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Yamaha EF2200iS Review: The Better Pick for RVers
By Justin · Updated September 25, 2026
The Yamaha EF2200iS and the Honda EU2200i are the two small inverter generators everyone ends up comparing. Same 2,200 peak and 1,800 running watts, similar prices, both built to last. The Yamaha stands out in two ways: it has a 30A RV outlet built in, and a bigger tank that runs 10.5 hours at 1/4 load. In exchange, it's heavier and a bit louder.
Buy it if you camp in an RV or travel trailer and want to plug straight in without an adapter, or you want the longest runtime per tank in this class.
Skip it if quiet and light weight matter most. The Honda EU2200i is quieter and about 8 pounds lighter. If you need home backup beyond the essentials, look at a bigger generator like the WGen10500DFc.
EF2200iS Specs at a Glance
| Spec | Yamaha EF2200iS |
|---|---|
| Peak / rated output | 2,200W / 1,800W |
| Outlets | 120V household outlets, 30A RV outlet, 12V DC (3A) |
| Fuel tank | 1.24 gallons (gasoline) |
| Runtime | 10.5 hrs at 1/4 load |
| Noise | 57–65 dBA (1/4 load to rated load) |
| Dry weight | 55.2 lbs |
| Throttle | Smart Throttle (engine speed follows the load) |
| Parallel capable | Yes |
| Maintenance | Tool-free access panel, carburetor drain |
| CO sensor | On newer versions. Check the listing |
| Warranty | 3 years limited |
Specs from Yamaha as of September 2026.
What I Like
The RV outlet
This is the reason RVers choose it. A 30A RV outlet lets you plug a camper's shore power cord straight in, with no adapter and no extra connection that can come loose. Owners love it. The Honda doesn't have one.
Longer runtime
1.24 gallons and 10.5 hours at 1/4 load beats the Honda's 8.1 hours. Smart Throttle drops the engine speed when demand is light, so an overnight run with a fridge and a few lights goes further between refills.
Easy to start, easy to maintain
Owners say it starts on the first or second pull, and that the pull is easy. The tool-free access panel and carburetor drain make routine maintenance and storage prep simple. Draining the carb before storage is the best thing you can do to avoid starting problems later.
Three handles
At 55 pounds it's heavier than the Honda, but the three-handle design makes it easier to carry with two people, or for one person to manage over short distances.
Parallel for more power
Link two units for double the output. That's what it takes to reliably run a larger RV air conditioner.
What I Don't Like
Louder than the Honda
Yamaha rates it at 57–65 dBA against the Honda's 48–57. Most owners still call it quiet, but some find it louder than they expected from an inverter. At campgrounds with neighbors close by, you'll notice the difference.
RV air conditioners are a stretch
One unit won't reliably start a 15,000 BTU RV AC. Owners report success with 9,200–10,500 BTU units, and up to 13,500 BTU with a soft-start kit. If you need AC in a big rig, plan on two units in parallel or a soft starter.
Some duds and some storage trouble
A few owners report units with no power at the outlets out of the box, and some had trouble starting after storage or after running it out of gas. Test it when it arrives, and drain the carburetor before storing it.
Heavier than expected
55.2 pounds is about 8 more than the Honda. Some owners were surprised by that.
Small for home backup
Like any 2,200W generator, it covers a fridge, lights, internet and phones, not a house. There's no 240V output and no home transfer switch hookup.
What Can the EF2200iS Run?
| Load | Running watts (approx.) | OK on the EF2200iS? |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | 700 (2,200 to start) | Yes, with small loads |
| Internet + lights + phones | 200 | Yes |
| RV AC, 9,200–10,500 BTU | 900–1,200 | Usually |
| RV AC, 13,500 BTU | 1,300–1,600 | With a soft-start kit |
| RV AC, 15,000 BTU | 1,500–1,800+ | Not reliably on one unit |
| Microwave (1,000W) | 1,000–1,500 | Only with little else on |
Fuel Math
At 1/4 load (about 450W), 10.5 hours per 1.24-gallon tank works out to about 2.8 gallons a day. That's roughly the same daily fuel use as the Honda, but with fewer refills.
Yamaha EF2200iS vs Honda EU2200i
| Yamaha EF2200iS | Honda EU2200i | |
|---|---|---|
| Max / rated | 2,200 / 1,800W | 2,200 / 1,800W |
| Noise | 57–65 dBA | 48–57 dBA |
| Runtime at 1/4 load | 10.5 hrs (1.24 gal) | 8.1 hrs (0.95 gal) |
| Dry weight | 55.2 lbs | 47.4 lbs |
| RV 30A outlet | Yes | No |
| App | No | Bluetooth |
For RVs, get the Yamaha. For camping, tailgating, and quiet home backup of the essentials, get the Honda.
Questions People Ask
Can the Yamaha EF2200iS run an RV air conditioner?
Smaller units (roughly 9,200–10,500 BTU), usually yes. A 13,500 BTU unit needs a soft-start kit. A 15,000 BTU unit generally needs two generators in parallel.
Is the Yamaha quieter than the Honda?
No. On paper the Honda is quieter: 48–57 dBA against the Yamaha's 57–65 dBA.
Does it have a CO sensor?
Newer versions do. This model has been sold for a while, so check the Amazon listing for the current version.
Where is it made?
Some owners point out that current units are made in China, not Japan. It's still backed by Yamaha's 3-year warranty.
How I Put This Review Together
I haven't run this unit myself. This review is based on Yamaha's published specs, what owners report after using it, and the watt and fuel math. If I get one in to test, I'll add my own numbers here.
Bottom Line
The EF2200iS is the small inverter I'd pick for an RV. The built-in 30A outlet and longer runtime are the kind of things you notice every trip. It's heavier and a little louder than the Honda, but just as well built and easy to live with.