EU1000i or EU2000i generator to run block heater in winter ?

[pservano]

I paid $109. 00 for a two stroke generator, 120 vac , 8 amps. Works perfect for my block heater. Bought it from ebay.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=120027396742



Great unit. You have to mix fuel, 50:1 ratio... Just like you weed trimmer. . It works and affordable. .

 

[SMorneau]

I bought an extra tall/deep crossbed truck box from northern tool and my EU2000i will fit in it nicely. At -10F you could probably, with added baffles and vents, just run the little gen right inside of it. Anyway, I carry a small 1500W electric heater in box with the gen and a short ext cord. I figure the gen running the heater sitting on the center console is the only chance I will have of clearing the windshield if I get iced and then it gets really cold. Luckily I have never had to resort to it; I don't think it would be quick but at least it would work and it would be a lot quicker than trying to get cab heat from the block heater. I keep a small pc of plywood to put on the console under the heater.

 

[JTadra]

If the main concern is clearing the windshileld, how about a 12 volt hair dryer?

Plugs into the cigar lighter and costs under $15 from Camping World.

Jim

 

[GFritsch]

It is no fun starting a generator in the temps mentioned.

Easy to fix that. Just set the generator on the floorboard of the truck and let the truck idle for 20-30 minutes with the heater on. The generator will start right up and you can plug in the block heater. :-laf :-laf

 

[Duluth Diesel]

Yeah, starting a generator in subzero weather is a good way to break a recoil. Electric start is a must. Even with AMSOIL in my generator, it still can't be pulled over fast enough. That genset gets so cold that it is almost impossible to start with constant drag on the engine.

 

[RVTRKN]

Joe,



You're welcome. I enjoy toying around with little projects/tests like this. The Honda EU2000i is an awesome little generator. I have two of them. In fact, I just bought the second off of Ebay for $837 shipped to my door. It was used with around twenty five hours (engine is broke-in, therefore I added Amsoil). The generator looked brand new, in better shape than the one I already had. Look on Ebay unless you have a source that can get you a reduced price. I ordered the parallel cable and I'm anxious to see how it works.



By the way, the generator will purr along with both the block and pan heaters cooking at the same time. Take care.



KL7TQ,



I lived in Alaska for 8 years, stationed at Elmendorf, lived in Chugiak... just north of your dwelling. I get to missing it at times (especially when it breaks over 95 degrees where I live now). I hope to make a trip up there next year.





Dwayne

Wow! look at the last post date. I just purchased two brand new honda EU2000i's with the parallel kit and an extended run gas tank that will run both at the same time and give me 15hours at 4kw and paid only $2100. 00 including shipping and tax.



Got them for May Madness, so I will have AC in 95* plus weather. I really like the portability and quiet running and if AC is not necessary, one will work as good. The web site is Wise Sales. COM || 800. 916. 9473 || 1475 Rodenburg Rd, Schaumburg, IL 60193.



Steve...