Didn't even know Champion had this out, and I must say, the company be having the best looking gas generators out there thats packed wit tons of features.
This uni has some great advantages. A little pricey - but no generator motor maintenance, no other inverter required, no furl costs; and it fits nicely in the backseat!
One thing that we have found with these units ( ours is a Bluetti) is that the internal inverters have a high rate of self consumption. Our Bluetti will discharge itself (700 watt hours) in less than 24 hours with nothing plugged in if you leave the outlets energized. We charge ours using the AC brick from our permanent solar installation. Our main installation has 7000 watt hours and our secondary installation has 2400 watt hours. So our little power station doesn’t tax it. That unit will certainly tax a good sized solar installation. It would be great you could test the self consumption with nothing plugged in but all outlets on. Another great video!
Thanks, great point about the self-consumption. I will do some more videos on this topic for sure. These power stations have sorta become my niche. Appreciate your comment!
I bought a Viair compressor when I first started traveling with my RV. That was 4 years ago. I have never once used it. It cost a lot and takes up room. Takes forever to pump up a tire. When I check my tire air pressure they usually need maybe five pounds or less. Much easier to use my bike air pump than going through the effort of digging out the compressor and hooking it up. And now you can buy a Tire Inflator Portable Air Compressor Pump 150PSI 12V DC/110V AC with Dual Metal Motors &LED Light for around $26. Faster, cheaper, easier to store.
Champion will try to play catch-up but with so many great solutions from new upstarts (or startups) they might have just met their “Kodak moment”. Very few horse carriage companies ended up successfully transitioning to cars. I wish them the best but if they don’t fix the slow charging and offer more compelling prices, competition is going to kill them 😬
Yes, I have seen other power stations that can ingest more than 1000 W when recharging. I’m surprised that this one is not faster, although some people have suggested that the slower recharge may help extend the battery life. I’m not sure about that point.
@@LongLongHoneymoon The best of the other power stations are LiFePO4 battery-based. That is why they have not only shorter recharge times, but also longer life-spans.
Fair review Thanks. I’m chuckling thinking of everything you have reviewed and demonstrated then placed in your trucks back seat. After all the years of great items you would need a dump truck bed to hold them all now. We have the Honda 2200 570 of Lithium in trailer but our Jackery 2000 rides in our truck and gets used a lot for outside air fryer cooking and as a quite backup.
6:54 Ford F-150 power boost delivers 7200 k any where anytime quietly,runs our RV on 1/4 gallon gas per hour combined with the on board lithium,No lifting no charging no gas to spill !
Exactly! Not a generator, but nice, anyhow. Where we live, it is incredibly dusty, so flaps would be welcome! I bought a 1000 W Jackery with solar panels. I also have a real 3000 W generator for the RV that i have never needed, and one 3600 W for the cabin. The gens keep us and the fridge happy during extended outages. But, actually, except for a rare time camping, and shorter outages, the power station is rarely used. The generators only about twice a year. However, in a world of unpredictable everything, i am not getting rid of them! Thank you for all of this info. It really helped my understanding, and get a laugh, too.
Thanks, glad you enjoyed it! Yes, I agree that the best case scenario is to have both (gas/propane & lithium). I sleep a little better at night with more bases covered.
At Time Stamp 17:23, you are talking about a power port. I thought you were refering to 1 on the Champion. It threw me when I see "Passenger Airbag" next to the port. It took me about 30 sec, to realize that picture is of your truck dash. Not the Champion unit. All is right in the universe now. ☺
where is miss loloho ? not kidding anymore, love your vids, even if it's sometimes subjects I well know, it's always cool to see another side of the question !!! your vids are well tought and prepared for multiple side of view ! keep the good work, I'm always lookin' for your new vids !! as for power I've seen times when I had to plug in my truck running just to close my awning... I'm learning as I go along, and listening to your clips!!!! If I made some mistakes in sentences forms or spelling please excuse me as I'm a french speaking from Quebec!!! Ring a bell if you think coming to my canada zone, I might practice my english a little more. :)
The DC input is an Anderson Power Pole (APP) connector used extensively by amateur radio operators. There is one on the DC output group also. MC4 solar to APP connectors are readily available from Amazon or amateur radio supply stores. What type of Lithium battery chemistry is Champion using? I have enjoyed your videos for many years!
It’s important to note that while these are both Anderson PP connections they are not interchangeable the way they are setup. The output would be compatible with Ham gear as it is in the typical ARES/RACES side by side configuration with 12v output. The input is in a stacked configuration that is typically of solar setups and has a variable input voltage.
Down the road if more places demand lithium power can't fight them but join them. At a first run at this is a pretty good versatile power supply. Looks robust and does the job. You never know if an alternative power source is just around the corner that'll knock the socks off everything available up to date.
most other solar generators have 2500+ cycles. It would also be nice to know if the solar charger was pwm or mppt. i think Champion is a little late to the party, but if they can quickly make improvements, this could be a good option
It's an auxiliary 12 volt port a cigarette lighter style plug has a ceramic center in a all metal barrel and will handle 12 volt cooking devices which draws more power and produces more heat
Thanks for the review, it’s an interesting product. I love both my Champion dual fuel generators but don’t think this would be worth hauling around for me. I’ve seen plenty of other people using similar products though, so I’m sure there’s a market for them. The warning decals are insane, LOL, nothing like a decal with no words telling you to read the instructions. 🙄
Lol in this case, reading, the manual was pretty important. I tried to include a couple of things I discovered in this video. For example, you need to tap the on off button quickly to turn on the AC outlets. That’s some thing that is not immediately apparent at all. Also, pairing the expansion battery requires consulting the manual. It’s not simply plug and play. Thanks a lot for watching and for your comment Steph. 🙏
Around 9:09 you say it has solar standard MC4 connectors. No, it has Anderson connection. Adaptor cables are available at Amazon etc. I would always travel with an adapter in case you need to use someone's larger panel. Then again, a warranty of 1000 cycles means this is a lithium cobalt battery...old school. Always get lithium iron (LFP) batteries...much safer, and around 5x the life.
Question, if you cant store it outside, inside your truck or rv, where do you store it? like do you mean when the weather is cold? or can you put it in a plastic tub outside cut the holes to plug the cords in? or is it because the lithium battery cant get cold?
If it takes 9 hours to charge it with 110v, how long would it take to charge with portable solar? This only makes sense for weekend tent campers, most rv’s already have the power systems they need. Personally I get by with 2 LA batteries, 200w of portable solar, and a rarely used Honda generator. Even if they do ban portable generators, it would make more sense to use a dc-dc charger off your tow vehicle.
Silence is golden in long term power outage using a gas generator you'll hear it stop so you grab the gas can or extra propane tank ownly to get to where you have the generator and nothing there
Not interested in anything that isn't a LifFePO4, much longer battery life. It's also too expensive, I bought a 1500 Watt LiFePO4 power station for $500.
The battery is Lithium Ion and is warrantied to 1000 recharge cycles. I assume it won't immediately croak on recharge 1001, but the warranty is the warranty.
Don't know about all that. However the doggie pads tip was right on point so great just to kick you shoes off after a shower, not having to worry about toe funk
The problem here is the 20 year old Li ion battery technology that limits the useful number of charge-recharge cycles to 800 (to 80% of the original battery capacity. Almost everyone has abandoned these types of batteries for the newer LiFePO4 (LFP) batteries which are not explosive and not a fire hazard. On the plus side, this unit is quite lite for it's size (an LFP battery unit would be 90 to 100 pounds!), and also another big plus is being able to add 10 extra batteries! Wow!
Are you sure that’s an MC4 connector. I’m looking at my MC4 connector and it does not look like that. Unless Champion provides a cable that goes from their proprietary connector on the power station to an MC4 connector.
Yes, they call that the APP port and they do provide a cable they call the easy connect DC solar charge harness for solar panels with MC4 connector. MC4 is definitely supported. I think they are eventually going to release their own proprietary solar panel, but in the instruction manual they recommend several other companies. Sorry that section of the video was not more clear. In the future maybe I will do a dedicated solar charge video that goes into more detail.
Sean, I’ve always wondered if completely primitive campgrounds with quiet hours and generator hours would ever start to include air conditioners in the quiet hours. Most primitive campgrounds haven’t had air con noise after a certain time now there is a lot people that have enough power to run air conditioners overnight. I don’t see this as a thing that will come to fruition but it absolutely could and might be something for National Parks to consider. Idk I’d rather not have air con quiet hours in primitive campground but if I’m parked in my travel trailer next to a bunch of tents I would think the tents would be annoyed with me running my a/c off batteries.
That is an interesting question. A few years ago we were camping in death Valley national park in a campground that did not allow generators. When we arrived, we ran our air conditioner for a little while off our house batteries. The campground host thought we were running a generator. She was confused because she did not understand how we could be running air-conditioning without running a generator.
Sean I have a question on a generator. You did a review on the 4500 champion dual fuel generator. They now have a 4650 fuel is that the same generator with a bit of an upgrade? Amazon still carries the 4500 but Home Depot has the 4650 at $1000
I think sometimes Champion will make special editions of their generators for certain retailers. These generators are functionally the same, but have a slightly larger displacement as a selling point.
@@LongLongHoneymoon thanks for the info I did order one and I’m hoping it’s going to be just like the one you reviewed. In about $230 less expensive than the one on Amazon.
Why would their first entry into power stations have old unstable battery chemistry and painfully slow charging. They should stick to what they do best. This is a huge marketing mistake. Cheers to you guys...keep cranking out the camping videos. All the best...
My family in California can plug this into and charge it from their Volt, which they can in turn plug into a Giant Redwood to charge. Or they can camp with me and use the gas generator I snuck into California from Texas to charge this.
Hey, thinking of zombie apocalypse, would you consider doing a special on composting toilets? I found one that sounds pretty good . We no longer have running water in our cabin, and i am planning on doing this asap! With water becoming a quickly emerging issue, it is time for us all to consider alternatives to our lifestyles. I have learned so many shortcuts.
Thanks, I will consider it. You know, I’ve been thinking about getting one for our brick and mortar home to use in a small cabana next to our swimming pool. It seems like it would be cheaper than plumbing a toilet. I know that some people really like them for RV purposes of course. So, allow me to look into those toilets, and I will get back to you. (not a sentence I ever expected to say in my life.) 😂
It's nice see champion enter this realm. They have some catching up. No lifepo4 battery in 2023? Solar input is horrible so is the wall charging. The expand-ability is fantastic but it would take you 25 years to charge it rendering it pretty much useless. Side note I have their dual fuel generators they are fantastic. They are not there yet with the solar game. My pecron solar power station is half the price of this and charges with 1300 watts of solar. I don't understand why they are using LI-ion battery's? This thing is dependent on you recharging it and they are not giving you a reasonable ability to do that. Champion makes great products and I write this in hope they make some upgrades because no one who has any knowledge of solar would buy this.
As you stated, it’s no generator. I suggest there are other power boxes out there now that act for a purpose. Otherwise, I’m going with a multi fuel generator around 3k watts inverter.
Sorry to report that I don’t see the Solar input to be MC4. It looks like a Anderson Powerpole connecter. It suck the the Solar in put voltage is so low.
@@mannyfragoza9652 yes, the gasoline generator makes electricity. That energy can be stored in a battery or used as its generated. What manufacturers call a “solar generator” is a battery bank and usually an inverter. Very misleading.
I just wonder if a new interior from a later model F 250 would give you the freshness of a new vehicle and not sacrifice the money spent on the engine along with delving into the world of DEF. Fast charging will tend to deteriorate the battery faster so for longevity of the unit slow charging is best.
That is a really interesting idea about refreshing the interior of our truck. Who knows, anything is possible! Overall the truck is still running strong, so I have been reluctant to change horses. I would enjoy upgrading it, though.
If it is not LiFePO4, my friends and I won't use it! We live in the desert and thermal runaway of other types of lithium ion batteries are a real danger.
Ha ha I lived in Santa Monica for a few years. I love California. It is a beautiful state with great people. And hopefully they can take the occasional joke. 😂
The only thing that's impressions is the the 3276 Watt-hours capacity. Beyond that, I'm disappointed. The slow recharging speed is indicative of an external power supply and for every expansion module, you'll need another outlet. If you end up with ten expansion modules, how much power will they draw at the same time the moment you start a charge if all the batteries were depleted? A system like this has to be able to regulate the recharge needs of all the modules. If you wanted to recharge the modules with solar, you'll need more solar panels or move your panel-set to each battery one charge at a time. You keep on saying those are MC4, no, it's an Anderson plug. Modern systems have UPS build in, this does not.
I don't see it as a viable solution. If you are dry camping how do you charge it in a reasonable time? If it takes 9 hours plugged in you would need a massive solar system to charge it in a day, if you weren't using it. If I did that I would spend the money to complete the solar system with on board batteries. I guess I don't get it????
Thanks for a very good look into this battery. Champion is way too late to the market with this unit. It is too expensive for the features. They missed the mark with the 1600w capacity, no MC4 input, the slow AC charging and the old-school lithium battery chemistry instead of a safer LiFePO4, (lithium iron phosphate) battery which gives two to five times more usable cycles to 80% capacity. The THD is a sign that they have provided a marginal inverter. I suspect most will buy this based on the good reputation Champion has with their auxiliary power (generator) line. This lands along with the old tech that Jackery has been stuck in. I'll pass and never look back!
Since it's a "inverter generator", shouldn't I be able to take the rear a/c power cord and plug it into one of the front receptacles? FREE Power! I'll show myself out.
Knowing that these type of devices will most likely be used outdoors why don't the manufacturers make them weather proof? I'd spend a few extra dollars to have a generator that can be exposed to the elements.
This thing is nothing but a battery which needs to be CHARGED by either plugging it in or running a GENERATOR, skip it and just buy a GENERATOR, you're going to need it anyhow. 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
I answer as many as I can, while still maintaining a reasonably happy life. Yes it can power over refrigerator. But for how long? That is the real question. Of course it also depends on the size/power needs of the refrigerator.
Just my opinion that thing SUCKS!! Better off with a real generator propane/gas or even diesel it will serve you better, Until the day when you can recharge it. Faster than switching out a tank of fuel. Comie fornia is now a different country, and i prolly wont visit there.
Money was not exchanged but you did get the product for free. Did you have to return it after testing it? If not you got something worth money in exchange for a review. Your disclaimer does not fool anyone
I'm not trying to fool anyone - in fact, the disclosure statement achieves the opposite. I *absolutely* will keep it - I am hoarding these things for the zombie apocalypse. My long-term goal is to have an energy independent residence in case our electrical grid goes down. I know you think videos are "free" but I spent about a week working on the video. Hours are invested in writing, filming, and editing. Thousands of dollars invested in gear and equipment. Thousands of hours invested in building this channel. No money changed hands here -- I could instead do sponsored videos that would involve payment, and in the future may do so since my health insurance company (Blue Cross Blue Shield) does not work on the barter system.
Didn't even know Champion had this out, and I must say, the company be having the best looking gas generators out there thats packed wit tons of features.
The creative thought process/humor that goes into these videos is unequalled.
You are too kind! I hope all is well with you in the big easy.
This uni has some great advantages. A little pricey - but no generator motor maintenance, no other inverter required, no furl costs; and it fits nicely in the backseat!
One thing that we have found with these units ( ours is a Bluetti) is that the internal inverters have a high rate of self consumption. Our Bluetti will discharge itself (700 watt hours) in less than 24 hours with nothing plugged in if you leave the outlets energized.
We charge ours using the AC brick from our permanent solar installation. Our main installation has 7000 watt hours and our secondary installation has 2400 watt hours. So our little power station doesn’t tax it. That unit will certainly tax a good sized solar installation.
It would be great you could test the self consumption with nothing plugged in but all outlets on. Another great video!
Thanks, great point about the self-consumption. I will do some more videos on this topic for sure. These power stations have sorta become my niche. Appreciate your comment!
I bought a Viair compressor when I first started traveling with my RV. That was 4 years ago. I have never once used it. It cost a lot and takes up room. Takes forever to pump up a tire. When I check my tire air pressure they usually need maybe five pounds or less. Much easier to use my bike air pump than going through the effort of digging out the compressor and hooking it up. And now you can buy a Tire Inflator Portable Air Compressor Pump 150PSI 12V DC/110V AC with Dual Metal Motors &LED Light for around $26. Faster, cheaper, easier to store.
I ❤ the way you produce and the content of the show. The information is excellent . You both are so adorable … ❤
Thank you so much!
Champion will try to play catch-up but with so many great solutions from new upstarts (or startups) they might have just met their “Kodak moment”. Very few horse carriage companies ended up successfully transitioning to cars. I wish them the best but if they don’t fix the slow charging and offer more compelling prices, competition is going to kill them 😬
You do a great job with these reviews! The recharging time eliminates the Champ for me (9hrs) but it's on the right track.
Yes, I have seen other power stations that can ingest more than 1000 W when recharging. I’m surprised that this one is not faster, although some people have suggested that the slower recharge may help extend the battery life. I’m not sure about that point.
@@LongLongHoneymoon The best of the other power stations are LiFePO4 battery-based. That is why they have not only shorter recharge times, but also longer life-spans.
Weight is a bit much as is the recharge time. Battery chemistry is behind the times. Therefore my LoLoHo bro, this is entirely good to go.
To thomasking, whose presence did grace,
Your comment shines in this space.
With admiration, I now convey,
Thanks for watching, brightening my day.
Fair review Thanks. I’m chuckling thinking of everything you have reviewed and demonstrated then placed in your trucks back seat. After all the years of great items you would need a dump truck bed to hold them all now. We have the Honda 2200 570 of Lithium in trailer but our Jackery 2000 rides in our truck and gets used a lot for outside air fryer cooking and as a quite backup.
6:54 Ford F-150 power boost delivers 7200 k any where anytime quietly,runs our RV on 1/4 gallon gas per hour combined with the on board lithium,No lifting no charging no gas to spill !
You rich snob! 😜We are looking at one of the hybrid Fords. They have some awesome features. Maybe someday...
thanks for that and yes when combined with the solar system it makes RV living easier Anywhere...
Exactly! Not a generator, but nice, anyhow. Where we live, it is incredibly dusty, so flaps would be welcome! I bought a 1000 W Jackery with solar panels. I also have a real 3000 W generator for the RV that i have never needed, and one 3600 W for the cabin. The gens keep us and the fridge happy during extended outages. But, actually, except for a rare time camping, and shorter outages, the power station is rarely used. The generators only about twice a year. However, in a world of unpredictable everything, i am not getting rid of them! Thank you for all of this info. It really helped my understanding, and get a laugh, too.
Thanks, glad you enjoyed it! Yes, I agree that the best case scenario is to have both (gas/propane & lithium). I sleep a little better at night with more bases covered.
At Time Stamp 17:23, you are talking about a power port. I thought you were refering to 1 on the Champion. It threw me when I see "Passenger Airbag" next to the port. It took me about 30 sec, to realize that picture is of your truck dash. Not the Champion unit. All is right in the universe now. ☺
where is miss loloho ? not kidding anymore, love your vids, even if it's sometimes subjects I well know, it's always cool to see another side of the question !!! your vids are well tought and prepared for multiple side of view ! keep the good work, I'm always lookin' for your new vids !! as for power I've seen times when I had to plug in my truck running just to close my awning... I'm learning as I go along, and listening to your clips!!!! If I made some mistakes in sentences forms or spelling please excuse me as I'm a french speaking from Quebec!!! Ring a bell if you think coming to my canada zone, I might practice my english a little more. :)
Now can you hook a gas generator in parnell to keep this one charged.
thank you for the clarity on the marketing terms
The DC input is an Anderson Power Pole (APP) connector used extensively by amateur radio operators. There is one on the DC output group also. MC4 solar to APP connectors are readily available from Amazon or amateur radio supply stores. What type of Lithium battery chemistry is Champion using? I have enjoyed your videos for many years!
It’s important to note that while these are both Anderson PP connections they are not interchangeable the way they are setup. The output would be compatible with Ham gear as it is in the typical ARES/RACES side by side configuration with 12v output.
The input is in a stacked configuration that is typically of solar setups and has a variable input voltage.
I believe I saw Li-Ion.
NOT MC4, that is Anderson Power Pole (although looks lateral vs parallel for pin placement)
Champion website shows both "MC4 and Anderson Powerpole" for solar connections 🙂
Nice compliment for your electrical RV’ing needs.
Sean on the back those are Anderson connectors not mc4. Anyway nice review 👍🏻🇺🇸
Down the road if more places demand lithium power can't fight them but join them. At a first run at this is a pretty good versatile power supply. Looks robust and does the job. You never know if an alternative power source is just around the corner that'll knock the socks off everything available up to date.
most other solar generators have 2500+ cycles. It would also be nice to know if the solar charger was pwm or mppt. i think Champion is a little late to the party, but if they can quickly make improvements, this could be a good option
Hilarious and informative (as usual) 😅. Right on target about the "generator" terminology for these battery packs.
It's an auxiliary 12 volt port a cigarette lighter style plug has a ceramic center in a all metal barrel and will handle 12 volt cooking devices which draws more power and produces more heat
Thanks for the review, it’s an interesting product. I love both my Champion dual fuel generators but don’t think this would be worth hauling around for me. I’ve seen plenty of other people using similar products though, so I’m sure there’s a market for them. The warning decals are insane, LOL, nothing like a decal with no words telling you to read the instructions. 🙄
Lol in this case, reading, the manual was pretty important. I tried to include a couple of things I discovered in this video. For example, you need to tap the on off button quickly to turn on the AC outlets. That’s some thing that is not immediately apparent at all. Also, pairing the expansion battery requires consulting the manual. It’s not simply plug and play. Thanks a lot for watching and for your comment Steph. 🙏
Around 9:09 you say it has solar standard MC4 connectors. No, it has Anderson connection. Adaptor cables are available at Amazon etc. I would always travel with an adapter in case you need to use someone's larger panel.
Then again, a warranty of 1000 cycles means this is a lithium cobalt battery...old school. Always get lithium iron (LFP) batteries...much safer, and around 5x the life.
Great review Sean how does this compare to the ecoflow options
Question, if you cant store it outside, inside your truck or rv, where do you store it? like do you mean when the weather is cold? or can you put it in a plastic tub outside cut the holes to plug the cords in? or is it because the lithium battery cant get cold?
Thanks for the review. Agree it needs faster recharge time, and Lithium iron phosphate chemistry.
Loved the California legislator!
I'm gonna get in trouble for that one... 😂
It's nice to be able to power the refrigerator overnight instead of running out into the storm to drag out and set up your generator during an outage.
If it takes 9 hours to charge it with 110v, how long would it take to charge with portable solar?
This only makes sense for weekend tent campers, most rv’s already have the power systems they need.
Personally I get by with 2 LA batteries, 200w of portable solar, and a rarely used Honda generator.
Even if they do ban portable generators, it would make more sense to use a dc-dc charger off your tow vehicle.
Nice video . Not for me . On the east coast camping. But I love how you review products ❤
Do you issue your own permits to film in the LOLOHO National Forest?
No permits required in our national forest! 😆🤙🏼
Nice review. Kind of pricey for my needs. Keep up the GREAT reviews !! 👍
If it was LIFeP04, I might consider. ION likes to blow up w/o warning and burn your house/ camper/ tent down. Thanks for your review!
Silence is golden in long term power outage using a gas generator you'll hear it stop so you grab the gas can or extra propane tank ownly to get to where you have the generator and nothing there
Can you use a wind generator to charge this unit ?
Hey, I have a bunch of AA and AAA generators in my cabinet.
Could I power a 1600W oil heater radiator for a small grand caravan?
Excellent Tutorial Review Video. Thank You.
I miss you two. Get your butts in the trailer and go!
Nice job on the video, interesting product, but this will be on the prestigious list of things that I’ll never buy. Lol.
Hello Redstonies!! Power power power!! Awesome vidieos!!
That looks pretty cool are you bringing that with you to the Tetons this fall
Not interested in anything that isn't a LifFePO4, much longer battery life. It's also too expensive, I bought a 1500 Watt LiFePO4 power station for $500.
I agree.
Great review thankyou. Is the battery "LiPo"? How many estimated cycles will it recharge to full capacity? Thanks again.
The battery is Lithium Ion and is warrantied to 1000 recharge cycles. I assume it won't immediately croak on recharge 1001, but the warranty is the warranty.
Don't know about all that.
However the doggie pads tip was right on point so great just to kick you shoes off after a shower, not having to worry about toe funk
This CHAMPION Lithium Power Station amzn.to/44sl7iJ
The problem here is the 20 year old Li ion battery technology that limits the useful number of charge-recharge cycles to 800 (to 80% of the original battery capacity. Almost everyone has abandoned these types of batteries for the newer LiFePO4 (LFP) batteries which are not explosive and not a fire hazard. On the plus side, this unit is quite lite for it's size (an LFP battery unit would be 90 to 100 pounds!), and also another big plus is being able to add 10 extra batteries! Wow!
Are you sure that’s an MC4 connector. I’m looking at my MC4 connector and it does not look like that. Unless Champion provides a cable that goes from their proprietary connector on the power station to an MC4 connector.
Yes, they call that the APP port and they do provide a cable they call the easy connect DC solar charge harness for solar panels with MC4 connector. MC4 is definitely supported. I think they are eventually going to release their own proprietary solar panel, but in the instruction manual they recommend several other companies. Sorry that section of the video was not more clear. In the future maybe I will do a dedicated solar charge video that goes into more detail.
Great video!! Learned a lot.
Sean, I’ve always wondered if completely primitive campgrounds with quiet hours and generator hours would ever start to include air conditioners in the quiet hours. Most primitive campgrounds haven’t had air con noise after a certain time now there is a lot people that have enough power to run air conditioners overnight. I don’t see this as a thing that will come to fruition but it absolutely could and might be something for National Parks to consider. Idk I’d rather not have air con quiet hours in primitive campground but if I’m parked in my travel trailer next to a bunch of tents I would think the tents would be annoyed with me running my a/c off batteries.
That's the trouble with camps sites that are too close together or trailer park camping.
That is an interesting question. A few years ago we were camping in death Valley national park in a campground that did not allow generators. When we arrived, we ran our air conditioner for a little while off our house batteries. The campground host thought we were running a generator. She was confused because she did not understand how we could be running air-conditioning without running a generator.
Makes me wanna smoke a cig! So retro 😂❤
FYI those with modern cigs have a vape connection usb 😂
You should be able to use the solar input for 12v car charging. That's what Bluetti is doing and it works.
Sean I have a question on a generator. You did a review on the 4500 champion dual fuel generator. They now have a 4650 fuel is that the same generator with a bit of an upgrade? Amazon still carries the 4500 but Home Depot has the 4650 at $1000
I think sometimes Champion will make special editions of their generators for certain retailers. These generators are functionally the same, but have a slightly larger displacement as a selling point.
@@LongLongHoneymoon thanks for the info I did order one and I’m hoping it’s going to be just like the one you reviewed. In about $230 less expensive than the one on Amazon.
Would like to see a RV comparable 30 amp receptacle
Why would their first entry into power stations have old unstable battery chemistry and painfully slow charging. They should stick to what they do best. This is a huge marketing mistake. Cheers to you guys...keep cranking out the camping videos. All the best...
How much will it cost to replace the batteries?
We are in the market for one to replace our Jackery 1000 , but they lost us with the slow charge and no DC charge .
The lack of 12V DC charging is puzzling. We use that all the time in our RV & truck.
Too bad it won't have the longevity or warranty of LifFePO4 like other brands. Why did they choose Li-Ion ???
“Not birth control “…😂😂😂…love it Sean. The best!
only part that is never pointed out is the fact they are not green energy .
research the mining damage of lithium
Gas / diesel / propane extraction & manufacturing is also not green either.
My family in California can plug this into and charge it from their Volt, which they can in turn plug into a Giant Redwood to charge. Or they can camp with me and use the gas generator I snuck into California from Texas to charge this.
Hey, thinking of zombie apocalypse, would you consider doing a special on composting toilets? I found one that sounds pretty good . We no longer have running water in our cabin, and i am planning on doing this asap! With water becoming a quickly emerging issue, it is time for us all to consider alternatives to our lifestyles. I have learned so many shortcuts.
Thanks, I will consider it. You know, I’ve been thinking about getting one for our brick and mortar home to use in a small cabana next to our swimming pool. It seems like it would be cheaper than plumbing a toilet. I know that some people really like them for RV purposes of course. So, allow me to look into those toilets, and I will get back to you. (not a sentence I ever expected to say in my life.) 😂
Which model of Tilley are you wearing?
This one: amzn.to/3EgAuQI
I also prefer Power Station. I particularly liked their remake of Bang a Gong, Get It On. 🎸
It's nice see champion enter this realm. They have some catching up. No lifepo4 battery in 2023? Solar input is horrible so is the wall charging. The expand-ability is fantastic but it would take you 25 years to charge it rendering it pretty much useless. Side note I have their dual fuel generators they are fantastic. They are not there yet with the solar game. My pecron solar power station is half the price of this and charges with 1300 watts of solar. I don't understand why they are using LI-ion battery's? This thing is dependent on you recharging it and they are not giving you a reasonable ability to do that. Champion makes great products and I write this in hope they make some upgrades because no one who has any knowledge of solar would buy this.
They should build this into a super quiet generator that will start and stop automatically to keep it charged
Will it run a rv furnace?
As you stated, it’s no generator. I suggest there are other power boxes out there now that act for a purpose. Otherwise, I’m going with a multi fuel generator around 3k watts inverter.
How does it compare to a Jackery ?😊
Since Jackery has gone to LiFePO4, there's really no comparison. Jackery beats this thing hands down!
what about a 575 watt refrigerator ?
The top left icon is commonly knows as the RTFM symbol.
Throw it back to them . Lol. There's many better.
Dave here and maybe it is the RUD symbol for Rapid Unplanned Disassembly
Sorry to report that I don’t see the Solar input to be MC4. It looks like a Anderson Powerpole connecter. It suck the the Solar in put voltage is so low.
Calling a battery bank a generator was a genius move for marketing these things to people who don’t understand basic electricity
What's the difference between a Gasoline Generator and a Solar Generator. Should the Gasoline powered one be called a Generator?
@@mannyfragoza9652 yes, the gasoline generator makes electricity. That energy can be stored in a battery or used as its generated. What manufacturers call a “solar generator” is a battery bank and usually an inverter. Very misleading.
If you have solar cells that’s great and yes they generate electricity but that’s separate from these things
I just wonder if a new interior from a later model F 250 would give you the freshness of a new vehicle and not sacrifice the money spent on the engine along with delving into the world of DEF.
Fast charging will tend to deteriorate the battery faster so for longevity of the unit slow charging is best.
That is a really interesting idea about refreshing the interior of our truck. Who knows, anything is possible! Overall the truck is still running strong, so I have been reluctant to change horses. I would enjoy upgrading it, though.
I have one running my artificial heart! It's kind of cumbersome carrying it around though.
If it is not LiFePO4, my friends and I won't use it! We live in the desert and thermal runaway of other types of lithium ion batteries are a real danger.
I think it's overpriced for old battery technology. It's not lifepo4. But thanks for sharing Sean. It matches your banana. 🍌
Is it Lifepo4????
im sold, just need to save up the coin
Love the California girl😎
Ha ha I lived in Santa Monica for a few years. I love California. It is a beautiful state with great people. And hopefully they can take the occasional joke. 😂
The only thing that's impressions is the the 3276 Watt-hours capacity. Beyond that, I'm disappointed. The slow recharging speed is indicative of an external power supply and for every expansion module, you'll need another outlet. If you end up with ten expansion modules, how much power will they draw at the same time the moment you start a charge if all the batteries were depleted? A system like this has to be able to regulate the recharge needs of all the modules. If you wanted to recharge the modules with solar, you'll need more solar panels or move your panel-set to each battery one charge at a time. You keep on saying those are MC4, no, it's an Anderson plug. Modern systems have UPS build in, this does not.
I don't see it as a viable solution. If you are dry camping how do you charge it in a reasonable time? If it takes 9 hours plugged in you would need a massive solar system to charge it in a day, if you weren't using it. If I did that I would spend the money to complete the solar system with on board batteries. I guess I don't get it????
The problem is mainly that it's older lithium chemistry, not LiFePO4.
Check out Jackery's line of "solar generators", better known as power stations.
Thanks for a very good look into this battery. Champion is way too late to the market with this unit. It is too expensive for the features. They missed the mark with the 1600w capacity, no MC4 input, the slow AC charging and the old-school lithium battery chemistry instead of a safer LiFePO4, (lithium iron phosphate) battery which gives two to five times more usable cycles to 80% capacity. The THD is a sign that they have provided a marginal inverter. I suspect most will buy this based on the good reputation Champion has with their auxiliary power (generator) line. This lands along with the old tech that Jackery has been stuck in. I'll pass and never look back!
Great video but this item doesn't compare well to Ecoflow.
Way too expensive without the LiFePO4 chemistry. I'll stick with BLUETTI.
Since it's a "inverter generator", shouldn't I be able to take the rear a/c power cord and plug it into one of the front receptacles? FREE Power!
I'll show myself out.
They've invented the perpetual motion machine! 😂
Hi
I got my solar generator so I could use the microwave in the Airstream while camping in National Park (no-generator) campgrounds
Knowing that these type of devices will most likely be used outdoors why don't the manufacturers make them weather proof? I'd spend a few extra dollars to have a generator that can be exposed to the elements.
This thing is nothing but a battery which needs to be CHARGED by either plugging it in or running a GENERATOR, skip it and just buy a GENERATOR, you're going to need it anyhow. 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
People in california won't be able to buy a generator in a few short years.
I see you don't answer to many questions, why? I just have one can it power a fridge?
I answer as many as I can, while still maintaining a reasonably happy life. Yes it can power over refrigerator. But for how long? That is the real question. Of course it also depends on the size/power needs of the refrigerator.
That was 7.2 K
that is not a gen SRY
I know this is off the topic I just wanted to let you all know we are eating at Louie Louie at 30a your best kept secret
Tommy & Lori
Just my opinion that thing SUCKS!! Better off with a real generator propane/gas or even diesel it will serve you better, Until the day when you can recharge it. Faster than switching out a tank of fuel. Comie fornia is now a different country, and i prolly wont visit there.
9 hrs for ac charging is a deal breaker.
You definitely have time to fix a sandwich. Or smoke a pork shoulder. 😂
I appreciate your honest reviews.
Hydrogen generator when they are serious about green
i think you need a crane to lift it lol
Money was not exchanged but you did get the product for free. Did you have to return it after testing it? If not you got something worth money in exchange for a review. Your disclaimer does not fool anyone
I'm not trying to fool anyone - in fact, the disclosure statement achieves the opposite. I *absolutely* will keep it - I am hoarding these things for the zombie apocalypse. My long-term goal is to have an energy independent residence in case our electrical grid goes down. I know you think videos are "free" but I spent about a week working on the video. Hours are invested in writing, filming, and editing. Thousands of dollars invested in gear and equipment. Thousands of hours invested in building this channel. No money changed hands here -- I could instead do sponsored videos that would involve payment, and in the future may do so since my health insurance company (Blue Cross Blue Shield) does not work on the barter system.