ALL RV INVERTER GENERATORS: RVGenSet.com *THE REVIEWED GENERATOR* amzn.to/2r1y54I SAME GENERATOR, NO REMOTE START ($150 cheaper): amzn.to/2pyyv1f DUAL FUEL MODEL!!! amzn.to/2r1rvv1 CHEAP HOUR METER: amzn.to/2r1hBJO OFFICIAL LOLOHO T-SHIRTS ARE HERE!!!! amzn.to/2qjgBkP A GREAT way to support Long Long Honeymoon is to start ALL your Amazon shopping here: amzn.to/2mpNU79 Our INFLATABLE BOAT amzn.to/2dK4LMv Our MAIN CAMERA amzn.to/2pyPR1s Our SECOND CAMERA amzn.to/2pGXwce Our FULL FRAME CAMERA amzn.to/2pzevit Our APS-C CAMERA amzn.to/2pH7kDk Our POCKET CAMERA amzn.to/2qGIWkm Our ACTION CAMERA amzn.to/2pGU6WZ Our DRONE amzn.to/2qGSUCk Just CLICKING these links helps us make more videos. THANK YOU! Loloho e-books amzn.to/1oh2jie Loloho on Facebook Facebook.com/LongLongHoneymoon RV camping gear: The "BONE TOOL" amzn.to/2biUdiO *Antisway bar amzn.to/1zi9bgp *Counter Assault Bear Spray amzn.to/1FoY2fk *Oxygenics shower head amzn.to/1Et4Ydr *Inverter generator amzn.to/1Et52dg *LED spotlight amzn.to/1vA6qIW *Sean's Tilley hat amzn.to/1vA6sAB *Merrell Jungle Moc shoes goo.gl/WxSYgg *Walkie talkies amzn.to/1vA6wjN *Sanyo ENELOOP Rechargeable Batteries amzn.to/22eZnzU *Boeshield T-9 lubricant amzn.to/17zGLFa *Weber portable grill amzn.to/1BdV8eo *Air-Dryr amzn.to/1Et5fwX *OBDII code reader amzn.to/1vA6Dfn *Water “jerry can” amzn.to/1FuuSLU *30 Amp Surge Protector amzn.to/1oDlqDd *Garmin "RV Navigator" GPS amzn.to/22Yzh6r *The "El Cheapo" Garmin (#1 Bestseller!) amzn.to/1Rpmiqy *A Better GPS Mount: Garmin Portable Friction Mount amzn.to/1VRTfxH *Too cheap for a GPS? ;-) Cellphone Car Mount amzn.to/1ZIYUGp *MAXTRAX Emergency Vehicle Traction amzn.to/208EM0y Airstream essentials: *Trailer Aid tire changing ramp amzn.to/17zGXUU *Pink flamingos amzn.to/1LF6Q2U AFFILIATE LINK DISCLOSURE: Friends, making a quality Loloho video is kind of like making sausage - only slightly more violent. It's a ridiculous amount of work that typically involves high dollar camera drops, blue-screen-of-death computer crashes, and at least one angry shotgun wielding old man shouting, “Hey! Get the hell outta here!” Once the final video is posted, rewards here on TH-cam are few and far between (unless you are a masochist who enjoys being verbally abused by anonymous trolls). One saving grace is our affiliate links. JUST CLICKING THESE LINKS HELPS TO SUPPORT OUR LITTLE SHOW. Think of this clicking as like tipping - except that it doesn't cost you anything extra! If you eventually make a purchase via one of our affiliate links, we will receive a few pennies (and Sean typically invests these pennies in duct tape and video gear). Again, it doesn't cost you anything to click these links, and it's a great help to us. As always, safe travels, happy camping, and THANK YOU!
Long Long Honeymoon I enjoy your videos Sean, however, I can't find a generator recommendation anywhere. I'd like to know which one is best. It seems that Honda and Yamaha are the most expensive, followed by Briggs & Stratton, and Champion. I'm trying to decide between B&S and Champion. Which do your recommend? Thanks!
The wife and I purchased this very model. It has passed every test I've thrown at it. We just purchased a new RVTT with a 15K BTU AC. I saved the most important test, of them all, for last. The AC test! I fired up the generator and put the AC on. This generator didn't skip a beat. Very impressive considering some of the reviews stated it couldn't handle a 15 K AC. Also, considering the price comparisons between other makes/models I feel like I won the lottery. I wanted give a huge amount of props out to loloho for their original video which put the price word out. After watching loloho's full review video I am so glad I dropped the measly $600 for this inverter generator.
I have this. Had in storage for 4 years. 4th year gassed it up.. new battery.. clicked the remote once.. and again.. started right up. I have not one complaint about this generator. Not one. My RV trailer is in perfect hands with Champion. I have other camper neighbors asking me does it start and stop with remote. I say yes.. and they all are in WOW! This unit is the best.
Tip: instead of tipping it forward and balancing it with your fancy-pancy paper towel roll tube, there is a nut just to the right of the fill hole that is a drain plug, below it is a rubber plug in the floor that lets the oil drain right out. I lift the generator onto 4x4 blocks and use old Tupperware as a catch pan. I have the #75531i without the electric start. Love it! Champion service has been great the 2 times I've called. Once to get a high altitude jet (which was FREE) and the second time to buy air filters. Being at a higher altitude 5000+ feet, we still had to get a hard start cap for the AC, no problems since. Only thing I don't care for are the wheels. On the pavement they are great but in dirt or sand you drag the whole unit. Very little clearance back there. Thank you for making great videos!
Mine came with a short black hose connected to the base of the motor and to a plug stop above the fill pipe. There is a hose clamp on this that you squeeze to release the hose and point it down and the oil drains out. I don't know if they all have them but you could see it in this video to the right of Sean's modified drain funnel!
Sean, I love our show and watch it all the time and will continue! I purchased the Champion 75537i 2.5 years ago and got a lemon. Beware the warranty is only good for service only and not replacement or money back. The generator has been to the service shop 5 times and still having issues starting and running, repairs have been many. I asked for money back or replacement and was told it is a service warranty only by Champion, I asked what happens if generator is not working properly by this July 21 and was told I would still have my generator it will not be replaced or repaired any longer.
I bought this model last year after much research. I have a 2016 jayco with a 15k ac unit, and used this all last year as we traveled the country. I bought a 30amp ext cable that i leave connected to the gen in the truck, then when I want to hook up I can just unwind the ext cord and plug in to the rv without having to pull put the rv cord from camper side. This will run my AC, tv, fridge and mini fridge easily. It will almost run my 900 watt microwave at the same time too, but it overloads after 15 to 20 seconds, so I dont try that anymore after the initial test. Great gen, highly recommend.
after hurricane Maria hit my island I've using the generator non stop for 71 days now more than 8 hours a day no problems so far. works great. definitely would recomended
Great review! I have the 3500w champion just like this, it's color scheme is a bit different. It is great! I just got back from a 3 week trip, used it several days, very easy on gas and the remote start is awesome!!! It's in the pickup bed under a tonue cover, all I did was fold back the 1/3 of the rear of it, exhaust is pointed back and run it in there. When it was raining, I kept the cover over it and lowered the tail gate.. Champion is great I had one of their open frame genies before and then bought this one. You can't go wrong with these!! When using the electric start the choke is fully automatic, no need to fiddle with anything. Enjoy! W
I like how you did a general real world test, talked about how champion is stepping up there game in the rv world. .anyone looking for test done in a sound proof room who cares about every single decimal, and guys wearing white lab coats is going to be real unhappy when they pull up to the campground with kids yelling and playing, golf carts going by, and the drunk couples next to them being loud until midnight. ..maybe just maybe Seans test was the one that mattered! great video seriously loved it guys!
I bought the dual fuel version and ONLY run it on propane. That way it never smells like gasoline! So we can transport it in the back seat area of our truck plus when not traveling, store it in the garage and not worry about gasoline fumes/odors. Plus, it runs for about 14 hours on a tank of propane! Love this generator! Highly recommend it!
Even though I had issues right out of the box the gentleman at Champion is working with me to resolve the issue. I have to say the customer service at Champion (so far) is second to none.
Love the champion generators. We have the 3400/3100 version. I added an extended run tank Nd hour meter. We also added a easy start mod, not hard start , from micro air.to our ac unit. Best thing we have ever done reduces required starting amps by 60 percent. Well worth a look. Love the channel
i really appreciate your testing, and showing us this great tool. We have paid over $10,000 for our internal 5 broken down inverter Onan in 10 years. we have had to pay to stay, instead of boondock/so the genset has actually costs us literally weeks to fix, and lost months of camping. We have yet to be able to use AC consistently without worrying about our dogs dying (15 to 30 minutes in a grocery store when there is no shade, 95 degrees, and we physically both must get groceries . all we ask is for a genset to work !] so your unbiased human testing is so valued! We have fought with Onan, followrd every rule procedures...and we still can't trust the machine. Service folks are wonderful, but if you cannot be safe -what is the point? so many thank yous!
I have checked this one out and have a Chevy Silverado pulling a 5th wheel. It will sit in the back left corner of the box with the tailgate closed. Also I can run my two 30 amp cables and run from the back of the trailer plug-in up to the truck without having to unhook or unload the generator if you were stopping somewhere on the road overnight and needed to run it. I’ve checked and think this is the best unit. They also make a dual fuel unit that runs on either gasoline or propane but it doesn’t have remote start. Great video and thorough test.
This is a great generator. I've owned it for a year and a half. I full-time boondocked with it and used it to recharge my 750 amp hour lithium battery bank running it for 5-8 hours a day, every day for around 5 months. The only problem I had with it was the spark plug seemed to have been cross threaded at the factory. When I removed the spark plug for the first time, the threads came out with it. Champion took care of me by sending me a new head, head gasket and valve cover gasket no questions asked, totally free. I installed it all myself and haven't had a problem since. It still starts first pull. Oh, I do pull start it because the battery that came with it only lasted a few months and stopped taking a charge.
I want you to know out of all the generator test videos on you tube. YOU'S IS THE VERY BEST OUT THERE THAT I'VE SEEN ! You answered every question that could be asked THANK YOU SEAN !
You have a great sense of humor! Foliage and leaves act as a sound studio Anechoic Chamber. They absorb, deflect and break up sound waves. If you would put that Champion, between three trees just off your driveway, that could shave 7-10 DB's right off. Even better, is a bush or bushes surrounding the running unit, with the exhaust port not right on the foliage. Stuff like that, really can be messed around by the owners... :)
So I watched the whole video on the fence about this brand generator until you finally said, DUEL FUEL! I will have one of these on the way very soon. Finally a competitively priced generator with all the fetures I want.
The issue was that the control plug was not attached to the control board causing it to over rev (run past top recommended speed) causing the exhaust and engine to become excessively hot. When draining oil to send back to Champion I found the control board was never installed properly (just thrown in the back of the unit. Bad day for the assembly guy and QC. These things happen. Champion CS gentleman was going to use the pictures I sent to the assembly plant to improve QC. Nothing is perfect especially when dealing with people/employees. I appreciate Champion working with me to resolve this issue. Excellent communication and understanding.
Thanks much for your update, that is very good to hear. When we got our generator, I had a question (not really a problem, but a question) for Champion customer service. I was trying to ensure that I had received everything in the box that I was supposed to receive. My experience with customer service was similar to yours. Not only did they answer my question in a timely fashion (and yes, I had received all I was owed), they sent me a complimentary generator cover as a goodwill gesture!
Have owned a champion 3100 for 6 years. It still starts with 1-2 pulls and runs without problems. Manual start means you save about 15lbs in the weight. It isnt as quiet as a Honda or Yamaha but the difference is slight. Ive never had a fellow camper complain about noise. The advantage is I got my unit on sale at Costco for $600
I just purchased this very model from Amazon after doing some extensive research. Between it and the other two generators you have done reviews on. I chose this model because of the duel start option, lower profile and being 30 amp ready. And the affordable price. Thank you for taking the time to review this! I was a bit nervous considering we have yet to use it!
Is anything amiss with the Generator or anything missing? Amazon has stopped selling it (5/10/17) with this note..."Item Under Review This item is currently unavailable because customers have told us there may be something wrong with our inventory of the item, the way we are shipping it, or the way it's described here. (Thanks for the tip!) We're working to fix the problem as quickly as possible."
I believe this is because Amazon was refusing to ship to California. I mentioned it to Champion yesterday (5/10) and they were going to look into it. Not sure why it is taking so long to fix the listing however.
Nice review! Been running this model for about a year. It has powered our 35 foot travel trailer through storms and several boondocking trips. We have 50A service so we use the "dog bone" to step down to 30A keeping in mind to use only one air conditioner at a time. Quick tip... there is no need to worry about operating the choke when using the remote. Looking at the manual today I discovered that when using the remote, the choke operates by itself. I find it easier to just use the remote to start it all the time.
I got this back in April. Worked great on our trip to Oklahoma. When I say boondocking it was the true meaning of the word. Had no problem running a/c on my camper.
Since we have a 15K btu a/c in our travel trailer I contacted Champion about whether to buy the 3,100 or something bigger. They recommended the 3,400 watt, so we purchased the 3,400 (model 100261) remote start inverter generator. Works like a Champion (pun intended) to run our entire trailer, including the 15K btu a/c. It is proving to be rock solid and dependable. We recommend it.
I think your review is one the best I have seen yet ! I purchase one of these a few years back and sold it with our motor home, as a matter of fact that’s one of the reasons it was sold . I have a generator on my RV and I will buy one because of the quietness of this unit compare to my on board generator. You did a great job on this review it confirmed my decision to purchase this unit.
I have the 3400W remote start used it last year for 30-days straight worked well stayed in the truck bed never took it out. Purchased the new 3400W dual fuel unit keeping the other one so I have two generators that I can run with the champion parallel kit if ever needed. What I’ve noticed, fewer exhaust fumes are produced while running on propane this is a BIG advantage. With no liquid fuel in the tank, it’s also lighter when lifting as well, I never plan on putting liquid fuel in the dual fuel unit. Dual fuel is the way to go for sure.
I really enjoy your informative videos and the husband/wife team presentation is awesome! This video was especially insightful for me because you stated that you bought it yourself. My wife and I are concerned that some of your prior videos may be tainted because you received the item you evaluate as a "gift". Objectivity is very important to us and we hope that you will keep your assessments independent, as in this video. Overall, you are doing a great job! Thanks for all that you do and we do follow you regularly!
Nice video and generator demo. My big problem with generators is the noise! Go into any campsite that allows generators, and if there are several RV'ers running them during the allotted time slots, you have one helluva ruckus! And of course, sound carries even further on a still night in a quiet place. That's where solar, LP & three huge lithium battery blocks make a whole lot of difference, and creates a far more peaceful and respectful camping/RV experience. Better for stealth camping too! For that reason, I don't own or use a generator. But I had to check out your video. My two cents. Happy trails! Cheers from Montréal.
I think that was an excellent and practical review. Very good insight near the end of the video with regard to competitive forces...needed in virtually every area in the RV industry.
Thanks for getting your review out so fast. We love ours. Don't forget champion sells a cover made to fit exactly. allot better than the one size fits all and they are reasonable. Great review Thanks again
For anyone that has a generator without an hour meter, you can find them on Amazon for less than $12. I purchased one that does hours, maintenance hours and RPMs for $11. They are a great help in remembering when oil checks or changes are due. Very easy to install. You just wrap the attached wire around the spark plug wire 3-4 times.
we love ours and there is one little thing on this model, that we learned the hard hard way. Since it is all electronic the choker will not work when the battery is drain, no matter how many times you crank it and the bottom is on the "on position". You will need to open the back door and manually turn the choker. It is on the manual but I didn't read until the next hot day. I hope this is a good tip so you don't go nuts like we did :)
Dude thanks for that info...I left that stupid switch on and killed my battery. Had to use that inverter they give you to get enough power(from my truck) to start it.
There is a manual choke. Just take back cover off look on the right side yellow lever. After it starts plug charger that came with it to charge battery back up.
Really liked your review. Just got mine on 5/9 from Amazon and watched every review I could find. This one beats them all! Kind of surprising seeing how this is probably one of the best camping/RV generators available. Another great thing you didn't mention is Champion's customer service. I asked about a high altitude kit before I even received the generator and they sent one right out. Had a few other questions and they always respond within a few hours (and in plain english). Also for those needing an auxiliary tank be sure to google this as you can get all the parts needed for much less then the assembled 3rd party product.
Just went for a test night out with my new travel trailer and generator. Didn't need it until this morning when my battery was dead on the tow vehicle. First time I've ever run it down like that and luckily I threw in the charging cables. The Champion got me going without having to beg someone for a jump so it's already paying for itself.
Great review. I bought the 3500 watt model about 10 months ago. I have a 15K AC and was worried about running it. No problem (at the Grand Canyon in July 😎). Did have the choke switch break, but Champion sent a new one in a week. Great customer service. Also just put an hour meter on it like you said and was very easy. The remote start works great from inside our trailer quite well. Like the review and keep them coming.
RVGenset and all of your generator reviews were very helpful in our search for the right generator. We ended up going with this one (and used your link). Looking forward to camping with it soon!
Big fan of your site. I've been camping with others and knew a lot already, but you guys seem to have a lot of useful tips. We've taken our travel trailer on its first long distance trip. Buffalo NY to Bristol TN and back. We had an electric site in TN and didn't need a generator, but will on future trips. After watching this review I think we're going to go with a Champion like the one you are using. The review was perfect, it was a real world sound test. While camping somewhere I might point the generators exhaust away and maybe even do a small peace of plywood leaned against a tree as a sound blocker.
Great, comprehensive, real-world review. It's nice to see that the sounds levels were very close to Champion's claim. I just bought one of these a week or so ago and can't wait to use it over Memorial Day. I went with the non-remote start version though. Saved a few bucks and a few pounds.
Got mine last week, a little louder than expected, but I didn't know what to expect. It is my first generator. By the way, what's the etiquette using a generator at a Walmart or truck setup? Should I run it overnight on those hot summer nights?
The dual fuel model interests us because with the generator is sitting on the bed of the truck the propane fuel line can be connected to the front quick port of the Airstream to tap from your propane tanks, which can help extend your dry camping session once the gasoline tank is empty and we need a bit more fuel to top off those batteries.
I have the remote model. I set up the coffee maker to start as soon as it gets power. When it is 12 degrees outside it is so nice to stick my hand up from my toasty sleeping bag, push a button and voila! Coffee on the way.
I hope that some day, someone will make a generator like this with all the features this one has that will run on propane. Good review, Sean. Glad to see Champion is in the game and competing with Honda and Yamaha.
very well done. anyone wanting more info needs a job or a hobby. only thing I didn't here was your opinion of value compared to other generators. would love to see Kristi start the unit with no instruction, no manual just walk up and start it. that's a real test.
One of the great things about older vids on you tube is the timeless info they supply. I just unboxed and used my brand new 3500 champion Inverter. I used it on our trip last week that lasted 5 days, thats where I un boxed it, out in the desert. Wow I am so happy with it. Now I own a champion 4000 this new gen is replacing, that monster non inverter type gen can power Arizona power grid (just kidding) but what a difference in these two gens, My 4000 has been real dependable and other than noise its been a very good gen. But this new one ....................Michael
I also bought, I know what am I going to do with all these gens? a sportsman 1000 watt inverter gen from Target free shipping. Check all the reviews on you tube, add my thinking they are great, (now lets see how long it will last???????) I got the gen on sale 168 dollars. No way less than 200 hundred for a silent 1000 watt inverter gen, that will run 8 hours on a half gallon of gas? The sportsman puts out the same noise (loud wise ) as my 25 year old 900 dollar Yamaha inverter 1000. Bad part, its made in china. But wait so is my Yamaha 1000, and my Honda 2000, also my champion. I did sell the Honda 2000 last week though. Did I mention the sportsman 1000 weighs just 20 pounds?????? My new Champion with remote electric start and stop 3500 is now my go to gen for A/C micro wave stuff. Also not to spill any of LLH info on his upcoming video, you can not get remote electric start with the duel fuel Champion gens. Why? Because you have to turn the propane off to stop the duel fuel while running on propane, a safety thing.......The Yamaha 1000 does the job 90 percent of the time for me, as power is really not much in demand, camping. The new sportsman will take over for the Yamaha just to see if it will last awhile. Imagine 1000 watts of power on demand 24-7 you cant hear, that runs 8 hours on a tank of gas (1/2 gallon) that weighs way less than half the weight of just one battery from a 10,000 dollar solar set up that only will put out 650 watts of power in direct sunlight.............. For less than 200 bucks????? Keep up the great vids you and wife make, Its nice not to watch political action stuff, although I do love Trump ....................Michael
Nice review. I have this exact model and agree with everything. Only issues i have had are that my battery got weak and would not start the unit. I then checked the battery and found that the cells were low on water. I filled them with distilled water, and then put the battery on a trickle charger. That did the trick. Only other issue was that during very hot weather my unit went into thermal protection mode and shut down. It needs shade and some good ventilation. Love this unit and remote key-fob shutoff and start.
Just bought this same generator for our RV a week ago. We previously had the 2000W model, which is very quiet. I was pleasantly surprised how quiet a 3100W generator was!
Is anything amiss with the Generator or anything missing? Amazon has stopped selling it (5/10/17) with this note..."Item Under Review This item is currently unavailable because customers have told us there may be something wrong with our inventory of the item, the way we are shipping it, or the way it's described here. (Thanks for the tip!) We're working to fix the problem as quickly as possible."
Thanks. I appreciate the reply. I also received a reply from someone else that I will copy here... "There was a problem with some amazon retailers being hacked. Postings where placed for the generator at a very cheap price with a not to email them. The email takes you to a scam where they try to get you to give information and pay for using an email supposedly sent to you from amazon. If you ordered directly through the amazon site, without using any email links, you should be OK. If you sent the email as requested in the description and then paid using the links from an email sent to you, you have been scammed. I know this because I contacted one of the sellers via amazon and also sent an email to the one in the note/description. The site owner told me that they had been hacked and that they didn't even carry the generator. I then got a suspicious email saying that I needed to send information and that I would received a 'amazon url' via email that I would need to use to purchase the generator. It appears that there was a valid sale for a short period of time but that expired on Friday, May 5."
Yikes! Yes, the price on the non remote start has jumped up by $350! In a previous video Sean had mentioned this generator and I picked mine up on the third, was a steal at $625 for the remote start unit and free shipping!
We received ours on May 8th. Yesterday we un-boxed it. We heard a rattle inside, rolled it around to find two square nut washers. I took photos of them and contacted Champion service. The technician didn't know where they went. At first he thought they were part of the battery connector, but these are too big. We took the muffler side panel off to look inside. NOTE: To remove this cover, you have to un-snap the right handle cover. To do this, press the top corners with a screw driver, otherwise the cover breaks. After opening the side we found that the two nut washers are for the bottom screws to go into. The factory didn't have them connected because the bottom (black plastic) was bowed inward so that they didn't line up to the screws. We ended up attaching a vise grip to the nut in the center of the rubber feet and pulled out the bowed base while someone connected the screw to the nut. We did the same to the other screw pulling out the base with the nut. We were very happy with the customer service from Champion. He told us to remove the cover to look inside. Doing that, my husband broke the handle cover. Champion is sending us a new cover and offered to send a new base that wasn't warped. We turned down the offer for the new base. Also, if you plan to use the generator at a high altitude you will need a high altitude fuel jet. We live at 7500' so while I had Champion on the phone, I ordered the fuel jet. These are on backorder. Champion will furnish one for free.
I received mine yesterday. Started right up with the remote with the second push of the start button. I ran it under two different loads for two hours yesterday as part of the five hour break in. The hardest thing to do setting it up was getting the battery cables tucked back inside the case without mangling them. I'll finish up the break in period today and change the oil. As for the loudness, I have to say it doesn't seem any louder than my Honda 2000i. I think I'll start them both up today side by side, and compare them just to see which one sounds louder with the same load. So far so good.
I will be interested to hear how it compares to your Honda 2000i. Eventually I'll need to get my hands on a Honda for review & testing (but a man can only own so many generators, lol).
This was a totally unscientific test. I ran them side by side both in full mode and in economy mode. I put the same load (1100 watt and 750 watt heat gun) on each one. While doing this I stood between them both not more than two feet from them. To my ear the Honda "sounds" quieter no matter the load. I contribute that to it just having a smaller motor. The Champion has a more throaty sound to it. In my opinion however the difference is not all that great. You can pretty much have a conversation right next to either of these generators without having to raise your voice much at all. The additional features and additional output of the Champion over the Honda 2000i for the price I paid for it outweighs the small difference in perceived noise level. Your mileage may very.
Great review Sean. This was my choice when I got my TT a few months ago. Cost was the main reason. Love that it comes with a RV plug and the remote rocks. I can start it from within the TT without having to go out and point it at the gen. I have no on board surge protection in my older TT so it was suggested by an RV mechanic that I also run a surge protector whenever I plug into anything powering my TT, including a gen. Might be over kill, but being new to this world…
Great review! I have this exact model and just don't know how I would get by without it. Thank You for taking the time to do a practical and real-world sound test. I don't camp in a sound proof hyperbolic chamber. Keep up the great work!
I think you have sold me on this unit! Currently have a 2200 watt generator but should have saved for this. Thank you for the awesome review. I was going to purchase it off of your Amazon link but it seems Amazon has pulled the unit with wireless start. Thanks again and look forward to your next video!
OK Sean, I have a 2000watt Champion inverter generator, whilst a big strong husky lad like you can easily toss the larger one you demonstrated, some of us find the weight more than we can manage. I find the 2000watt Champion easier to handle. I made a DIY swamp cooler which works using a small fan, as my RV does not have an airconditioner, and I do not use microwaves. Having a remote control would be a luxury, and I prefer the blue colour of a Yamaha, but for the price Champion is excellent value for money. My 2000watt was factory refurbished, free S&H and no tax. I also have a Yeti 400, and bought a Boulder 100watt briefcase solar panel kit from Earthtech for $337.00. The yeti 400 can be charged before setting out, and is totally silent, so as not to disturb others, it can also be charged by the Champion as well as solar power. Also, I did not have to struggle with figuring out how to install solar panels on the rubber roof, or drilling holes into it. Works for me.
true, the 3000 is at the limit of what i care to lift! if it weighed a few more pounds i'd be attaching a ramp to our truck's tailgate (that's how i've handled the yamaha)...
I love my champion generator! I have the 100261 its 3400/3100 watts w/ remote I added an hr timer for under$10. Very dependable gen, quite and good on gas.
Champion will give Honda and Yamaha a run for their money. I have a larger Champion as backup for my solar panels - its dual fuel. Did a couple reviews/testing here at Relentless Homesteading. They are good units and its worked well. Watching your video reminded me of the battery in my gen. - I'll have to remember to keep it charged up!! None of my other 'non-riding' engine-powered tools have electric start.
I have 3900 hrs on mine. To make it last get an hour meter and definitely change the oil every hundred (100) hours. Mine purchased in may 2016. 25 years boondocking and this is a great buy.
Long Long Honeymoon I should also note we also have the 2000 watt model. The last 2,000 we had died at 15,000 hours. Sometimes way out in the forest a long way from gas stations as a camp host, we used the smaller genny to keep batteries up. Out trailer is totally powered by inverters, we use a tesla power wall. Our fridge is a house fridge, not a tiny one. We have solar but summer time there is no sun under trees, hence small genny. But the minute we get to quartzsite to do our winter job, it's usually over a hundred, today looks like 90. And as it gets colder the 3100 makes it worth it with remote. Visit me skadden wash quartzsite az. Will be here till April.
I live in Prescott, AZ... 6000 feet above sea level and had problems with a 3200/3500 watt Champion Generator Inverter because of the altitude. Champion told me I loose 3% output for every 1000 feet above sea level, that is 18%. I was very impressed with the 3200/3500 watt model, but it would not start or run my 15,000 BTU A/C unit. To resolve my problem, I purchased 2 Champion Model 100158 generators and a 50 amp Parallel Kit from Costco... total cost, including tax was $1300. Connected in parallel, these Champions produce 6200 starting watts and 5600 running watts. I can run my A/C unit, refrigerator, microwave, TV and yes a hair dryer at 6000 feet above sea level. Running both units in economy mode my decible meter registered 64 decibels at 23 feet. If I drive 90 minutes south to the Phoenix area, I run one unit with no problems... or drive 90 minutes north, to the the Grand Canyon area and run both... 7000' to 8000' above sea level everything works... I decided to stick with Champion because of there customer service. The 3200/3500 watt unit was purchased from Cabela's... they would not take back the generator, although nothing was mentioned on my sales receipt or the page describing the generator. Champion resolved the issue in one hour.
Just got back from the Big Horns. For some reason the generator would not power the battery converter 120v AC to DC. Every thing else worked great. I had to charge the RV batteries with the truck. When I got to the house I plugged it into shore power and the converter worked great. Any Insights.
Awesome review! I love this generator! I got the same generator from Amazon two days before Xmas due to they lowered the price. I installed the Docooler hour meter (yellow to match) before running the generator. See the Cuda video on how to install. I still have less than two hours in my break-in period. I plan on completing the break-in this weekend. I even enjoyed speaking with Champion's customer service. I want to get a Gentent to be able to run it in bad weather. Gotta love that 30 amp travel trailer plug!
The UPS man delivered mine today! The other day I went thru your amazon link and picked one up for $595. Couldn't pass it up. I'd been looking at Honda's generator but was having a hard time justifying the cost. After adding oil I fired it up. Was pleasantly surprised how quiet it was. Definitely acceptable in my opinion. Like you, I have a soft tonneau cover and the generator fits under the cover with room to spare. I'm planning to chain the generator to the truck bed by wrapping the chain around the built in handles.
Is anything amiss with the Generator or anything missing? Amazon has pulled this item with this note..."Item Under Review This item is currently unavailable because customers have told us there may be something wrong with our inventory of the item, the way we are shipping it, or the way it's described here. (Thanks for the tip!) We're working to fix the problem as quickly as possible."
There was a problem with some amazon retailers being hacked. Postings where placed for the generator at a very cheap price with a not to email them. The email takes you to a scam where they try to get you to give information and pay for using an email supposedly sent to you from amazon. If you ordered directly through the amazon site, without using any email links, you should be OK. If you sent the email as requested in the description and then paid using the links from an email sent to you, you have been scammed.
I know this because I contacted one of the sellers via amazon and also sent an email to the one in the note/description. The site owner told me that they had been hacked and that they didn't even carry the generator. I then got a suspicious email saying that I needed to send information and that I would received a 'amazon url' via email that I would need to use to purchase the generator. It appears that there was a valid sale for a short period of time but that expired on Friday, May 5.
There is a new model that has parallel capability. It's also 3150/2850. Model #100477 Battery is still the same. There is a slight re-arrangement of the panel to accommodate the parallel connection.
Inspired by your oil draining paper tube, I used a length of leftover 1" PVC to do the same on my Champion 2K unit (the cube shaped one) It worked like a champion.
Sean, thanks for the great review. We just got ours Friday for 590.00 on Amazon. Was only that price for 1 day. I noticed that the oil change instructions mentioned the rubber cover on the base plate. Pop it out and it drains straight out the bottom. No paper tube needed. Who knew...
Just watched your generator video. Getting started RV camping. Great information and you two present the material in a way its like sitting around the campfire talking . Looking forward to perusing more topics. Thanks
For the price these generators are great. We have the DF 3400 unit, I wish it had remote start though. It's a bit overkill for our lance 865, but it's better to be over than under powered. We keep a splitter incase a friend needs to power their camper as well. And northern tool has the remote tank feed kit, or you can piece one together with the nice billet caps for about $35
Sean, watching the video while eating dinner. the wife was ready to get on the computer and order! great job! maybe you should pick up a trailer load of Champion generators and start doing RV show demos! :)
Curious if there are any mounting holes on the bottom if I want to mount this on a truck bed. Looking at the dual fuel model. Thanks for the great review and tests!
Great review! I bought mine last fall (paid more) from Amazon. The air cleaner cover closure was broken in transit, called Champion had a new one in a few days N/C. The offered to repair it a a service center but the housing was not hard to change. Great service, great generator ( even at the higher price). Runs 13,500 AC with no stress as your review showed.
I picked up a Champion 3500 remote start and I like it I have 2 Honda 2000 i link together but they are going to go I like the remote for the early cold mornings if you know what I mean.
Not to long ago we camped next to a 5th wheel that was using this generator to run the AC mid-day. From inside our class A we couldn't hear it running. Later I spoke with the owner about it, he highly recommended it.
Thanks for the review, just purchased the dual fuel model, which was more important then the remote start. I did use your link to make the purchase, cheers.
Thanks much Troy for buying via our link. I think you are going to like your generator! The dual fuel looks great -- I will see if I can get my hands on one, but I suspect its performance is on par with this model.
Hello to you and your wife. I am from Puerto Rico and I like your generators reviews. I see a video of Briggs Stratton where they show the Q6500 inverter generator . I will like to see your review as soon they launch it.
great review thanks for posting the sale link saved some nice money! happy trails enjoy the north east this year headed to Acadia in 13 days ourselves!
I have the Champion 3500 w/ remote start, I leave it in my truck under the cover with the exhaust pointed out. I forget it's on it is so quiet. Note: the 3500 comes with parallel ports.
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AFFILIATE LINK DISCLOSURE: Friends, making a quality Loloho video is kind of like making sausage - only slightly more violent. It's a ridiculous amount of work that typically involves high dollar camera drops, blue-screen-of-death computer crashes, and at least one angry shotgun wielding old man shouting, “Hey! Get the hell outta here!” Once the final video is posted, rewards here on TH-cam are few and far between (unless you are a masochist who enjoys being verbally abused by anonymous trolls). One saving grace is our affiliate links. JUST CLICKING THESE LINKS HELPS TO SUPPORT OUR LITTLE SHOW. Think of this clicking as like tipping - except that it doesn't cost you anything extra! If you eventually make a purchase via one of our affiliate links, we will receive a few pennies (and Sean typically invests these pennies in duct tape and video gear). Again, it doesn't cost you anything to click these links, and it's a great help to us. As always, safe travels, happy camping, and THANK YOU!
Long Long Honeymoon I enjoy your videos Sean, however, I can't find a generator recommendation anywhere. I'd like to know which one is best. It seems that Honda and Yamaha are the most expensive, followed by Briggs & Stratton, and Champion. I'm trying to decide between B&S and Champion. Which do your recommend? Thanks!
suvio get the Champion 3400 w/RV plug. I have one, the best for the money
Yes, the choke is automatic with the remote start. For manual or push-button start, you will need to engage the choke button before starting
Long Long Honeymoon. Would you review the Purewave 6500 watt inverter generator? I'm not sure if a 3500 watt is capable to run a.c. and fridge.
Why not just run frig on LP?
The wife and I purchased this very model. It has passed every test I've thrown at it. We just purchased a new RVTT with a 15K BTU AC. I saved the most important test, of them all, for last. The AC test! I fired up the generator and put the AC on. This generator didn't skip a beat. Very impressive considering some of the reviews stated it couldn't handle a 15 K AC. Also, considering the price comparisons between other makes/models I feel like I won the lottery. I wanted give a huge amount of props out to loloho for their original video which put the price word out. After watching loloho's full review video I am so glad I dropped the measly $600 for this inverter generator.
I have this. Had in storage for 4 years. 4th year gassed it up.. new battery.. clicked the remote once.. and again.. started right up. I have not one complaint about this generator. Not one. My RV trailer is in perfect hands with Champion. I have other camper neighbors asking me does it start and stop with remote. I say yes.. and they all are in WOW! This unit is the best.
Tip: instead of tipping it forward and balancing it with your fancy-pancy paper towel roll tube, there is a nut just to the right of the fill hole that is a drain plug, below it is a rubber plug in the floor that lets the oil drain right out. I lift the generator onto 4x4 blocks and use old Tupperware as a catch pan. I have the #75531i without the electric start. Love it! Champion service has been great the 2 times I've called. Once to get a high altitude jet (which was FREE) and the second time to buy air filters. Being at a higher altitude 5000+ feet, we still had to get a hard start cap for the AC, no problems since. Only thing I don't care for are the wheels. On the pavement they are great but in dirt or sand you drag the whole unit. Very little clearance back there. Thank you for making great videos!
Mine came with a short black hose connected to the base of the motor and to a plug stop above the fill pipe. There is a hose clamp on this that you squeeze to release the hose and point it down and the oil drains out. I don't know if they all have them but you could see it in this video to the right of Sean's modified drain funnel!
LOL
Sean, I love our show and watch it all the time and will continue! I purchased the Champion 75537i 2.5 years ago and got a lemon. Beware the warranty is only good for service only and not replacement or money back. The generator has been to the service shop 5 times and still having issues starting and running, repairs have been many. I asked for money back or replacement and was told it is a service warranty only by Champion, I asked what happens if generator is not working properly by this July 21 and was told I would still have my generator it will not be replaced or repaired any longer.
I bought this model last year after much research. I have a 2016 jayco with a 15k ac unit, and used this all last year as we traveled the country. I bought a 30amp ext cable that i leave connected to the gen in the truck, then when I want to hook up I can just unwind the ext cord and plug in to the rv without having to pull put the rv cord from camper side. This will run my AC, tv, fridge and mini fridge easily. It will almost run my 900 watt microwave at the same time too, but it overloads after 15 to 20 seconds, so I dont try that anymore after the initial test. Great gen, highly recommend.
I've had this generator for about a year now and I love it. Runs my A/C just fine. Very quiet and works great!! You will love it.
after hurricane Maria hit my island I've using the generator non stop for 71 days now more than 8 hours a day no problems so far. works great. definitely would recomended
Great review! I have the 3500w champion just like this, it's color scheme is a bit different. It is great! I just got back from a 3 week trip, used it several days, very easy on gas and the remote start is awesome!!! It's in the pickup bed under a tonue cover, all I did was fold back the 1/3 of the rear of it, exhaust is pointed back and run it in there. When it was raining, I kept the cover over it and lowered the tail gate.. Champion is great I had one of their open frame genies before and then bought this one. You can't go wrong with these!! When using the electric start the choke is fully automatic, no need to fiddle with anything. Enjoy! W
I like how you did a general real world test, talked about how champion is stepping up there game in the rv world. .anyone looking for test done in a sound proof room who cares about every single decimal, and guys wearing white lab coats is going to be real unhappy when they pull up to the campground with kids yelling and playing, golf carts going by, and the drunk couples next to them being loud until midnight. ..maybe just maybe Seans test was the one that mattered! great video seriously loved it guys!
I bought the dual fuel version and ONLY run it on propane. That way it never smells like gasoline! So we can transport it in the back seat area of our truck plus when not traveling, store it in the garage and not worry about gasoline fumes/odors. Plus, it runs for about 14 hours on a tank of propane! Love this generator! Highly recommend it!
Even though I had issues right out of the box the gentleman at Champion is working with me to resolve the issue. I have to say the customer service at Champion (so far) is second to none.
Love the champion generators. We have the 3400/3100 version. I added an extended run tank Nd hour meter. We also added a easy start mod, not hard start , from micro air.to our ac unit. Best thing we have ever done reduces required starting amps by 60 percent. Well worth a look. Love the channel
i really appreciate your testing, and showing us this great tool. We have paid over $10,000 for our internal 5 broken down inverter Onan in 10 years.
we have had to pay to stay, instead of boondock/so the genset has actually costs us literally weeks to fix, and lost months of camping.
We have yet to be able to use AC consistently without worrying about our dogs dying (15 to 30 minutes in a grocery store when there is no shade, 95 degrees, and we physically both must get groceries . all we ask is for a genset to work !] so your unbiased human testing is so valued! We have fought with Onan, followrd every rule procedures...and we still can't trust the machine. Service folks are wonderful, but if you cannot be safe -what is the point? so many thank yous!
I have checked this one out and have a Chevy Silverado pulling a 5th wheel. It will sit in the back left corner of the box with the tailgate closed. Also I can run my two 30 amp cables and run from the back of the trailer plug-in up to the truck without having to unhook or unload the generator if you were stopping somewhere on the road overnight and needed to run it. I’ve checked and think this is the best unit. They also make a dual fuel unit that runs on either gasoline or propane but it doesn’t have remote start. Great video and thorough test.
I have been using this generator for 2 years. no complaints from me.
This is a great generator. I've owned it for a year and a half. I full-time boondocked with it and used it to recharge my 750 amp hour lithium battery bank running it for 5-8 hours a day, every day for around 5 months. The only problem I had with it was the spark plug seemed to have been cross threaded at the factory. When I removed the spark plug for the first time, the threads came out with it. Champion took care of me by sending me a new head, head gasket and valve cover gasket no questions asked, totally free. I installed it all myself and haven't had a problem since. It still starts first pull. Oh, I do pull start it because the battery that came with it only lasted a few months and stopped taking a charge.
I want you to know out of all the generator test videos on you tube. YOU'S IS THE VERY BEST OUT THERE THAT I'VE SEEN ! You answered every question that could be asked THANK YOU SEAN !
You have a great sense of humor! Foliage and leaves act as a sound studio Anechoic Chamber. They absorb, deflect and break up sound waves. If you would put that Champion, between three trees just off your driveway, that could shave 7-10 DB's right off. Even better, is a bush or bushes surrounding the running unit, with the exhaust port not right on the foliage. Stuff like that, really can be messed around by the owners... :)
So I watched the whole video on the fence about this brand generator until you finally said, DUEL FUEL! I will have one of these on the way very soon. Finally a competitively priced generator with all the fetures I want.
The issue was that the control plug was not attached to the control board causing it to over rev (run past top recommended speed) causing the exhaust and engine to become excessively hot. When draining oil to send back to Champion I found the control board was never installed properly (just thrown in the back of the unit. Bad day for the assembly guy and QC. These things happen. Champion CS gentleman was going to use the pictures I sent to the assembly plant to improve QC. Nothing is perfect especially when dealing with people/employees. I appreciate Champion working with me to resolve this issue. Excellent communication and understanding.
Thanks much for your update, that is very good to hear. When we got our generator, I had a question (not really a problem, but a question) for Champion customer service. I was trying to ensure that I had received everything in the box that I was supposed to receive. My experience with customer service was similar to yours. Not only did they answer my question in a timely fashion (and yes, I had received all I was owed), they sent me a complimentary generator cover as a goodwill gesture!
Have owned a champion 3100 for 6 years. It still starts with 1-2 pulls and runs without problems. Manual start means you save about 15lbs in the weight. It isnt as quiet as a Honda or Yamaha but the difference is slight. Ive never had a fellow camper complain about noise. The advantage is I got my unit on sale at Costco for $600
I just purchased this very model from Amazon after doing some extensive research. Between it and the other two generators you have done reviews on. I chose this model because of the duel start option, lower profile and being 30 amp ready. And the affordable price.
Thank you for taking the time to review this! I was a bit nervous considering we have yet to use it!
Is anything amiss with the Generator or anything missing? Amazon has stopped selling it (5/10/17) with this note..."Item Under Review This item is currently unavailable because customers have told us there may be something wrong with our inventory of the item, the way we are shipping it, or the way it's described here. (Thanks for the tip!)
We're working to fix the problem as quickly as possible."
I believe this is because Amazon was refusing to ship to California. I mentioned it to Champion yesterday (5/10) and they were going to look into it. Not sure why it is taking so long to fix the listing however.
Nice review! Been running this model for about a year. It has powered our 35 foot travel trailer through storms and several boondocking trips. We have 50A service so we use the "dog bone" to step down to 30A keeping in mind to use only one air conditioner at a time. Quick tip... there is no need to worry about operating the choke when using the remote. Looking at the manual today I discovered that when using the remote, the choke operates by itself. I find it easier to just use the remote to start it all the time.
I got this back in April. Worked great on our trip to Oklahoma. When I say boondocking it was the true meaning of the word. Had no problem running a/c on my camper.
Since we have a 15K btu a/c in our travel trailer I contacted Champion about whether to buy the 3,100 or something bigger. They recommended the 3,400 watt, so we purchased the 3,400 (model 100261) remote start inverter generator. Works like a Champion (pun intended) to run our entire trailer, including the 15K btu a/c. It is proving to be rock solid and dependable. We recommend it.
We have never seen a more comprehensive review video. We are so impressed! Thank you.
Thanks, I'm installing an hour meter in this unit this week. Subscribe and you'll catch the video when it drops!
I think your review is one the best I have seen yet ! I purchase one of these a few years back and sold it with our motor home, as a matter of fact that’s one of the reasons it was sold . I have a generator on my RV and I will buy one because of the quietness of this unit compare to my on board generator. You did a great job on this review it confirmed my decision to purchase this unit.
Wire an "easy start " into AC and, start up Amps for AC are cut down by 50-70%....great review and testing! Real world conditions! Nice job you guys!
This is awesome thanks for doing this! I pick this model up at Cabelas for $599 down from $1400! Cant wait to fire it up this weekend!
I have the 3400W remote start used it last year for 30-days straight worked well stayed in the truck bed never took it out. Purchased the new 3400W dual fuel unit keeping the other one so I have two generators that I can run with the champion parallel kit if ever needed. What I’ve noticed, fewer exhaust fumes are produced while running on propane this is a BIG advantage. With no liquid fuel in the tank, it’s also lighter when lifting as well, I never plan on putting liquid fuel in the dual fuel unit. Dual fuel is the way to go for sure.
I really enjoy your informative videos and the husband/wife team presentation is awesome! This video was especially insightful for me because you stated that you bought it yourself. My wife and I are concerned that some of your prior videos may be tainted because you received the item you evaluate as a "gift". Objectivity is very important to us and we hope that you will keep your assessments independent, as in this video. Overall, you are doing a great job! Thanks for all that you do and we do follow you regularly!
Nice video and generator demo. My big problem with generators is the noise! Go into any campsite that allows generators, and if there are several RV'ers running them during the allotted time slots, you have one helluva ruckus! And of course, sound carries even further on a still night in a quiet place. That's where solar, LP & three huge lithium battery blocks make a whole lot of difference, and creates a far more peaceful and respectful camping/RV experience. Better for stealth camping too!
For that reason, I don't own or use a generator. But I had to check out your video. My two cents.
Happy trails!
Cheers from Montréal.
I think that was an excellent and practical review. Very good insight near the end of the video with regard to competitive forces...needed in virtually every area in the RV industry.
Thanks for getting your review out so fast. We love ours. Don't forget champion sells a cover made to fit exactly. allot better than the one size fits all and they are reasonable. Great review Thanks again
We took this generator to Alaska and it was awesome. It never skipped a beat. I have to admit we never used the a/c.
For anyone that has a generator without an hour meter, you can find them on Amazon for less than $12. I purchased one that does hours, maintenance hours and RPMs for $11. They are a great help in remembering when oil checks or changes are due. Very easy to install. You just wrap the attached wire around the spark plug wire 3-4 times.
we love ours and there is one little thing on this model, that we learned the hard hard way. Since it is all electronic the choker will not work when the battery is drain, no matter how many times you crank it and the bottom is on the "on position". You will need to open the back door and manually turn the choker. It is on the manual but I didn't read until the next hot day. I hope this is a good tip so you don't go nuts like we did :)
Dude thanks for that info...I left that stupid switch on and killed my battery. Had to use that inverter they give you to get enough power(from my truck) to start it.
+DeNifty1 thanks George, brilliant tip. I will keep it in mind. 👍
(btw that was to crank start it)
There is a manual choke. Just take back cover off look on the right side yellow lever. After it starts plug charger that came with it to charge battery back up.
Really liked your review. Just got mine on 5/9 from Amazon and watched every review I could find. This one beats them all! Kind of surprising seeing how this is probably one of the best camping/RV generators available. Another great thing you didn't mention is Champion's customer service. I asked about a high altitude kit before I even received the generator and they sent one right out. Had a few other questions and they always respond within a few hours (and in plain english). Also for those needing an auxiliary tank be sure to google this as you can get all the parts needed for much less then the assembled 3rd party product.
Just went for a test night out with my new travel trailer and generator. Didn't need it until this morning when my battery was dead on the tow vehicle. First time I've ever run it down like that and luckily I threw in the charging cables. The Champion got me going without having to beg someone for a jump so it's already paying for itself.
glad it is working for you!
Great review. I bought the 3500 watt model about 10 months ago. I have a 15K AC and was worried about running it. No problem (at the Grand Canyon in July 😎). Did have the choke switch break, but Champion sent a new one in a week. Great customer service. Also just put an hour meter on it like you said and was very easy. The remote start works great from inside our trailer quite well. Like the review and keep them coming.
I had a champion 2000 for six years now, never had any problem with it, a gallon of gas last about 8 to 11 hours,depending on the load,its great.
RVGenset and all of your generator reviews were very helpful in our search for the right generator. We ended up going with this one (and used your link). Looking forward to camping with it soon!
+Kai Lindland Thanks much! I think you will enjoy this unit. We will be posting updates on ours soon. 👍
Had for over a year, absolutely love it, runs my AC for 6-7 hours
Big fan of your site. I've been camping with others and knew a lot already, but you guys seem to have a lot of useful tips. We've taken our travel trailer on its first long distance trip. Buffalo NY to Bristol TN and back. We had an electric site in TN and didn't need a generator, but will on future trips. After watching this review I think we're going to go with a Champion like the one you are using. The review was perfect, it was a real world sound test. While camping somewhere I might point the generators exhaust away and maybe even do a small peace of plywood leaned against a tree as a sound blocker.
Great, comprehensive, real-world review. It's nice to see that the sounds levels were very close to Champion's claim. I just bought one of these a week or so ago and can't wait to use it over Memorial Day. I went with the non-remote start version though. Saved a few bucks and a few pounds.
My next purchase it a Genny. Was going to buy 2 2000 and join them, but, you sold me on this model instead. Thanks Loloho!
Got mine last week, a little louder than expected, but I didn't know what to expect. It is my first generator. By the way, what's the etiquette using a generator at a Walmart or truck setup? Should I run it overnight on those hot summer nights?
The dual fuel model interests us because with the generator is sitting on the bed of the truck the propane fuel line can be connected to the front quick port of the Airstream to tap from your propane tanks, which can help extend your dry camping session once the gasoline tank is empty and we need a bit more fuel to top off those batteries.
I have the remote model. I set up the coffee maker to start as soon as it gets power. When it is 12 degrees outside it is so nice to stick my hand up from my toasty sleeping bag, push a button and voila! Coffee on the way.
Thanks guys! Great timing. My generator was delivered today. I'll break it in this weekend.
I hope that some day, someone will make a generator like this with all the features this one has that will run on propane. Good review, Sean. Glad to see Champion is in the game and competing with Honda and Yamaha.
Seems I spoke too soon - they do make this unit to run on propane. Nice. Very nice. Outstanding review Sean!
Thanks Tod, yep the dual fuel option looks great!
This is a great genny as I have had it for a year and done 2 vids on it.. Great choice of Gen.. LoLoHo..Stop The Madness Start The Adventure
Agreed I also have this generator but without the remote start works great.
Thanks, really looking forward to using it this summer!
very well done. anyone wanting more info needs a job or a hobby. only thing I didn't here was your opinion of value compared to other generators. would love to see Kristi start the unit with no instruction, no manual just walk up and start it. that's a real test.
haha sounds like a good test to me! we'll give it a shot.
One of the great things about older vids on you tube is the timeless info they supply. I just unboxed and used my brand new 3500 champion Inverter. I used it on our trip last week that lasted 5 days, thats where I un boxed it, out in the desert. Wow I am so happy with it. Now I own a champion 4000 this new gen is replacing, that monster non inverter type gen can power Arizona power grid (just kidding) but what a difference in these two gens, My 4000 has been real dependable and other than noise its been a very good gen. But this new one ....................Michael
Thanks, working on a new vid about Champion inverters right now!
I also bought, I know what am I going to do with all these gens? a sportsman 1000 watt inverter gen from Target free shipping. Check all the reviews on you tube, add my thinking they are great, (now lets see how long it will last???????) I got the gen on sale 168 dollars. No way less than 200 hundred for a silent 1000 watt inverter gen, that will run 8 hours on a half gallon of gas? The sportsman puts out the same noise (loud wise ) as my 25 year old 900 dollar Yamaha inverter 1000. Bad part, its made in china. But wait so is my Yamaha 1000, and my Honda 2000, also my champion. I did sell the Honda 2000 last week though. Did I mention the sportsman 1000 weighs just 20 pounds??????
My new Champion with remote electric start and stop 3500 is now my go to gen for A/C micro wave stuff. Also not to spill any of LLH info on his upcoming video, you can not get remote electric start with the duel fuel Champion gens. Why? Because you have to turn the propane off to stop the duel fuel while running on propane, a safety thing.......The Yamaha 1000 does the job 90 percent of the time for me, as power is really not much in demand, camping. The new sportsman will take over for the Yamaha just to see if it will last awhile. Imagine 1000 watts of power on demand 24-7 you cant hear, that runs 8 hours on a tank of gas (1/2 gallon) that weighs way less than half the weight of just one battery from a 10,000 dollar solar set up that only will put out 650 watts of power in direct sunlight.............. For less than 200 bucks????? Keep up the great vids you and wife make, Its nice not to watch political action stuff, although I do love Trump ....................Michael
Nice review. I have this exact model and agree with everything. Only issues i have had are that my battery got weak and would not start the unit. I then checked the battery and found that the cells were low on water. I filled them with distilled water, and then put the battery on a trickle charger. That did the trick.
Only other issue was that during very hot weather my unit went into thermal protection mode and shut down. It needs shade and some good ventilation. Love this unit and remote key-fob shutoff and start.
Just bought this same generator for our RV a week ago. We previously had the 2000W model, which is very quiet. I was pleasantly surprised how quiet a 3100W generator was!
Is anything amiss with the Generator or anything missing? Amazon has stopped selling it (5/10/17) with this note..."Item Under Review This item is currently unavailable because customers have told us there may be something wrong with our inventory of the item, the way we are shipping it, or the way it's described here. (Thanks for the tip!)
We're working to fix the problem as quickly as possible."
No, everything was there.. and arrived just fine.
Thanks. I appreciate the reply. I also received a reply from someone else that I will copy here...
"There was a problem with some amazon retailers being hacked. Postings where placed for the generator at a very cheap price with a not to email them. The email takes you to a scam where they try to get you to give information and pay for using an email supposedly sent to you from amazon. If you ordered directly through the amazon site, without using any email links, you should be OK. If you sent the email as requested in the description and then paid using the links from an email sent to you, you have been scammed. I know this because I contacted one of the sellers via amazon and also sent an email to the one in the note/description. The site owner told me that they had been hacked and that they didn't even carry the generator. I then got a suspicious email saying that I needed to send information and that I would received a 'amazon url' via email that I would need to use to purchase the generator. It appears that there was a valid sale for a short period of time but that expired on Friday, May 5."
Yikes! Yes, the price on the non remote start has jumped up by $350! In a previous video Sean had mentioned this generator and I picked mine up on the third, was a steal at $625 for the remote start unit and free shipping!
We received ours on May 8th. Yesterday we un-boxed it. We heard a rattle inside, rolled it around to find two square nut washers. I took photos of them and contacted Champion service. The technician didn't know where they went. At first he thought they were part of the battery connector, but these are too big. We took the muffler side panel off to look inside. NOTE: To remove this cover, you have to un-snap the right handle cover. To do this, press the top corners with a screw driver, otherwise the cover breaks. After opening the side we found that the two nut washers are for the bottom screws to go into. The factory didn't have them connected because the bottom (black plastic) was bowed inward so that they didn't line up to the screws. We ended up attaching a vise grip to the nut in the center of the rubber feet and pulled out the bowed base while someone connected the screw to the nut. We did the same to the other screw pulling out the base with the nut. We were very happy with the customer service from Champion. He told us to remove the cover to look inside. Doing that, my husband broke the handle cover. Champion is sending us a new cover and offered to send a new base that wasn't warped. We turned down the offer for the new base. Also, if you plan to use the generator at a high altitude you will need a high altitude fuel jet. We live at 7500' so while I had Champion on the phone, I ordered the fuel jet. These are on backorder. Champion will furnish one for free.
I received mine yesterday. Started right up with the remote with the second push of the start button. I ran it under two different loads for two hours yesterday as part of the five hour break in. The hardest thing to do setting it up was getting the battery cables tucked back inside the case without mangling them. I'll finish up the break in period today and change the oil. As for the loudness, I have to say it doesn't seem any louder than my Honda 2000i. I think I'll start them both up today side by side, and compare them just to see which one sounds louder with the same load. So far so good.
I will be interested to hear how it compares to your Honda 2000i. Eventually I'll need to get my hands on a Honda for review & testing (but a man can only own so many generators, lol).
This was a totally unscientific test. I ran them side by side both in full mode and in economy mode. I put the same load (1100 watt and 750 watt heat gun) on each one. While doing this I stood between them both not more than two feet from them. To my ear the Honda "sounds" quieter no matter the load. I contribute that to it just having a smaller motor. The Champion has a more throaty sound to it. In my opinion however the difference is not all that great. You can pretty much have a conversation right next to either of these generators without having to raise your voice much at all. The additional features and additional output of the Champion over the Honda 2000i for the price I paid for it outweighs the small difference in perceived noise level. Your mileage may very.
Great review Sean. This was my choice when I got my TT a few months ago. Cost was the main reason. Love that it comes with a RV plug and the remote rocks. I can start it from within the TT without having to go out and point it at the gen. I have no on board surge protection in my older TT so it was suggested by an RV mechanic that I also run a surge protector whenever I plug into anything powering my TT, including a gen. Might be over kill, but being new to this world…
Great review! I have this exact model and just don't know how I would get by without it. Thank You for taking the time to do a practical and real-world sound test. I don't camp in a sound proof hyperbolic chamber. Keep up the great work!
haha, exactly, thanks!
I think you have sold me on this unit! Currently have a 2200 watt generator but should have saved for this. Thank you for the awesome review. I was going to purchase it off of your Amazon link but it seems Amazon has pulled the unit with wireless start. Thanks again and look forward to your next video!
OK Sean, I have a 2000watt Champion inverter generator, whilst a big strong husky lad like you can easily toss the larger one you demonstrated, some of us find the weight more than we can manage. I find the 2000watt Champion easier to handle. I made a DIY swamp cooler which works using a small fan, as my RV does not have an airconditioner, and I do not use microwaves. Having a remote control would be a luxury, and I prefer the blue colour of a Yamaha, but for the price Champion is excellent value for money. My 2000watt was factory refurbished, free S&H and no tax. I also have a Yeti 400, and bought a Boulder 100watt briefcase solar panel kit from Earthtech for $337.00. The yeti 400 can be charged before setting out, and is totally silent, so as not to disturb others, it can also be charged by the Champion as well as solar power. Also, I did not have to struggle with figuring out how to install solar panels on the rubber roof, or drilling holes into it. Works for me.
true, the 3000 is at the limit of what i care to lift! if it weighed a few more pounds i'd be attaching a ramp to our truck's tailgate (that's how i've handled the yamaha)...
I love my champion generator! I have the 100261 its 3400/3100 watts w/ remote I added an hr timer for under$10. Very dependable gen, quite and good on gas.
Perfect timing Sean. My 75537i just arrived today.
Don't apologize, you're doing great.
Nice review. Most helpful I have seen in over a hundred watched and only one I gave a thumbs up. Nice job.
Thanks, we still use this generator and love it!
Champion will give Honda and Yamaha a run for their money. I have a larger Champion as backup for my solar panels - its dual fuel. Did a couple reviews/testing here at Relentless Homesteading. They are good units and its worked well.
Watching your video reminded me of the battery in my gen. - I'll have to remember to keep it charged up!! None of my other 'non-riding' engine-powered tools have electric start.
I have 3900 hrs on mine. To make it last get an hour meter and definitely change the oil every hundred (100) hours. Mine purchased in may 2016. 25 years boondocking and this is a great buy.
Thanks for your report. We have installed an hour meter in ours as well. I do think this generator is an excellent choice.
Long Long Honeymoon I should also note we also have the 2000 watt model. The last 2,000 we had died at 15,000 hours. Sometimes way out in the forest a long way from gas stations as a camp host, we used the smaller genny to keep batteries up. Out trailer is totally powered by inverters, we use a tesla power wall. Our fridge is a house fridge, not a tiny one. We have solar but summer time there is no sun under trees, hence small genny. But the minute we get to quartzsite to do our winter job, it's usually over a hundred, today looks like 90. And as it gets colder the 3100 makes it worth it with remote. Visit me skadden wash quartzsite az. Will be here till April.
I rent one like this all the time. I like it. Haven't tried it under AC load on really hot day yet though.
Thanks for the excellent review. I bought the 3400 recently and I'm very excited to use it
I thought this was a very good review. I also love the way video calls out the people that like to nitpick when it comes to noise testing
I live in Prescott, AZ... 6000 feet above sea level and had problems with a 3200/3500 watt Champion Generator Inverter because of the altitude. Champion told me I loose 3% output for every 1000 feet above sea level, that is 18%. I was very impressed with the 3200/3500 watt model, but it would not start or run my 15,000 BTU A/C unit. To resolve my problem, I purchased 2 Champion Model 100158 generators and a 50 amp Parallel Kit from Costco... total cost, including tax was $1300. Connected in parallel, these Champions produce 6200 starting watts and 5600 running watts. I can run my A/C unit, refrigerator, microwave, TV and yes a hair dryer at 6000 feet above sea level. Running both units in economy mode my decible meter registered 64 decibels at 23 feet. If I drive 90 minutes south to the Phoenix area, I run one unit with no problems... or drive 90 minutes north, to the the Grand Canyon area and run both... 7000' to 8000' above sea level everything works... I decided to stick with Champion because of there customer service. The 3200/3500 watt unit was purchased from Cabela's... they would not take back the generator, although nothing was mentioned on my sales receipt or the page describing the generator. Champion resolved the issue in one hour.
Very informative, thanks for your reply as I was looking for just this kind of information.
It would be cheaper for you if had install a hard start capacitor on your ac..cost ? $10.00
I really appreciate you buying this generator just to give your viewers this valuable information, thanks!!!
Well done. Thank you!
Sean, great review. I have been looking at this brand saw a couple reviews but yours was the best out there!
Nice video as always. I keep mine chained up within 3ft of the camper so quietness is important.
Just got back from the Big Horns. For some reason the generator would not power the battery converter 120v AC to DC. Every thing else worked great. I had to charge the RV batteries with the truck. When I got to the house I plugged it into shore power and the converter worked great. Any Insights.
Good video, I think seeing/hearing this in real life scenario is nice. I do like the dual fuel concept. thx
bought mine because of your video, love it. thank you.
Awesome review! I love this generator! I got the same generator from Amazon two days before Xmas due to they lowered the price. I installed the Docooler hour meter (yellow to match) before running the generator. See the Cuda video on how to install. I still have less than two hours in my break-in period. I plan on completing the break-in this weekend. I even enjoyed speaking with Champion's customer service. I want to get a Gentent to be able to run it in bad weather. Gotta love that 30 amp travel trailer plug!
The UPS man delivered mine today! The other day I went thru your amazon link and picked one up for $595. Couldn't pass it up. I'd been looking at Honda's generator but was having a hard time justifying the cost. After adding oil I fired it up. Was pleasantly surprised how quiet it was. Definitely acceptable in my opinion. Like you, I have a soft tonneau cover and the generator fits under the cover with room to spare. I'm planning to chain the generator to the truck bed by wrapping the chain around the built in handles.
Congrats on getting the deal of the decade, and thanks for buying through our link. Amazon doesn't even have it in stock right now!
Tried to buy one. Amazon won't ship to CA. Go figure.
Is anything amiss with the Generator or anything missing? Amazon has pulled this item with this note..."Item Under Review This item is currently unavailable because customers have told us there may be something wrong with our inventory of the item, the way we are shipping it, or the way it's described here. (Thanks for the tip!)
We're working to fix the problem as quickly as possible."
There was a problem with some amazon retailers being hacked. Postings where placed for the generator at a very cheap price with a not to email them. The email takes you to a scam where they try to get you to give information and pay for using an email supposedly sent to you from amazon. If you ordered directly through the amazon site, without using any email links, you should be OK. If you sent the email as requested in the description and then paid using the links from an email sent to you, you have been scammed.
I know this because I contacted one of the sellers via amazon and also sent an email to the one in the note/description. The site owner told me that they had been hacked and that they didn't even carry the generator. I then got a suspicious email saying that I needed to send information and that I would received a 'amazon url' via email that I would need to use to purchase the generator.
It appears that there was a valid sale for a short period of time but that expired on Friday, May 5.
There is a new model that has parallel capability. It's also 3150/2850. Model #100477 Battery is still the same. There is a slight re-arrangement of the panel to accommodate the parallel connection.
Inspired by your oil draining paper tube, I used a length of leftover 1" PVC to do the same on my Champion 2K unit (the cube shaped one)
It worked like a champion.
PVC is the premium model! You one percenter! ;)
Sean, thanks for the great review. We just got ours Friday for 590.00 on Amazon. Was only that price for 1 day. I noticed that the oil change instructions mentioned the rubber cover on the base plate. Pop it out and it drains straight out the bottom. No paper tube needed. Who knew...
Just watched your generator video. Getting started RV camping. Great information and you two present the material in a way its like sitting around the campfire talking . Looking forward to perusing more topics. Thanks
thanks, really appreciate your campfire comment!
For the price these generators are great. We have the DF 3400 unit, I wish it had remote start though. It's a bit overkill for our lance 865, but it's better to be over than under powered. We keep a splitter incase a friend needs to power their camper as well.
And northern tool has the remote tank feed kit, or you can piece one together with the nice billet caps for about $35
Sean, watching the video while eating dinner. the wife was ready to get on the computer and order! great job! maybe you should pick up a trailer load of Champion generators and start doing RV show demos! :)
I just bought the same trailer and appreciate the "real world" test.
Thank you.
Curious if there are any mounting holes on the bottom if I want to mount this on a truck bed. Looking at the dual fuel model. Thanks for the great review and tests!
Bought one at cabela's last fall, love it . Les than half the price of Honda/Yamaha
Thank you very much. Just ordered one. Been looking for a generator for our camper and this portable seems to meet our need. Love your videos!
Great review! I bought mine last fall (paid more) from Amazon. The air cleaner cover closure was broken in transit, called Champion had a new one in a few days N/C. The offered to repair it a a service center but the housing was not hard to change. Great service, great generator ( even at the higher price). Runs 13,500 AC with no stress as your review showed.
I picked up a Champion 3500 remote start and I like it I have 2 Honda 2000 i link together but they are going to go I like the remote for the early cold mornings if you know what I mean.
Have the 100263 dual fuel, love it.
Your sound test is perfect.
Sean .Apparently NASA was so impressed with your methodology of testing - they are rewriting thier manuals !😁
Not to long ago we camped next to a 5th wheel that was using this generator to run the AC mid-day. From inside our class A we couldn't hear it running. Later I spoke with the owner about it, he highly recommended it.
Thanks for the review, just purchased the dual fuel model, which was more important then the remote start. I did use your link to make the purchase, cheers.
Thanks much Troy for buying via our link. I think you are going to like your generator! The dual fuel looks great -- I will see if I can get my hands on one, but I suspect its performance is on par with this model.
It was really helpful that you put the links to all the different models, well done.
Thanks for the review! I like the new towing mirrors on the powerstroke! 😀
got one a couple of years ago love it easy start . is a bit heavy loading in to truck box but not bad .
Hello to you and your wife. I am from Puerto Rico and I like your generators reviews. I see a video of Briggs Stratton where they show the Q6500 inverter generator . I will like to see your review as soon they launch it.
great review thanks for posting the sale link saved some nice money! happy trails enjoy the north east this year headed to Acadia in 13 days ourselves!
I have the Champion 3500 w/ remote start, I leave it in my truck under the cover with the exhaust pointed out. I forget it's on it is so quiet. Note: the 3500 comes with parallel ports.