We’ve owned our Yamaha inverter generator for several RV camping seasons. As I prepare to do yet another oil change on our unit, I’m prompted to look back on the ownership experience. This has also led me to look at other generator options that are available. While I hope our unit lasts many more seasons, it never hurts to do a little research. We love owning a generator. It comes in handy even when we’re not camping.
OUR YAMAHA GENERATOR
Several years ago we bought a Yamaha EF3000iSEB. This is a 3000 Watt generator that includes a special “boost” feature. The boost delivers an additional 500 Watts of current when you need it, for up to 10 seconds. The extra power helps start your air conditioner or other appliance quickly and efficiently. Inverter technology reduces size, weight, and noise. It allows for the engine to run at varying speeds, significantly reducing fuel consumption. It provides “clean” current that’s safe for sensitive electronic devices such as computers. Perhaps most important to me for RV camping is that it’s QUIET. It does not adversely impact the camping experience for us or our neighbors.
Yamaha 3000iSEB (click the photo for more info)
Overall we’ve been satisfied with our Yamaha 3000iSEB. It has been able to power our air-conditioner in most environments. Only in high altitude climates like the Grand Tetons and Yellowstone does it struggle.
A couple of years ago we had a serious problem with the unit and had to open up the head for service. But (with no help from Yamaha) we were able to identify the problem and get it all back together ourselves. Last season it again performed like a champ.
SMALLER 2000-WATT UNITS
I must admit that I’d love to own a 4500 Watt Yamaha EF4500iSE, but that would probably be overkill for our purposes.
No, if we were shopping for a generator today, we might look at a 2000 Watt model (Yamaha EF2000iS). Or to be more accurate, we might look at buying two individual 2000 Watt units instead of one 3000 Watt unit.
Yamaha EF2000is (click the photo for more info)
Why two units? These smaller units can be linked together for 4000 Watts of total power. They are lighter in weight and easier to handle than the heavy big boys. While one 2000 Watt unit would not be able to power our RV air-conditioner, it would probably handle the microwave oven and other appliances just fine. The up front cost is attractive, too. If you are unsure as to your exact power needs, you could start with a 2000 Watt model and always add another one later if necessary.
Of course, owning two units would have some downsides – namely, more complexity. More units means more maintenance. Two units would require two oil changes, two air filter changes, and two spark plug changes, not to mention two fuel-ups. There would be linkage wires to consider. Also (and I hate to point this out) the smaller units are more vulnerable to theft.
HONDA GENERATORS
While we chose Yamaha, many other RV campers are happy with their Honda generators. In fact, we see more Honda on the road than Yamaha. Honda has an equivalent 3000 Watt generator (the Honda EU3000is) which gets rave reviews. Although it lacks the boost (and built-in wheels) features of our Yamaha, it has a stellar reputation. They are not cheap, but you just can’t go wrong with a Honda.
Honda EU3000is (click the photo for more info)
Honda also has a 2000-Watt unit that is very popular – the Honda EF2000is. This is probably the most popular RV generator that we see on a regular basis. Of course the Honda 2000 Watt units can be linked together for more total power.
Honda EF2000 (click the photo for more info)
LESS EXPENSIVE OPTIONS
Yamaha and Honda are both great brands with solid reputations. But lately there have been some new generator options appearing on the market, at a lower cost. Some of these are from unfamiliar brands, while others are from old staples.
For example, consider the Powerhouse PH3100Ri 3100 Watt 6.8 HP 4-Stroke Gas Powered Portable Inverter Generator With Remote Start.
Powerhouse 3000 Watt ((click the photo for more info)
$1220 for 3100 Watts of power? They’ve got my attention.
The Powerhouse remote start is a very nice feature, especially on cold or rainy mornings when you don’t want to step outside your RV. It even comes with built-in wheels. While I’m not familiar with the Powerhouse brand, I think the value proposition merits some consideration.
If you want to go cheaper, consider the Kipor Sinemaster ig3000. 3000 Watts for the magic $999 price point! Kipor looks like a Chinese knockoff of the Honda and Yamaha inverter products. While I’m not certain about the product’s build quality or longevity, I’d be lying if I said the value proposition was not intriguing. This generator is receiving many positive reviews, so it’s worth a look.
Kipor 3000 IG (click the photo for more info)
Many other brands have entered the generator fray. Hyundai, for example, makes the Hyundai HY2000si 2200-Watt Portable Inverter Generator. It’s priced at $679, well below the Honda and Yamaha equivalents.
Hyundai 2000si (click the photo for more info)
Then there’s Honeywell, with a 2000 Watt model (Honeywell 2200 inverter generator) for $559. It looks like an attractive option, though I’m not sure it can be linked to an additional unit for more total power.
Honeywell 2200 (click the photo for more info)
FINAL THOUGHTS
Generators are fantastic devices to own, especially for those of us who are avid RV campers. For the moment I’m satisfied with our 3000 Watt Yamaha generator, but I am always looking at other choices. It will be interesting to see whether a new company will be able to approach Honda and Yamaha from a quality standpoint, but at a lower cost. While I’m confident in the quality offered by Honda and Yamaha, it’s nice to see more competition in this space.