First Month Living off the Grid with Our Portable Generator - Honda EU3000i Handi Review

[@walterpalmer2749]

Hondas can't be beat. I don't have a generator of Hondas but their products are excellent.

[@JAMESMANHUNT9]

my brigs and stratton standby ng generator is excellent as well it has a 15 second relay timmer

[@dieselsmoke21]

ive been following you and alyssia on your off grid journey and you both are lucky. Please keep us-me updated as far as the generator life (hours) and any maintenance you might have to do other than your oil and fuel filter change. im really interested in Honda generators and really like this one

[@Matttchew5]

57 dB is super quiet. I read 90 dB (got an app for that) inside my semi truck, parked with the windows closed, at a truck stop/travel plaza. I'd love it if the trucks ran those generators instead of idling. Just imagine the fuel savings if the trucks stopped idling?!

[@danburch9989]

Your review prompted me to do some additional research. What bothers me is that they advertise a 7 hr run time at 1/4 load. All other generators advertise run time at 1/2 load. Honda is making buyers think they are getting a better generator as far as fuel consumption goes. Also, it shows it's a 3000 watt generator. It's actually a 2600 watt (continuous), 3000 watt surge. So, 1/4 load is 650 watts. Buyers just have to understand the limitations of any generator they plan on buying. I have an 8000 watt (cont) / 13000 watt (surge) that burns about .8 gal/hr at 1/2 load (4000 watts). I'll grant you that your generator (inverter generator) is much quieter than mine. It only runs the engine at the speed needed for the output needed (low power demand = low engine speed = low noise = low fuel consumption). That's a big plus. But they are expensive.

[@EyeintheSky999]

How about update on how it is doing after a year seems like really good product and very well thought out reasons for buying this version over others.

[@michaeldougfir9807]

Good product review. My generator isn't a Honda, and it's heavy, as you said. But I'm grateful to a have a generator at all. Anyway, Honda is really coming through with a lot of good products now. Very impressive, versus when I was young.

[@KpexSmith]

Yea you should be a sales manager, very well done , great video 👍🏻

[@alanwong9280]

Enjoyed your videos. Watching this one motivated me to look at generators for SHTF/Disaster and future off grid needs. Used your links to start my research. For those considering the 3000 or 3000i, I Found THIS link which made me seriously look at Honda's EU2000i model instead. Buying 2 of them is the same price as buying one of the Handi 3000i. Each one is lighter (46#?) than the 3000i--although together, they may be heavier The benefit of buying two of the EU2000i models is that you can hook them up in parallel and get 4000 start up watts. They would use roughly the same or LESS gas simultaneously in parallel at 6/10 load compared to the 3000i at 3/4 load when powering a theoretical 2400W refrigerator load. You have the additional benefit of being able to run the 2 separately at different locations, assuming your max load is under 2000W startup. If one generator ever fails, you still have the other. If one fails, you wouldn't be able to STARTUP a 2400W refrigerator, but if your fridge was hooked up to a battery system designed to support that fridge, the system could start it up, and the generator could easily feed the battery system to prevent rapid discharge of the battery banks. Check out Shadowboxin2 's comment almost at the bottom of the page. for his calculations of different loads from different A/C and Fridge configurations.: www.ar15.com/forums/t_10_18/659055_Honda_eu3000i_v__eu3000is.html Peace and love to you and yours.

[@crazybob1954mo]

Sorry but... a 2400 watt refrigerator???? How many Bull Moose will that hold??? LOL Also you could Never operate a 2400 watt fridge on Batteries..... OR an AC unit. Your other points are valid.

[@AStanton1966]

I've owned the same Honda generator for over 28 years. Keep the gas fresh, run it at least once a month--with a electrical load, and change the oil with 25 hours or more. Honda motors are one of the best.

[@AStanton1966]

+A Stanton1966 Forgot to mention, don't forget to adjust the valves after 300 hours.

[@bradkw4295]

Nice generator! Couple thoughts: It's simple to mod gas tanks by adding a marine tank with a siphon tube through cap of generator...can add as much runtime as you like. Unfortunately, genset size isn't going to get you that quick battery recharge unless you're dealing with LiPO4. Lead/AGM will get to 80% fast, but still need the 4+ hours at absorption to reach 100%.

[@purelivingforlife]

+BradKW Good point about runtime. Thankfully we are only needing about 45amps back into our small battery each day which is easily don't in 3 hours. However at the point you start modifying stuff you start devaluing it and making Mickey Mouse contraptions only a like minded gadget fiend would love or want. When the time is right we would rather give the Handi to a new family and move to a unit that better suits our needs whatever those may be. We didn't buy the Handi for run time. It was power/portability ratio that was the deciding factor and it hasn't disappointed yet. Another good point about lead acid batteries. They don't like to charge fast! Solar is in the works thankfully so our gen use will drop off sharply soon.

[@Dive-Bar-Casanova]

These are slightly louder than the elect start model, and much lighter. We love our Handi i3000.

[@hank1320]

Just bought the Honda em7000 watt generator it is powerful I'm gonna hook it up to my solar system and put and automatic start on it I run my whole house on solar lights well pump but then appliances are on gas but it works good

[@garyenwards1608]

hit ur carb with gum out until it almost stalls out then let it get back to speed and after a min do the same thing over do this 4 to 6 times then turn the engine off after letting it run normally for 10 mins and let the engine sit for at least an hour before putting it back into use. also add seafoam ever second tank of gas just 1 or 2 capfulls is good. every once in a while give it 3 cap fulls to clean the carb. also ad a cap to your oil each time you change it. always use synthetic, clean ur spark arrestor every 100 hrs and the same for your oil. add 2 capsfulls of stp complete fuel system cleaner to your gas tank after each oil change. change ur plug and clean your air filter every 1000 hrs or as needed. i have over 5500 hours on my champion 1500 watt genny. this has been another small engine tip from Ed TV

[@phelps1953]

Great video on this generator. You could be a salesman for Honda. I was leaning toward this generator, your video sold me. Thanks.

[@timberray9572]

Service is a fantastic point, I own two stihl saws and one husky, I have found the service at the dealer for one of the brands to be far superior than the other, I will not say which one because service may vary from region to region and both brands are a quality product.

[@ShimaUta86]

Ray Duerksen i

[@dananelson3534]

Thanks for sharing the good info. Power when you need it, not a bad investment, and quite too. Living off grid is doable.

[@Joeak74]

Your wife is STRONG! She also lifts properly!

[@purelivingforlife]

+Joeak74 She's buff for sure. Always working in technique too! Long healthy life habits!

[@Joeak74]

Amen! Nice legs too! Oooops...I had to say it! :) Great videos! Well done.

[@filipinophreak]

She's pretty hot

[@111danish111]

she definitely got the forearms .

[@caveymoley]

What good is a wife if she can't be made to pull a plough now and again?

[@thebluelunarmonkey]

With all the wind you get (mentioned in your property tour video), have you thought of a wind turbine on the top of your hill? The tower would have to be pretty high to clear the trees.80-100ft... might could get tax credits or property tax exemption. There is noise, turbulence, and possibly dead birds to contend with (free feed for pigs?) turbines that don't kill birds is still fairly new technology. This might be far down the road... but you may wind up with a surplus to keep a used Nissan Leaf topped off and use it to reduce your gasoline expense and get more "off grid" by reducing the need for gasoline.

[@MrManhound]

That is the best video I have seen on a generator,clear informative and easy to follow. Thank you,i will follow you to see what else you have to offer.

[@giovannisocci8793]

Thks for the 411,I wanted it tested on a 15,000 brittish thermal units or larger a/c unit.

[@MrDisneyCollector]

I have a generator for my Class C but want an additional one for my house should the power go out. I will check out what Honda can offer in the low noise. Great review. What is your educational back ground? You speak so well, clarity of thought, speak complete sentences and provide precise information needed, a rarity on youtube.

[@markchavez7707]

Awwww. B====88====B

[@theobserver3346]

A Most Excellent Review.. ..thanks..

[@sharkamov]

(And yupp, - the male counterpart of PLfL definitely got reasons to be a proud - AND humble man!) - [That this is vice-versa, ought to go w/o stating!] ;-)

[@mtnman1]

Exactly what I was looking for. Subscribed and thanks for this video. 🍻

[@Dive-Bar-Casanova]

Keep a replacement pull rope on hand. They break easily.

[@ttttttttll7958]

wow, I thought homesteading went out ages ago in Alaska or something? Did they bring it back?!

[@misham6547]

it will be nice for someone to get and compare a military surplus generator to this handia

[@purelivingforlife]

Like comparing space shuttles to kites really...

[@gphilipc2031]

You may be able to use the low octane (Regular) non-ethanol fuel dependent on manufacturers requirements and the compression ratio. My Honda Shadow MC runs quite well on the regular non-ethanol fuels. No sense in spending more on fuel than is needed.

[@daverawe265]

Excellent review! I was trying to decide between the Yamaha and the Honda; you may have tipped my decision.

[@metallitech]

The electric start is for the ladies. Could be worth the money, haha.

[@garywest3763]

I have been comparing the Honda 3000Watt at $2300.00 with the Briggs & Stratton 3000 watt inverter generator P3000, at $1200.00, I have seen Excellent reviews for the Briggs & Stratton Inverter Generators

[@Dqalex]

Very good review

[@JerryDLTN]

I've watched from the first video where a Subaru was sold but I see another Subaru...did y'all have two cars and then the truck?

[@johnvallejo3211]

Hello, Thanks for the info on the honda 3000I, was very useful info. I am in the process on gettIng either a pull along trailer type canper OR a slide in truck camper (still weighing out advantages) since im very new (green) to all the sayings in the trailer/camper/RV world i wanted to know what you mean when you say your homesteading? Please help me to understand what that is, how it's done and maybe some examples of where one would go to Homestead, i appreciate any and all info you will share with me and of course you time and reply. God speed. John V

[@jonathanluthren9057]

Off the grid with a generator.

[@scottherbert4558]

Looks good what do you typically run one item at a time or can you run your drill and blender? What limitations do you see with this? An you run your air conditioner and a tool? Or just air?

[@yuridelcastillo220]

Great points and thanks for awesome review. I have heard though these sml units don't do to well at high altitudes when using central air/heat units. . .

[@AdamAdam-gd2tv]

Thanks for the review

[@sacredrose]

Very helpfull mate! Looks like we might be getting one.

[@purelivingforlife]

+Ivor Carter 8 months in and loving ours still! Over 600 hours and running smooth.

[@davidriley8590]

sounds a noisy road where you are ? thought you were out in the country?

[@Ender3D]

So, after a little more then a year, how is the generator holding up? Have you been needing to use it much through the winter?

[@JCAJCA3]

Another great review. Thanks, JC

[@antandshell]

Install a soft start kit in the rv ac if you are going to use it on a generator. You could also have had 1k or more of solar volts for the cost of that generator!

[@borg386]

Good video but my question is can it run an air conditioner cuz everything that you mentioned is just small things so can it run AC

[@sharkamov]

PLfL; your videos actually are addictive! LOL ;-)

[@mountaintruth1]

Interesting , I once loaded/unloaded the 5k watt welder generators. I looked them up and they go 245 lbs. , I weighed about 175 lbs.. Maybe we are just thinking soft these days, but I was always a strong guy for my weight. Just that you mentioned that weight made me think. the welders I once ran were 3 times empty the weight of your 3000watt. :/

[@SoundMediaVibes]

Great review!

[@georgeseymour4752]

Longer t-shirts LOL. Great video's keep it up.

[@alanb6587]

very thorough

[@hemipower63]

You did a good job hiding the air conditioner on top of your RV

[@stonahgama4815]

Great people

[@michaellovesbuffalo]

Thanks!

[@johngritman4840]

You should always run your small engines with premium fuels since this fuel has no ethanol in Ohio so it will run cleaner.

[@dreamchaisr1]

good review thanks

[@neilgreene]

Was wondering if you looked at any of the Goal Zero Yeti battery+solar power generators? Or, if they were too small for your applications in use and regeneration?

[@crazybob1954mo]

Well... at the load of the Honda a Yeti would only run for 25 minutes... AND would take 27-54 hours to charge. As you eluded to, the Yeti Would be too small.... By Far... ;) Not to mention, an RV already has a 12 Volt Inverter system...

[@Smacker3801]

I think Jessie could talk under water with his mouth full of marbles....LOL

[@cornelieusfields3266]

Nice video thanks bro

[@deej19142]

Non Ethanol for the win!!! Let's keep corn where it belongs....in our bellies! I hate Ethanol gas, it creates all kinds of issues especially with small engines. I have three motorcycles at home and refuse to put that crap in my tanks. Same thing at work with the mowers, weedeaters, chainsaws. No Ethanol = No issues. The first time you have to pull a carb off a small machine to clean it, that will be the last time you ever want that garbage in your tank.

[@secondcreekworkshop3908]

Do you by any chance know where the Honda 3000 is Handi generator is made ?

[@cherylyoung979]

You need 30 Amps for AC for 30 ft camper

[@plasun86]

I have a question for the OFF GRID purists so to speak. If someone claims to be OFF GRID and pays taxes to build and maintain a highway network (GRID) and they USE the highway network, then...are they really OFF GRID or should they blaze their own trails?

[@mikedimaria5460]

what do either of you do for an occupation?

[@australianstrengthproject382]

Hey Guys, I've watched a few clips from you recently looks like your on a great journey :-) May be a silly question considering you are off Grid but in your Van does it have TV and would the Generator power it? Cheers Danny From Australia

[@purelivingforlife]

+Australian Strength Project We took our TV out of the RV and tossed it in storage, but it would run it no problem!

[@lochness3427]

From where does CO come out from? I dont see any pipe?

[@wittelarry1]

can you run the carb empty?

[@haodinhfitness3370]

Can it run one (or two) motorhome AC(s)?

[@Gary-cc8oe]

what's the db for this generator?

[@distantport]

Is It sin wave?

[@j.verheulst268]

I think you guys are doing great and really buying the right tools and brands. Please keep up the great work. See also the wranglerstar channel for some of the axe brands and types of stihl saws (saw 1 in the back of your truck), woodmizers etc. Shoes on the patio? How are snakes, bugs and critters in Idaho? Most of them are addicted to the inside smells of shoes and see them as the perfect dens. We put our shoes and boots outside as well, but in a closed off box. Trashcan on the patio? How are the bears in your Idaho area? Hopefully not there? See the video from the foutch-o-matic channel below about how trashcans or food can make bears decide to become your "roomies" for a few weeks, months or longer...? kzbin.info/www/bejne/qKHUm2d9nbeNiKM (ffwd to 7:02 for the bear story)

[@DaTwistedOne1]

How can you be off the grid and still be on youtube?..lol

[@trinamcdonald5686]

I have been watching your alot of your vids and need to comment. First off I do like them, very well done and informative, you have taken on a monumental task and continue to forge ahead with it. One pet peeve is you keep saying "off grid" and you are far from off grid. You use propane, you use gas for your generator. Off grid actually means, if there were to be no grid, NONE, nodda, zilch, you would continue to live as normal. With no grid, you would have no propane, you would have no gas, these are on grid things. While I think you are fantastic homesteaders, I do not think you are in any way off grid. I will call you what you are. Great homesteaders with fantastic energy, ideas, and resolution.

[@howieg6998]

"Off the Grid", to me mean's you're not connected to any power/water grids supplied by the state/county/or city. The generation of power thru a Honda gas generator/windmill/or hydro-generator doesn't mean your still on a grid or in your words "Homesteading". Obviously, your definition of the term is different than others, to include mine, they are going Off the Grid and going full-on Amish. That is what makes "America" so great...freedom of speech and/or opinion. Just stating an opinion...mine, have a nice day. I do agree, this was a very good video with a lot of great points given, thanks "Pure Living For Life".

[@trinamcdonald5686]

***** If/When there is no grid, let us know how "off grid" you are.

[@charmainemcelroy1992]

Trina McDonald they are off grid, the term relates to the national grid, I.e nothing piped into the home such as , water, gas, electricity and oil.

[@SgtRudySmith31bRet]

off grid means no grid! ie no electric company

[@Sn0wWh0rE]

I was just gonna let this one slide but I can't. You keep saying "if there were to be no grid", or " when there is no grid." define grid. You should refer to the Wikipedia article for off-the-grid to understand where everyone else is coming from. He is free from municipal or any supplied utilities. He provides his own.

[@OkieRob]

That link doesn't show a handi model.

[@purelivingforlife]

Thanks for the tip!

[@purelivingforlife]

+OkieRob It's updated! :) Here ya go! amzn.to/1P0NxHL

[@loboblanco4690]

so... does anybody know the difference between the EU3000is & the EU3000i handi? I was gonna get the eu3000is but I happen to come acrosd the eu3000i handi

[@tropicthunderbolt]

Lobo Blanco the I runs at 2600. The is run a st 2800. The is has a lil bigger motor, and tank.

[@juanitoalimana376]

Was the price for the generator please

[@purelivingforlife]

We paid $2300.

[@johnpuccetti9383]

How much did you pay for it?

[@purelivingforlife]

+John Puccetti We paid $2200 last fall.

[@cragre28]

Why did you go this route when 2 EU2000's cost's less, have more total power and you have the option of just running 1 to conserve fuel?

[@freestylekayaker9825]

In Japan, we bought the EU26i at JP ¥ 225,700-. about:$2,207- 09 May 19, 2016

[@maxracingteam23]

cragre28 that's why I sold my 3000 for the 2000's. and 3000 was to heavy for me to lift

[@tommytmt]

Pure Living for Life - How'd you get it for that price?? Everywhere I've looked says $2300 brand new ☹️

[@HalkerVeil]

$2,299?! I can buy a 2kw house solar system with battery bank for that!

[@maxwellspeedwell2585]

DON'T BUY THE EU3000i WITHOUT TALKING TO A HONDA REPAIRMAN! IF you break the pull cord it will take hours to repair. Very expensive! This is not the situation with the EU2000i or the eu1000i.

[@readyme]

Maxwell Speedwell why the difference between two generators that both use pull cords?

[@holdenrestoration2557]

Good vid,...... but man do you need to lose some weight....put the fork down and pick the feet up....

[@Captleemo]

Thats funny.

[@goyourownway5566]

I can always respect a person that puts it out straight.

[@themrjoe8936]

$2500.00 :-o

[@t.m.h.7962]

Hey, quit makin that little gal carry such heavy stuff.

[@tacomas9602]

off the grid? still uses electricity

[@TubeDeviant]

"Off the grid" doesn't mean NOT using electricity.. It means NOT using electricity from the main power grid..

[@tacomas9602]

The grid uses generators, so how is using a portable generator off the grid?

[@TubeDeviant]

Vincent Sluga Ummm, the generator isn't the primary power source for the home.. It's for the trailer and power tools while they build their home.. I haven't watched ALL the videos yet, but I believe they're installing solar panels, maybe even wind generators..

[@neilgreene]

Still not understanding this reply. OFF GRID doesn't mean you can't use electricity. It only means you are not consuming from grid resources. What the grid uses does not mean a person can not have a generator powered by wind, stream, or solar.

[@neilgreene]

Now, I would move to argue that a gas/fuel generator is not necessarily off grid since you need to consume processed fuels. Maybe that is what you are trying to say in your comment Vincent? That the generator still uses fuel/gas.