I think there is something wrong with the published noise specs. For instance, Honda says the eu3000i is 58 dbA at 3 meters, and Robin Subaru says the RG4300is is 62 dbA at 7 meters. I have a hard time believing that both of those values are correct. The sound experts will know how to fudge 3 meter and 7 meter numbers to make an apples-to-apples comparison.
Honda's are rated at 7 meters also (and Yamaha), dont know were you got 3 meters, just take a look at honda's website.
campfido wrote: Mike, what about the surge protection or Smart Throttle?
I think they call it a power saver, but it is the same thing, A forum member just got his from cosco, and you can see his post HERE, and you can always ask him about the generator, I know if I was in the market, I would buy that generator over the 3000 watt yamaha and honda, even if the price was the same, much more power and same noise level.
Wayne, I was afraid of that which is why I wish I could take Jim's advice. The crossover info from Robin Subaru is helpful, though. Seems to really stress how quiet this unit is. I also note the reference to power surge. Thanks, folks. I wasn't aware this was the same unit.
2008 Starcraft 13 RT
'09 F150 Lariat 5.4L V8 SCrew, 3.73 LS, Max Tow Pkg, Trailer Brk Contrlr, Moonroof, Reverse sensors, Razor Red
DH, DF'98, DF'00, DF'04, DF'04
Photo - DF'04, The Crash Man
Thanks, Mike. I saw that thread earlier but he doesn't mention sound. Maybe I'll post over there and see if he responds. We are sort of wanting to make a decision soon. With Christmas less than three weeks away, I don't know what delivery will be like.
I ordered one of these generators in October, haven't ran it yet so no opinions about noise. Said 3-4 weeks for shipping but don't believe that, I ordered it on a Monday and it was delivered by truck that Friday. A whopping 5 days, not very often something gets delivered that much ahead of schedule. Looks like a nice unit.
Bob M
2006 F350 DRW, King Ranch, 4x4 6.0 PSD
Bailey the rescued Golden Retriever (At the Rainbow Bridge 5-12-2009)
2007 Escalade 37 REB Fifth Wheel
2001 25 ft Sportcraft
I own a Cummins Onan ( Robin Subaru ) P4300ie AND a Honda EU3000is generator. The P4300ie is larger physically, weighs around 200# with battery and full fuel, has a more powerful engine, consumes a little more fuel and produces about 33% more power. It is a little louder than the Honda from every angle.
The biggest difference seems to be the way they direct the exhaust. The Honda exhaust is buried in the cabinet while the Onan exhaust pipe comes out of the cabinet. You could attach an exhaust pipe to the Onan to direct the gasses elsewhere, not so easy on the Honda.
You can start the Honda in Economy mode while the Onan requires a button to be pushed to select the Economy mode. The Onan has some nice features such as an hour meter etc.
I use an Iota transfer switch in both campers. When the 15000 BTU A/C comes on the Honda EU3000is voltage momentarily drops to around 113 volts (a split second) which has been low enough to kick the transfer switch off on one camper. Iota sent a new board which solved the problem but in the back of my mind I always wonder if it will work the next time I need it. The Onan is more powerful and should not have this problem. I should record the Onan reading FYI.
I carry the generator in the truck between the tailgate and the 5th wheel hitch. The Onan is large enough to cause clearance issues with both height and width.
I like them both, I prefer more power so I really want to keep the Onan but haven't decided if the size issue will require the Honda.
Jim
My Trailer Rebuild Project
2008 F-350 6.4 Diesel
2001 Jayco 311RLS 5th Wheel
ATV Trailer follows the 5er
Well DBa is a measurement of power add 3db you double the amount of power in the noise. However.. That is also just about the limit of what you can hear clearly.
It is also logarithmic 3db-2x six=4x nine=8x 10, as it happens, = 10 x, 12=16x
And so on.
On your calculator antilog(Db/10) = the difference in power
In windows calculator scientific view
Type in difference in DB
Then /, then =
Then click on INV
Then click on LOG
Read answer
Nothin adds excitment like something that is none of your business
Kenwood TS-2000 housed in a 2005 Damon Intruder 377
Yamaha and Honda Generators are like many products today they have a MSRP, Minimum Suggested Retail Price. These products can be sold for less but NOT advertised for or tagged for less in a store or on a website. What you need to do is to go online and look for dealers that ask you to e-mail or call for a price, example Wise Sales, If you do this you will find the Yamaha for much less. Doing this I was able to save $300 and no sales tax on a Eu3000 Honda with what amounted to $24.00 for shipping.
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