Champion 3500-Watt Portable Dual Fuel Inverter Generator

[RoadTrip42]

I am considering purchasing a Champion dual-fuel 3500 watt generator from Cabela's. I like the propane feature since I'm bringing two 40 Pounders with me anyway on the front of my trailer.

So please tell me has anyone had good success with this unit#100264? It says it would run a 13500 BTU air conditioner. I do like the future option when we live on the road at retirement that I could buy a 2nd and parallel kit it for 50 amp service

There are lower-cost options but my back can't handle those 135 pound units this one says it's only 93 lbs and 56 db. And based on the height it would fit in my F250 truck bed with the secure undercover locked during transport.

Please share your honest opinion. Thank you from Derek and Elizabeth.

[Beachbourbon]

The predator 3500 inverter generator is on sale for $689 starting yesterday at harbor freight...not negating the Champions, just providing useful information.

[formerFR]

"...I do like the future option when we live on the road at retirement that I could buy a 2nd and parallel kit it for 50 amp service..."


I'm not sure that this is 'the' 50amp RV service you are thinking it is...

if the base model you are considering is the 3,500watt model, then having two of them in 'parallel' would render a total output of 7,500watts, or a maximum of ~60+ AMPS.... not the true 100amps of 50amp RV Service that you find at rv parks and campgrounds.

True 50amp RV Service is actually a 240v output of TWO hot legs, BOTH at 50amps, thru a double-pole 50amp set of breakers. This combination, thru your 50amp Shore Cord, and to your 50amp Main breaker panel, is split into two 120v sides - providing 50amps to BOTH 'sides' of your breaker panel, for up to 100amps of usable power.

Most folks who own 30amp RVs might assume that the bigger 50amp RV service is simply a different plug outlet with only 20amps more power - but it's actually more than TRIPLE the output of a 30amp outlet.


Since two generators with 3,500watts of output, run in parallel, will give you around ~60amps of output, you can still probably do everything you want to do, all at the same time, in your coach...including running BOTH roof air conditioners, etc. You may have to par back on other items, but it's possible. Many folks can run two air conditioners on 30amps even, like we do. 60amps would be plenty, though. It's just not quite the 'same' as 50amp RV service.

[67L48]

I believe the generator is rated for 500'. Engines will lose ~3% per 1,000' over the rated altitude, due to oxygen levels. So, whether or not it would run your A/C depends on where you camp. Propane has less energy than gasoline, so you also lose power if you're running on propane. Finally, make sure you start with the correct rating. The 3,500 W generator won't provide you 3,500 watts. It provides 3,200 watts on gas and 2,880 watts on propane. Running watts are the key spec, not peak watts.

On a beach in NC? Most likely. In the CO Rockies? You'll only be getting around 2,000W out of the engine off propane, so you'll be running gas and hoping for around 2,400W.

Good luck.

[GeorgeKain]

I have the Champion 3500-Watt Dual Fuel Generator about which you inquire. I love mine. It starts first time, every time, and it has enough power to run my air conditioner and everything else I need in the trailer. I chose it especially because of the dual fuel feature. In point of fact, I've never run it on gasoline. I've always run it on propane. This way I don't have to worry about running all the gasoline fuel out of the line and the carb before storing it. I also don't have to worry about having a gas can flying around in the bed of the pickup. It runs very quietly, is safe for sensitive electronics, and stays cool enough that I can run it in the forward part of the bed of the pickup without having to off-load it onto the ground. I also bought a cheap propane hose extension and y-valve for one of the trailer propane tanks so the generator will run off the trailer propane tanks. I highly recommend this generator. I also added a check engine hour meter to keep track of when oil changes are due. It was simple to add it.

[moff34]

I've got one. Great generator. I have never run it on gasoline, just propane.
Runs my 13.5k AC without a problem. It is light enough that I can get it in and out of the truck bed without a problem. If your trailer has an onboard quick connect for hooking up a grill, you can make an adapter to run the generator from it.

http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...ne-153043.html

[BigH]

I have one. It's great.
Super easy maintenance.
Love the propane option (less mess/no winterizing BS/no jetting for altitude) -I've never ran gas in mine.

My good friend has a food truck (owner/operator) as his job and installed this unit in the enclosure on the truck. His experience has been just like mine...just change the oil and operate it.

[jackhartjr]

Just curious, about how many hours could you expect from a 30 pound propane tank?

[getzold]

Can't speak to how long it would run on a 30# bottle, but we average about 19 hours on a 20#.

We have no problem running our 50 amp AC in hot, humid weather with this unit. We have even run the microwave at the same time.

[Scubanut]

This is the model I have. I have run both gas and lpg in mine. I used it for hunting this past Nov, and something to be aware of is that the on board battery will not charge while running. It comes with a trickle charger that you can plug into one of the generator outlets and charge while running it. No option to add a remote starter fob with that model. It will also run your AC.

[strgrazr]

The 3500 is an open frame invertor generator which can't be used in campgrounds It is too loud that's why it costs much less. They make a 3400/3000 dual fuel closed frame which is overrated. My buddy has 3100/2800 Dual Fuel Champion and I have the 3100 Remote Start Gas Champion both are invertor generators(Quiet). He wishes he had bought the remote start gas. The larger units can not be paired.

On propane the dual fuel is derated to @ sea level is lowered to 2800 watts and gets worse every 1000ft. With a 15k btu A/C, it used a 30 lb take in 23hrs with A/C running on a 90 degree day and overloaded twice, would not run in ECO. My gas used about 4 gals of gas, cost less to run and ran wth no problems in ECO. Both of us have 29ft TTs with 15k A/Cs and were at 1800ft. Fred run only gas now.

The remote start is great in the morning, no going out of TT to start/stop the Gen. , the wife pushes the button. It works out to about 80ft.

Remember the rating on the units are starting watts, running watts can be 200/300 less.

[casey_b]

I have this same model. Love it. I too only have used lp on it, I’ve got a smaller 2k champion as well. Great products. I run my 15k A/C off it with no problems. They mention in the user manual that they have issues when ambient temp is high (iirc >110) so keep that in mind.

[RoadTrip42]

Thank you
Very thorough reply.

[walaby]

Originally Posted by strgrazr

The 3500 is an open frame invertor generator which can't be used in campgrounds

The model the OP is talking about is not an open framed generator. Take another look at the pic, and the model number.



Mike

[5picker]

Champion makes two dual fuel inverter generators. A 3400w and a 3500w.

They are the EXACT same generator, verified by Champion's FAQ on their web site.

The 3500w is branded so for sale by places like Cabelas and Camping World.

This has been discussed extensively here previously.

[DouglasReid]

Originally Posted by formerFR

"...I do like the future option when we live on the road at retirement that I could buy a 2nd and parallel kit it for 50 amp service..."


I'm not sure that this is 'the' 50amp RV service you are thinking it is...

if the base model you are considering is the 3,500watt model, then having two of them in 'parallel' would render a total output of 7,500watts, or a maximum of ~60+ AMPS.... not the true 100amps of 50amp RV Service that you find at rv parks and campgrounds.

True 50amp RV Service is actually a 240v output of TWO hot legs, BOTH at 50amps, thru a double-pole 50amp set of breakers. This combination, thru your 50amp Shore Cord, and to your 50amp Main breaker panel, is split into two 120v sides - providing 50amps to BOTH 'sides' of your breaker panel, for up to 100amps of usable power.

Most folks who own 30amp RVs might assume that the bigger 50amp RV service is simply a different plug outlet with only 20amps more power - but it's actually more than TRIPLE the output of a 30amp outlet.


Since two generators with 3,500watts of output, run in parallel, will give you around ~60amps of output, you can still probably do everything you want to do, all at the same time, in your coach...including running BOTH roof air conditioners, etc. You may have to par back on other items, but it's possible. Many folks can run two air conditioners on 30amps even, like we do. 60amps would be plenty, though. It's just not quite the 'same' as 50amp RV service.

In short non-electricians terms, 2 of those 3500 Watt units would be effectively double a 30 Amp service. Whereas a 50 Amp service provides 3.333 times the amperage

[strgrazr]

I stand corrected, they do make a 3500 model but it is an over-rated 3400, same engine and generator per Champion. Both these units can be paired but the 3100's can not.

Champion specs fuel usage on the 3500 propane 14.5hrs on 20lb @ 25%. A 13.5 a/c @ 50% duty cycle drops that to 8/9hr on 20lb. More power on gas less duty cycle uses less fuel, longer life. My 3100 on gas can run anything a 3500 can on propane and cost less to run. The spec numbers on Champion's site tell the true story. Check the specs and reviews.

If money is not important, if you don't intend to camp above sea level or at temps above 90 or below 40 degrees then propane maybe for you. If you will truly need to pair then a buy 3400, chances are you may not need two gens on gas.
For me the remote start was the deal breaker, which is not produced in dual fuel.I will never buy another Gen. without one. It is more convenient than I ever thought possible. Gen.runs only when needed, instead of all the time.

[BigH]

Originally Posted by strgrazr

I stand corrected, they do make a 3500 model but it is an over-rated 3400, same engine and generator per Champion. Both these units can be paired but the 3100's can not.

The 3500 is not 'over rated'...it is rated for the output specified. The 3400 is underrated.

Originally Posted by strgrazr

Champion specs fuel usage on the 3500 propane 14.5hrs on 20lb @ 25%. A 13.5 a/c @ 50% duty cycle drops that to 8/9hr on 20lb. More power on gas less duty cycle uses less fuel, longer life.

Actually motors on propane have been shown to last twice as long as motors on gas. Some of that benefit is because propane burns cleaner which contributes to another bonus of extending oil changes beyond that of gas burning motors but I'm not going to get an oil analysis to make use of it.

Originally Posted by strgrazr

My 3100 on gas can run anything a 3500 can on propane and cost less to run. The spec numbers on Champion's site tell the true story. Check the specs and reviews.

On gas, the 3100 puts out 23.3 amps. The 3500 puts out 24 on propane.

Originally Posted by strgrazr

If money is not important, if you don't intend to camp above sea level or at temps above 90 or below 40 degrees then propane maybe for you. If you will truly need to pair then a buy 3400, chances are you may not need two gens on gas.

I camp above sea level and at temps above 90 while running the gen without issue. Gasoline motors are not immune to altitude losses and worse yet the carburetors need jetting at higher altitudes.

My good friend with the 3500 stuffed in his food truck's generator compartment ran his for 7 hours on the hottest day we had last year (upper 90's) and above sea level. I went to visit him for some good food.

Originally Posted by strgrazr

For me the remote start was the deal breaker, which is not produced in dual fuel.I will never buy another Gen. without one. It is more convenient than I ever thought possible. Gen.runs only when needed, instead of all the time.

Remote start would be nice but when I'm so lazy that I'm letting the generator run all the time... .

[Tankmaster]

Originally Posted by Scubanut

This is the model I have. I have run both gas and lpg in mine. I used it for hunting this past Nov, and something to be aware of is that the on board battery will not charge while running. It comes with a trickle charger that you can plug into one of the generator outlets and charge while running it. No option to add a remote starter fob with that model. It will also run your AC.

I have this generator as well love it. It runs everything in my trailer including my 15,000 btu a/c. Has anyone hooked up an extended run option for gas? Thanks in Advance

Tank

[Scubanut]

Originally Posted by Tankmaster

I have this generator as well love it. It runs everything in my trailer including my 15,000 btu a/c. Has anyone hooked up an extended run option for gas? Thanks in Advance



Tank

I tried a gravity feed system while hunting in Nov. Was not very successful at all. I ordered a kit from eBay, it came with a fuel cap, hose with primer bulb and filter and 6 gallon boat fuel tank. It was very problematic. It just didn’t seem to work and when it did suck the fuel from the tank it would overfill and cause the generator to starve of air. I tried for 7 days to make it work. I think it was a waste of money for me.