(PeteCresswell) said:
From other threads, I gather that with most generators using one whose
capacity
exceeds the load by any significant amount will result in much more
gasoline
used per hour of output.
But the Hondas seem to have an automatic throttle feature that cuts back
the
power when the load is less.
My kneejerk reaction, if faced with a supposed requirement of 2kw is to
get a
3kw generator just on general principles - and the feeling that I probably
don't
have as good a handle on the requirements as I think I do.
So, bottom line: will using an EU3000 when the load really is only 2000
consume
significantly more fuel than using an EU2000?
I have an EU3000, and have watched my neighbor use a rental EU2000 a couple
of times. Other than that, I don't claim any special expertise.
I'd guess that the EU3000 would use just about the same fuel as the EU2000,
given the same sized load.
The EU3000 would have a better capacity to handle short surges like motor
starting.
Your 2000w continuous load, if it is accurate, is just a bit too much for
the EU2000. It would be a very good match for the EU3000. The EU3000 is
rated at 23 amps (~2600w) continuous load. I typically throttle back my load
to about 20 amps, because the engine seems to run smoother at that load. ( I
can reduce that load only because it is for an inverter/ battery charger is
programmable)
There is a significant difference in portability between the EU2000 and
EU3000. The EU2000 is a one handed carry, where the EU3000, especially if it
is full of gas, is at about the limit of what I can lift onto a pickup
trucks tailgate, and I'm a pretty big guy. The EU3000 is relatively easy to
move with two people, with one person on each handle.
Somebody recommended connecting two EU2000's. They would give you better
one-man portability, and even some redundancy, but I'm not sure that you can
run a single load that is higher than the rating of a single generator.
(where would you plug it in?) I think you have can only run a combined load
that exceeds the capacity of a single generator. I may be wrong. The
specifications should give you some clues. You should check with your Honda
dealer to make sure before you invest in two synchronized EU2000's.
I have had this discussion with a neighbor who was considering using two
EU2000's to run a well pump. We never got to a definitive answer, but then
again we didn't do much research.
My main point is that I don't think you would use a significant amount more
fuel with the Eu3000 than the Eu2000 for the same load. You might even use
less with an EU3000 than with two synchronized EU2000's.
Electric start on the EU3000 is not that big of an advantage. It is as easy
to pull start as the EU2000. Either usually starts on the first pull. The
starting battery on my EU3000 has worn out, and I have not felt compelled to
replace it because it is so easy to pull start.
my $.02