Portable Generator

Jason Stine

Jason Stine

Administrator
Staff member
Looking to buy a small portable generator this season to charge the car battery in between sessions and to run a few small tools and appliances at the track (coffee pot, drill, soldering iron, etc.). Anyone have any recommendations on brand or size? Will need to fit in the back of my truck along with all the other track goodies. Thanks in advance.
 
If you have the budget, the Honda EU series generators are AMAZING. Reliable and stupendously quiet. I have one that's ~5yrs old now and it starts every single time. only issue I ever had with it was a no-start after sitting for a summer. I overhauled the carb (no new parts required- just a can of carb cleaner), and it started on the first pull.

Yamaha makes a similar one as well, but I have seen a few of them with fuel feed/reliability problems after heat soaking with run time.
 
Yup, can't beat a Honda EU. They're a bit more spendy than other options, but you shouldn't ever find yourself swearing at it.
 
Jason,

I have been researching this for myself. A buddy has a little Honda 2000 EU that would do everything you mention. Because I want to run AC unit in my new trailer I plan to buy one of those and then the companion unit to double output. Really neat, quiet little unit. The biggest drawback I foresee is that they are so small and easy to carry that it would be easy for a thief to get away.

If anyone needs a replacement, built in type unit for their trailer/camper, let me know. I had purchased a really nice running older, low rpm, Onan 4000, out of a wrecked trailer. However because my new trailer does not have an enclosure and tank am just going with the little Hondas instead. I would take $400 for the Onan, trade for some tire certificates?, or whatever. Could deliver to Hallet.
 
Ditto on the Honda 2000eu. Can't hear it run behind the trailer. These have a vacuum fuel pump and no fuel shut-off valve. Always drain gas and run dry if storing over the winter. (Draining is a pain)

3rd or 4th year it had no output but light showed it was generating. Dealer replaced a wiring harness that had been on a owner notification; no cost.

RJS
 
Generac ix2000. Comparable db level and power of the Honda. Plenty reliable. Well made. Half the cost. We have 6 of them at work and have yet to have an issue with them.
 
Time to show my ignorance, which is not hard to do: what is the difference between an inverter and a generator? I agree with the earlier comments - I see a lot of the Honda 2000 generators at art fairs, etc. very quiet but also very expensive.
 
Inverter generators use a device that converts DC to AC power. Inverter generators create 120V power that is cleaner (regulated 120V with fewer harmonics). Inverters are a must for powering computers. Inverter generators run at a lower RPM making the quieter.

As mentioned earlier, it is a MUST to drain the float bowl dry if it is to sit for more than a month. The ethanol based pump will absorb water, then evaporate leaving the carb jet and float bowl gummed up and corroded.

I have a Chinese knock off of the Honda. Part for part the same as the Honda but not as reliable nor can I get parts. But I can buy two for the price of the Honda.
 
I have a Honda eu1000. It handles everything with the car (battery charger, oil heater, etc) no issue. It will run lights, etc. I'm not sure it will run a coffee pot or soldering iron. 1000 watts at 120v is only 8.3 amps. You'd have to look up your coffee pot and soldering iron.

I considered the eu2000, but my setup is tight on space and I didn't need the extra juice. The eu1000 has been perfect. No regrets.

It runs all day on about a quart of gas silently. It starts on the first pull and I never drain the gas or do anything other than change the oil and clean the spark plug. I've had it for seven years now.

These things are great, but spendie (worth every dime).

Kyle
 
FWIW, my EU2000 has run my 110V welder on occasion and regularly runs my pancake air compressor.. The air compressor makes 10x the noise the generator does. For the most part, I've gone to battery-powered tools instead of air just because of the noise. I can charge my Dewalt batteries much quieter than running the compressor. I have a portable air tank as well which I fill up at home for doing tires and such. thus the only time I need the air compressor is when everyone else empties my air tank and I have to fill it back up. ;)
 
I have a EU2000 and a 3000. Got a great deal on the 3000 and couldn't pass it up.

Worth every penny. The 2000 puts out around 15 amps so check the compressor sticker.

If you want to have neighbors at the track that don't hate you, get a Honda.
 
When I thought about these, I talked to the rental shop at Home Depot. The guy there said "If you want to keep it, and you are the kind who will do some basic maintenance, buy a Honda." So I did - an EM2500. It would run anything I needed at the track and also some lights, a space heater and the refrigerator at home (After a hurricane or other power outage.)
One important factor - can you lift/handle/load it by yourself? I could do this one if I had to. If not, you will always need help.
One little trick about my Honda - it has a hidden fuel filter which is a "standpipe" inside the tank at the outlet valve. When I did have a problem after several years that it would run but give up or stall with a load, I found this filter clogged. The manual had a hint to "have the tank and fuel system cleaned by your local Authorized Honda...." so I figured there was something they weren't telling me.
Another really good use for any portable generator is engine pre-heating on cold days: Use some sort of load like a hair dryer so the unit is not just idling. Place the unit in front of the grille/air intake and have some pre-made sheet metal or even sturdy cardboard to blow the waste heat and exhaust into the engine bay. Prop up the hood a bit to let it vent out. There is a LOT more heat available that way than just running the unit to power a block heater, etc. Heats coolant, engine, carbs -all.
With regard to fuel, I just buy non-ethanol gas - look at boat marinas or nearby gas stations. If not used, any left-over can always be put in the tow vehicle so it's fresh - and you have emergency gas for any long stretches of road and the gas station is closed... Joel
 
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