugging a neighbor who no longer RV's to sell me one of his two Hondas but he wanted to sell them as a set complete with the Parallel Power Kit (a $200 option) and the 6 gallon extended run tank to feed them both. Both of these are mechanically/cosmetically perfect with about 50 hours or less. Before ordering the new one I called him last night to ask one more time to sell me one and he said he'd take $1,000 for the whole package, just wanted them gone. It took about 5 minutes after I hung up to come to my senses and call him back and agree.

So here is the dilemma: Do I keep them both and gain the capability to run any and everything, including my 13,500 BTU AC - that I hardly ever use or sell one and use the proceeds to recoup most of my $1,000 investment. I'm leaning towards selling (on Craigslist), the one with the Parallel Power unit bolted on and keeping the other. I really don't need two and the thousand came out of my fun/gun money, which I would like to replace.....So what say you ladies and gentlemen, what do you think I should do???

 

[Wayne02]

Have you tried to run the AC with just one of the Honda's yet? When I purchased mine I assumed it would not run the AC and I knew that going into the purchase. One day while messing around with the trailer in the driveway I decided to try it and the single Honda started the AC just fine, and has every time since then.

There are also hard start capacitor kits available for some AC's that may provide just enough relief during the initial start jolt to allow a single or smaller gen to start the AC.

Now, if you AND your wife honestly don't want (not need) AC then might as well get rid of the second unit and re-coup that cash otherwise it will just sit around in the garage and get old.

I know a couple of folks who thought they didn't want AC and sized their generator accordingly, only to cry like little girls on the above 85 degree camping days during that camping season. The next season they showed up with AC capable gens.

 

[m1gunner]

Gensets are a lot like gun safes, you tend to grow into the bigger unit quicker than planned.

If you can afford it right now, keep the dual rig. If money is too tight to do this, sell and end up with a smokin deal on the one you keep.

 

[jeffsmith]

If you keep Both
What are the Chances someday you will say
"Darn I should have sold one"

If you do sell one
What are the Chances someday you will say
"I really should have kept it"

Much more likely
you will wish you had kept an extra
than wish you sold one

Generators are like Fire-extinguishers and CCW
You never really need one, until you do
and When you do
you can never have too many

 

[mgjohn]

Keep the set. ALways nice to have extra power and / or a backup generator.

 

[oldman45]

Keep the set. You will need both. Depending on the size of your ac unit, one of those gensets might not kick it off. One will run the ac once it is running to maintain temps but until it gets there and on initial startup, some small watt genset (of any make) will not cut it.

Wait until a good hot day with the rv in full use and try starting your ac while on the genset.

I have been rv camping since 1975. In the last nine yrs I have put on rv rallys for friends around the US. Many times the small gensets were not enough for those that did not have pedestal power.

Also, do not try to run your microwave, a hair dryer or coffee maker while depending on a single small genset. At best, they are marginal.

 

[absolutevil]

I had two Honda 2000's and the parallel kit and I just sold one of the gen's and the thru in he parallel kit in the sale, last month. I never used the kit and hardly ever used the gen's. I just know theres gonna be a time when I wish I never did get rid of them, I just know it!

 

[Capt Steve]

Gonna keep em

I knew you guys would come through with good advice. That little voice in the back of my head kept saying what you did....keep em both. If I change my mind down the road it will be a lot simpler to sell the extra than to find another smoking good deal like this one. Thinking back to my boating days I can recall a lot of places that called for AC as much for the bugs and humidity as the temperature. We hope to see a lot more of this country in the next couple of years and not every place is as dry as and bug free as we have it here in Tucson. Thanks again! (o;

 

[ChattanoogaPhil]

Keep the set.

 

[Dan M]

I have a 6.5 kw Onan in my RV and I would have bought that set at the price too. I agree with all to keep the set, you wont regret that decision, you may regret the other.

Dan

 

[Xfuzz]

You received an excellant package deal for some reason..
..keep them both.

 

[ArcticFox]

...and don't forget that in a grid down situation they will be a resource you will be glad you have for the house. We have been w/o power for 8 - 20 hours several times and end up using the RV generator (Yamaha 2400is) for the smaller-draw house appliances and lights.

 

[doublesharp]

keep the set.

 

[dacoontz]

I have the same set up and you never know what could happen and you'll wish you had two. I've entertained the idea that maybe if I ever lose power in my neighborhood for an extended period of time then at least I could power some basic things like a space heater if need be.

 

[m657]

I never believed the hype about Honda 2000w generator....until I got one.

It's seen more use at home due to random seasonal power glitches....and at least twice a year some drunk takes out a major power power leaving us on our own for up to 18 hours.

That's the best deal I've ever heard of on a pair of Hondas.

 

[truckemup97]

I'm glad you're keeping the set. I think that was the right decision. That said, if you decide to sell one, let me know.

 

[Engineer1911]

We always complain about not buying something we need or selling something we should have kept.

NOBODY complains about getting a good deal and keeping it!!

 

[Capt Steve]

Generator Photo

Here is a shot of new toys (in the messy garage - BTW I really love the epoxy coating on the floor, non skid and cleans up like a dream. Did the back patio as well for $1.30 a square ').