I do plan to visit the local dealer with cf and camper to see what works. One thing I forgot to factor in is the altitude. I'm often at 5-7000 ft.
My 220 Watts of solar will probably keep the bank fairly well charged, so they won't need much juice anyway.
Weight and space are very important considerations.
I have a Suresine 300W PSW so probably couldn't run the cf off it while charging the bank.
Being in the generator business for 20 years, I've had thousands of customers ask about the right size generator. Many of them are initially attracted to the EU1000i, as it's the cheapest, smallest one, and they don't think they need more than it for their needs.
I can't tell you have many have bought one and then come back and told me it was a mistake; they should have gotten the larger EU2000i, not realizing how the extra power would have made the difference for them.
Now it's rare indeed to sell an EU2000i and have a customer come back and say it wasn't enough, and they are usually happy to buy a second one to double the power if necessary.
I only suggest the EU1000i when (a) power needs are *always* going to be small, light loads and (b) size and weight are an deal-breaking issue (hikers, small aircraft pilots, people who must physically carry the unit a long distance, etc.)
Dollar-for-dollar, watt-for-watt, and pound-for-pound, the EU2 is a better choice for most users when compared to the EU1. Besides, the EU2 has a 3-year warranty compared to the 2-year warranty on the EU1.
-Robert@Honda
Caveat: I work for Honda, but the preceding was my opinion alone.
Caveat: I work for Honda, but the preceding was my opinion alone.
robert@honda wrote: Being in the generator business for 20 years, I've had thousands of customers ask about the right size generator. Many of them are initially attracted to the EU1000i, as it's the cheapest, smallest one, and they don't think they need more than it for their needs.
I can't tell you have many have bought one and then come back and told me it was a mistake; they should have gotten the larger EU2000i, not realizing how the extra power would have made the difference for them.
Now it's rare indeed to sell an EU2000i and have a customer come back and say it wasn't enough, and they are usually happy to buy a second one to double the power if necessary.
I only suggest the EU1000i when (a) power needs are *always* going to be small, light loads and (b) size and weight are an deal-breaking issue (hikers, small aircraft pilots, people who must physically carry the unit a long distance, etc.)
Dollar-for-dollar, watt-for-watt, and pound-for-pound, the EU2 is a better choice for most users when compared to the EU1. Besides, the EU2 has a 3-year warranty compared to the 2-year warranty on the EU1.
-Robert@Honda
Caveat: I work for Honda, but the preceding was my opinion alone.
If you want to check the CF at higher altitude take a 60 or 100w lamp with you to use during the test.
I have had an H1000, then H2000, now Kipor 3000(rated 2300). I regret selling the 1000 and would probably trade my Kipor for one. I also have a 35a converter as I plan to get another 1000 one of these days.
robert@honda wrote: Being in the generator business for 20 years, I've had thousands of customers ask about the right size generator. Many of them are initially attracted to the EU1000i, as it's the cheapest, smallest one, and they don't think they need more than it for their needs.
I can't tell you have many have bought one and then come back and told me it was a mistake; they should have gotten the larger EU2000i, not realizing how the extra power would have made the difference for them.
Now it's rare indeed to sell an EU2000i and have a customer come back and say it wasn't enough, and they are usually happy to buy a second one to double the power if necessary.
I only suggest the EU1000i when (a) power needs are *always* going to be small, light loads and (b) size and weight are an deal-breaking issue (hikers, small aircraft pilots, people who must physically carry the unit a long distance, etc.)
Dollar-for-dollar, watt-for-watt, and pound-for-pound, the EU2 is a better choice for most users when compared to the EU1. Besides, the EU2 has a 3-year warranty compared to the 2-year warranty on the EU1.
-Robert@Honda
Caveat: I work for Honda, but the preceding was my opinion alone.
X2
excellent summary and analysis and couldn't have said it better. I to have been around folks who bought the 1000 and later regretted it. Not that the 1000 isn't a fantastic little unit, but it is often "almost adequate" and not "barely adequate". And the two statements are NOT the same!!!
2011 Keystone Outback 295RE
2004 14' bikehauler with full living quarters
2004.5 Silverado 4x4 CC/SB Duramax/Allison
PD converter tech support said I could upgrade to the PD4645 45amp converter, as long as I install the included circuit board and upgrade the battery wiring. He said they have to recommend the lower amp units for liability concerns. This will probably move me to go with the 2000i.
Thanks all,
Mike
The 1000 would have been fine for our minimal useage, But I thought of another reason to go with the 2000: you never know what emergency scenario you might find yourself in. Others might need the power you could provide. I've been snowed in for 5 days at a time up in the Sierras, etc. We live in a uncertain world with declining infrastructure and increasingly erratic weather patterns.
So, for some increased peace of mind, I'll find room for the larger, heavier 2000.
Thanks all for your help,
Mike
Quote: We live in a uncertain world with declining infrastructure and increasingly erratic weather patterns.
So, for some increased peace of mind, I'll find room for the larger, heavier 2000.
Very well stated indeed, Mike ... and the perfect argument for always having generator capability along in your RV regardless of any solar capacity you may have and regardless of how large your RV battery bank might be.
However, I'll add this tidbit: Slightly better peace-of-mind insurance would be to instead carry a couple of 1000's along with a parallel kit for them. The probability of two pieces of equipment failing at the same time is way less than the probability of any one piece of equipment failing. If one of the 1000s failed, you still having some 120V AC generating capability left to fall back on.
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