Community Forums

firedreamer · 02-01-2017, 01:07 AM

So I am looking to possibly buy a Champion generator for the short term, but I'm not sure if it would be OK for running the TV or any other electronics. We have a 2017 Grand Design Solitude 369RL. I found a pretty good deal on a 4750 wt peak / 3800 wt. run, remote start unit (It's Cabela's branded) for $400 new. will probably only have to use it for this coming summer to run at least one 15k AC unit for some boondocking etc. Than plan on adding Solar, on-board genny unit, inverter, battery banks etc.
SO Im told the Champion units have less than 5%THD, is that a good thing ? will it do OK?

RV Wizard · 02-01-2017, 04:07 AM

Hello and

We are glad to have you join us here and we look forward to reading of your adventures and experiences. I am sure you will enjoy our website and forums. Good luck, stay safe and keep us posted.

I have not heard of them doing any damage to electronics. As far as noise, dependability and longevity; that is another story.

Chief Alen · 02-01-2017, 04:29 AM

Check this one out RV ready ....

Champion Power Equipment 3,500/4,000-Watt Gasoline Powered Recoil Start RV Ready Portable Generator-46596 - The Home Depot

twinboat · 02-01-2017, 04:31 AM

I would suggest you buy an inverter style generator. Champion makes one in that watt range.

They are much quieter, at full load, then what your looking at, and when not at full load, The engine slows down, to quiet down more and save fuel.

Even your distant neighbors will thank you.

jacwjames · 02-01-2017, 04:48 AM

X2 on getting an inverter type generator.

I am currently building a house and use a generator to run the well pump. It is not the inverter type and relies on the throttle control to maintain ~120 volt with 60 hz power. I monitored the voltage and frequencey when I first started using and it fluctuated quite a bit, voltage +/-4 volts and frequency was +/- 2 hz. The well pump isn't as sensitive to these fluctuations but newer electronics may not be as forgiving.

Badlands Bob · 02-01-2017, 07:10 AM

I bought a Champion 3400 watt inverter generator with the remote start. It runs the 15K A/C unit just fine. It's also relatively quiet compared to the construction type generators. The inverter generators are more expensive than the open frame generators but I think they are more appropriate for RV use in campgrounds. I gave $849 for mine several months ago.

simply40 · 02-01-2017, 07:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Badlands Bob

I bought a Champion 3400 watt inverter generator with the remote start. It runs the 15K A/C unit just fine. It's also relatively quiet compared to the construction type generators. The inverter generators are more expensive than the open frame generators but I think they are more appropriate for RV use in campgrounds. I gave $849 for mine several months ago.

I have the same unit, gets used every weekend from April-Sep at a motocross track. Had an issue with it going into overload mode when I first got it, called Champion and they had a new board to me in a few days

Very happy with the unit and the folks next to me are happy about the lack of noise..Runs air and microwave but not at the same time. Do yourself and your neighbors a solid and get the invertor, they hold value so you should be able to sell it if you go solar.

Off Road · 02-01-2017, 08:07 PM

I hate it when some dude in a campground or even out in the woods is running his construction type generator. If that is all you can afford ok, but seriously those are so annoying when you want to just hang out at camp. Don't be "that guy," ok rant over.

twinboat · 02-02-2017, 05:28 AM

This fall, in a CG on the Blue Ridge, there was a $40,000 5er, pulled by a $40,000 pickup.

He would start the $400 generator and take off in his truck. I guess he couldn't stand the noise either.

MTBer · 02-02-2017, 09:19 AM

If I were there, I don't think it would be running when he got back.

slickest1 · 02-02-2017, 10:28 AM

I have a Champion 4000 that I use with my camping trailer. I used to have a Honda 1800. The Champion is far quieter than the Honda was. I have ran all kinds of appliances and TV with no problems. It is much more quiet than the construction generators I have seen.

twinboat · 02-02-2017, 10:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MTBer

If I were there, I don't think it would be running when he got back.

Thought of that, but you can't cure stupid and rude actions.

Firstpoet · 02-02-2017, 10:56 AM

Over the holidays I purchased a Sportsman 4000 watt dual fuel (Gas or LP) generator at Home Depot for just under $400. I started by looking at the Champion you are looking at but then saw the dual fuel one for a bit less and bought it. It is quiet and would work well I think for camping also. It has 6 outlets and a dedicated 30 amp RV plug also. For $30 I bought a wheel kit and with some mod of brackets it's now very portable...

twinboat · 02-02-2017, 12:01 PM

This is from the National Park Service website.

AUDIO DISTURBANCES
• Operating motorized equipment or machinery such as an electric generating plant, motor vehicle, motorized toy, musical instrument, or an audio device such as a radio or stereo, in a manner that exceeds a noise level of 60 decibels at 50 feet or, if below that level, makes noise which is unreasonable for the time and place, or impact on others is prohibited.

The $400 generators are not allowed.