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Old 12-12-2011, 11:57 PM   #1
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Question Generator with an unbelievable price and fantastic reviews.

I found this generator at camping world. Typically I would just ignore it as something priced this low is usually too good to be true. HOWEVER. The reviews are fantastic as well. Anyone here have actual experience with Champion Generators? Advice? I am pretty tempted to pull the trigger just to check it out..

Champion Generators - Champion 4000 Watt Portable Generator-49-State Model - Portable Generators - Camping World
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Old 12-13-2011, 12:36 AM   #2
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BubbaTex, the Champion 3500/4000 generator is the most argued about generator on the internet.
it's been around for at least 5 years and is all over all the different RV forums.
you must be new to looking into a generator.

you'll have months of reading if you do a search on them, especially on RV.net where the Champion thread is its longest thread, nearly 1000 pages of posts.

the bottom line is that it is a very well made and supported, inexpensive generator that's perfect for boondocking and race events.

it, however, is not especially liked in campgrounds. it is much louder than Honda, Yamaha and other inverter generators.
but it is quieter than other open-framed contractor generators.

but for under $300, it will run most a/c's and has a 30amp RV outlet. it weighs over 100lbs. and needs a wheel kit. Champion supplies great customer service.

but, in my opinion, is too loud for campgrounds. i was going to buy one, based on price and reviews. but the DW said, "no generator unless it's the most quiet one made".
i listened to a Champion and then a Honda and a Yamaha inverter generators and i decided the Champion was wayyy too loud for campgrounds.

i suggest listening to both types before you decide.
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Old 12-13-2011, 12:43 AM   #3
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You sir are quite correct. I am not just new, We just purchased our first TT this past week.

I would not see us using this in campgrounds, if we are going to pay to stay I would expect there to be electric hook up. I am thinking boondocking and a quick nights stay in a rest area. Nothing more.

I just want something to run the A/C when we are in those situations and not keep us awake at night listening to it run.. Asking too much for only $299 bucks?

It is only about 15% of the cost of the Honda/Yamaha units and we only expect to use it a few times a year.
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Old 12-13-2011, 03:31 AM   #4
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then you can't get a better bang for the buck for what you want it for!

don't pay more than $300. Camping World is more expensive than all the other places you can get it.
it's sold in many other places, like Cabela's, Bass Pro, O'Reilly Auto and other places. CW would be the last place i would buy it from.
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Old 12-13-2011, 07:39 AM   #5
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for the money
may be the generator for me
I could not find where it is made ??

I gess China
takes the fun out of it for me

was looking a while back for a generator
I like the Honda's, Yamaha's etc etc
but to get one large enough to run AC
all that I could find were over 1 thousand
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Old 12-13-2011, 08:01 AM   #6
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Originally Posted by bikendan View Post
then you can't get a better bang for the buck for what you want it for!

don't pay more than $300. Camping World is more expensive than all the other places you can get it.
it's sold in many other places, like Cabela's, Bass Pro, O'Reilly Auto and other places. CW would be the last place i would buy it from.

I got mine from Cabela's with the wheel kit and free delivery for 299.00.
Camping world would be the last place I would go for anything based on recent expiriences and reviews.
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Old 12-13-2011, 08:26 AM   #7
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I bought one about 5 years ago when I went boondocking at an ATV Park. I was really impressed with this generator. It wasn't loud at all and ran without a hitch. I ran everything in the TT (A/C, coffee maker, but not microwave) and it never complained. I haven't used it since, but I do start it every 6 months or so and it starts on the 1st pull everytime. Would I run it in a crowded CG? No, it's great for secluded locations though. I don't have the wheel kit, but if I ever start using the generator again I'm going to spend the cash for it, it would help with handling.

Big from me!
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Old 12-13-2011, 08:55 AM   #8
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Amazon has the wheel kit here: wheel kit
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Old 12-13-2011, 10:55 AM   #9
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One of my coworkers got one from Home Depot for $299 as well. Wheel kit was additional however.
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Old 12-13-2011, 10:48 PM   #10
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If you find it too noisy get a piece of steel flex hose attach it to the exhaust outlet, a steel bucket (a five gallon one), fill the bucket with water and run your flex exhaust hose in it. Sure quiets things down.
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Old 12-13-2011, 11:30 PM   #11
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the most noise comes from the engine, not the exhaust.
this has been tried with the Champion, with virtually no change in noise level.
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Old 12-13-2011, 11:50 PM   #12
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What is the issue with camping world? Currently I do not see anyone less expensive than they are. in fact most are more expensive.

I placed an order a few days ago for a number of items. Please tell me they will arrive before our first trip on New Years weekend!
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Old 12-14-2011, 06:35 AM   #13
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Originally Posted by BubbaTex View Post
What is the issue with camping world? Currently I do not see anyone less expensive than they are. in fact most are more expensive.

I placed an order a few days ago for a number of items. Please tell me they will arrive before our first trip on New Years weekend!
Usually CW is pretty good with shipping but you are ordering items during the most busiest time of the year for retailers and shippers. I know all of my orders have come through UPS and usually within a week. Hope it works out for you.
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Old 12-14-2011, 07:13 AM   #14
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I find it amazing in a way -- this Champion Generator

Quote:
Originally Posted by BubbaTex View Post
I found this generator at camping world.

Champion Generators
I find it amazing in a way -- this Champion Generator

I while back it seemed I looked all over
for a generator that would run an AC unit
could find nothing for under a thousand dollars
and sure I will admit
I have always liked the Honda's, Yamaha's etc etc
they just seem to run forever
but
for the price this Champion does not seem bad
no one has answered my question
where is it made
I would figure it must be China
in a way that would still make me want to buy
Honda's, Yamaha's etc etc
since I think many might be made in the States now
or even if not I do not mind supporting Japan
got me torn here with this issue as one can see
going to keep an eye on this thread
as today I keep an open mind
wishing a blessed day for all
from
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Old 12-14-2011, 08:03 AM   #15
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Champion generators are made in china ..If.. someones going to use it boondocking .. rest stops...walmart parking lots .. who cares ?? For $300 bucks ?? If YOU are staying at a "modern campground" with electric anyway .. it wont be used to annoy anyone !!
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Old 12-14-2011, 08:10 AM   #16
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no one has answered my question where is it made
I would figure it must be China
They are made in China as is evidenced by the bottom of the front page from the manual http://www.championpowerequipment.co...al-english.pdf

I bought mine for power outages at home and it works fine. A bit quieter than my lawn mower, but not nearly as quiet as some expensive generators. As dretired points out, if you are in a campground with electricity you won't use it, and if you are boondocking who cares?
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Old 12-14-2011, 08:31 AM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BubbaTex View Post
I found this generator at camping world. Typically I would just ignore it as something priced this low is usually too good to be true. HOWEVER. The reviews are fantastic as well. Anyone here have actual experience with Champion Generators? Advice? I am pretty tempted to pull the trigger just to check it out..

Champion Generators - Champion 4000 Watt Portable Generator-49-State Model - Portable Generators - Camping World
B..ubbaTex
Check out the Extreme Max EXT 3000 ..sold at Sears.. $799 and quiet...
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Old 12-14-2011, 11:05 AM   #18
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A friend of mine had a noisy generator (his nephew's I think) and took it to a muffler shop to try to quiet it down. After some experimentation they decided most of the noise was mechanical rather than exhaust. Wayne
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Old 12-15-2011, 08:01 AM   #19
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A friend of mine had a noisy generator (his nephew's I think) and took it to a muffler shop to try to quiet it down. After some experimentation they decided most of the noise was mechanical rather than exhaust. Wayne
Yeah, I would think so. The exhaust on engines of this size are small. Most of the noise just comes from the all the activity inside and not the exhaust.
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Old 12-15-2011, 08:49 AM   #20
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B..ubbaTex
Check out the Extreme Max EXT 3000 ..sold at Sears.. $799 and quiet...

At a Glance

The Extreme Max EXT3000 Electric Start Generator is capable of handling the power demands of most RV's along with air conditioning units! With a a 2800 Watts Maximum and 2600 continuous output. Features 20 amp and 30 amp receptacles.


I thought that it took more Watts to start my AC ??

MM
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