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Old 10-04-2016, 03:08 PM   #1
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Inverter Generator Choice

Seriously considering purchase of subject item.
We no not do much boondocking in our 24' Jayco. However, hope to do do some and also stay quick overnights in WM lots and rest areas.
So, a gen set would be handy for running furnace, AC occasionally and normal electric uses.
Like what I see of the Champion 75537i model. Plenty of power for the AC, relatively light and quiet, etc. Not as lightweight as some, but to get lighter, I give up higher wattage (AC, etc).

However, others here may have other/better options. Tell me what other models I ought consider before pulling the trigger on this unit, please?

Many thanks!
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Old 10-04-2016, 06:09 PM   #2
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Originally Posted by frjeff View Post
However, hope to do do some and also stay quick overnights in WM lots and rest areas.
So, a gen set would be handy for running furnace, AC occasionally and normal electric uses.
Usually running a generator is frowned upon or prohibited in such places.

You might look into upgrading to 2 6 volt deep cycle batteries.
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Old 10-04-2016, 07:06 PM   #3
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I and many others run out generators while overnighting in Walmarts and rest areas. There are no rules against it.

Park away from the store or restroom, so the noise doesn't bother anyone.

Not sure you would want to place a portable generator, on the ground, near the RV, in a parking lot though.

Thinking about it, I often set up my tripod dish, on the ground, between the MH and toad. Nobody bothered it.
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Old 10-04-2016, 07:21 PM   #4
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These are other choices to consider

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Old 10-04-2016, 07:45 PM   #5
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One gennie that will run your AC will be heavy. But, two that can be tied together to make a total amount of wattage that will run your AC is doable, and will give you two smaller gennies that are jut light enough for most folks to lift.

I paid $2k for 2-2KW Honda gennies and the pigtail that makes them work together to give a total of 4KW max. When both aren't needed, just run one and save a little fuel to only get what you need. In the winter you can run one gennie for things like the fridge, or the water heater, or a small forced air heater for warmth (the last two items are fairly wasteful in terms of energy made from gasoline, but I added them in so you can get an idea of what one of the gennies will do).

Is $2K a lot to spend on two gennies? Yes, it certainly can be. The Hondas I have are pretty quiet, sip gas, and start reliably on either the first or second pull. There is a dealer network that puts you within less than about a half a day's drive to a factory approved repair business (which I have not needed).

The Hondas also have a built in fuel pump that allows you to use an external tank and modified or replacement gas cap to run the generator(s) for long periods, even under full load, and to also refuel the external tank without shutting off the generator(s).

The quiet power, fuel consumption, 50 pounds each to lift them, "track record" of reliability, radio quiet power (I'm an amateur radio operator so that was fairly important to me), and the ability to use an external tank without gravity feed sold me on these generators, despite the steeper price tag.
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Old 10-08-2016, 07:13 PM   #6
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I really enjoy our Champion Invert-er Generator - its dual fuel, runs on gas or propane, and will run our bedroom AC without too much issue.

$899 at Costco, SIGNIFICANTLY cheaper then the dual hondas so many people swear by, though you get a bit less capacity (3100 watts instead of 3800watts).

To me running two separate engines makes no sense - two tanks, two carbs, two maintenance schedules. I'm trying to simplify, not complicate my life . How many hours on are Gen #2? Who knows! Don't miss a oil change!

The champion weighs about 100lbs and is on wheels - it is not as quiet as a single Honda generator, but quieter then 2.


http://www.championpowerequipment.co...ter-generator/
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Old 10-08-2016, 07:36 PM   #7
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I really enjoy our Champion Invert-er Generator - its dual fuel, runs on gas or propane, and will run our bedroom AC without too much issue.

$899 at Costco, SIGNIFICANTLY cheaper then the dual hondas so many people swear by, though you get a bit less capacity (3100 watts instead of 3800watts).

To me running two separate engines makes no sense - two tanks, two carbs, two maintenance schedules. I'm trying to simplify, not complicate my life . How many hours on are Gen #2? Who knows! Don't miss a oil change!

The champion weighs about 100lbs and is on wheels - it is not as quiet as a single Honda generator, but quieter then 2.


http://www.championpowerequipment.co...ter-generator/
Your overstating the running watts of the Honda eu2000.

Each is ony 1600 watts X 2 = 3200 watts.
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Old 10-08-2016, 09:13 PM   #8
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Your overstating the running watts of the Honda eu2000.

Each is ony 1600 watts X 2 = 3200 watts.
Thanks, that makes me even more sold on the champion.
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Old 10-08-2016, 10:42 PM   #9
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You can now get the Champion in the 3500 watt inverter version which is designed to run up to a 15k air conditioner and it also comes in a remote start version so you don't have to go outside and crank it. Priced around $1099.00.
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Old 10-09-2016, 12:00 AM   #10
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One more for the Champion Dual fuel, just used mine camping and am really happy how it did. ran my 13.5 btu A/C without over stressing and the micro Convection oven (not together) ran it on propane. it has not seen gas yet,since i plan on using it with a feed hose from the RV's propane tank most of the time. also added a hour meter for use and maintenance records

I dont think i would run it at WM's or rest stops unless it was mounted on a hitch rack, not on the ground. but out dry camping all day long

Does not have the remote start but it does have battery electric starter and for that honda feel rope pull start.
I bought this one at Costco
Champion Power Equipment model 100204 Dual Fuel inverter generator
2800 running watts/3100 starting watts (Gasoline)
2520 running watts/2800 starting watts (Propane)
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Old 10-09-2016, 08:14 AM   #11
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You can now get the Champion in the 3500 watt inverter version which is designed to run up to a 15k air conditioner and it also comes in a remote start version so you don't have to go outside and crank it. Priced around $1099.00.
This is the one I want. Roll over in bed and push button. Generator starts and coffee is ready in 10 minutes.
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Old 10-09-2016, 09:15 AM   #12
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This is the one I want. Roll over in bed and push button. Generator starts and coffee is ready in 10 minutes.
The only bummer with the propane model is no remote start :(. It kind of makes sense with the dual fuel option as you manually shut off the fuel and drain the carb, or turn off the gas bottle to shut the thing down.
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Old 10-10-2016, 01:39 PM   #13
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If you just need coffee and kitchen appliances, that can be done easily with a moderate size inverter + proper battery pack.

I am kind of mixed on the idea of not having remote or auto start on a generator to re-charge a battery bank - that is a really handy feature.
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Old 10-10-2016, 01:44 PM   #14
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I like the idea of a remote start. It appeals to my lazy side.
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