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Old 11-20-2015, 02:23 PM   #1
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New generator help

Looking to get new generator, I talked to tech at champion and was told that most generator/inverters don't run well above 4000ft we camp around 7400ft. Anyone have issues with there set up?
Thanks for any help!

My choice is between 3100 inverter or 4000 generator.
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Old 11-20-2015, 02:32 PM   #2
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All engines that need air to function loose power at higher elevations. Therefore you will have to buy something with a higher rated capacity than you need to make up for that loss.


First, what is your load? Do you need to run the A/C when you are up at altitude?


Will you be running a microwave oven?


Without those two, 1KW can power everything if you run the fridge, water heater and cabin heat on propane.


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Other than cost, inverter generators tend to be more quiet.
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Old 11-20-2015, 02:55 PM   #3
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A/c and a microwave, a/c not that much it's still cool up there.
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Old 11-20-2015, 03:08 PM   #4
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So, ratings at sea level:
1KW for the general load + 1.2KW for the microwave means you'll need around 2.5KW rated unit to carry your expected load at the base of the mountain.


The 3.1KW inverter should have enough spare capacity to run well enough at 4,000' to carry your load.


The only concern will be allowing the battery charger to finish it's bulk charge phase before running the microwave. Forget using the A/C.


If you decide to go with the 4KW, you'll have no restrictions or concerns. Except the noise.
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Old 11-20-2015, 03:30 PM   #5
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Ok thanks the 4kw is 3500 run and 4000 surge an I still good? I know I cant use a/c and microwave at the same time.
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Old 11-20-2015, 03:36 PM   #6
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No knowing where you going to be public camping but alot of places have generator run time restrictions... Might check with that before dumping a bunch of money into something you won't be able to use when YOU want to...

This is a big concern on the East side of the US where there is less DISPERSED camping locations.

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Old 11-20-2015, 03:44 PM   #7
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This is in Arizona dispersed camping quite time is 10pm to 6am. I just bought the trailer and dont have another 2 to 3 grand for a honda generator.
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Old 11-21-2015, 09:22 AM   #8
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My Champion 2000 Inverter gen will simply not run at 7400'...will not start. Get it down to 2000' feet or so and it works great.
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Old 11-21-2015, 09:37 AM   #9
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Strange I host for Parks Canada so I spend a lot of time in the summer at high elevations and the few times I need to start my Champion it starts and runs like a Champ.
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Old 11-21-2015, 01:27 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Seann45 View Post
Strange I host for Parks Canada so I spend a lot of time in the summer at high elevations and the few times I need to start my Champion it starts and runs like a Champ.
I know, it's crazy! A frustrating experience that is much too long to explain. Must just have a lemon but factory said it is o.k.
Going to solar soon...wanna buy a Champion gen???
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Old 11-21-2015, 04:19 PM   #11
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Quote:
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I know, it's crazy! A frustrating experience that is much too long to explain. Must just have a lemon but factory said it is o.k.
Going to solar soon...wanna buy a Champion gen???
Don't be too critical of your Champion. We have a 3000 honda that we have used on several western states trips. Although it would start and ran OK, it had pitiful power when at 7000 ft. If you were just using it for light duty or charging batteries, you would never guess it's power loss. Use the microwave and get an education!! We spent 10 days in Mesa Verde which is at 7000 ft. I was convinced that there was something wrong but quickly realized that it was all about lack of oxygen when we dropped to 5000 ft and it ran just fine.
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