*Camping World donated this product for the purpose of review. The opinions are my own.
You rarely see a built-in generator on a smaller travel trailer, as they’re much more common in motorhomes and larger toy haulers. My Sunset Park RV Sunlite Classic 18RD definitely didn’t come with one, but I quickly realized I’d need a portable generator for boondocking and, at first, daily living.
I initially selected the Champion 3650-watt generator. It did the job for a spring of full-time RV living in central Texas. But it was heavy, cumbersome to move, and very loud. It only lasted for a single season on the road before the exhaust cracked, and I was tired of lugging it around. I needed an upgrade.
Enter the Honda EU3200i portable inverter generator – a major upgrade indeed. In this portable generator review, I compare my old Champion generator to this new Honda model. I also cover the Honda’s specs and features, my personal pros and cons, and a few alternatives if this Honda generator doesn’t quite suit your fancy.
Honda EU3200i At-a-Glance
My gear choices often come down to these types of questions:
Will I be able to move it around easily?
Can it fit in the remaining space available in my truck?
Will it power my trailer’s air conditioning unit?
So I’m willing to bet that a quick glance at the basic specifications for the Honda EU3200iAC 50-State Inverter Generator with CO-MINDER can also answer some of your initial questions:
- Maximum Output: 3,200 watts
- Rated Output: 2,600 watts
- Fuel Capacity: 1.2 gallons
- Run Time: 3.3 hours at rated load (8.6 hours at ¼ load)
- Noise Output: 58 decibels at rated load (54 decibels at ¼ load)
- Dimensions: 22.5” L x 12” W x 17.8” H
- Weight: 59.1 pounds (empty)
See the full list of specs and features.
Who Is This For?
Portable generators are essential for boondocking. They’ll also benefit full-time RVers when parked for extended periods without full hookups, especially in hotter climates.
Additionally, those who love using their RV for tailgating at races, rodeos, sports games, or any other events can utilize this Honda portable generator. Many of those events offer on-site camping, but not all provide electrical hookups. When hookups aren’t available, you’ll still be able to enjoy your RV’s full functionality with this generator.
Honestly, I think this Honda EU3200i portable generator is the best choice for anyone who wants a portable generator for their RV, so long as it meets your RV’s wattage requirements. It’s rated to power A/C units up to 13,500 BTUs, as well as lights, appliances, and other electrical equipment.
The higher price may scare some who are new to portable generators, but there’s a reason Honda generators have an excellent reputation – they perform better and last longer than the majority of the competition.
Technician Tip: If you are new to portable generators, get familiar with these safety tips.
What are the Pros and Cons of the Honda EU3200i Generator?
After multiple overnight Harvest Hosts stays and a boondocking trip to Crater Lake National Park, here are my pros and cons of this Honda portable generator:
Pros
- Eco-Friendly. It meets emissions standards in all 50 states and automatically shuts down if it detects dangerous carbon monoxide levels.
- Lightweight. After dealing with a bulky generator that weighed more than 100 pounds before adding fuel, this 50-pound generator is so much easier to get in and out of my truck.
- Compact. It requires roughly half the storage space of my old generator.
- Quiet Operation. My travel partner and I can easily converse while standing beside it.
- Easy Maintenance. You get clear instructions on changing the engine oil and how frequently it should be changed.
Cons
- Price. It’s one of the most expensive portable generators out there.
- Fuel Tank Size. The smaller tank may require more frequent refills than others, depending on the load you place on the generator.
Honda EU3200i Portable Generator Features
Clearly, my list of advantages far outweighs the list of drawbacks for this portable generator. Here are a few more noteworthy features to use when comparing it to the competition:
- Bluetooth Capability. Downloading Honda’s My Generator app allows you to monitor the generator’s fuel level, power output, and Eco Throttle settings. You’ll also be free to shut it down wirelessly and set service reminders for scheduled maintenance.
- Fuel-Injected Engine. Honda’s GX130 engine includes fuel-injecting technology that eliminates the need for a choke, increases fuel efficiency, and reduces fuel-associated carburetor issues.
- Safety Features. It provides protections that automatically shut the generator down if it detects high carbon monoxide levels, low oil levels, and/or electrical overload.
Would You Recommend the Honda EU3200i Inverter Generator?
I’d highly recommend investing in this Honda portable generator if it can handle your RV’s wattage requirements. The main consideration is the size of your air conditioning unit, but you’ll also need to account for the draw of any appliances you hope to power simultaneously.
Perhaps it’s because I previously had a generator that weighed more than 100 pounds, but I still can’t get over how easy it is to move around, comparatively. It’s also one of the quietest generators I’ve ever been around, and its compact size allows me to easily fit it into my truck bed while retaining plenty of storage space for my other camping equipment.
Furthermore, maintenance is less stressful than with my old generator because the My Generator app tracks my maintenance schedule. It lets me know when it’s time to change the oil, replace the spark plugs, and schedule more extensive maintenance with a dealer, such as replacing the fuel pump filter and cleaning the combustion chamber.
If you’re diligent about using the app and sticking to Honda’s service reminders, this is where the true value lies. The Honda EU3200i can easily be one of the longest-lasting portable generators with proper maintenance and upkeep, with an average lifespan of 10-15 years. Considering that I would’ve replaced my first generator after only a little more than a year of use due to broken components, I’m excited to avoid purchasing a new generator for some time to come.
Learn more about the Honda EU3200i Portable Inverter Generator.
How Does the Honda EU3200i Compare to the Competition?
Now, I realize that this generator may not provide enough power for some or that it may be a little pricey for others. So here are a few alternative options:
- Honda EU2200i 49-State Inverter Generator. At under 50 pounds, it’s even lighter and more compact than the EU3200i, making it ideal for smaller campers with a 10,000-BTU air conditioner. Two of these smaller generators can also be connected in parallel to supply additional power.
- Cummins Onan P2500i Inverter Generator. Made by the same company that delivers some of the most trusted onboard RV generators in the industry, this portable option is a reliable, budget-friendly alternative to the EU2200i for smaller campers.
- Honda EU7000iS 49-State Inverter Generator. Ideal for larger toy haulers, you’ll need a rear ramp for easily wheeling this Honda powerhouse generator in and out. But it comes with a wheel kit and folding handles, plus it delivers enough power for RVs with multiple air conditioning units.
Explore Camping World’s full selection of portable generators.
Technician Tip: Please note that 49-State models are not for use or sale in the state of California.
In addition to a portable generator, I use a portable power station to keep my phone and smaller electronics charged on the road. Discover everything you need to consider when choosing a portable power station. Then, you can shop Camping World’s power station inventory.
What questions do you have about the design and/or performance of this Honda portable inverter generator? Let us know in the comments below.
