Caravan Generator Showdown: YAMAHA vs. HONDA!
How do Yamaha and Honda caravan generators match up? Does anything compare to the Yamaha EF2400iS? In this blog, we answer the big questions.
The Yamaha EF2400iS has been one of the most popular caravan generators in the market since it came out on top in the Caravan & Motorhome Magazine's Mega Portable Generator Comparison of 2014. This inverter generator boasts 2000W continuous output and 2400W peak output, which is pretty much all you'll need for most caravanning tasks, particularly if you intend to run an air-conditioning unit. It also has a continuous ECO mode, parallel running (TwinTech) and dual 15A AC outlets. Sounds pretty good, right?
So does anything compare to the Yamaha 2.4kVA generator? Surely something from Honda is in the same class? To secure its crown once and for all, let's compare it to the Honda 2kVA model.
We'll admit this isn't an exact like-for-like comparison. But it's not apples and pears either. In fact, we know that many people compare the Yamaha EF2400iS against the Honda EU20i when they're weighing up portable inverter generators for their caravan.
Let's compare:
Power:
The Yamaha EF2400iS has a higher maximum output at 2400 watts, which is an advantage when it comes to powering a Caravan/Motorhome air conditioner. While in some cases the Honda EU20i will cope well, the Yamaha EF2400iS outperforms it, given many A/C units will require more than 2000 watts at start up.
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Clean Power:
Thanks to clean inverter technology, both generators will safely power sensitive electrical devices, such as laptop computers and smartphones, without power surges.
Easy to Use:
Both gensets feature a recoil start. Unlike the Honda 2000 watt, the Yamaha has a fuel gauge so you can easily check the fuel and see when it's running low. Handy.
Weighing Up:
The Yamaha generator is heavier than the Honda at 32kg and 21kg respectively. But it's important to remember that with the Yamaha, you're getting more power in the package. Often a consideration when you want to power a number of appliances at once.
Quiet Please:
Yamaha Generators are known for their quiet running, which is one of those things that makes the so attractive to the leisure and recreation market. Both the Yamaha EF2400iS and Honda EU20i have a super quiet 54 dBA at seven metres distance. This is less than conversation level at a distance of one metre. So you can rest assured your neighbours at the camp ground won't be disturbed!
Fuel Efficiency:
When it came to the fuel efficiency test, the Yamaha 2400 watt was the generator in the comparison that lasted the longest under the same load on one tank of fuel. To be precise, it ran for 6.8 hours. However, this might not be clear when you look at the specifications because the Honda EU20i actually has a 10-hour run time. Here, it's important to remember that the runtimes on the table are looking at how long the generator will last on a quarter load. The Yamaha unit, however, has a 6-litre fuel tank compared to the Honda's 4.1 litres.
Warranty & Support:
Both Yamaha and Honda provide an impressive 48-month warranty and approved national service network.
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The Winner:
In this battle, as with every generator comparison, it depends what you want. The Yamaha EF2400iS gives you significantly more power but you sacrifice some of the portability that the Honda EU20i offers. We say; if you are looking at running your caravan air conditioning unit and associated appliances, the Yamaha is your best bet. Because it's also worth a reminder that air-conditioning units will require up to 4-5 times the power at start up; so you want to make sure you have enough capacity in your generator - we find that the 2400 watt generator is best suited to most caravan A/C units. Some campers can get away with a 2000 watt generator like the Honda EU20i - in any case, be sure to do your sums first! - we suggest you contact the manufacturer of your particular A/C unit to find the all important peak wattage number - remember, each A/C unit is different! Also refer to 'Final Advice' below :)
Yamaha EF2400iS vs. Honda EU20i Comparison Table:
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| Yamaha EF2400iS | Honda EU20i |
| Maximum Output: | 2400 Watts | 2000 Watts |
| Rated (Continuous) Output: | 2000 Watts | 1600 Watts |
| Operating Hours (1/4 Load): | 9 hrs | 10 hrs |
| Fuel Tank Capacity: | 6 Litres | 4.1 Litres |
| Size (L x W x H): | 527 x 419 x 459 mm | 510 x 290 x 425 mm |
| Dry Weight: | 32 kg | 21 kg |
| Noise Level (1/4 Load / 7m): | 54 dBA | 54 dBA (Eco On) |
| Starting System: | Recoil | Recoil |
| Fuel Gauge Monitor: | Yes | No |
| DC Output: | Yes | Yes |
Final Advice:
Just be conscious that there are some external factors that can slightly 'de-rate' any generator's power capacity. Most commonly, when operating the generator in hot temperatures some of the power output can reduce; as a guide, an increase every 5 degrees in temp above 25°C can reduce the generator's power capacity by up to around 10%. Additionally, longer extension chords can also de-rate a generator's output - anything longer than 3-4 metres will slightly reduce the power. Lastly, it also pays to be weary of unintentionally drawing power to charge your battery system at the same time as running your caravan air-con for example - sometimes trying to draw power for both sources at the same time will be too much for some generator models.
This is worth keeping in mind, as we often get calls from customers who's generator isnt quite large enough to handle the extra heat, chord length or battery charging demands when also running a caravan air con for example...these are some other reasons to perhaps consider a slightly larger generator model for your caravan, so you have some extra power up your sleeve if required :)
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DISCLAIMER* Please note, this advice is general in nature and we strongly recommend consulting the product manual and where relevant, a professional installer.
