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Old 06-14-2016, 10:59 PM   #1
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Choosing a new generator

Hi all,

I am researching an inverter generator for our use with our 226RBDS Surveyor trailer. It has a 13.5k A/C and double slide outs. I've read a lot about the choices available and have decided on a Champion Inverter generator. Seems to have a good rep and the price is right. I know Honda are superior; I've used EU2000i models on small boats surveying and Honda never let us down, even soaked in salt water. I do not however want to spend that kind of money.

I like the 3100 inverter set, it seems like it will power our trailer. For those of you who have the 3100, have you ever wished for a little more power? The 3400 watt model is only 200 dollars more. Might that be a better choice?

Sorry for the rambling; this is why I do not post much! Too wordy!

Thanks for your thoughts and opinions.

Jerry
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Old 06-15-2016, 12:35 AM   #2
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Personally I'd go for the 3400 inverter generator.
It's a new model though.
But Champion hasn't made a mistake yet in their lineup.
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Old 06-15-2016, 02:12 AM   #3
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Old 06-15-2016, 04:13 AM   #4
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I have the 3100 and I really like it. It runs everything I want it to. You just have to be smart about how much your run at one time. I will not power everything at once. I love the remote start and how quiet it is.


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Old 06-15-2016, 02:01 PM   #5
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Champion

Did all the research, called all the dealers and factory reps for Honda, Yamaha and Champion. Ended up over whelmed by all the choices, the final decision came down to the all mighty dollar. I got the Champion 3400 inverter generator. It runs everything in my 26rr toy hauler with power to spare. Great warranty, friendly customer service and 2 times the power at 2 times less cost.
Good luck on whatever you decide.
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Old 06-15-2016, 02:07 PM   #6
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Originally Posted by Jump View Post
Hi all,

I am researching an inverter generator for our use with our 226RBDS Surveyor trailer. It has a 13.5k A/C and double slide outs. I've read a lot about the choices available and have decided on a Champion Inverter generator. Seems to have a good rep and the price is right. I know Honda are superior; I've used EU2000i models on small boats surveying and Honda never let us down, even soaked in salt water. I do not however want to spend that kind of money.

I like the 3100 inverter set, it seems like it will power our trailer. For those of you who have the 3100, have you ever wished for a little more power? The 3400 watt model is only 200 dollars more. Might that be a better choice?

Sorry for the rambling; this is why I do not post much! Too wordy!

Thanks for your thoughts and opinions.

Jerry
Personally I use a Boliy gen . BTW Welcome to the forum and good luck on your choice of gen Later RJD
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Old 06-15-2016, 02:42 PM   #7
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Generator

I purchased two of the 2000 watt Champion inverter generators a couple of years ago. I also got the parallel kit that connects the units together to run as a single more powerful unit. I think the two together generate 3600 watts. They start easily, run very quietly, and are not very heavy to move around. I always hear about Honda and Yamaha as being two of the best. I cannot dispute that, but I'd buy these Champions again in a heartbeat. They were far less money and have performed flawlessly.
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Old 06-15-2016, 03:02 PM   #8
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New Generator

If you are interested I have a Honda EU3000is inverter generator with 100 hours on it for $1500
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Old 06-15-2016, 03:02 PM   #9
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My 3100 Champion powers our air conditioner on our motorhome without a problem. Great generator. Nope never needed more power.
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Old 06-15-2016, 04:20 PM   #10
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Originally Posted by NDcamperdude View Post
I purchased two of the 2000 watt Champion inverter generators a couple of years ago. I also got the parallel kit that connects the units together to run as a single more powerful unit. I think the two together generate 3600 watts. They start easily, run very quietly, and are not very heavy to move around. I always hear about Honda and Yamaha as being two of the best. I cannot dispute that, but I'd buy these Champions again in a heartbeat. They were far less money and have performed flawlessly.
Winner winner chicken dinner.

I have the 2800 and have had it about 5 years and it has been flawless but we don't use it all to often.

If I had to do it over again I'd probably get 2 of the 2000's just for a little more power.
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Old 06-15-2016, 08:03 PM   #11
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3100 champion 2yrs
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Old 06-15-2016, 09:00 PM   #12
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Just bought the dual fuel champion with running 3100 and surge of 3400. The ratings are lower on propane. Very nice, quiet, I am impressed. Have it all setup to run off my trailers quick connect
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Old 06-15-2016, 09:22 PM   #13
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Just bought the dual fuel champion with running 3100 and surge of 3400. The ratings are lower on propane. Very nice, quiet, I am impressed. Have it all setup to run off my trailers quick connect

How much propane does it use in an 8 hour period?
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Old 06-15-2016, 09:33 PM   #14
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Have yamaha EF3000ISEB have had it for 9 years with thousand of hours.. change oil.. use high grade gas..keep filter clean still runs great!! is heavy but love it.
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Old 06-15-2016, 09:35 PM   #15
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How much propane does it use in an 8 hour period?
Have not run that long on propane yet. Only has 2 hours total. Champion says 20lbs lpg tank is equivalent to 5 gallons gas
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Old 06-16-2016, 07:53 AM   #16
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I have the 3100 great a little more power would be great but too old to haul the extra weight around the the 85 lbs of the 3100 is enough.
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Old 06-16-2016, 09:58 AM   #17
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I opted for two small gens instead of one larger only because it would not be permanently mounted and I can easily move the two small ones around. My back is not what it used to be.
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Old 06-16-2016, 10:24 AM   #18
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I recently bought (2) WEN 2000W for $380 each @ Woot.com & the connection kit on Amazon. The WEN engine is a clone of the Yamaha, probably made in the same Chinese shop, and appear to be the same quality. I can pick-up one in each hand for a balanced walking load & I don't feel strained lifting one at a time into the truck.

Last week we boondocked at Assateague SP near the beach. Too cool for A/C so we only NEEDED one genny. However, having (2) meant we could use our coffee maker, electric skillet & wife's hair dryer vs. truly roughing it...

I only used about 1 gallon of gas per day in Eco Mode & we ran on batteries during quiet hours. Recently I swapped-out our RV fridge for a larger residential Whirlpool ($300) & love the extra space & efficiency. (Cools to <40 in 1 hour...) For now I just have (2) 12V marine batteries and a 2000W inverter ($100) which last throughout quiet hours.
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Old 06-16-2016, 12:46 PM   #19
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Thanks for sharing the various generator info. We have a relatively new Columbus 325RL that is generator prep'd where the remote start is in the bedroom closet. I've been wondering what size generator I'd need to run our rig and if my RV & truck can handle the additional weight of a fixed generator in the forward compartment. Also wondering if the dual fuel types are what...? LP/Diesel or LP/Gasoline...? Will either either fuel type/s respond to the remote start? The Champion dual fuel generators look most appealing, but they also look quite heavy...? Thanks for any further discussion and info!
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Old 06-17-2016, 12:49 AM   #20
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Originally Posted by NDcamperdude View Post
I purchased two of the 2000 watt Champion inverter generators a couple of years ago. I also got the parallel kit that connects the units together to run as a single more powerful unit. I think the two together generate 3600 watts. They start easily, run very quietly, and are not very heavy to move around. I always hear about Honda and Yamaha as being two of the best. I cannot dispute that, but I'd buy these Champions again in a heartbeat. They were far less money and have performed flawlessly.
My Wife has been trying to talk me into buying the same setup as you have. Lighter, and easier to move two small generators for my old arms! I've read a VERY long thread about these units and have about decided to go this route. Thanks to everyone for your comments.

Jerry
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