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Old 03-19-2017, 08:32 AM   #41
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Mike&Carol, nice to hear others are catching this deal. I think mounting a 20# propane tank securely in the truck bed is a good idea. That will make connecting it faster for quick stops when traveling. It will allow for tank exchanges for refueling. And it will give you extra propane for longer stays without pedestal power.

One of my primary uses for the generator is to have an air conditioned space for my dog for quick stops while traveling. With the generator, we can stop in hot weather for a sit down meal or a quick site seeing tour and have a cool place for my dog. I have set up a monitoring system for the trailer that will call my cellphone if the power goes off or if the temperature rises above 85 degrees. If the generator stops, I get a call. If the A/C breaks, I get a call.

The parts to build this Travel Trailer Pet Monitoring system are 1) two cellphones, one for inside the Airstream and one to carry with you, 2) a Home Sitter 700 call out alarm https://www.amazon.com/Control-Produ.../dp/B002MUAIP8 3) XLink Cellular Bluetooth Gateway https://www.amazon.com/Xtreme-Techno...rds=xlink+bttn to send the call from the Homesitter to your bluetooth cellphone 4) an inverter https://www.amazon.com/BESTEK-Power-...+110v+inverter to power the bluetooth gateway in a power failure. I use this system to both monitor the travel trailer when I make extended stops on the road and when I leave the dog in hot weather.
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Old 03-19-2017, 08:46 AM   #42
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Breaking it in on propane: I intend to only use propane in my dual fuel generator. I do not want to ever use gasoline due to the carburetor issues that can develop from stale gasoline. I've been thinking about gluing my gas cap on so no one ever runs it on gas.
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Old 03-19-2017, 08:52 AM   #43
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AirMiles, but that is the beauty of this generator is its dual fuel ability. I ran out of propane boondocking at 4am in unexpected freezing weather and was able to switch to gas.
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Old 03-19-2017, 08:57 AM   #44
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This is why I am thinking of gluing my gas cap on - so no one does me a favor and adds gasoline while I'm away! I get that having dual fueling options is a benefit, but I don't want the downside of using gasoline.
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Old 03-19-2017, 10:19 AM   #45
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In my case the 3400 will also be used around the house for when we have power outages from hurricanes etc. I didn't want to buy two generators.
Makes sense....
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Old 03-19-2017, 10:33 AM   #46
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This is why I am thinking of gluing my gas cap on - so no one does me a favor and adds gasoline while I'm away! I get that having dual fueling options is a benefit, but I don't want the downside of using gasoline.
Doubt anyone would do you a favor and add gas to your generator while you were away? But, perhaps in some campgrounds I suppose could happen...at least you know with that extra weight and all the safeguards you have devised, likely hood of someone stealing it are remote also!
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Old 03-19-2017, 01:42 PM   #47
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Gypsydad, you are correct that a 95# yellow generator has a much lower chance of being stolen than a 46# red or blue one. Having a "beater" yellow generator has its advantages. And if I repaint it pink, the odds go to zero!
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Old 03-19-2017, 02:18 PM   #48
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Gypsydad, you are correct that a 95# yellow generator has a much lower chance of being stolen than a 46# red or blue one. Having a "beater" yellow generator has its advantages. And if I repaint it pink, the odds go to zero!


And then it gets personal... I have a 3500 "beater" yellow generator and love it. I did not feel the need to overpay for red or blue one that does half the work and requires a kit to run on propane just so I can have the "name brand". Silly me.
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Old 03-19-2017, 02:54 PM   #49
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Mojoe, I'm the one who added the "beater" comment as a benefit because it makes the generator less desirable to be stolen. I'm trying to keep this thread positive about the advantages of owning a Champion 100263 3400 watt dual fuel generator, not a mud slinging contest about brands. I hope I didn't open a can of worms with my last comment!
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Old 03-19-2017, 03:09 PM   #50
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Got it. Sorry if I over reacted. It's kind of like the discussion of which truck one should use to tow. Everyone has their own preferences and they are rarely talked out of that position. I'm an old car guy and a beater in our world, is a really bad car.
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Old 03-19-2017, 06:19 PM   #51
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Running on quick disconnect port

Found this thread with excellent information about using generators on the AS quick disconnect low pressure port. Theoretically, it appears the quick disconnect port's 1/4" piping is not large enough to run a 3400 watt generator. http://www.airforums.com/forums/f448...se-153363.html . Using a separate 20# propane tank is looking better as I investigate fuel sources.
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Old 03-20-2017, 09:09 AM   #52
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Quote:
Originally Posted by AirMiles View Post
Gypsydad, you are correct that a 95# yellow generator has a much lower chance of being stolen than a 46# red or blue one. Having a "beater" yellow generator has its advantages. And if I repaint it pink, the odds go to zero!
Not sure the color is the attraction...as I mentioned in an earlier post last year in Glacier the Ranger told us of a crew who were coming by early in the morning and using their cell phones to communicate the campsites which had the lighter weight generators. A pickup was not far behind with guys who would throw the lighter generators in the back and drive off. I secure my "yellow" 2000 Champion with a cable lock and watch where I leave it each night...but mine is much lighter than the 3400 series...per the original discussion. Now, how bout them Cubs! I do agree, that is a good price on the Dual Fuel...
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Old 03-20-2017, 09:17 AM   #53
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To all you Canadians out there Costco now sells the 3400 for $1299.00 cdn (962.00USD). Right now most of their stores have inventory of the 3100 on sale with no room for the 3400 until may/June so you have to order online , but shipping is free and with their lax return policy it would be the best place to pick one up.
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Old 03-22-2017, 02:10 PM   #54
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Lifting: to hook up the battery and add initial oil I decided I'd try lifting it onto the tailgate of my truck. I'm in my 60's, 5'11" and 150lbs. I found that by grabbing both handles in a squat I could lift it to a standing position. Then, I just leaned back and hoisted it a couple of inches onto the tailgate. Taking it off was just the reverse.
I ordered one of these to use to load and unload my 3400 into my truck:
http://vikingsl.com/portfolio/rack-jack-magnum-out/
I haven't tried it yet, but will this weekend. I'll report back on how it well it does.
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Old 03-22-2017, 02:29 PM   #55
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I ordered one of these to use to load and unload my 3400 into my truck:

http://vikingsl.com/portfolio/rack-jack-magnum-out/

I haven't tried it yet, but will this weekend. I'll report back on how it well it does.


Looks pretty neat. It says it weighs 59#. Is it assembled or do you kinda put it together as you go?
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Old 03-22-2017, 03:29 PM   #56
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Looks pretty neat. It says it weighs 59#. Is it assembled or do you kinda put it together as you go?
It comes in 4 pieces and Viking says it takes 2 minutes to assemble. I haven't done it yet, but I will report back on how long it takes and how much storage room it takes. My plan is to break it down and put it in the truck bed, so I can unload my generator at the campsite if I need to.
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Old 03-22-2017, 04:53 PM   #57
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I ordered one of these to use to load and unload my 3400 into my truck:
http://vikingsl.com/portfolio/rack-jack-magnum-out/
I haven't tried it yet, but will this weekend. I'll report back on how it well it does.
Thanks, it looks interesting and I'll take a closer look at it. So far, I've been able to manhandle this generator, but as the years move on I will need to look at other methods!
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Old 03-23-2017, 10:50 AM   #58
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Wow! I guess if you really need/want a 95# Dual Fuel generator and have the payload capacity for the extra 55# lift, and additional propane bottle(s) (weight), this is a good option to save your back. I still wonder why so much trouble for this generator. Is there an issue with the gas 2000W generator (45-50#) and the EasyStart I am missing? That solution seems to eliminate a whole lot of extra money, payload weight, and hassle.... Please enlighten me on what I may be missing here. (I understand some folks would rather use propane, which also has it's safety issues of course, but you can still do that with a smaller 2000w generator.)
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Old 03-23-2017, 11:13 AM   #59
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I like the concept of the Jack Rack, but it doesn't need to be that tall for our needs. I'd cut about 3' off the pole. Then, rather than remove the hitch, I wonder if one is made to fit the stake pocket in the corner of the bed? I'll investigate!

I like this concept. Assuming you're not removing the generator except at home.
http://www.harborfreight.com/500-lb-...art-61405.html
Leave it on the cart for next time.
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Old 03-23-2017, 12:28 PM   #60
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Wow! I guess if you really need/want a 95# Dual Fuel generator and have the payload capacity for the extra 55# lift, and additional propane bottle(s) (weight), this is a good option to save your back. I still wonder why so much trouble for this generator. Is there an issue with the gas 2000W generator (45-50#) and the EasyStart I am missing? That solution seems to eliminate a whole lot of extra money, payload weight, and hassle.... Please enlighten me on what I may be missing here. (I understand some folks would rather use propane, which also has it's safety issues of course, but you can still do that with a smaller 2000w generator.)


First, I'm not willing to risk a denied warranty due to installing the EasyStart. Secondly, I don't lift my Champion 3500 in and out of the truck bed. I have a 20 ft quick disconnect propane hose that runs from the LP port on the front of the Airstream up into the truck bed and connects directly to the generator. I run the generator in the bed of the truck and it is cable locked to one of tie down rings to deter theft. Third, that actually saves me money because I get 75% more power than a 2000 watt generator for about same or less money, I don't have to buy a propane conversion kit, I don't have to buy and install an EasyStart and I don't have to carry an additional propane bottle. Plus I get the advantage of using gasoline if it becomes necessary.
That's all the enlightenment I have.
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