Generator Questions

BIG AL · #1 02-15-2010

I'm seriously looking at getting a new generator but i have a couple of questions. A Honda's noise level runs in the mid 50dB range, but they are fairly pricey compared to some other makes which run in the mid 60dB range. How much of a noise difference is this? Is a generator running in the mid 60'sdB still considered quiet or will the noise get to me after awhile? Will be used for random camping during the summer and hunting during the fall. Also, does anyone know anything about or have any experience with the Hyundai generators? Will be in the 2000-3000W range.
Thanks,

Al

#2 02-15-2010

I bought my honda generator 7 yrs ago and although I don't use it all the time it's been really good.i wish I had spent the extra money to get the one that idles down when it has no load on it.90 db is the max allowable noise level you can be exposed to in a 8 hour period by OH & S standards.The quieter the better

tonyflyfish · #3 02-15-2010

I have a Honda IU3000 and am glad I spent the extra dollars. The idle down feature is great and the machine is very reliable. Don't want to comment on the extra 10 db but you will find the Honda very quiet.

maxpower2506 · #4 02-15-2010

When it comes to generators honda RULES hands down, well worth the extra jingle!!

doetracks · #5 02-15-2010

The next generator I buy will be a Honda as well. They're worth the extra money for how quiet they run.

recce43 · #6 02-15-2010

get a honda i had mine now 5yrs use it a tons always starts very good on gas

honda450 · #7 02-15-2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by doetracks

The next generator I buy will be a Honda as well. They're worth the extra money for how quiet they run.

Make sure ya buy it in Montana doetracks.

I got my Honda EU2000 in Michigan last spring for $850. Seen the same one up here a few weeks ago at the Honda dealer with a tag of $1450. I was shocked.

doetracks · #8 02-15-2010

Trust me, I'm taking advantage of cheaper U.S. prices while I'm here

gramps73 · #9 02-15-2010

Bought my honda 6 years ago and that thing is used for camping and hunting, in fox creek this year it ran for 7 days straight. Honda 3000iu is well worth the money wish it was a little lighter.

honda450 · #10 02-15-2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by gramps73

Bought my honda 6 years ago and that thing is used for camping and hunting, in fox creek this year it ran for 7 days straight. Honda 3000iu is well worth the money wish it was a little lighter.

Dry weight on a Honda EU2000 is 45.9 lbs gramps. So say 50 lbs with fuel and oil. I like it.

Dang my lunch box weighs more.

gramps73 · #11 02-15-2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by honda450

Dry weight on a Honda EU2000 is 45.9 lbs gramps. So say 50 lbs with fuel and oil. I like it.

Dang my lunch box weighs more.

Yes the 2000 is lighter but does not have the power i require...bigger is better

the 2000 will not run the the a/c on the trailer.

honda450 · #12 02-15-2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by gramps73

Yes the 2000 is lighter but does not have the power i require...bigger is better

the 2000 will not run the the a/c on the trailer.

Yup without that a/c its roughing it.

tonyflyfish · #13 02-15-2010

i agree with Gramps-the 3000 is heavy.
It is 1/2 inch to high to go in back of truck with the top so keep it in trailer storage and need to lift it in and out. Life is tough.

honda450 · #14 02-15-2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by tonyflyfish

i agree with Gramps-the 3000 is heavy.
It is 1/2 inch to high to go in back of truck with the top so keep it in trailer storage and need to lift it in and out. Life is tough.

What do those 3000 weigh?. I used to sling a 160 lb generator by myself with no wheels , yup hard but could do it.

Ain't no weight lifting guy either.

Fisherpeak · #15 02-15-2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by honda450

Yup without that a/c its roughing it.

coffee all over the keyboard

We use gen`s at work all the time (residential construction)and if you make a little plywood enclosure lined with R22 or foam insulation it kills the noise a lot.Just make sure it can breathe ,we do the same thing hunting,cuts it by half at least.

Fisherpeak · #16 02-15-2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by honda450

What do those 3000 weigh?. I used to sling a 160 lb generator by myself with no wheels , yup hard but could do it.

Ain't no weight lifting guy either.

Me too,I`m getting too old for that but I can do it in a pinch.I don`t "sling it"I make a little ramp and donkey drag it.I am 50 and I have 25 year old kids wondering how I got it done.My secrets will die with me,probably sooner than I would like if I keep this **** up.

honda450 · #17 02-15-2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fisherpeak

coffee all over the keyboard

We use gen`s at work all the time (residential construction)and if you make a little plywood enclosure lined with R22 or foam insulation it kills the noise a lot.Just make sure it can breathe ,we do the same thing hunting,cuts it by half at least.

When I was using my big one I made up a extenson cord with heavy gauge wire and with my trailer wire and my extension I could put that sucker 100 feet from the trailer. No problem with noise. Now with my new Honda I can have it 10 feet from the trailer. I don't use anything which requires lots of power though.

gramps73 · #18 02-15-2010

Without a/c my fancy drinks with umbrellas melt. as far a weight I believe they are about 95 lbs empty.

honda450 · #19 02-15-2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by gramps73

Without a/c my fancy drinks with umbrellas melt. as far a weight I believe they are about 95 lbs empty.

My buddy has a little EU1000 that he has to run all nite due to breathing problems. No problem with that. I had to evict my brother from my trailer and get a peace bond that he would not camp within 100 meters from my trailer. Due to snoring. Dang loosened the screws in the trailer from the vibration. .

sco22 · #20 02-16-2010

Hondas are a quality unit hands down. That said, I bought the Cummins 3200. It is about 4 db quieter than the Honda, a great powersave and significantly cheaper. I have used it summer and winter without any issues. Certainly worth looking into.

Cheers.

AbAngler · #21 02-16-2010

Honda or Yamaha have always been the quietest and most reliable from what I've read and heard. I recently saw a Cummins in action and was quite impressed with them as well.

Myself, I have the Honda 3000 and love it. Super quiet and fuel efficient. A nice feature with them (Yamaha as well) is that you can run 2 in tandem to double your power.

honda450 · #22 02-16-2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by AbAngler

Honda or Yamaha have always been the quietest and most reliable from what I've read and heard. I recently saw a Cummins in action and was quite impressed with them as well.

Myself, I have the Honda 3000 and love it. Super quiet and fuel efficient. A nice feature with them (Yamaha as well) is that you can run 2 in tandem to double your power.

Can ya hook up a 2000 to a 3000? Just wondering.

#23 02-16-2010

wrong thread

AbAngler · #24 02-16-2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by honda450

Can ya hook up a 2000 to a 3000? Just wondering.

Pretty sure you can't. I think the only ones you can hook up together are the 3000, but I'd have to look it up to be sure....

honda450 · #25 02-16-2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by AbAngler

Pretty sure you can't. I think the only ones you can hook up together are the 3000, but I'd have to look it up to be sure....

Well know I can hook my 2000 to another 2000. But don't know if I can hook it up to a 3000. No big deal I was just wondering.

Deercove · #26 04-13-2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by honda450

Well know I can hook my 2000 to another 2000. But don't know if I can hook it up to a 3000. No big deal I was just wondering.

Is this easy to do with two Honda 2000s purchased in Canada? I gather if they are bought from the US it is easy but maybe not here.

mudbug · #27 04-13-2010

The quietest power source in the woods is a current bush, a little tricky to get the + and - sorted out, the ground is the easiest to hookup ;o)

Seriously though the Honda or Yamaha are the best out there and are well worth the money. I actually have a Suzuki 3,000 watt that I've had for 20 plus years and it can sit for a year and always starts on the first or second pull even with the old gas in it. It's never given us any grief but it is a little on the noisey side and it only has one idle speed but then again I got it used so it's probably 25 or more years old.

Gorram · #28 04-13-2010

Can't go wrong with the Honda.

My 2000 starts 1st pull, even at -20. Sips fuel, quiet.

Stopped at Trackside in Olds a while back, the NEW 3000 is almost the same size as my 2000. $100's more than the old 3000, but worth it if you are short on room, and need a 3000.

Cheers, G.

crawfy · #29 04-13-2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deercove

Is this easy to do with two Honda 2000s purchased in Canada? I gather if they are bought from the US it is easy but maybe not here.

you can only do a dual hook up with generators purchased in the usa, as of last year when i bought my honda this feature was not approved by csa in canada.

to answer the first post yes the 10 dB would be much louder.

Perceptions of Increases in Decibel Level
Imperceptible Change 1dB
Barely Perceptible Change 3dB
Clearly Noticeable Change 5dB
About Twice as Loud 10dB
About Four Times as Loud 20dB

baz · #30 04-13-2010

Had my Honda 3000 inverter for 4 yrs now, use it for approx 60 hrs hunting (battery recharge, lights at nite for camp work etc) and approx 20 hrs per yr ice fishing (battery recharge,lites). Do not use in enclosed space (plugs foul fast) even for a short time. New oil every year, clean/replace plugs and start and run for a few minutes every month (onboard battery for key start) and you have a very dependable accessory. Expensive but dependable.