Yamaha Generator Review: Are They The Best Camping Generator?

Yamaha Generator Review: Are They The Best Camping Generator?

Light, quiet, portable and easy to use. You only need to look at the reviews to see why you should buy a Yamaha Generator. 

But how can you be sure a Yamaha generator is really the best generator for your camping, caravanning or four-wheel-driving trips?

Here, we dive into the details so you can see whether it will tick your boxes.

 

What Are The Top Features Of Yamaha Generators?

Across the range, there are a few standard features you can expect from a Yamaha generator for camping.

First up, they are inverter generators, which means they use an inverter system to stabilise the amount of voltage and frequency produced by a petrol-driven alternator through the supply of “sine wave” electricity. It gives you controlled, clean power.

That makes Yamaha generators great for powering really sensitive electronics, such as charging laptops.

Yamaha generators use a Multi-Polar Alternator which means they generate a more efficient, high frequency, 3-phase AC current that the inverter turns into single phase electricity. This means Yamaha can make a much lighter and more compact unit than conventional 2-pole rotor type alternators.

For camping, you also get the luxury of an economy idle control, aka “Smart Throttle”. This feature automatically adjusts the engine speed to exactly match the load, so the generator can run quietly and increase fuel efficiency.

Another feature that makes a Yamaha generator quieter is the Noise Block, an acoustically engineered sound reduction system. It combines things like sound absorbing materials, moulded cases, an intake silencer, fibreglass insulation, mufflers and fans to provide almost silent running.

Finally, Yamaha generators come with a 4 year limited warranty, so you can be assured that if you need assistance, they’ll be there to help.

Now you know the top features, let’s take a look at the best Yamaha generator models for camping.

 

Yamaha 2200W Inverter Generator EF2200is:

The EF2200iS Yamaha Generator is the ideal generator for campers, 4WD adventures and caravanners. It’s powerful enough for appliances, tools and electronic devices while still being super portable. The Tri-Handle design means you can comfortably move the generator around.

The 12V DC outlet effortlessly charges all your devices and there’s a boost feature for extra grunt when you need it. What’s the run time? The EF2200iS will run for up to 10.5 hours with its 4.7L fuel tank when using the Smart Throttle function for increased fuel efficiency.

 

One of the little features we love is the multi-function LED indicator with a night running light, so you can easily check the status of your generator, even in the dark.

It also has a fuel drain switch, so you can easily drain fuel from the generator before storing it. This is great for two reasons: it means you don’t need to run the generator to burn off the excess fuel, and it means there’s no stale fuel sitting in the tank between uses. 

The EF2200iS also comes with the option to use Yamaha’s TwinTech parallel kit. Simply hook up two EF2200iS units for almost double the power output, while keeping the voltage and frequency of a single unit.

 

Yamaha 2400W Inverter Generator EF2400is:

For a little extra grunt, the 2.4kVA Yamaha generator is a great pick. It’s the lightest and most compact unit in its class at just 32 kg, and has two handles for easy lifting.

This unit produces a massive 2400W of max power. That’s enough to run your camping fridge, kettle, toaster, small heater, lights, microwave, TV, or even a small air con unit. Again, you have the option to use the TwinTech parallel kit.

Where this unit comes into its own is when you want to use the generator under maximum load even with extremely hot temperatures outside. Where other units, like the smaller 1kVA generator, will struggle, this unit can cope.

It’s a bigger unit for camping, but is a best seller for caravans and RVs thanks to its compact design. It’s also super quiet, producing just 54 dBA at one-quarter load or 59 dBA at full load, which is quieter than a normal conversation.

Yamaha 2800W Inverter Generator EF2800i:

Next up is the EF2800i Inverter Generator. It’s powerful enough to use for home backup with the inverter technology meaning you can run anything from it.

It’s super light, at only 29kg and produces 60 dBA at 7 metres, making it only slightly noisier than the EF2400is.

The great thing about the 2800W Yamaha generator is that it can run for up to 17 hours at 1/4 load.

 

Yamaha 3000W Inverter Generator EF3000iSE:

For the ultimate generator on wheels, meet the Yamaha EF3000iSE. This unit is capable of producing clean, quiet, high quality electricity for your caravan or motorhome.

Thanks to the 13-litre fuel tank, you can run this generator for up to 20.5 hours at 1/4 load without refuelling, when using the Economy Idle.

There are lots of handy features, such as an electric starting system for effortless starting every time, and an optional wireless remote start/stop kit that works up to 10 metres away.

As you’d expect, it weighs in as significantly more than the smaller units – we’re talking 67kg. But the wheels mean this isn’t an issue.

You might expect this unit to be louder than the small guys, but it actually only puts out 51dBA at 7 metres. That’s quieter than the Yamaha EF2800i!

Yamaha 6300W Inverter Generator EF6300iSE:

Yamaha says the EF6300iSE is the most powerful, most advanced Yamaha inverter generator ever. And we’re happy to agree!

It produces a massive 6.3kVA of power for everything from pumps and air conditioners, to more sensitive equipment like plasma TVs and computers. You get the advanced features of an electric start and optional wireless remote. It’s a heavier unit set at 91kg, but is surprisingly quiet at only 58 dBA at ¼ load.

 

Best Of The Rest

If weight is an issue and you’re looking for something smaller for your camping, 4WD or boat trips, Yamaha also makes 1kVA and 2kVA inverter generators.

The EF1000iS is the lightest generator in its class at only 12.7kg and will run continuously for up to 12 hours without refuelling at 1/4 load on Economy mode. This is perfect for camping and short 4WD trips. If you want to recharge your battery under the hood of your 4WD, it can do the job.

The EF2000iS is super quiet, portable and lightweight for a 2000W generator. It comes with the Smart Throttle features and TwinTech capability. It is compact enough to fit in the back of your 4WD while also powering up laptops, camera batteries and other accessories in the bush.

 

Verdict

Yamaha really does have a generator for every one of your camping adventures. The hardest part is choosing which one is right for you!

Choosing the right Yamaha generator is all about knowing what you want to charge. Think about the appliances you want to power and how long you’re travelling for.

 

 

Need help deciding? Give one of our product experts a call on 1800 787 278!

-


DISCLAIMER* Please note, this advice is general in nature and we strongly recommend consulting the product manual and where relevant, a professional installer.


Leave a comment

Comments have to be approved before showing up