Honda generator?

F

firehawk

Veteran
Hi all.
I am considering a Honda generator to use out in the field to supply power when needed.
https://www.amazon.com/Honda-2200-W...8&qid=1528327715&sr=8-3&keywords=honda+eu2200
A guy I know has the previous model (EU2000) and praises it. I was very impressed at a wedding at how quiet it was.

Examples of use would be outdoors when I need to power lights or other equipment such as a sound system like this

https://www.amazon.com/Fender-Passport-Venue-PA-System/dp/B00JG2EM7K

for outdoor weddings or corporate shoots or events.

This would be an item that might be used a lot part of the year and then sit unused for weeks or months so I do not know if that is bad.
Thoughts?
 
I bought one of the earlier version 2K "whisper quiet" genny's many years ago for remote field use and they are nice, quiet and portable. Get them about 50'- 100' away or behind something and you'll never know it's there "on-camera". If it's going to sit for a few months, I'd run it dry or otherwise drain the gas. I've left mine sitting with fuel in it several times for extended periods and then had to get it serviced(clean out the carb, etc.) a few of those times. Otherwise, they're great if you need moderate power where there is none. Of course now, I have a 2K pure sine wave power inverter installed in my truck and I use that, as long as I can get the truck to within 100'-200' feet of the location. I'm pretty sure having a diesel F-250 sitting there idling is less efficient than that little generator, but the power inverter is ALWAYS there in my truck, whereas the genny has to be planned for in advance and takes up storage space in the back of the truck. But it sounds like your needs are fairly "pre-planned". My inverter was largely put in for more "newsy" type use(need to shoot a stand-up or live shot, etc.), but it can provide power for any use.
 
Thank you Run&Gun
I'm going to install a true sine inverter in my van also but not one that powerful (just for mobile editing, battery charging, and on location LED lights, etc) which would always be ready for small unplanned things.

Yes the generator would be for planned events. And the advice for storing it was exactly what I was looking for.
 
The inverter series Hondas are terrific products. Fresh gas is the most important thing:

Get non-ethanol fuel. It is a bit harder to find, but stores much better. Ethanol fuel breaks down within a few months and will clog up and rot the aluminum carburetor.

Run a fuel stabilizer additive always. Non ethanol fuel with a good treatment additive will last 6 months or more.

Draining the fuel and running the unit out of fuel for longer storage is important.
 
We have the S2000 - it wont start after sitting for a month or two - so Im watching this thread for tips!

What would be the source/trade name of non ethanon fuel?

Thanks
 
The Honda's are great.

I have a pair of Yamaha EF2000iS units which I can run in parallel for the higher output of a larger unit, but are each still single hand portable.

Both the Honda and the Yamaha are very quiet in Econo mode, but start to sound off when at full throttle.

*TIP: Have an extra quart of oil available for the initial break-in period.

Dave
 
Many (but not all???) Sunoco 91 octane are alcohol free. You can buy 5 gallon to 55 gallon drums of alcohol free race fuel in normal octanes as well. The race fuels have the advantage of having really good fuel stabilizers mixed in. A bit more pricey, but if you are passing the cost on to a client, might be worth doing IF (and only if) you have a place that stocks the fuel near you. Shipping on these fuels will put it out of reach! This is probably the lowest cost Sunoco race fuel. Note the store in OPAQUE containers, that means this probably contains MMT which is very photo-sensitive. https://www.sunocoracefuels.com/fuel/apex

After that advice, the gas companies change so much as you change regions, it would be hard to recommend a supplier. We have several different companies that are blending fuel out this way, Mirabito is one of the bigger ones that supplies to the "independent" fuel stores and convenience markets, they have a bunch of non-alcohol versions from 87 octane up to 91. You can buy a $10 "calibrated" jar to use to test alcohol percentage. Add water to the line, add fuel to the next line, shake and read. http://www.minigp-racing.com/joomla...nfo/technical-articles/24-ethanol-gas-testing

For fuel cans, the only thing I would recommend is Eagle Safety cans, you can get the 5 gallon size at most Lowes and 5 gallons would run a 3000 peak genny for about 2 days. http://eagle-mfg.com/catalog/Safety-Cans.aspx Both type 1 and type 2 are a pain to fill, but they are good safe cans to use on a jobsite.

Also check you local and state regulations, I think New York has a 100 gallon maximum before you need commercial license, hazardous tags, etc. Some places might only be 55 gallons. But that would probably be a big shoot where you rent a genny that comes with a big fuel tank.
 
Thanks to the Fed, most if not all of our automotive gas has ethanol and the major fuel brands in automotive stations won't have it. Corn growers do a happy dance as a result. Here in the NW, I buy non-ethanol fuel at our local farmers co-op. As mentioned, racing fuel is available and you might look for that at performance oriented motorcycle shops. FWIW, non-ethanol would also be recommended for your yard equipment, boats, or anything else that might sit for a while between uses. I buy and store 15 gallons at a time for my gen and yard gear and after 6 months, pour it in a car and refill the cans with fresh fuel and stabilizer. Presently, non-ethanol gas costs me about $0.40/gal more than the typical automotive ethanol blend.

G

Edit: If you call a local boat dealer or chainsaw shop, they will know where you can find it.
 
I read some articles a few years back about the damage that ethanol does to certain engine parts and hoses, gaskets, etc. and the consumer is basically SOL, because it's not covered by the manufacturer and the federal government takes no responsibility/can't be held accountable, even though they mandated it. But my understanding is, there is now a growing push for the ethanol mandate to be scaled back and some(a lot) would like to see it gone, altogether.
 
If you live near any lakes/rivers where there is a decent fishing population, many of the gas stations will have at least one pump loaded with non ethanol gas for the boaters.
 
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