Honda generator extended run build

Scott & Heather · July 16, 2019, 02:59:32 PM

For anyone interested in using Honda EU3000is inverter gensets for their bus, I followed Pinellas' instructions on YouTube and built my own extended run system for them...for maybe $50 or less. I love my Honda's. They have more than 3000 hours on them and they are still running like champs.
They use very very little fuel (I usually can get 21 hours out of 3.3 gallons of gas) a tank and they are so quiet that you can't even feel or hear them when the bus is idling and you barely notice them when the bus is off.

No drama. No fuss. They just work.

TomC · July 16, 2019, 09:46:44 PM

Nice, but I don't like anything gasoline. You have to carry another fuel, gasoline is very explosive, the exhaust is toxic-especially since these are under 14hp don't have catalytic converters. Just be VERY careful where the exhaust is aimed and where it is flowing.
On my Diesel genset, when I'm sitting, I add a 8ft stack to exit the exhaust above the roof. Do you have that? It would be a good idea if you don't.
I'm not talking out my rear end, because I had an Onan 6.5 Emerald commercial on my truck for A/C and power for my big sleeper for 12 years and over 800,000 miles (the first gen lasted 12,000hrs). When I was sitting over night with the genset running, I had an electric box fan next to the exhaust pushing the exhaust away from the truck. This genset was built in with a 75gal chassis mounted aluminum 28" diameter fuel tank. Good Luck, TomC

Scott & Heather · July 17, 2019, 04:22:37 AM

Absolutely sage advice tom. Generators kill a ton of people every year cause of CO.

A few thoughts from my personal perspective:

I have used these generators now for 5 years without any issues with CO entering the coach. I have two CO detectors both above the generators inside the drivers area and the living room area. They have never ever registered any CO. My coach is spray foam insulated including the floor which is a sandwhich of spray foam between two 3/4" sheets of plywood. There isn't any air transfer at all. In fact our coach is so tight, that when I run the dryer, I have to crack the roof hatch or front door open otherwise there isn't enough airflow to feed it. My gennies exhaust through the grills you see in the photo and the internal fab blows the exhaust out those grills under pressure and out the stainless mesh of the generator bay. No CO issues at all.

Yes, gas is explosive. So are our batteries...and propane I have on board. We drive cars every single day with ten times the amount of gas on board than my gennies hold. That's really not a risk I'm worried about taking. These things are absolutely zero drama, sip fuel, are quiet and I have a backup if one does happen to fail. I'm a believer now. Fulltiming did 9 years I know the risks and rewards of fuels, generators, etc and this is what I've landed on for now. Maybe a nice little diesel genset is on my wishlist someday but these have worked and worked hard for me and deserve a huge amount of credit.

bevans6 · July 17, 2019, 05:00:38 AM

Are they linked together to double the output? I know a lot of Honda's can do that easily. What might be neat is if they could to linked together to get 240 VAC.

neoneddy · July 17, 2019, 09:33:14 AM

I've got the predator knock off version, So far I've been able to run everything I need from a single, but when I'm running full tilt, I get 3-4 hours out of 2.5 gal .

Some day I'll get a small quiet diesel.

I don't see any sound dampening or vibration isolators on there. And you still don't hear or feel it much? Right now mine runs externally, I store it in a bay, then bring it out. I can hear and feel it some, especially when it loads up. However if the AC is on, I can barely hear it.

buswarrior · July 17, 2019, 09:39:40 AM

Honda or Yamaha

Lovely and QUIET.

Every busnut should strive for as SILENT an operation as possible.

If I want to park near noise, i'd stay home...

Happy coaching!
Buswarrior

Scott & Heather · July 17, 2019, 09:56:49 AM

Yep, I have the parallel kit so yes I'm doubling the output. When I shut one down, it still runs both legs on my panel because of the kit, but if I just need to run one for lights and fridge and microwave I just idle one in economy mode. If I need more juice I just start the other one. It's honestly an awesome and very efficient and very redundant system.

As for sound deadening, the Honda's are very quiet out of the box. Very. I have set them on three layers of closed cell foam mat that you would put down in a workout gym or a garage. That absorbs any vibration which could cause noise. With these precautions, I absolutely cannot tell when I'm starting the generator from the inside whether it's even turning over much less if it's running. So my plan is to install a light that plugs into one of the 120v outputs and run that into the coach so I know if they are running/on or not.

bevans6 · July 17, 2019, 10:34:40 AM

I have the Yamaha 3000SEB equivalent, I always worried about would it overheat if I ran it inside the AC condenser compartment, so I don't run it on the road, only when parked. I kind of sling it out somewhat like your tray.

richard5933 · July 17, 2019, 10:51:23 AM

What's the noise level like when both of them are running to provide power? (Not at slow idle)

Scott & Heather · July 17, 2019, 11:14:26 AM

50db at 1/4 load. Even running hard to provide power for both a/c units they aren't loud. Go to a Honda dealer and have them run one for you. you'll be amazed.

buswarrior · July 17, 2019, 02:51:57 PM

You can stand beside either of these brands and have a conversation when they are running flat out.

I have the same 3k Yamaha as Brian's, feeding my Trace 4024 and a set of batteries, there is little you can't do.

It is hard to tell the other part of me to stop dreaming of bigger diesel generators...

Happy coaching!
Buswarrior

oltrunt · July 17, 2019, 03:51:56 PM

I have a Yamaha 3000iSEB genny in an enclosed box. I moved both the 8 gal extended run fuel tank and the muffler to remote locations outside the box and use one or two fans (temp controlled) for cooling. I also have a high temp cut off switch at the base of the cylinder which will kill the motor if the temp gets to 200 degrees F. In almost 5 years now I have never had a high temp shut down. I do keep an eye on the temperature gauge located on the kitchen cabinet just in case.
Jack

luvrbus · July 17, 2019, 04:38:56 PM

Quote from: Scott & Heather on July 17, 2019, 11:14:26 AM
50db at 1/4 load. Even running hard to provide power for both a/c units they aren't loud. Go to a Honda dealer and have them run one for you. you'll be amazed.

The db's go up under a load on those Hondas ,I started to buy the Honda 3000I but went with Onan 2800 for the van it was less db under a full load it has a Robyn engine plus it came with the remote start panel for about the same money.We had a Honda RV 6500 water cooled generator in a 5th wheel a great generator till it stopped,the price of parts for it would give you the big one

chessie4905 · July 17, 2019, 09:06:34 PM

I have a 3000is also. It is very quiet and slightly noisier with a full load, but not objectionable. Just use it around the house occasionally.
The super quiet Honda 600 would be ideal. Maybe you could link 6 of them with a smart controller to start and run as many as needed according to load. Or a 2000is and a 600 backup for just the reefer and little things. Endless possibilities...

Jim Blackwood · July 18, 2019, 11:31:15 AM

Always liked those Honda generators. When they first came out I was amazed at just how quiet they were (worked at a Honda dealership at the time) and they've only gotten better. Truly one of the best things that company makes. Not that cheap, but very high quality.

But, I opted for a propane genset (8KW). You might wonder why. But, the way I figured it, I was going to be carrying propane anyway, for the water heater (2 way), the range, the refrigerator (2 way) and probably a small furnace. When propane burns it produces carbon dioxide and water so no harsh fumes to worry about, (they run propane forklifts indoors) and the kicker was that I was able to buy a 2nd hand aux power genset with very little use for $700. Simply no way I was ever going to run across that deal in a diesel unit, but nobody ever thinks about re-purposing a domestic emergency power unit for an RV. Since they have to be completely reliable, they often get replaced when they are still lightly used. The whole unit slid into the bay without modification and it has sound deadening and air circulation built in. Pretty good start. Still have to get a tank but that can come later.

There is a lot to be said for having a small, very quiet genset that can be used just to top off the house batteries.

Jim