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12-06-2018, 08:31 AM
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#1
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4 Rivet Member
2023 27' Globetrotter
Pleasant Garden
, North Carolina
Join Date: Oct 2018
Posts: 299
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Champion 3400 vs 3500 dual fuel
Costco.com has the 3400 Dual Fuel on sale for $849.99 while Camping World has the 3500 Dual Fuel on sale for $1099.97. Aren't they the same unit? If so, why does Camping World ad say the 3500 has 3500 peak watts and 3200 running watts on gasoline while the Costco ad says the 3400 has 3100 peak watts and 2800 running watts on gasoline?
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12-06-2018, 08:50 AM
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#2
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Rivet Master
2018 27' Globetrotter
Apollo Beach
, Florida
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 1,401
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Same 192cc engine on both. I think the extra 100W is just marketing so Camping World can charge more. I'm very happy with my lower-cost Champion 3400W Dual Fuel model #100263.
__________________
2021 Northern-Lite 10-2 & F350 DRW PSD, 600W Solar/Victron/600A BattleBorn
146 nights 31,000 miles (first 10 months!)
Sold: 2018 GT27Q, 74 nights 12,777 miles
Sold: 2017 FC25FB, 316 nights 40,150 miles
Sold: 2013 Casita SD17 89 nights 16,200 miles
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12-06-2018, 09:08 AM
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#3
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Rivet Master
2019 27' Globetrotter
Salem
, Oregon
Join Date: Nov 2015
Posts: 691
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I also have the Champion 3400 Dual Fuel and am perfectly happy with it. Save the $250.00 for fuel and camping.
Dave
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12-06-2018, 09:13 AM
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#4
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Rivet Master
2017 26' Flying Cloud
Tampa
, Florida
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 7,638
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Champion wanted a unit branded just for Camping World. They felt the 3400 was underrated, so they made new decals and called it a 3500.
Mechanically, identical.
Go figure.
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12-07-2018, 10:10 AM
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#5
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2 Rivet Member
2017 27' Flying Cloud
Rockaway
, New Jersey
Join Date: Nov 2017
Posts: 79
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3400 at amazon
Interesting. NOW I read this. After a couple months of internally debating what generator to get (after reading all the treads on AF), I also decided to go with the Champion 3400. Just ordered it last night on amazon for $956, but that includes delivery and my Amazon card will save me $50, but your costo price still trumps!
Question - I have heard it is a good idea to get a magnetic oil plug. I have been unable to confirm one that will fit. Anybody have a suggestion here? Also, I hear you should break in for 5 hours, then change the oil?
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12-07-2018, 07:41 PM
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#6
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1 Rivet Member
2018 23' Flying Cloud
2018 25' International
Grafton
, WI
Join Date: Aug 2018
Posts: 19
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Champion Inverter Dual Fuel generators
I've also been interested in buying the Champion dual fuel generator and was confused by the different model numbers and outputs of each. When I look on the Costco site I don't see the 3400 listed there, they are only selling the 3100 for 849.99. The 3100, 3400, and the 3500 all have different outputs. And also have reduced outputs running on propane. The model that Camping World is selling is the 3500 the largest of the three. If you go to the Champion web site you can do a comparison of the three models and then it is readily apparent what the differences are. The 3500 and 3400 have the larger 192cc engine, but there outputs are different. The 3100 has a smaller 171cc engine.
__________________
Thurston III
“Just remember, when you’re over the hill, you begin to pick up speed.”
― Charles Schultz
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12-07-2018, 08:06 PM
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#7
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Rivet Master
2018 27' Globetrotter
Apollo Beach
, Florida
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 1,401
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Thurston III
I've also been interested in buying the Champion dual fuel generator and was confused by the different model numbers and outputs of each. When I look on the Costco site I don't see the 3400 listed there, they are only selling the 3100 for 849.99. The 3100, 3400, and the 3500 all have different outputs. And also have reduced outputs running on propane. The model that Camping World is selling is the 3500 the largest of the three. If you go to the Champion web site you can do a comparison of the three models and then it is readily apparent what the differences are. The 3500 and 3400 have the larger 192cc engine, but there outputs are different. The 3100 has a smaller 171cc engine.
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I think many of us have the 3400W model. This is why I always include the model number in my generator comments. I compared the three models when I bought mine two seasons ago and chose to buy the 3400W Model #100263 with the larger 192cc engine. I wasn't willing to pay more for the 3500W because that difference appears to be just marketing hype. I didn't want the smaller engine because that is a fact, not marketing hype. Maybe I'm wrong and the 3500W really does have 100W more oomph, but I never have an issue with not having enough ommph. I can run the 3400W on propane at elevations to 8000' while running my 15,000 BTU A/C, lights, TV, converter, refrigerator and water pump. I do watch the loads when using the Microwave, but I need to do that even when running on 30A shore power.
__________________
2021 Northern-Lite 10-2 & F350 DRW PSD, 600W Solar/Victron/600A BattleBorn
146 nights 31,000 miles (first 10 months!)
Sold: 2018 GT27Q, 74 nights 12,777 miles
Sold: 2017 FC25FB, 316 nights 40,150 miles
Sold: 2013 Casita SD17 89 nights 16,200 miles
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12-07-2018, 08:42 PM
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#8
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1 Rivet Member
2018 23' Flying Cloud
2018 25' International
Grafton
, WI
Join Date: Aug 2018
Posts: 19
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Champion Inverter Dual Fuel generators
Quote:
Originally Posted by AirMiles
I think many of us have the 3400W model. This is why I always include the model number in my generator comments. I compared the three models when I bought mine two seasons ago and chose to buy the 3400W Model #100263 with the larger 192cc engine. I wasn't willing to pay more for the 3500W because that difference appears to be just marketing hype. I didn't want the smaller engine because that is a fact, not marketing hype. Maybe I'm wrong and the 3500W really does have 100W more oomph, but I never have an issue with not having enough ommph. I can run the 3400W on propane at elevations to 8000' while running my 15,000 BTU A/C, lights, TV, converter, refrigerator and water pump. I do watch the loads when using the Microwave, but I need to do that even when running on 30A shore power.
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Thanks, that's good to know!
Where do you store your generator while traveling and during use? I'm concerned with the weight, getting it in and out of the pickup. Also the slightly higher noise level and how bothersome that might be.
__________________
Thurston III
“Just remember, when you’re over the hill, you begin to pick up speed.”
― Charles Schultz
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12-07-2018, 11:20 PM
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#9
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Rivet Master
2007 22' International CCD
Corona
, California
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 9,180
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Champion 3400 vs 3500 dual fuel
I’ve added a propane hose assembly to mine to use a low pressure port on the trailer A-frame. On trips, the genset stays in the bed of the pickup chained down. When I need to use it I plug in the 30 amp shore power cord and propane, then hit starter. Stays in the bed of the truck at all times. Just make sure front window of the trailer is shut if truck is hitched up. I can get it up to 20 feet away with the two 12 foot extension hoses I have. If it needs more distance I’ll add another hose to the pile.
Yeah, the Champion 3400 inverter weighs about 100 pounds without gasoline in it, but I only have to lift it once per trip...and it’s doable if this certified old phart is well rested...
__________________
Rich, KE4GNK/AE, Overkill Engineering Dept.
'The Silver HamShack' ('07 International 22FB CCD 75th Anniversary)
Multiple Yaesu Ham Radios inside and many antennae sprouting from roof, ProPride hitch, Prodigy P2 controller.
2012 shortbed CrewMax 4x4 Toyota Tacoma TV with more antennae on it.
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12-08-2018, 05:39 AM
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#10
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Rivet Master
2018 27' Globetrotter
Apollo Beach
, Florida
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 1,401
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Thurston III
Thanks, that's good to know!
Where do you store your generator while traveling and during use? I'm concerned with the weight, getting it in and out of the pickup. Also the slightly higher noise level and how bothersome that might be.
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I do almost the same as rmkrum. I use the Airstream propane quick disconnect and leave the generator in the truck. I only remove my generator from the truck if I need to use the full truck bed to haul something. My generator is almost a permanent fixture in my truck. I usually carry a spare 20# propane tank in my truck that I can also use to run the generator. http://www.airforums.com/forums/f42/...ml#post1996143
__________________
2021 Northern-Lite 10-2 & F350 DRW PSD, 600W Solar/Victron/600A BattleBorn
146 nights 31,000 miles (first 10 months!)
Sold: 2018 GT27Q, 74 nights 12,777 miles
Sold: 2017 FC25FB, 316 nights 40,150 miles
Sold: 2013 Casita SD17 89 nights 16,200 miles
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12-08-2018, 08:14 AM
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#11
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Rivet Master
2017 26' Flying Cloud
Tampa
, Florida
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 7,638
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Thurston III
I'm concerned with the weight, getting it in and out of the pickup.
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Yes, me too. I can't always count on a neighbor to help me load or unload, so I bought this from Harbor Freight.
The 1000# hydraulic table. Use a discount coupon. The 500# is plenty strong, but doesn't go up to tailgate height.
I can schootch the generator onto the table, then lower it and roll into the garage, where it lives until it's loaded again.
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12-09-2018, 09:38 AM
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#12
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Rivet Master
2019 27' Globetrotter
Salem
, Oregon
Join Date: Nov 2015
Posts: 691
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Like rmkrum airmiles and mollysday I I leave mine in the bed. I have a hydraulic table from Harbor Freight to assist me in loading my myself. I also have a hose that I can use from the trailer connection and I use a quick connect so that I can use either the bottle of propane or the trailer.
Dave
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12-09-2018, 06:01 PM
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#13
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1 Rivet Member
2018 23' Flying Cloud
2018 25' International
Grafton
, WI
Join Date: Aug 2018
Posts: 19
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Champion Inverter Dual Fuel generators
Thanks for the advice!
I like the idea of the table cart. Watching Harbor Freight sales and voila, the 1000# capacity table cart is on sale, for $199.99!
__________________
Thurston III
“Just remember, when you’re over the hill, you begin to pick up speed.”
― Charles Schultz
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12-09-2018, 06:08 PM
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#14
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ObviouslyKnot
Currently Looking...
KAILUA
, HI
Join Date: Nov 2016
Posts: 862
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If you read the customer questions forum at Champion for the 3500 model, they explain the derating requested by the seller, so customers will not be disappointed.
Just understand, your battery must be charged or another 12v source available to shift the fuel cutout solenoid to start. No power, no start, no manual way to override it. You can get a Battery Tender jumper that plugs in the portable solar outlet; much cheaper than the replacement battery.
__________________
James Mileur, HY80-2-Al,
2017 Classic Twin, 2016 RAM 3500 Megacab, ProPride hitch
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12-09-2018, 06:18 PM
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#15
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Senior Member
2012 27' FB Eddie Bauer
Sparks
, Nevada
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 1,116
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Quote:
Originally Posted by james.mileur
If you read the customer questions forum at Champion for the 3500 model, they explain the derating requested by the seller, so customers will not be disappointed.
Just understand, your battery must be charged or another 12v source available to shift the fuel cutout solenoid to start. No power, no start, no manual way to override it. You can get a Battery Tender jumper that plugs in the portable solar outlet; much cheaper than the replacement battery.
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I think the no start if dead battery is only with gasoline not propane.
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12-09-2018, 06:52 PM
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#16
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4 Rivet Member
1968 26' Overlander
CORDOVA
, TN
Join Date: Apr 2018
Posts: 414
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I pull my as with an e350 van.....we keep our champion generator in the van, and I slide it into a contractor trash bag to contain the smell. Works great !
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