Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
Jayco RV Owners Forum
 


Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 02-08-2018, 10:17 PM   #1
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Saratoga Springs, UT
Posts: 191
Generator

For the last 7 years I have been using a Champion 3500/4000 "contractor" style generator. I boondock 99% of the time. This summer I am going to 2 national parks and they have restrictions on noise. Does anyone have experience with the Harbor Freight Predator 3500 Inverter generator? They have good reviews on youtube but I would like to hear from this group.
__________________

2016 JayFlight X23F
11 Expedition EL
4 Girls under 8 yrs old
1 Wife
1 Dog
2 guinea pigs that stay home...
cbaka27 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-08-2018, 11:37 PM   #2
Senior Member
 
ifallsguy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: In the gnat capital of the world, Tifton, GA
Posts: 555
I look at it but went with the Champion 3500 dual fuel inverter. I saw the HF unit used and thought it was louder. Personal opinion.
ifallsguy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-09-2018, 01:07 AM   #3
dee
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: Mckinney
Posts: 106
I also have a champion dual fuel. Very happy with it. I haven't heard much bad on the HF predator either.....
__________________
2017 Jayco Jay Flight 28BHBE
2016 Ram 4x4 Crew Cab Laramie Diesel
dee is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-16-2018, 11:37 AM   #4
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: SW
Posts: 513
Quote:
Originally Posted by cbaka27 View Post
For the last 7 years I have been using a Champion 3500/4000 "contractor" style generator. I boondock 99% of the time. This summer I am going to 2 national parks and they have restrictions on noise. Does anyone have experience with the Harbor Freight Predator 3500 Inverter generator? They have good reviews on youtube but I would like to hear from this group.
The Champion 3xxx inverter generators and the HF 3500 inverter generator have almost the same db rating at 25% power output. Online reviews are very positive for both generators. Although far from a conclusive observation, I did hear an HF 3500 a few weeks ago and it sounded very similar in volume to our Champion 3100. Not as quiet as a Honda EU3000iS, but not nearly as loud as an open frame generator.

For the money the HF 3500 is a good buy. HF offers coupons selling it for $659-$679 all the time. It has an electric start. The only downside is after-sale support. I've heard parts are very hard to obtain. Unless you purchase a HF 1-2 year (one-time) replacement warranty you may be left high & dry in the event of problems. Exactly the opposite is true with Champion. Champion, arguably, offers some of the best warranty support in the industry. On several occasions, Champion expedited warranty parts to us within 2-3 days. On one occasion they even sent us a specialized puller so we could replace a cracked blower housing DIY on our Champion 3100.
CampNow is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-16-2018, 11:49 AM   #5
dee
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: Mckinney
Posts: 106
Agreed on champion support. I called and asked about high altitude and they send me the new jet no charge and well as other things I could do to mitigate the effects.
__________________
2017 Jayco Jay Flight 28BHBE
2016 Ram 4x4 Crew Cab Laramie Diesel
dee is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-16-2018, 12:14 PM   #6
Senior Member
 
herewego's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Decatur
Posts: 2,799
If I was looking for one I would buy this ,,,,,best price no shipping
Champion 3400W Duel Fuel Inverter Generator with Electric Start | L & M Fleet Supply $ 999.99
__________________
Roy&Joyce
Decatur Al.
Jayco 2022 27RB WhiteHawk
Jayco 330RSTS Gone
Jayco G2 bunkhouse Gone
herewego is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-16-2018, 12:40 PM   #7
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: Cincinnati
Posts: 499
Quote:
Originally Posted by cbaka27 View Post
For the last 7 years I have been using a Champion 3500/4000 "contractor" style generator. I boondock 99% of the time. This summer I am going to 2 national parks and they have restrictions on noise. Does anyone have experience with the Harbor Freight Predator 3500 Inverter generator? They have good reviews on youtube but I would like to hear from this group.
This generator has an "adapter" for a 30amp RV. Does anyone know if this is a potential problem? I thought I read a thread a couple months back that if u plug a RV plug into a socket that's not made for it you could have a lot of electrical issues? Will this "adapter" work the same as the 30A adapter to my home outlet limiting the use of running A/C and/or other appliances? Or do you know if the adapter goes into the 30A "locking" plug-in socket?
__________________

2016 Jayflight 27BHS
2015 Ford F-250 Super cab LB, 4x4 6.2 L gas
kayakterp is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-16-2018, 08:27 PM   #8
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Saratoga Springs, UT
Posts: 191
Quote:
Originally Posted by kayakterp View Post
This generator has an "adapter" for a 30amp RV. Does anyone know if this is a potential problem? I thought I read a thread a couple months back that if u plug a RV plug into a socket that's not made for it you could have a lot of electrical issues? Will this "adapter" work the same as the 30A adapter to my home outlet limiting the use of running A/C and/or other appliances? Or do you know if the adapter goes into the 30A "locking" plug-in socket?
I have watched a lot of YouTube videos and no one reports issues with the adaptor. That said I am getting the Champion with the key chain start.

Sent from my LG-H931 using Tapatalk
__________________

2016 JayFlight X23F
11 Expedition EL
4 Girls under 8 yrs old
1 Wife
1 Dog
2 guinea pigs that stay home...
cbaka27 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-17-2018, 07:51 PM   #9
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Saratoga Springs, UT
Posts: 191
I have decided on a Genny....I am getting the remote start Champion 3100/3400 from supergen. I am going to have them install a tri fuel kit for $155 extra. I plan to run it on Propane most of the time.
__________________

2016 JayFlight X23F
11 Expedition EL
4 Girls under 8 yrs old
1 Wife
1 Dog
2 guinea pigs that stay home...
cbaka27 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-17-2018, 08:35 PM   #10
Senior Member
 
Vasquez Kid's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2017
Location: Sweetwater
Posts: 731
Quote:
Originally Posted by cbaka27 View Post
I have decided on a Genny....I am getting the remote start Champion 3100/3400 from supergen. I am going to have them install a tri fuel kit for $155 extra. I plan to run it on Propane most of the time.
Sounds like a good plan. I love my Champion and especially the remote start!
__________________
- Jeff


2017 Jay Flight 32BHDS
2006 GMC 2500HD Classic CC SB 4x4 6.6L Duramax/Allison
Vasquez Kid is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-17-2018, 10:05 PM   #11
Senior Member
 
Big1's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: Lakewood, WA.
Posts: 4,532
Hello guys I want to get one but I can't decide on which one to get what I want to do is to be able to run my ac if need, my ac is 15,000 btu I believe so which one will do it? I am looking at the Champion and the Honda thanks guys for your help.
__________________
2023 Jayco North Point 310RLTS
2022 GMC Denali Ultimate DRW
Retired Army MSG
Big1 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-18-2018, 06:24 AM   #12
Senior Member
 
Atlee's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: Mechanicsville
Posts: 1,479
I'm going to assume something here. By adapter, do you mean a dog bone that has a male twist lock end and a female end for a regular RV 30 amp plug?

If so, that's what I use on my Honda EU2000i Companion. It works fine.

Quote:
Originally Posted by kayakterp View Post
This generator has an "adapter" for a 30amp RV. Does anyone know if this is a potential problem? I thought I read a thread a couple months back that if u plug a RV plug into a socket that's not made for it you could have a lot of electrical issues? Will this "adapter" work the same as the 30A adapter to my home outlet limiting the use of running A/C and/or other appliances? Or do you know if the adapter goes into the 30A "locking" plug-in socket?
__________________
Erroll and Mary Doss and Duffy (RIP)
2018 Jayco Redhawk 22J

2014 F150 SC, 4x4, HD Pkg, Sterling Gray
Atlee is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-18-2018, 06:31 AM   #13
Senior Member
 
Atlee's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: Mechanicsville
Posts: 1,479
That 's good. However, if you plan on running it on propane most of the time,
you don't plan on running it much do you? You will use a lot of propane,
and you will not generate as much electricity. All generators, including Hondas, are derated when using propane.

Quote:
Originally Posted by cbaka27 View Post
I have decided on a Genny....I am getting the remote start Champion 3100/3400 from supergen. I am going to have them install a tri fuel kit for $155 extra. I plan to run it on Propane most of the time.
__________________
Erroll and Mary Doss and Duffy (RIP)
2018 Jayco Redhawk 22J

2014 F150 SC, 4x4, HD Pkg, Sterling Gray
Atlee is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-19-2018, 02:06 PM   #14
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Saratoga Springs, UT
Posts: 191
Quote:
Originally Posted by Atlee View Post
That 's good. However, if you plan on running it on propane most of the time,
you don't plan on running it much do you? You will use a lot of propane,
and you will not generate as much electricity. All generators, including Hondas, are derated when using propane.
I suffer from over analyzing way to many things. I just ordered the 75537- 2800/3100w Champion Inverter, remote start from supergen. I hope I dont regret the no dual fuel option.
__________________

2016 JayFlight X23F
11 Expedition EL
4 Girls under 8 yrs old
1 Wife
1 Dog
2 guinea pigs that stay home...
cbaka27 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-19-2018, 02:34 PM   #15
Senior Member
 
Big1's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: Lakewood, WA.
Posts: 4,532
Quote:
Originally Posted by cbaka27 View Post
I suffer from over analyzing way to many things. I just ordered the 75537- 2800/3100w Champion Inverter, remote start from supergen. I hope I dont regret the no dual fuel option.
Yeah I find on Craigslist a guy is selling Dual Fuel 3500w Champion for $875.00 he had it for a year but have about one hour of run time, now if I can get the DW to go for I will be getting this.


Sent from my SM-J327VPP using Tapatalk
__________________
2023 Jayco North Point 310RLTS
2022 GMC Denali Ultimate DRW
Retired Army MSG
Big1 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-19-2018, 04:12 PM   #16
Senior Member
 
ALJO's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Sparwood, BC
Posts: 2,800
Send a message via Skype™ to ALJO
No one will regret the "Champion Generator/Inverter 3100/2800 watt, it will the A/C and Microwave simultaneously, it charge your batteries through the converter and also for a backup of your home when the power company fails to deliver. Have a two way switch on my furnace with a plug and also you can plug in your fridge or deep freeze.
Eat some spinach and it is easy to handle the 90 lbs. also the wife and kids.
__________________
2014 Ram 1500 CrewCab 4x4 5.7 Hemi 3.92 Rear and Air Lift 1000
2005 Jayco Jay Feather LGT - 29Y GVWR-7000 lbs.
Dexter Axle Lift 4-9/16" - installed with sub-frame.
Pro Series 1200 lbs. WDH with Double Sway Bar.
Champion 3100/2800 watt Inverter/Generator-Onboard Solar Power
ALJO is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-20-2018, 01:58 AM   #17
Senior Member
 
Big1's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: Lakewood, WA.
Posts: 4,532
Awesome and I will be getting one pretty soon, also will be getting my home setup to run off the Inverter/Generator for when the power go out.
__________________
2023 Jayco North Point 310RLTS
2022 GMC Denali Ultimate DRW
Retired Army MSG
Big1 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-28-2018, 11:22 AM   #18
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Saratoga Springs, UT
Posts: 191
The Champion showed up yesterday (a day early). Did the oil, gas, battery and it started right up. I am doing the 5 hour break in period now and so far so good.
__________________

2016 JayFlight X23F
11 Expedition EL
4 Girls under 8 yrs old
1 Wife
1 Dog
2 guinea pigs that stay home...
cbaka27 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-04-2018, 07:11 PM   #19
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Saratoga Springs, UT
Posts: 191
So far I love this thing. I installed an hour meter on it and it works as advertised. When it warms up a bit I will give it test with the AC unit.

Sent from my LG-H931 using Tapatalk
__________________

2016 JayFlight X23F
11 Expedition EL
4 Girls under 8 yrs old
1 Wife
1 Dog
2 guinea pigs that stay home...
cbaka27 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-09-2018, 07:32 AM   #20
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 2013
Posts: 1,588
I just broke in my new 3400/3100 Champion Inverter Remote Start and so far I'm pleased. Also did the hour meter and bought a cover. I decided that I didn't want or need the dual fuel option. It's easier to bring a jerry can of gas than lug around another 20lb propane cylinder, I just about always have an extra can of gas with me when towing for the truck anyways, and gas is easier to get than propane most of the time. It wasn't worth the extra money for me, and I think it's a bit heavier too. I have the 15K air conditioner so I bought the slightly bigger one to be safe. 196cc engine.
__________________
2013 F-150 EcoBoost MaxTow, Roush tuned (415hp 506tq), lifted on 33s, R.A.S.
2013 Jay Flight 28BHS Elite (Equalizer 10K hitch)
SkyBound is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3
Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by Jayco, Inc. or any of its affiliates. This is an independent, unofficial site.


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 03:28 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 1
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
Copyright 2002-2016 Social Knowledge, LLC All Rights Reserved.