Problem with the 650 or even the 1000 Honda is that they won't even handle my converter/charger. My charger, like many in newer model campers, requires 1000 watts during the first 15 minutes of charging. It then steps down the charging rate twice to the lowest level. Some of these chargers can be manually overridden, but mine can't.
2005 F250 Crew Cab LWB Power Stroke, 2007 Montana 3500RL Fifth Wheel,Honda EU3000IS, Twin Honda EU2000i's, S&W security system
Quote: Problem with the 650 or even the 1000 Honda is that they won't even handle my converter/charger. My charger, like many in newer model campers, requires 1000 watts during the first 15 minutes of charging.
When the motorhome's batteries are low enough to accept that much charging current, I just charge our motorhome's twin 12V 100 amp hour batteries for the first 15-30 minutes using the chassis engine's alternator. I then finish off bringing the batteries up to 90% or greater state of charge with the Honda EX650 charging the batteries for 5-6 hours through the motorhome's stock 45 amp converter.
Works like a champ ... but my batteries are AGM, so that may make a difference. Both the Honda EX650 and idling chassis engine are very quiet, so I can usually get away with this approach even in "sensitive" campsites. Most of the time the motorhome's batteries aren't low enough to accept high enough initial charging current so as to overload the Honda EX650 through the converter.
I considered this combination as less expensive, overall, than buying a Honda 1000 or Honda 2000 and special/different converter just to charge the motorhome batteries. Our main built-in generator is available for high power requirements beyond battery charging.
I am not sure why I would want two parallel units. I like dealing with one! Also it's not snobbery it's being practical. Look both Honda and Yamaha have pretty low cost financing and great extended warranty programs. Mine covered 5 full years no hourly limit. I plan to take it in at regular intervals and take advantage of factory service. Not looking for arguments about financing but it's an option.
Quote: Problem with the 650 or even the 1000 Honda is that they won't even handle my converter/charger. My charger, like many in newer model campers, requires 1000 watts during the first 15 minutes of charging.
When the motorhome's batteries are low enough to accept that much charging current, I just charge our motorhome's twin 12V 100 amp hour batteries for the first 15-30 minutes using the chassis engine's alternator. I then finish off bringing the batteries up to 90% or greater state of charge with the Honda EX650 charging the batteries for 5-6 hours through the motorhome's stock 45 amp converter.
Works like a champ ... but my batteries are AGM, so that may make a difference. Both the Honda EX650 and idling chassis engine are very quiet, so I can usually get away with this approach even in "sensitive" campsites. Most of the time the motorhome's batteries aren't low enough to accept high enough initial charging current so as to overload the Honda EX650 through the converter.
I considered this combination as less expensive, overall, than buying a Honda 1000 or Honda 2000 and special/different converter just to charge the motorhome batteries. Our main built-in generator is available for high power requirements beyond battery charging.
Mine seems to always start off at the highest level even after a slight amount of discharge. It only runs here for 15 minutes or so before you can hear the Honda slow down. I don't have the option of charging with an engine since mine is a fifth wheel.
On the Honda pricing issue: I purchased my Honda EU3000is in 2001. It has survived home power outages and weekend tailgates for 11 years now. I have no idea how many thousand hours it has but it's still going strong. Oil, spark plugs and filters are about the only maintenance expense I have incurred. If I'm paying for generator hours I don't think there is anything on the market that is cheaper. I have since bought a pair of EU2000i's because the 3000 is getting a little heavy for me, at my age.
pnichols wrote: I then finish off bringing the batteries up to 90% or greater state of charge with the Honda EX650 charging the batteries for 5-6 hours through the motorhome's stock 45 amp converter.
5-6 hours to charge 200Ah of batteries to 90%??? Really?
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