Paralleled Honda EU2200I Companion VS Cummins Onan 4500 (Generator Review)
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- Опубликовано: 31 окт 2021
- HONDA EU2200I
Inverter Yes
Portable Yes
Parallel capable Yes, cable not included
RV ready No
Fuel Gasoline
Engine 121 cc Honda GXR120 OHV 4-stroke
Starting system Recoil
Voltage AC: 120V 60 Hz
Running watts 1800 W
Starting watts 2200 W
Running amps 15 amps
Peak amps 18.3 amps
Run time @50% load 4 h
Run time @25% load 8.1 h
GFCI outlets No
Covered outlets Yes
Automatic Voltage Regulation Inverter
AC outlets
1x 120V 20A (5-20R)
1x 120V 30A (L5-30R)
DC outlets No
Data center My Generator App
Indicators Low oil, overload and output ready
Fuel tank 0.95 gal
Fuel gauge No
Weight 47.4 lbs
Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) 20 x 11.4 x 16.7 in
Noise (lower limit) 48 dBA
THD 3%
Emissions CARB, EPA
Security Low oil and overload protection, CO monitoring
Spark arrestor Yes
Neutral Floating
Accessories included No
Warranty 3 years
Series Super Quiet
Cummins Onan 4500 Watts
Inverter Yes
Portable Yes
Parallel capable Yes, cable not included
RV ready Yes
Fuel Gasoline
Engine 224 cc Ducar OHV 4-stroke
Starting system Recoil, Electric, Remote
Voltage AC: 120V 60 Hz, DC: 5V
Running watts 3700 W
Starting watts 4500 W
Running amps 30.8 amps
Peak amps 37.5 amps
Run time @50% load 15 h
Run time @25% load 18 h
GFCI outlets No
Covered outlets Yes
Automatic Voltage Regulation Inverter
AC outlets
1x Duplex 120V 20A (5-20R)
1x 120V 30A (TT-30R)
DC outlets 2x 5V USB port
Data center Power output, fuel level, lifetime run hours, remaining run time and voltage
Indicators Low oil, overload and output ready
Fuel tank Steel, 3.4 gal
Fuel gauge Digital
Weight 98 lbs
Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) 24.5 x 18.3 x 20.5 in
Noise (lower limit) 52 dBA
THD 3%
Emissions CARB, EPA
Security Low oil and overload protection
Spark arrestor Yes
Neutral Floating
Accessories included Oil, funnel, tool kit, key fob, battery charger, and battery
Warranty 3 years 
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Great video. A month back, I bought a Honda 2200i to pair with my 5y/o 2000i. Love the setup.
Excellent look over! Straight to the point and informative. Well done sir.
Gavin, I'm always impressed by your reviews. Thanks much.
Thanks 🙏🏾 I appreciate your feedback 😁
Besides the two smaller generators being easier to move than one big one and being able to save fuel by running just one of two, I like knowing a single failure can't bring down my entire power setup..... especially since I use my two parallel generators for home backup power.
DITTO.
I'm sold on the Cummins Onan Gen. Not worried about the weight. Up here in Canada, One Honda is the same price of the Cummins. With 2 Honda's, twice the price.
Great video, just my level of technical detail. Will throw in a plug for Honda reliability. I have 2 EU2000s, one from 2007 and the other from 2012. Both have been flawless with only occasional oil and plug changes.
Good choice!
Thanks for this, well done, decision time just got easier.
Great video! I'll take 2 small generators over 1 big one. Lighter weight, redundancy, and depending on time of year may only need 1 to keep batteries charged and smaller loads.
Been looking forward to this one. Thanks Gavin!
Welcome
Thank you for the video, very technical and to the point. 👍🏼
That rv is beautiful Sir….. I bet it runs and drives like a dream….. Id live in that no problem lol. Thank you for the great content!
Thanks Eroc thanks for watching and subscribing
I have a Westinghouse/Onan 4500. It works great no problems for 3 years. I'm 69 and don't have any problems putting it in my cargo trailer we pull behind our 5th wheel.
The slide out handle is a must.
Great review as usual 👍
Excellent job, thanks for the thorough compraison!!
Nice that you show the sine wave, some are not as good.
Very impressed with the two Honda generator. The way the handle the loads, I think I would go with two over one big one. For me it would be 1- weight 2- it’s getting cooler outside so you might sometimes just need to run your refrigerator. I have a propane stove. And maybe 3- if something happens to one generator I could use the other as a spare. If something happens to the 4500 generator and you couldn’t get it start it. Your out of luck. Overall very good review. Thanks buddy 👍
YESSIR that’s a great point having redundancy is always a good thing you could alternate the two small ones keeping the hours equal overtime and during the winter time like you said you might only need to run one at a time saving fuel.
Thanks 👍🏾
They forget to mention one person can move the Cummins around just fine.....it has a handle and its on wheels....Im 145 pounds and pick it up and load it in the back of my truck no problem.....but if you have cash to burn.....go with the hondas
Very nice comparison with 2 nice brands. For my taste I will stay with 2 Hondas.
I have those exact 2 Hondas and I can't belive what they do. They are my family's emergency power answer. The maintenance is stupid easy and they sip fuel.
The man’s man. Wish you were my neighbor friend. If we put all our gadgets together we would get some serious trouble.
Now I like how you think 👍🏾👌🏾😅 Sounds like a great idea
The Honda parallel feature is a great option to have. I can see where this feature may not be high on the list in the rv world.
Thanks for the real world tests
Just bought the Cummins yesterday. Thanks
You’re welcome ☺️
I am really looking forward to the 3200w genny shootout. Hopefully you’ve gotten some hours on the Generac so you can push it harder in the next test. It will be good to see if the ratings are conservative or promising more than they can deliver. Comparing loudness is also key for me, for camping.
Excellent test, thanks. I am going for the Honda Gens.
Smart choice
No question the Honda’s is a better choice. The other unit the overload light came on. If you were in the boondocks your better off again with the honda’s for reliable. Plus one of the honda’s will pretty much run what you can get by with. Again the Honda’s are more money but worth it and they are easier to handle. Great review. Thank You 🙏
Thanks Nick
Happy new year 🎊
Great video! Missing a side by side spreadsheet at the end though. It looks like the two Hondas match the Onan in just about every way except price. You pay almost twice as much to get started (not including cables) to go the 2-Honda route. Fuel is variable since you could get away with 1 Honda (i.e. in a 25% load scenario) but the Honda pair uses about 15 to 20% more if both are running... lot's of variables and so fuel consumption not easily compared, and would be case by case.
Fuel consumption: 7.5 hrs/gal (Onan) vs. 4.4 hrs/gal (1 Honda) @ 25% load
Base price: $1,300 (Onan) vs. $1,200 (1 Honda)
Weight: 98 lb (Onan) vs. 46.3 lb (1 Honda) - 118 lb vs. 52 lb with full fuel tank
I have a screen shot off of my Honda 2200’s blue tooth showing it ran a 2300 watt load for several seconds.
I totally trust these Hondas.
Buy the best don’t mess with the rest!
Yessir!!!! 😎👍🏾
Very good video. Informative sure helps me out a lot.
Can't wait until you can test the Honda EU3200i and even parallel them as well.
Gavin I noticed you also have the best brand of stainless cookware!
I just bought my onan generator today because this video
Good info on the generator comparison. I was mainly looking at the difference in the two Honda 2200 models your were testing.
Having been the 2nd owner for a year now with a 2003 Honda eu2000i, apparently it wasn't well cared for before I obtained it. Because I knew of it being abused, I had changed the oil(Honda 10-30 oil) every campout as well as changing it every tankful at home using to power lights in my shed. It lasted 30 more hours of light load run times over a 1 year period before it seized up.
With that being said, I am still researching on both the new Honda 2200 generators before buying one of the two. I was confused with a John Deere salesman as I was told the 2200 Companion is not to be paralleled with the other Honda 2200 model. After watching your video, they seem fine, Even stranger was told that my ole Honda 2000 can be paralleled with a Honda 2200? Not about to try that either until further convinced and research.
Please correct me here, As I am leaning more towards the eu2200i Companion with the twist lock hookup setup to run as a single power source alone, should it be 15amps on that twist lock plug-in, and running as a single power source? If it were paralleled with another 2200, it is 30 amps, which makes sense.
Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.
Yes you are correct! As a single you get 15 paralleled you get 30. They can be paralleled with the other sizes with no issues.
Good video. The going price of a single Honda EU2200i is $1199. The going price for a single Onan P4500i generator is $1267. Two Honda 2200's are going to be almost double the price. Thanks!
Another awesome vid Gavin. I may have missed it in your previous videos but are you able to run the hot water heater on electric, along with the a.c.'s running?
Yes you should be able to run the hot water heater with one AC using a 4500 and up Generator
Thank you nice review!
I went with the Onan. It’s a no brainer.
Thanks for the review.
You've got the "no brainer" part right.
Good Channel. Just wish the Honda s were dual fuel.
Great video !!
Awesome video. Very good 👍
Thanks for an excellent presentation...
Thanks for subscribing
I've been trying to decide if I should buy a second igen2200 generator or go for the larger one. I had decided to go with the second igen2200 before I saw this video but now I'm absolutely convinced on getting it after this video. My decision was based on 2 main reasons. Weight savings, as you said, and also there are many times I just don't need 2 generators. BTW: You're funny. Easy to lift 1 small genny but need help to lift the big one? Then proceed to lift the big one, showing off them Guns. 😁
😅 thanks buddy
Thanks for the reply...but how much were the Honda's ???
@@nolancarwell1019 amzn.to/3nZfkOz Honda Eu2200
@@nolancarwell1019 Actually, I didn't reply to you but I think Gavin did.
There's a big difference between "dead lifting" the big generator, and raising it up to place it in a truck, trailer, or camper!
Great vid!
Great test. You actually weren't getting the overload light at the 18:57 mark. You had the 100% load light on, but the actual overload light had not turned on just yet.
True…
I actually realized that after the fact
Another great video my brother
Thanks buddy 🙏🏾
Nice video, do you have soft starts on your A/C's?
My thinking is, if it’s heavy enough, it’s gonna be harder to steal. haven’t finished the video yet, but I know they’re Cummins she’s gonna win
Wrong...overload light on the Cummins; none on the Honda's.
The pair of Honda generators with parallel kit is the same or even a pound or two heavier than the single 4500... The dual setup is also nearly double the cost of the P4500idf
Hi Gavin, my thoughts as newbie to RVing. We have a 2021 NuCamp TaB 400 BD. With the small Cool Cat 3020 air conditioner. I have the two Honda EU2200's. Here is what I found out testing out the two as compared to just one 4500 or 3500. The larger generator is on wheels and is easier to get the the truck, rather than toting one Honda at a time. Yes, you have to have two to lift it in the truck but that has been a minor issue. I ran the two Honda's in parallel with no issues. Ran the air great. The other issue is how to tie down the two generators rather than one. Not a big issue but one is easier than two. And my cheap side is coming out. Given the two Honda's cost about $2500 together not including a propane conversion kit for two at $515.00, it is getting pricey to just run my small air conditioner. The other option is to install the easy start on the air conditioner. and keeping one Honda. Or do I return the Honda's and get a duel fuel generator like the Champion or Westinghouse or Cummins Onan 4500? How much will I use the generators is the big question. Gavin, from your experience, what is an average generator used? I know it depends. Maybe you guys can chime in on where the Honda's are worth the cost.
Thanks for watching
In my opinion I really have to agree with you because like you said moving and securing the Gens, one is easier than two.
Plus with the 4500 watts having virtually every option from factory with warranty the price is hard to beat. I purchased my Hondas from Amazon they were $1099.
@@GeneratorReviews
Gavin, I have seen some bad reviews for the Westinghouse and the Cummins. Some say they start surging after about 50 hours. Any thoughts on the longevity of either unit? Maybe compared to the new Champion 4650?
@@josephgaestel1193 My thoughts are any generator is going to start surging after around 50 hours if you just leave the gas in the tank.
The Jets are going to get clogged up and they will start surging the carburetor should be drained gas tanks should be emptied every time they are stored for more than 1 month.
@@GeneratorReviews
I purchased my Honda's from Home Depot for the same price, $1099 for the regular and 1199 for the Companion. Seems similar.
Did i miss the price comparison between the Cummins vs the two Hondas ?
Really informative video. You do a great job. I just subscribed!
Thanks 🙏🏾
I have the Cummins 4500i and it powers my rv fine and 1/2 the price of the 2 Hondas. I don’t mind the bulk weight.
Real talk 👍🏾💯😊👌🏾
I agree 100%
This is what I needed to hear. Real life, out on the road activity, without an electricity hook up close by. What will I need to get by the longest. I will be lot hoppin so no hook ups for me! I will be finding out what that takes very soon. Thanks to everyone who posts things with real substance, and this review was awesome! Thanks Gavin
wow i am a little late with this one sorry, I went with two ryobi 1800/2300 (i am cheap) I love having two for the light weight and they fit in my ront compartment of my rv very easy. I also do tent camping and only need 1 for that. I have noticed that if i am just charging my batteries I only use one Genie for that also. To be honest changing the oil and plugs are super easy and only take a few mins. Ryobi Gen control also make it easy to keep an eye on power usage from inside the comfort of your RV. I love the ability to shut them down just before bed when I am already in my Jamies. :) Oh soft start is the way to go. I can actually use only one to run my A/C at 2400 feet elevation. anything higher I need both.
Hey David
Nothing wrong with saving your money and it’s nice having an extra Gen just in case something happens to one.
Hi Gavin.. once again, very interesting and informative video. By any chance did to happen to note what the dba level was when you were runnng the two hondas in parallel from 10 feet? Thanks
I didn’t get a reading from 10 feet, but I can tell you they are significantly louder when paralleled
That's what I thought. I was told by someone that it would raise the dba level by only three. That's why I was wondering if it would just be better, performance and dba wise, to just get one 4000 or 4500 unit vs 2 2500 connected.
Nice job, what do you think about the Champion duel fuel compared to the Honda in noise level?
The Hondas are a little bit quieter but Probably by five dB
Great video! Very interesting and informative!
Thanks for the video!
What is the 30amp power meter that you used for test?
It’s just a power meter I made but I think I have the link in the description I also have a video showing how to make the 15 amp power meter
@@GeneratorReviews Thanks. I found the video and ordered the meter and other item today.
Thanks again!
I just priced the Cummins Onan at $1300. Basically the price of one Honda. I like the weight of the Hondas. Might be able to just run my single AC unit on one Honda.
July 2024 and those Hondas are running $1100-$1200 ea. I just picked up a Westinghouse iGen 4500 DF which is the same as that Onan for $790. Same power as the two Hondas combined but $1400+ cheaper. Another thing that deterred me from going to the dual small generator route is fuel tank capacity. The 4500 has a much larger tank and will run far more hours. The duals wouldn’t last all night if under any decent load.
Appreciate your thorough reviews!! How quiet is the onan? I was looking at the Generac IQ3500 and this one. I liked the remote start of the onan but the Generac markets being really quiet. Have you compared the Generac and this Onan?
The generac is quieter but the lack of a wheel kit and remote start would be a deal breaker for you right?
@@GeneratorReviews Hi. Probably not a deal breaker. Very nice to have but if it’s significantly quieter, for me that would win.
I prefer having two Honda eu2200i generators for easier ability to pick up and move and also being able to only run one in case of a failure. I like running one when I only need limited power to save fuel and allow the other to cool down.
How about a fuel consumption test?
Sorry to be a multi poster but a video suggestion comes to mind 2 Honda EU2200I's paralleled vs 2 Yamaha EF2200i's paralleled, load tests, noise tests, (If possible)fuel economy tests at max rated load??
Wow, your microwave just maxed out the Honda @1870 watts. Mine is only 1100 watt microwave.
So basically, they ran pretty equally. With both brands handling the loads. So what’s the big differences? The Cummins is heavier, and takes more space when stored, (prices taken from online) The Cummins is $1300 and the 2 Hondas and the companion kit is $2500. So the decision people have to ask themselves is, do we have the extra space for the Cummins or do we have the extra $1200 for the Hondas. I’ve used both and the Hondas are really nice and easy to move around. The Cummins has a handle to move it around so although it’s not as light, it’s not hard to move with the handle and wheels. Also, the Cummins has a remote start so you don’t have to walk out into the cold and start it. Just use the fob. Can’t go wrong with either just depends on your budget and preference.
Well said I agree ☝🏽 💯
I'm interested in finding out where you got that Fancy Digital meter you use for your load test, would love to have that information at hand when running my RV ? Oh and where can I buy the Soft Start for my Roof A/C ?
Check out my video on making one all links in description ruclips.net/video/LF2W9PokpUQ/видео.html
Great Video Sir !!! Question for you...the Honda's I looked online to see if the price. I'm trying to see if it makes since to buy two of the EU2200I models or just the single 4500 Champion generator model. Would you mind telling me where you got the Honda's from & how much per generator.
Thanks
The Honda are a little more pricey but they’re easier to lift but the 4500 has wheels. It’s a tough decision to make
amzn.to/3nZfkOz Honda Eu2200
With the Hondas I would use a 50 a parallel kit. it's like paralleling 2 eu 3000's out of one 30 a receptacle.
Great video, The small gensets seem to need the eco mode off to start an A/C to handle the in rush current properly, I was hoping you would have tried it with the single (Honda) unit test.
Do you know if you can shut one Honda down and still have 120 at the parallel plug? Basically would you have the ability to run second only when needed
Yes, you can shut off the second generator keep the companion running and you will have power. Once you start the second generator again it will just Sync and you can continue going uninterrupted.
My Cummins 4500 has a remote start built in, does Honda have this option? My old Honda 2000 didn’t. It’s awfully nice for mornings not having to go outside of the camper to get the gene started.
The Honda doesn’t have remote start until you get to the 3000 and up and you have to use the app
I know this isnt an overload test, but keep in mind those hondas can run 1/2 hour at their surge rating! Would be cool to parellel all 3 and see what it could handle.
Now that would be cool to see. I read in another blog that you can hook up 3 or more in parallel. Just need to make custom Deadman cables to go from outlet to outlet on each genny and make sure the cables are sized to handle the load. Heck, with that thinking, you could set up your own power grid. 🤣
For staters Cummins the way to go Cummins been in the industry for years now and has proof it’s point ALV
Man that is big
So the running watts double ? I thought it was only the peak watts.. Did you use eco mode when testing ? Great video..
Yes, running watts doubles and I always use Eco mode to save gas
So many comments and so many things to consider. Personally, I need to live in my trailer without any electrical hook ups nearby. Costco seems to be the only place to buy my generators from with a full "lifetime" warranty return policy. So maybe it's not the name that matters its the true cost of power and the warranty that is lifetime. As a newbie, maybe I am way off base, but I want to consult any experts. Please Gavin help provide some guidance for my journey. Thanks to all those posting with substance!
Visit my website www.gavins-garage.com and you can contact me.
So mathematically what would the benefit be of putting two of the 4000 onans in parallel as they also come with that ability? Lets pretend im not worried about the weight but wanted more power with 2 100 lb units versus 1 say 150-200 unit?
I just feel going with one unit is just so much easier than having to maintain two.
Plus the two unit when they’re running they sound louder and they make like a droning sound.
My honest opinion is I’m gonna find the largest unit that can handle my load versus paralleling
What would happen if you started ac unit and once it settled down shut one gen off?
It would probably run fine until the next time it has to restart again
Let’s not forget the AC unit starts up at least 50 times a day
Gavin, Al again, I have an older Honda i 2000 without the Parallel hook up ports, do you know if it can be modified to work in parrallel with a i2200 Companion? Thanks
You can try the generac parallel kit it uses the 15 amp plug to combine the generators just plug them before starting them
amzn.to/3czXEn9
OK another question I am afraid, I now have a i2000 and N i2200 no Companion model, If I want to run just one unit and use the 30 amp plug on the parrallel kit can I plug both ends of the parrallel kit into the two 15 amp plugs on the one unit.
Thanks again.
@@allanlaxdal5424 Please don’t do that meant for separate generators 😬 I’ve never tried it and I don’t think I want to
@@GeneratorReviews :) Glad I asked, won't happen!
Maintenance on 2 generators compared to one? Cost of one Honda 2200i is about the same as the Onan…so you would have spend almost twice as much. The Onan does come on wheels with a pull handle. So I think I would go with the Cummins Onan p4500.
Thanks! Verry good job ❤
Just bought a Onan because the fuel capacity of the 4500 (over 3 gallons vice less than 1 gallon in each Honda). Have to refuel the Hondas quite a bit. Plus twice the price for the Hondas. Selling my two Hondas...
Where did you get that meter you use to measure the output?
I got the meter on Amazon and made it into a monitor. Here’s the link to the video I made.ruclips.net/video/LF2W9PokpUQ/видео.html
Honda just makes Good engines period.
A Cummings diesel is a winner also,but I'm not sure about their gasoline engines.
$1200 for the onan
$1100 each for Hondas
What's more fuel efficient? Running two small engines, or a single large engine. Clearly under lighter loads, running one small engine uses less fuel. My curiosity is when a load is just a bit much for one small generator, so you need both, for that extra 500 watts, Vs, using the single large one for that same load.
One big advantage of two small generators is, if one breaks down you can still run on the other, albeit with limited power availability.
I was turned away from Onan Generater years ago because of parts availability and the price of the parts . Maybe they have improved .
Do you have the soft start on your AC ?
Yes, I recommend you always having a soft start on your AC. It makes a world of difference.
How much money is the Honda set up vs the Onan? Also I wanted to see the db rating at max toward the end with the full load
I missed the last db towards the end it was a long test.
Positive Comment
👍🏾
Positive reply
Did u run the onan in eco or regular mode
Eco mode always
I have soft starts on my ac units & with just one Honda eu2200i running it'll start & run my largest ac all day long. I dint know why yours balked.
I think it’s because I also have the refrigerator on at the same time.
👍🏻
Will the two Honda's have twice the noise as one?
I don’t like the noise it makes when it’s being paralleled it has a droning effect.
You can sell a 10 year old E2200 Honda generator for about 800 dollars used. Just put a hour meter on it. Take pictures of the meter and the oil change.
I have the cummins and westinghouse and with a single ramp I load both by myself….. it really is no big deal…..
It’s really not that heavy you’re talking about 100 pounds I think most people just over exaggerate just a little bit😅
"can't move them by yourself" moves it by himself
You forgot to do the dB test on the 4500 at the end fully loaded 🤪🤪🤪
Yeah I forgot that one sometimes😅
2 Jerry Cans of water / fuel are easier to carry/run off with than 1.
Chain them together throw a 100lb kettlebell on there too
Cummins-overload light; Honda's-no overload lights...there you have it. But I'm sure the Chinese preschoolers who assembled the Cummins did their best.
A cummins generator using gasoline? I lost all excitement :-) Was hoping for a Diesel Inverter.
How BTU are your AC units in this class A
My RV has two 13500 btu A/C with soft start installed
Thanks 🙏🏾
@@GeneratorReviews so I have two 15000 btu. No soft start. Wondering if P4500 will run them
@@storeyjm1963 Yeah it will run it but I would install at least one soft start, not only will it extend the life of your AC but you can start them with a 2500 W generator.
I've read that adding soft start voids AC warranty?? If it helps why does it void warranty??
I would look for the running time because I don't want to wake up at night for refuelling !