My new Honda EU1000i generator

[Brian894x4]

I thought I post some pics and info on my new portable generator:

http://www.brian894x4.com/HondaEU1000generator.html

The idea to purchase came from a discussion on this ExPo thread (http://expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=2323).

http://www.brian894x4.com/images/HondaEU1000i026.jpg

[rgsiii]

Those are really nice--they are relatively light and they are very quite. It is probably all and more than almost anyone would need camping.

I purchased a 2000. It is larger and heavier and about the same noise level. I don't think that it is a good of a vehicle size as the 1000. The determining factor for me was that it is about the minimal size to ensure getting a freezer or refrigerator going. That was impotant in case a hurricane decided to pay a visit.:(

[Desertdude]

way to go Brian - welcome to the club of happy Honda generator owners :)

one tip - never remove the small gas filter screen in the filler neck when you pour gas into it - this will fine screen any tiny particles out of the gas - I once removed this to fill faster - ( bad idea) - it is in there for a reason :)

With the little gas cap closer on the top of the cap - I can carry the gen inside the truck - when I need to keep it locked up - it does not leak or smell


enjoy the power!

[hinoranger]

I've sure been happy with mine, I run about 2 tanks of fuel a week though it; it can run almost any of my power tools.
Cost not being an issue, I might have chosen the 2000i, but the nice thing about the 1000 is that it's pretty much backpack-portable- not that I advocate using generators in the wilderness, but there are some places that you can't drive that using a generator is still cool- especially in the city.

I rennovate old buildings for a living. Talk about handy when you're starting on a new project and there's no grid power yet.

Only complaint would be lack of fuel capacity(~4h). I'm sure Honda doesn't make anything but anyone ever heard of a fix?

[Desertdude]

in this thread it appears there is an Extended gas can

http://www.thehulltruth.com/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=102832&posts=27


I am using mine right now 3 miles back in the woods on a project - it really shines all day long - and the 1000 is light as a feather

[Desertdude]

direct link to Honda generator accessories here (http://www.wisesales.com/GeneratorAccessories.html)

[Brian894x4]

One question I have is operation in inclement weather at camp, such as rain or snow. Just how weather proof is the EU1000? Or is it at all? I noticed that they sell covers, but I assume these aren't used while it's actually running?

[Boston Mangler]

We use this exact unit at work as well. Thing is AWESOME! Super Quiet, Light, and fires right up every time!

As for a cover being on it while running, i doubt it, the area around the exhaust gets HOTTTTT

[Brian894x4]

We use this exact unit at work as well. Thing is AWESOME! Super Quiet, Light, and fires right up every time!

As for a cover being on it while running, i doubt it, the area around the exhaust gets HOTTTTT

Which is why I'm amazed it has a plastic exhaust cover. :Wow1: I don't plan to leave it out in the rain everyday, but I'm just wondering how a night of running and being left out in the weather will affect things.

[Desertdude]

I have run mine out in the rain on the beach at Surf nTurf no issues - I have had to clean out the sand that eventually blew in



btw I ordered one of those extended gas tanks - I will post up a review when I have a chance to hook it up and run the gen

[hinoranger]

I've never left mine out in more than mild precipitation.

I welded an flexible metal extention on the muffler, I run it inside a large (2x4x8') tool compartment on my truck with no problems.

Look forward to your report on the extended fuel capacity- does it require gravity for fuel pressure- and why would it be worth $100?

[Desertdude]

Not sure how the extended gas tank works or why it could be worth 100+ dollars ( seems very pricey) I had some extra paypal and thought I would buy it and post up my findings stay tunes...

[hinoranger]

had an interesting experience with my generator recently, seems like I've been getting more than 6 hr. of run time when using it as a battery charger alone with no additional loads- and actually, I think it may be well over 7 hrs..
I'll try and do a scientific test, but belive me- the other day, I left it running when I went to bed and it was still on when the sun came up.

bugged the heck out of me, I was lying there in my sleeping bag thinking, "well, it's been on all night, it's got to run out of fuel any minute now and then I can get an hour or so of sleep before I have to get up.

that was the beginning of a pretty crappy day.

[Scott Brady]

I am really liking the idea of this generator.

For a permanent camp (lets say a week or two), my group 31 and 34 lifeline's (180 ah total) can't run the camp the entire time and still start the truck. My solar panels have put out a maximum of 2.8 amps (measured), which is not enough to run the older Engel I have (which pulls about 4.6 amps at full tilt).

So, I can see this little dude as being a great solution instead of a third battery. It would allow a near infinite camp (with the 22 gallons of aux. fuel I have stored), AND could save your bacon if both batteries died.

Something to consider for sure.

[Desertdude]

:iagree: I have run this little cutie for well over 10 hours on a tank full - I will have it running at SnT (http://realcruiser.com/surfnturf/index.php) powering a small PA - and some chilly lights

[spressomon]

:iagree: I have run this little cutie for well over 10 hours on a tank full - I will have it running at SnT (http://realcruiser.com/surfnturf/index.php) powering a small PA - and some chilly lights


What are "chilly" lights?

[Desertdude]

just a funny way to spell it - chilly lites (http://westernclassics.com/chili_pepper_lights.html)

see U there

[SinCity4r]

Here is a nice way to do an external tank for 30 or so bucks:
http://www.ilynne.com/captaingoddammit/

[hinoranger]

nice. don't know why I hadn't thought of that.
I'm not around outboard motors much, I guess.

thanks for the tip.

[Tucson T4R]

I have the EU2000i to support my King Kamper on long stays. I have had it out on about 4 or 5 trips so far and it works great. i don't want to admit it but I went for the 2000 because it lets my wife run her 1500 watt blow dryer.

Hey, it helped get her out camping with me again. :jumping: :jumping:

[Carlyle]

Have you considered a propane conversion? I run a Yamaha on propane and it works great and runs off the camper propane. I'm purchasing a 1000 watt soon, smaller and lighter than the 3000, but will convert to propane as well. Check out US Carburetion at www.propane-generators.com

[rctr03]

i just bought an eu2000i, wow!
the best mod so far.

[Desertdude]

your going to really enjoy that unit.

Having the 12v cable to charge batteries is also a big plus while generating 110v.

[HMR]

After several months of shopping and missing good deals I was able to nab this EU1000i off of Craigslist for $300:
http://wileyp.smugmug.com/photos/233137721-L.jpg

I bought a 250W-1000W work lights/tripod setup at Lowe's for ~$40 and it was a nice upgrade to my Coleman lantern. This pic is with the lights on the lowest setting (250W): http://wileyp.smugmug.com/photos/233137734-L.jpg

With the lights on the 1000W setting I was able to play fetch with my dog after dark.
On this particular night, temps were in the 30's outside but cozy inside thanks to being able to preheat the tent with an electric blanket. The generator is very quiet but still too loud for us to leave running on a quiet night. We were also the only people around for miles when the pics were taken, I wouldn't have 1000W of light and a gen running with other campers nearby.

Of course the best reason for the new generator is being able to easily prepare my wife's Schitzophrenia medicine each morning:
http://wileyp.smugmug.com/photos/233137748-L.jpg



FWIW- The other night I knocked the generator off of my tailgate and it landed with a crash, upside down on a rock. It didn't suffer a scratch, started on the first pull and continues to work perfectly. I'm impressed and highly recommend it for you guys looking for some extra campsite power.

[Kilroy]

How long does it run on propane compared to gas, or how long per pound of propane?


Have you considered a propane conversion? I run a Yamaha on propane and it works great and runs off the camper propane. I'm purchasing a 1000 watt soon, smaller and lighter than the 3000, but will convert to propane as well. Check out US Carburetion at www.propane-generators.com

[Carlyle]

Gallon for gallon is about the same draw as gasoline, though propane burns much cleaner and I'm told that it will make a generator run literally forever if you do your maintenance. I've taken a 7.5 gallon tank for the generator and barbecue for two weeks and had no problem keeping batteries charged on my current set up and not come close to emptying the tank.

[Yorker]

I've got an older Honda generator that I bought for $100 and I never even thought about bringing it along until I read this thread. You never know when you might find a use for one!

'06 OBC:
http://i4.tinypic.com/103ev6p.jpg

[Mlachica]

I've read complaints of longevity with the 1000watt model. Now that some of you had them a while, have any of your opinions of this model changed? Or are you still pleased?

[Life_in_4Lo]

any issues with storing it in the truck? gas smell etc?

I forgot about this again until this thread- I am reminded how great and quiet it is from Pasquale's setup:sombrero:

can you run an electric heater to inside the truck/tent to keep warm all night?

[cydonia-jacc]

any issues with storing it in the truck? gas smell etc?

I forgot about this again until this thread- I am reminded how great and quiet it is from Pasquale's setup:sombrero:

can you run an electric heater to inside the truck/tent to keep warm all night?


I found a plastic bin from Target that my Honda 2000 fits perfectly in. I have driven 2000 miles with the generator in the back of an SUV and didn't smell it all. Even my wife who is very sensitive to smell didn't complain about it. I think the fuel shut-off valve in the gas cap really works.

I was wondering the exact same thing about the electric heater in the tent. As long as nobody is camping near us I think the generator/electric heater would be a better option than a gas heater in the tent. I'm just not comfortable with the gas heater in the tent idea. Hopefully someone will chime in on this.

[roscoFJ73]

I have one of these Yamaha 1000 watt gennys. If your in the market for something this size,dont forget to compare the Honda and Yamaha.

http://www.hayesequipment.com/yamaha_generators/ef1000is.jpg

They claim it can run for 12 hrs on 1/4 load on its economy setting.
It weighs under 28lbs and puts out 47-57 db.
The sound it makes is more of a continous low down drone,rather than a lawn mower type noise.

The vent cap work perfectly. Carried it for 4000 klms and never smelt fuel once;)

[Backwoods Rambler]

For running one of these at camp, could you create a vented wood box for it so the noise would be insulated? Or do you guys just run 'em in the daytime to recharge batteries and run electronics?

[Ireland]

I have had the chance to run a 1000 that I bought from an expo member here a few times now and it is just so very quiet.
One tip though is to bring along a 100ft cord and place it near running water if our near running water of course and then the sound completely disappears.
A most impressive generator.

[Backwoods Rambler]

Yeah, but for $800.00? Seems like one could by quite the array of solar panels for $800.00 ...

Honda EU1000i Generator MSRP $789.99 (http://estore.honda.com/pe/asp/landing_nodealer.asp?RefID=PE&RefModelId=EU1000IAN&ProductSeriesId=P4GG_SUPER&ProductCatId=P2GG)

6watt Solar Battery Charger $78.00 (http://www.batterystuff.com/solar-chargers/BSSE6W.html)

30Watt Solar Battery Charger $269.00 (http://www.batterystuff.com/solar-chargers/BSP3012LSS.html)

I'm not sure how the amps on all of these compare though, but I've always like the idea of running solar as a way to keep a charge vs. burning more fossil fuel.

[roscoFJ73]

For running one of these at camp, could you create a vented wood box for it so the noise would be insulated? Or do you guys just run 'em in the daytime to recharge batteries and run electronics?

I only use mine when no one else is around or if someone else is running a generator.
If I start it up is usually for 3-4 hours in the early evening,do my cooking under electric light,plug the fridge in and charge the batteries.

I have a 20 metre lead and place it behind a tree or a rock

[lcplmat]

I gotta honda eu 1000 that I havnt started in over 5 months, however I cant start the dang thing. I changed the oil and put gas and the spark plug looks great, any ideas?

[justfred]

I picked mine up (so to speak) for $400 on Craigslist. Runs great; I'm using it for an a/v presentation - speakers, projector - where I can't rely on finding power.

I had a 650 before which was fine, but way too heavy for the amount of power it put out; I do recall needing to empty it if I was going to store it for more than a couple of weeks without running - had the fuel system rot out more than once. Maybe the euX000i have a plastic gas tank or something, hopefully are a bit more tolerant? In any case, I will be either emptying or running regularly to prevent problems.

[Ireland]

Take the plug out and check if it is wet?
I just stated mine this week after 3 months storage and it took about six pulls to get it going but once started it ran like a charm.

[fetus]

For running one of these at camp, could you create a vented wood box for it so the noise would be insulated? Or do you guys just run 'em in the daytime to recharge batteries and run electronics?

While I was in the Marines, I remember spending many a time digging small holes into the ground to put our generators into. Not to be used in wet rainy weather of course.

I operate portable with my ham radio on occasion and found that I can't reliably depend on a deep cycle battery for long term operations. Without the use of a battery booster, I can't maintain 13.8 volts to power my radio reliably. I would like to explore battery/solar power.

Justfred, you probably picked up the same generator I had my eye on on Craigslist. I was kind of leery after reading some repair horror stories though on the Honda generators.

[lcplmat]

the plug is wet and seems like its still brand new. I put oil and gas in it but its not giving the slightest signs that it is gonna start up I just sit there and pull forever

[Ireland]

The plug should be dry, I usually dry wet plugs with a small storm lighter.
Dry it and I bet it will start right away.

[kerry]

Looks like you have fuel. You could check spark by holding on to the spark plug wire and yanking on the pull start. :sombrero: Less shocking to hold the wire a short distance from the plug to see if a spark jumps.

[Carlyle]

After successfully running my Yamaha 1000 propane conversion generator for two long trips and about a dozen short, I have to say it rocks. The way it sips propane is awesome. One thing to do if you have a large battery bank, is to wire the 12 volt plug directly to the batteries, or in my case the negative through a shunt and the positive to the batteries. This way you get a much higher amp rate than if you just plug into the 110 outlet outside. With propane you need to prime the carb first, but that is pretty simple and the positives are nice; no smell, burns cleaner, don't have to carry around another fuel source etc.

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f120/Isner/DSC01817.jpg
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f120/Isner/DSC01820.jpg

[Kilroy]

If your gas tank and float bowl on your carburetor weren't dry when you stored it, or you treated left over gas with gas treatment, you probably have the carb gummed up with crummy gas. Have you tried taking the air filter off and giving it a squirt of starting fluid? Once plug is dry it should fire this way. If you have enough clean gas in tank and add gas treatment, you may get to start and keep running and then clean out old crap by running generator. Ask any small engine place and they'll tell you the majority of starting problems are from old gas. Especially the crap with ethanol in it. Good luck.



the plug is wet and seems like its still brand new. I put oil and gas in it but its not giving the slightest signs that it is gonna start up I just sit there and pull forever

[keithdenbesten@comcast.ne]

Quote:
Originally Posted by lcplmat
the plug is wet and seems like its still brand new. I put oil and gas in it but its not giving the slightest signs that it is gonna start up I just sit there and pull forever

Check your oil level. If it's low it wont start. I've had this happen.

[Every Miles A Memory]

Which is why I'm amazed it has a plastic exhaust cover. :Wow1: I don't plan to leave it out in the rain everyday, but I'm just wondering how a night of running and being left out in the weather will affect things.

We have run ours in pouring rain for an entire night with no problems what so ever!