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Ridgerunner8 · 03-02-2022, 05:59 AM

Looking for thoughts/comments from owners on the performance of the Champion 2500w Dual Fuel Generator.

We have a 2017 27FBT with a single 15K a/c and a Micro Air Easy Start installed and want to know how the 2500w Gen will perform as a back-up power source when shore power isn’t available.

I plan to run the Gen on propane only and am most interested in knowing if the 1650 running watts (on propane) would be adequate to run the a/c in a pinch.

I am also considering the Champion 4500w dual fuel, but trying to avoid the added weight, noise, cost, and space requirements for a back-up power source.

Any insights is appreciated.

ExploreUT · 03-02-2022, 07:15 AM

Happened to watch this the other day……..might be helpful for you.

https://youtu.be/WEvAM69-nrs

Pquotes · 03-02-2022, 10:09 AM

We have the 13.5k a/c on our unit (no Easy Start) and run it with the Champion 2500w using propane. No problems starting up or running the a/c. Love the portability and size of the 2500w generator.

Edit: If you go this route, be sure to use a 20amp adapter plug - not the standard 15 amp adapter - to get the most out of the output power.

Dennis C · 03-02-2022, 10:19 AM

I can’t speak about the 2500, but I own the 4500 and it’s great. It provides enough power to run everything, in all conditions, without question. It’s quiet and it will run for 14+ hours on a tank of gasoline under moderate load. It works well at high altitude. The trade off is obviously the size and weight, but it rides in our truck bed and it’s no big deal. It has big handles and can easily be lifted in and out of the truck bed by two people, and I can handle it alone if necessary.

WellSaid11 · 03-02-2022, 10:38 AM

I was definitely interested at the price point, but am not sure that you simply don't get more power (running and CCs), easier start and reliability with the Honda eu2200i (although at 2x the price!)

This video is helpful for the Champion 2500 as well:

https://youtu.be/g6b_9kQ_l_g

Ridgerunner8 · 03-02-2022, 02:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dennis C

I can’t speak about the 2500, but I own the 4500 and it’s great. It provides enough power to run everything, in all conditions, without question. It’s quiet and it will run for 14+ hours on a tank of gasoline under moderate load. It works well at high altitude. The trade off is obviously the size and weight, but it rides in our truck bed and it’s no big deal. It has big handles and can easily be lifted in and out of the truck bed by two people, and I can handle it alone if necessary.

Thanks for the thoughts on the 4500 very helpful. I like the idea of the small, light weight 2500, but know the bigger, heavier 4500 would serve all my needs with no issues. Perhaps I am over thinking the size/weight issue of the 4500.

Dennis C · 03-02-2022, 03:03 PM

You could always get the smaller generator and try it. If you need more power, then add a companion generator and a parallel connection kit. Then you’d have two small generators that provide the power of one larger generator. Overall weight would be similar, but it would be in a more manageable form.

I found gasoline to be easier to manage for generator fuel than propane, so I stuck with the gasoline unit. I contacted Champion and they sent me a high altitude (6,000+ feet) carburetor jet at no charge. Most of my camping is well above 6,000 feet, which is another reason that I wanted the larger unit. Internal combustion engines lose 3 - 4% of their power for every thousand feet of elevation above sea level.

One final note - remote start is worth it! It’s nice to be able to just push a button from inside the Airstream and fire up the generator.

Good luck with your decision!

WellSaid11 · 03-02-2022, 08:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dennis C

You could always get the smaller generator and try it. If you need more power, then add a companion generator and a parallel connection kit. Then you’d have two small generators that provide the power of one larger generator. Overall weight would be similar, but it would be in a more manageable form.

I found gasoline to be easier to manage for generator fuel than propane, so I stuck with the gasoline unit. I contacted Champion and they sent me a high altitude (6,000+ feet) carburetor jet at no charge. Most of my camping is well above 6,000 feet, which is another reason that I wanted the larger unit. Internal combustion engines lose 3 - 4% of their power for every thousand feet of elevation above sea level.

One final note - remote start is worth it! It’s nice to be able to just push a button from inside the Airstream and fire up the generator.

Good luck with your decision!

I like the 4500, but it looks like the dual-fuel does not come with remote start and it may be about 1/2 inch too high to fit under my Retrax in the TV bed.

majorairhead · 03-02-2022, 08:47 PM

I bought two Champion 2500 dual fuel and the parallel kit.

Dennis C · 03-02-2022, 09:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WellSaid11

I like the 4500, but it looks like the dual-fuel does not come with remote start and it may be about 1/2 inch too high to fit under my Retrax in the TV bed.

The 4500 fits under the Retrax on my GMC.

I originally planned to buy the 3400. When I researched it, I found that the 4500 would fit in my truck bed under the Retrax cover, it only weighs 6 lbs. more than the 3400, and it cost less. It was an easy decision.

WellSaid11 · 03-02-2022, 10:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dennis C

The 4500 fits under the Retrax on my GMC.

I originally planned to buy the 3400. When I researched it, I found that the 4500 would fit in my truck bed under the Retrax cover, it only weighs 6 lbs. more than the 3400, and it cost less. It was an easy decision.

I have a Ram HD 2500 with a bed liner, which likely has different clearance below the Retrax than does your GMC 1500.

The tape measure does not lie, the 4500 will be too high.

Dennis C · 03-02-2022, 10:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WellSaid11

I have a Ram HD 2500 with a bed liner, which likely has different clearance below the Retrax than does your GMC 1500.

The tape measure does not lie, the 4500 will be too high.

Got it. It’s close in the GMC, but it works.

Ridgerunner8 · 03-03-2022, 06:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dennis C

The 4500 fits under the Retrax on my GMC.

I originally planned to buy the 3400. When I researched it, I found that the 4500 would fit in my truck bed under the Retrax cover, it only weighs 6 lbs. more than the 3400, and it cost less. It was an easy decision.

I have a GMC 2500HD as well and it looks like the 4500 would fit under my bed cover with about 1/2 of clearance.

As for buying two 2500 with the parallel kit, not sure that be the best option if the intent is more power. 2 x 2500 would cost more, twice as much maintenance, more space needed, and about the same weight. Just not confident that one 2500 would meet my minimum power needs.

Ridgerunner8 · 03-03-2022, 06:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by majorairhead

I bought two Champion 2500 dual fuel and the parallel kit.

Thanks for you insights. I have considered the 2 x 2500 option, but if I think more power would be desired, I would likely go with the 4500 for simplicity.

Mikemdd · 03-03-2022, 07:47 AM

I have the Westinghouse iGEN 4500 with Duel Fuel/electric start/wireless remote start that works great. Very quiet as compared to others in its class. Full LED display of all parameters. It fits perfectly under the tonneau of my F250 with the thick bed mat. Just another option.

drbrick · 03-03-2022, 10:30 AM

We have to "old" 3500 dual and love it - run it in the back of the F-150 was the best gen we have ever owned

alphamale49 · 03-03-2022, 10:38 AM

I have a Champion 30 Amp duel fuel it works great. Always used propane.

Sailorjamie · 03-03-2022, 11:07 AM

I have the Champion 3500 but instead of the dual fuel I purchased the external fuel kit from Pinellas Power Products, https://www.pinellaspowerproducts.com/ for the remote start generator. I think that's a better way to go than dual fuel. Based on my experience with this generator I'd probably always opt for the external fuel tank over the dual fuel. Gasoline is easier to come by than propane. Gasoline has a higher power density. With the external fuel tank I have run the generator & my air conditioner for over 14 hours non-stop, ie.e overnight, without having to get up to screw with the generator.

Gen0 · 03-03-2022, 11:29 AM

I have that exact generator. I run only on propane. At sea level it is adequate but at above 1500 ft it will struggle with more than AC powered up. Running charger and AC at same time causes shutdown. I run off LPG port on 2014 FC FBT. Also, hard to start. 20-30 pulls. If I had to do it over again (and I might) I would look at other options. Electric start 4500 watt comes to mind. Mine is for sale.

Dennis C · 03-03-2022, 12:16 PM

One more comment I’ll add is that if you choose to go with a gasoline powered generator, then consider using TruFuel. It’s pure gasoline without ethanol, additives, detergents, etc. It can be stored for years and it won’t gum up the carburetor or fuel system like pump gasoline does. It’s expensive, but it’s worth the price in my opinion. I buy it at Home Depot.