Portable Generators Revisited... Chime in Please

[Jump]

I use 2 Champion 2000w inverter generators with the parallel option. This has worked out well for us, particularly since we do not use it that much. Spending 1000 dollars for equipment I do not use much beats 2000 dollars for Hondas.

Having said that, I used Honda Eu2000 generators for years working on small boats in the worst environmental conditions possible. They always worked. So if One needs the best buy Honda. If One's needs are less than mission critical One can consider Champion or the like.

Here is a Youtube link to a guy's experience over a 5 year time frame using Champion generators. He full times with them and has been happy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iC6A1SMldcc

Jump

[bdreinv]

Just bought the 3500 Champion inverter generator.100lbs is a little heavy made a ramp a roll it up into battery compartment on are 16 Eagle 321. Remote start is real handy.Would be nice to have a fuel gauge!Thanks

[SkyBound]

I also picked up the 3400W remote start recently when I was down in the US. I wanted the hardwired 30A RV outlet rather than having to use a twist-lock adapter like the Canadian models use. I also have a 15K AC so I wanted the bigger one.

In the past month to two, Costco Canada started carrying a Canadian model of the Champion that has the proper RV outlet hardwired in. So far, it only comes in 3100W and there is no remote start model available in this configuration. Maybe that's coming, I don't know.

The US models are NOT ground neutral bonded, the Canadian models ARE ground neutral bonded.

[Atlee]

Can you add an external extended run gas tank to those twin Champions?

For me, that is a very important answer. Currently I have twin Honda 2000's. I got them before there was a such thing as Champions.

However, I have a 6 gallon extended run external tank I can hook to each Honda. That say I can go a long time running at full speed to power my AC. Going at full speed, the less than 1 gallon tank on each Honda would run out relatively soon.

Originally Posted by Jump

I use 2 Champion 2000w inverter generators with the parallel option. This has worked out well for us, particularly since we do not use it that much. Spending 1000 dollars for equipment I do not use much beats 2000 dollars for Hondas.

Having said that, I used Honda Eu2000 generators for years working on small boats in the worst environmental conditions possible. They always worked. So if One needs the best buy Honda. If One's needs are less than mission critical One can consider Champion or the like.

Here is a Youtube link to a guy's experience over a 5 year time frame using Champion generators. He full times with them and has been happy.

Jump

[Riverman]

Originally Posted by Atlee

Can you add an external extended run gas tank to those twin Champions?

Yes, there are gas caps, hoses, fittings, gas tanks and also full kits on ebay for the Champion inverters, for extended run.

[Jump]

To be honest, now that we have a Motorhome we do not use the champions much. I keep them for Hurricanes as we live on the Ms. Gulf Coast. That is something I should look into.

Here is one guy's solution.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5DfkhvdHGSQ

Jump

[Midnightmoon]

Does anyone else get a little quiver when you see a gravity feed fuel tank directly above a hot running generator?

[Riverman]

Champion is supposed to bring out a dual fuel (gas-propane) 2000-watt inverter in April.

I hate hauling gasoline, but wouldn't mind propane.

[bdreinv]

Wasn't going to say anything but yes at least set it up on maybe a picnic table!You know those state park concrete ones. Thanks

[Jump]

Originally Posted by Midnightmoon

Does anyone else get a little quiver when you see a gravity feed fuel tank directly above a hot running generator?

Yeah, after watching that video, it does seem like a dumb idea. Kinda sorry I posted it.

Jump

[Midnightmoon]

Originally Posted by Jump

Yeah, after watching that video, it does seem like a dumb idea. Kinda sorry I posted it.

Jump

No, no need to feel bad. I agree with you, it is interesting to see what others are doing. We don't always have to agree with what they are trying. But, you can always learn from them.

[Siamese]

Originally Posted by Midnightmoon

Does anyone else get a little quiver when you see a gravity feed fuel tank directly above a hot running generator?

My generator actually has the gasoline stored INSIDE the hot, running generator!!!

[bdreinv]

No big deal we just bought the Champion 3500 good to know there is a tank alternative.Wonder if you could add some length to fuel hose?I would imagine when running a 15000 ac unit 1.9 gallons of gas would not last to long. Thanks

[Midnightmoon]

Originally Posted by Siamese

My generator actually has the gasoline stored INSIDE the hot, running generator!!!

Yep. So does mine. Just like everyone elses. I hardly would compare the safety of a self contained unit to one with several gallons of additional fuel sitting directly over the unit.

I'm not unfamiliar with using extended range fuel tanks. I think that I would prefer setting one up where the fuel wouldn't spill directly on to the heat source in case of a accident.

To each their own however.

[Siamese]

When I saw the picture of the gas can sitting above the generator, it made me cringe a little, but I'm not sure if that's justified. I have a large, job site type generator at home for power outages, and the gas tank on it probably holds a couple gallons, and sits in the frame, above the engine.

What's the difference?

Is the plastic gas tank going to unexpectantly burst open? Not really. Could there be a gas leak? Yeah, but isn't that true with an internal tank too? And with an internal tank, you're not going to see the leak as easily or a soon as you would with an external tank.

Don't lawn mowers locate their gas tanks above the motor? And small outboards?

Hmmm...and you know, with my little Briggs & Stratton generator, it's difficult to know how much fuel is left in it. If the tank is remote, all you have to do is lift it a little to get a real good idea of how much fuel is left in it.

I'm starting to think it's not such a bad idea.

[RAurand]

My Yamaha 2000 watt inverter generators have a fuel gauge on them and a fuel shutoff. Honda's don't have that. That's why I brought the Yamahas.

[Atlee]

That would be a simple gravity fed system, if I wanted the tank above the generator.

If the extended run tank is on the ground beside the Champion, will the Champion pull the fuel out of the tank?

My 2 Honda's will. I hook both of them up, at the same time. Most of the time, I will only have one running. I just switch them over half way through the weekend. Unless it's extremely hot, then I have both running.

Originally Posted by Jump

To be honest, now that we have a Motorhome we do not use the champions much. I keep them for Hurricanes as we live on the Ms. Gulf Coast. That is something I should look into.

Here is one guy's solution.

Jump

[RetiredLEO]

Scared the heck out of me!

[northwindone]

Looks like the new Champion 2000 dual fuels are almost here. I wish I had waited to buy mine since I've only used it twice in the last year. I would have gotten two of these instead. The specs look good and I like the fact they added a fuel gauge and estimated remaining run time, not to mention the ability to use LPG.

[Chet & Marie]

We were in same situation as you a couple of years ago and bought the Yamaha. Liked the fuel gauge and fuel shut off features which we use. Has always started on the first or second pull does its job quietly for a lot of uses
Can't go wrong with either one