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Old 04-20-2016, 09:08 AM   #1
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Champion Dual Fuel Generator - What do you think?

I've been shopping for generators for a while and recently discovered that Champion Power now has a dual fuel (gasoline and propane) generator available:



For the time being, it looks like it's exclusive to CostCo, available for $849.99 shipped:

Champion DUAL-FUEL 2800wt Running / 3100wt Peak Digital Inverter Generator, Electric Start, RV Ready, Parallel Capable, CARB & EPA Certified

The non-dual fuel version of this generator has excellent reviews (on Amazon, 4.5 stars based on 200+ reviews), but I'm wondering if anyone has used this dual fuel model.
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Old 04-20-2016, 09:33 AM   #2
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Nice generator but too heavy (93 pounds) for my back. It would work if there was some way to safely mount it to the trailer.
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Old 04-21-2016, 07:23 AM   #3
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Originally Posted by AWCHIEF View Post
Nice generator but too heavy (93 pounds) for my back. It would work if there was some way to safely mount it to the trailer.
True, it is heavy. I was thinking of putting it on our A-frame, but it's too big to fit behind the propane tanks.
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Old 04-21-2016, 07:42 AM   #4
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True, it is heavy. I was thinking of putting it on our A-frame, but it's too big to fit behind the propane tanks.
I looked at that also. Did the measurements and it would not fit. Issue I have with putting anything have on top of the battery box is limiting access to the batteries and extra weight on the nose. Maybe a removable ramp of some kind to make loading in the back of the JeepGC might be the answer. I do like the extra power output, no gas and ability to possibility run the AC.
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Old 04-21-2016, 07:56 AM   #5
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Doing the conversion on a gas generator is pretty easy. It took longer to read the instructions than to do the actual conversion.
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Old 04-21-2016, 09:06 AM   #6
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I am very impressed by champion, they are really doing good stuff. I have the gas only version through.
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Old 04-21-2016, 09:25 AM   #7
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Was checking out the Champion web site and owners manual for this generator. The propane conversion is not totally built it. The supplied regulator simply plugs into a port, fuel selector is set to propane, attach hose to bottle, turn on propane and you are good to go. It has a built in battery for electric direct and remote start. Comes with a smart charger if needed to keep battery fully charged.
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Old 04-21-2016, 12:10 PM   #8
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I have one of exact same specs but weighs 147 pounds. Perfect. Fits on my "A" frame of 1958 Caravanner and I've no need for the 20 pounders as I use 1 pound point source propane. But I do have a big one to refill my small ones. I have eliminated propane for heat, hot water, oven, standard 3/4 burner built in cooktop. and refrigeration. I can still accomplish everything using KISS and saved much weight too.
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Old 04-22-2016, 07:21 AM   #9
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Originally Posted by BigButtUgly View Post
I have one of exact same specs but weighs 147 pounds. Perfect. Fits on my "A" frame of 1958 Caravanner and I've no need for the 20 pounders as I use 1 pound point source propane. But I do have a big one to refill my small ones. I have eliminated propane for heat, hot water, oven, standard 3/4 burner built in cooktop. and refrigeration. I can still accomplish everything using KISS and saved much weight too.

Clarification? What size and brand generator do you have and you use 1 lb bottles to power it? If so how much run time do you get from one 1lb bottle?
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Old 04-22-2016, 07:51 AM   #10
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Champion gen

I had a champion 3500/4000 unit it was loud and voltage was variable bouncing between 118v and 122v and by that I mean the voltage was always moving never steady. I was worried that would damage the A/C or it wouldn't be safe to charge phones or computer so I sold it and bought a Honda. Good camping
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Old 09-23-2016, 05:20 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by trekerboy View Post
I've been shopping for generators for a while and recently discovered that Champion Power now has a dual fuel (gasoline and propane) generator available:



For the time being, it looks like it's exclusive to CostCo, available for $849.99 shipped:

Champion DUAL-FUEL 2800wt Running / 3100wt Peak Digital Inverter Generator, Electric Start, RV Ready, Parallel Capable, CARB & EPA Certified

The non-dual fuel version of this generator has excellent reviews (on Amazon, 4.5 stars based on 200+ reviews), but I'm wondering if anyone has used this dual fuel model.
We bought the Costco dual fuel 2800 a month ago. "Highly" recommend it for all the reasons, power, build quality, specs, low DBs. Would certainly buy again if/when stolen. Ha ! As the word is getting out about these dual fuel gems vs Yams and Hondas which are also very good.
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Old 10-12-2016, 07:36 AM   #12
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Anyone run their Armstrong A/C on this?

I'm highly interested in buying this generator for my '73 Airstream.

I like this unit for 3 main reasons:
1. It's compact enough to fit under the tonneau cover of my pickup
2. It can run on propane. I plan on replacing the short propane line provided with a long enough one to hook up to my 30lb bottles already mounted on the AS. Has anyone done this?
3. It's quiet. On long road trips in the summer my plan is to stay in rest areas/Wal Marts. Take out the generator use a bike lock to lock it to the A-Frame. Start it up on hot/humid nights so the A/C can keep us cool while we sleep at night.

Here is my biggest question:

I have the original Armstrong A/C. Will this generator (on propane) run this A/C? We'll also run a few lights, the fridge (I could force it to run on propane) and the converter will run too. I want this to be a simple process. I don't want to have to turn off this and that so it'll work.

Thanks for your advice!
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Old 10-12-2016, 10:36 AM   #13
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They make a higher watt version. Check out the Champion 3100/3400 watt (model 100263). Mine runs my 15K AC, fridge, lights and more all while running on propane.
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Old 10-13-2016, 09:22 AM   #14
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[QUOTE It's quiet. On long road trips in the summer my plan is to stay in rest areas/Wal Marts. Take out the generator use a bike lock to lock it to the A-Frame. Start it up on hot/humid nights so the A/C can keep us cool while we sleep at night].

We had same thoughts of a securing with cable when we got ours. Then realized we're thinking too hard. With a cleaner burning LP Now can leave in bed of truck bike cabled up with open toneau section to breathe. Even quieter, more secure (harder to access and lift out of bed with locked tailgate) close to front LP tanks nicely tucked out of the way from public view and less lifting. Added a LP style 12ft quick connect LP hose to link to front mounted tanks with gen LP regulator secure mounted inside closed LP tank cover. All good !!
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Old 04-20-2017, 04:31 PM   #15
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Questions to those with newer AC units

It looks like people have had success with this Champion generator. I'm in the market as well and I am looking at the 3500 Dual fuel http://www.cabelas.com/product/CHAMP...EN/2236537.uts

It looks like it is only available at Cabela's or Camping World. To those of you that have used this model, what kind of experiences do you have with your Domestic AC systems? We have a 2016 Flying Cloud with 2 AC units. I know it will only run 1 unit and that is exactly what we are looking for. We plan on boondocking about half the time but we want to make sure we can at least use the one AC on those hot/humid days.

Thanks for all of your help!
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Old 04-20-2017, 06:21 PM   #16
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Originally Posted by Echelon73 View Post
They make a higher watt version. Check out the Champion 3100/3400 watt (model 100263). Mine runs my 15K AC, fridge, lights and more all while running on propane.
We have this one. A little heavy, but quiet. I run it off of a 20lb propane tank. It fits in the bed of my truck under the tonneau cover. I like it. Mike
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Old 04-20-2017, 07:12 PM   #17
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I have the 3400/3100 dual fuel as well and like it. Its on sale at Home Depot over the internet this week for something like $875

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Champion-...0263/206842512

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Old 06-08-2017, 07:39 AM   #18
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Champion 3400 & 3500 are the same

I down loaded the owners manual for the Champion 3400 and 3500 to see what the difference was. Turns out that every part number is the same for both owners manuals. I called Champion and they told me the only difference is the decal on the side and who sells them. You will only find the 3500 sold a Camping World and Cabela's at a higher price than the 3400.
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Old 06-10-2017, 03:07 PM   #19
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2800 Propane Questions

Do you think the Champion 2800 on PROPANE will run a 15000 but ac on a 2017 FC ? I would like to buy it from Costco since they will take it back no questions asked. I wish costco carried the 3400. Also will the remote be able to start the unit in the middle of the night without leaving th AS? I you have to go out and turn on the propane in the middle of the night what is the point of the remote start?
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Old 06-10-2017, 03:58 PM   #20
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Do you think the Champion 2800 on PROPANE will run a 15000 but ac on a 2017 FC ? I would like to buy it from Costco since they will take it back no questions asked. I wish costco carried the 3400. Also will the remote be able to start the unit in the middle of the night without leaving th AS? I you have to go out and turn on the propane in the middle of the night what is the point of the remote start?
Hi

It certainly will with one of the easy start kits on the AC.

Bob
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