This is a great post with alot of great idea's. I've been pondering my own apu set-up for a while, saw a guy going through Tucson with a ductless Hitachi set -up !!!!!!
When it comes to portable generators you need to go with gasoline. The Honda offers the best service and parts availability. The gas will start easier in the winter. Less potential problems on the road.
that looks pretty impressive ! I couldn't tell for sure but it mentioned Perkins diesel, is that what type of engine is in it ? I'm happy with my Honda, but this diesel is actually a bit cheaper @ $1600, I bought my Honda slightly used for $1600, but I think they go new for $2200. Other comparisons Aurora - >69dB noise Honda - >59dB Aurora - >12 hours operating on 3.9gallons diesel Honda - >12 hours on 2-2.5 gallons gas Aurora ->remote control starter ! Honda - no remote Aurora - 363 lbs Honda - 135 lbs Aurora - 6000 watts Honda - 3000 watts It might be a real good choice, the Honda's durability and reliability is without question, but depending on the engine the Aurora may be just as good they brag up their other components for quality. The Honda does have a 25 amp 110V plug which is good for a 110V AC, where as the Aurora only has 20 amp plugs for 110V, but it does offer a 240V plug. It would be nice to plumb in off of the diesel tank for sure although I should point out your cost/hour operating is going to be higher using more gallons and higher priced fuel to start with. I should also point out that walking to the gas pumps for a few gallons of fuel is not as big of a deal as some guys make it out to be, but I do run into situations where I am parked somewhere where there aren't gas pumps and it would be nice to always be able to run the gen. The remote control starter would be handy as well. It would be great to hear from someone who has the Aurora gen, I'd consider putting one on my other truck.
Or propane. Less mess, same start ability, larger fuel supplies for longer intervals between refills. With an option to use gas also if one runs out of propane and can't get any quickly. Tri fuel is the cat's meow. I would content that Yamaha exceeds Honda...... http://www.yamahamotorsports.com/powerproducts/products/modelvideo/443/1187/0/video.aspx Tri fuel versions....... http://www.yamaha-propane-natural-gas-generators.com
Eu3000 is under $2k. Wireless remote is $169 You can legally carry 8 gallons of gas, which gives @48 hrs of AC continuously. The Yamaha uses the battery it has to reach it's rated output, for short periods. Tri fuel kits are available for both, but you will probably lose the warranty from the generator manufacturer. Propane tank also add weight Anne takes up a chunk of space. For the weight, cost, parts and service availability, the Honda is hard to beat. Thus why I put a eu3000 on the new truck, as well as my last truck. No point reinventing the wheel imho. Martin
Didn't watch the video of the comparisons did ya? Wireless remote is free with Yamaha on the unit similar to the Honda EU3000 (as well as the battery connection cable is standard with all Yamaha's unlike Honda). And pay special attentiion in the video about service life. Nor did you read the tri-fuel version website that standard 3 year warranty is still in effect, with an available extra 3 year extended warranty. And that ONLY the Yamaha EF1000iS reduces the warranty to 1 year if used commercially. All the other units, it doesn't matter and the tri-fuel versions still qualify for nationwide dealer service. And true, you can carry 8 gallons of gas per container, which also adds weight and takes up space like you claim propane does, but one can legally carry up to 110 lb of propane per cylinder which would last a long time between fills. Not sure I would use a tank that big, but it is legal to do so. And if one runs out of propane and cannot get some quickly, with the tri fuel version they could just fill the gas tank and continue on. Compressed NG is also an option which the tri-fuels, and a lot of the big name fuel stops are installing compressed NG pumps for commercial truck use now. Nice having a broad range of fuel choices available. The Honda's are good units, no doubt. But they are not the only thing that kicks some rear end. And they do drop the ball on some things.
I over looked the yamaha. Didn't think they had the remote option, which is standard. I knew the cables were standard and that's it. Been looking at getting the Yamaha ef2400 for $1300-$1400