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Old 12-06-2018, 08:31 AM   #1
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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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Old 12-06-2018, 08:50 AM   #2
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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.
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Old 12-06-2018, 09:08 AM   #3
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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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Old 12-06-2018, 09:13 AM   #4
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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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Old 12-07-2018, 10:10 AM   #5
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Question 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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Old 12-07-2018, 07:41 PM   #6
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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.
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Old 12-07-2018, 08:06 PM   #7
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Originally Posted by Thurston III View Post
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.
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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Old 12-07-2018, 08:42 PM   #8
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Champion Inverter Dual Fuel generators

Quote:
Originally Posted by AirMiles View Post
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.
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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Old 12-07-2018, 11:20 PM   #9
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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...
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Old 12-08-2018, 05:39 AM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Thurston III View Post
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.
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
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Old 12-08-2018, 08:14 AM   #11
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Originally Posted by Thurston III View Post
I'm concerned with the weight, getting it in and out of the pickup.
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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Old 12-09-2018, 09:38 AM   #12
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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.

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Old 12-09-2018, 06:01 PM   #13
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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!
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Old 12-09-2018, 06:08 PM   #14
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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.
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Old 12-09-2018, 06:18 PM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by james.mileur View Post
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.


I think the no start if dead battery is only with gasoline not propane.
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Old 12-09-2018, 06:52 PM   #16
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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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