Champion 3400 dual fuel generator great deal

[Kyacker]

Originally Posted by Bigventure

Anyone who’s is considering a generator should get in on this sale. It ends March 28.

Looks like this is dead.

[AirMiles]

Originally Posted by azflycaster

If you look at the numbers, it is not that quiet. Honda 2200 at idle is 48 db the champion at idle is 59 db. It is a loud generator

I wouldn't label any of these generators as "loud". Watch the videos and you be the judge.

Eu3000 vs 2800W Champion inverter head-to-head sound test at 23' same loads:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mrgou6JVHSM

The Champion 3db louder across the board. 3db is just perceptibly louder, 10db is twice as loud. http://www.sengpielaudio.com/calculator-levelchange.htm

Eu2000 sound test from same tester and load, but at 30' instead of 23':

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GESp...f&index=6&t=0s

Predator 3500 vs Honda Eu2000 head-to-head from different tester:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fIQt4krPAgA

[Mollysdad]

Originally Posted by AirMiles

Eu3000 vs 2800W Champion inverter head-to-head sound test at 23' same loads:

That Honda is the "Handi" and not the well regarded EU3000is.
There are lots of ways to fudge the sound test. First, is the exhaust aimed the same way on both? Next a VU meter is valid, up to a point because noise is subjective. One generator at 60 db. is more forgivable than another at the same 60db. if the "sound is more pleasing."
I have no criticism of the Champion, if I didn't have a Honda I'd get the Champion.
I just like apples to apples.

[AirMiles]

Originally Posted by Mollysdad

That Honda is the "Handi" and not the well regarded EU3000is.
There are lots of ways to fudge the sound test. First, is the exhaust aimed the same way on both? Next a VU meter is valid, up to a point because noise is subjective. One generator at 60 db. is more forgivable than another at the same 60db. if the "sound is more pleasing."
I have no criticism of the Champion, if I didn't have a Honda I'd get the Champion.
I just like apples to apples.

I don't think anyone was trying to fudge these tests, they were just demonstrating the generators they had available. My bottom line is that I wouldn't label any of these generators as "loud". I would say they are all "acceptable" but the Honda EU3000is and the Predator 3500 are the most pleasant sounding of the bunch. If money is no object, I'd agree a Genconnex EU3000is is the hands down winner. If money is most important, the Predator 3500 is the winner. If size and weight is most important, the Honda EU2200I is the winner. And if money and propane capability is most important, the Champion DualFuel generator is the winner. As you can see in my signature, money and propane capability won me over with the Champion DualFuel.

[Llittle54]

Anyone tried this one from Costco?
https://www.costco.com/Firman-Power-...100367440.html

[AirMiles]

Originally Posted by Llittle54

Anyone tried this one from Costco?
https://www.costco.com/Firman-Power-...100367440.html

Looks like it is a relabled Champion Inverter generator with a redesigned case to me. Many of the controls are the same as the Champion . . . choke, starter button, eco button, maybe the wheels, and has a TT30R plug. I have the opportunity to see and hear most generators at NASCAR races. I've never seen one of these. I'm starting to see a lot of Champion Inverters and Predator 3500's at the races, YAY! I really like the sound (lack there of and tone) of the Predator 3500 and would buy one if I wanted an inexpensive 3000 watt class gasoline generator.

[gypsydad]

Originally Posted by AirMiles

I don't think anyone was trying to fudge these tests, they were just demonstrating the generators they had available. My bottom line is that I wouldn't label any of these generators as "loud". I would say they are all "acceptable" but the Honda EU3000is and the Predator 3500 are the most pleasant sounding of the bunch. If money is no object, I'd agree a Genconnex EU3000is is the hands down winner. If money is most important, the Predator 3500 is the winner. If size and weight is most important, the Honda EU2200I is the winner. And if money and propane capability is most important, the Champion DualFuel generator is the winner. As you can see in my signature, money and propane capability won me over with the Champion DualFuel.

I mentioned (once or twice) I also have the Dual Fuel Champion, but I had a chance to try out my buddy's new Honda 2200 which was modified to run propane by Genconnex, last summer --while in Banff...I liked it a lot for the weight and size, but it was also pretty quiet compared to my Champion. It also would fire up my 13500AC with out bogging down. If money were no object, I would like to have 2 of the Honda 2200 for the convenience of weight in moving around and quiet operation...For us, we rarely need AC in mid summer since we are up in NorthWest Rockies...but I would carry 2 for the trip back thru Utah parks and into NM and Texas...if my wife would let me, I would seriously consider relocating to Utah...love the landscape all over in those parks!

[AirMiles]

Disclaimer: The following is my opinion which is based on my perception of the quality of sound from generators. Quality of sound is like taste in music, what is music to one may be noise to another.

I personally do not like the pitch of 2xxx generators and prefer the lower tone of the 3xxx generators. I wish there was an equal side-by-side comparison video of the Champion 3xxx and the Honda 2xxx. The unequal results, favoring the Honda, showed that the Champion 3xxx was only 3db louder than the Honda 2xxx. But, the Champion 3xxx was at 23' and the Honda 2xxx was at 30'. This why I feel the Champion's loudness is "acceptable". I respect that you may feel differently . . . music to one is noise to another.

[sheriff1]

Posted my thoughts earlier, Honda 2000 at idle to charge batteries etc, whisper quite, when we used microwave, it screamed like a banchie. Champion 3400 dual fuel: louder at battery charging, didn’t rev to max when microwave ran thus quieter than Honda 2000.

[gypsydad]

Originally Posted by sheriff1

Posted my thoughts earlier, Honda 2000 at idle to charge batteries etc, whisper quite, when we used microwave, it screamed like a banchie. Champion 3400 dual fuel: louder at battery charging, didn’t rev to max when microwave ran thus quieter than Honda 2000.

Not to split hair's here, but I have heard a "real quiet" Honda 3000 once in Glacier; not sure what model, but it was pretty quiet... I also heard one in the back of a guys truck, who had the gascan on top of his cab, with the window open on his topper to access the generator controls, and his back open for exhaust. It was pretty loud, and I am not into carrying gas anymore, especially above my cab! I have heard a real quiet Yamaha 2000 a few times next to me and thought it was pretty quiet, so I used my DB meter to compare to my older Champion 2000; the Yamaha at 20' was quieter by couple DB. I have checked my Dual Fuel each time I use it in a campground setting, looking for best location to point the exhaust when staying more then a few days....the App I use Sound Meter by Melon Software; was free but seems to work fine. Bottom line; some times these generators seem louder depending on how they are pointed, the terrain they are setting in, etc...nothing more aggravating then a "REALLY NOISY" industrial type generator, which some folks still use for camping, even though most parks now have a sound limit. I think the Honda, Yamaha, and Champion inverter/generators are all acceptable for the most part. I try not to spend too much time worrying about this issue, unless there is an industrial generator...at which time I will point out the noise to the camp hosts....or move on if it is really a problem...

[uncle_bob]

Hi

Ok, one thing that has come up a few times, but never really been dug into:

Just how does my "20 pound" propane tank compare to my 5 gallon gas can in terms of running one of these beasts? Spoiler alert .... I plan to run mine on propane.

Your standard metal "NATO" gas can weighs in at about 9 pounds empty. The propane tank is about 17 pounds. "Pack in the truck" wise, I find the gas can takes up a bit less space.

5 gallons of gas will fit in the gas can and that's what most people do. Indeed it's actually a 20 liter can so a bit more than 5 gallons can be crammed in. 5 gallons of gas weighs about 30 pounds. The propane tank will hold 20 pounds. When you pick one up at the local Turkey Hill, it likely only has 15 pounds in it. The "why" spins off into various directions ....

So at this point the gas can plus fuel is at 39 pounds. The propane tank is at about 32 pounds. Yes a plastic gas can would weigh less and worry me more.

To put things on an equal energy basis, a pound of propane has 80% of the energy of a pound of gasoline. Our 15 pounds of propane deliver the same get up and go as 12 pounds of gasoline. Going back to gallons, that would be about 2 gallons of gasoline.

So, if I'm stranded somewhere and have the choice of which one to grab, the gas can will beat out the propane tank by about 2.5X. If I want to be roughly same / same, I'd toss two propane tanks in the back of the truck. Since the same basic math applies to larger tanks as well, the 40 pound tanks some of us have are still not quite as much energy (as normally filled) as the 5 gallon gas can (also as normally filled).

Gasoline is pretty amazing stuff

Despite all that, I'm going the propane route.

Bob

[DougC27]

Originally Posted by uncle_bob

Hi

Ok, one thing that has come up a few times, but never really been dug into:

Just how does my "20 pound" propane tank compare to my 5 gallon gas can in terms of running one of these beasts? Spoiler alert .... I plan to run mine on propane.

Your standard metal "NATO" gas can weighs in at about 9 pounds empty. The propane tank is about 17 pounds. "Pack in the truck" wise, I find the gas can takes up a bit less space.

5 gallons of gas will fit in the gas can and that's what most people do. Indeed it's actually a 20 liter can so a bit more than 5 gallons can be crammed in. 5 gallons of gas weighs about 30 pounds. The propane tank will hold 20 pounds. When you pick one up at the local Turkey Hill, it likely only has 15 pounds in it. The "why" spins off into various directions ....

So at this point the gas can plus fuel is at 39 pounds. The propane tank is at about 32 pounds. Yes a plastic gas can would weigh less and worry me more.

To put things on an equal energy basis, a pound of propane has 80% of the energy of a pound of gasoline. Our 15 pounds of propane deliver the same get up and go as 12 pounds of gasoline. Going back to gallons, that would be about 2 gallons of gasoline.

So, if I'm stranded somewhere and have the choice of which one to grab, the gas can will beat out the propane tank by about 2.5X. If I want to be roughly same / same, I'd toss two propane tanks in the back of the truck. Since the same basic math applies to larger tanks as well, the 40 pound tanks some of us have are still not quite as much energy (as normally filled) as the 5 gallon gas can (also as normally filled).

Gasoline is pretty amazing stuff

Despite all that, I'm going the propane route.

Bob

I went with propane because it's already on board. Nothing else I have uses gasoline. And I didn't want to add a gas can to the inventory.

[NoResults]

+ 1 I use my front connection and see no need for gasoline. My son needed my generator recently so it got a dose of gasoline but other than that propane only.


Dave

[jeffmc306]

Originally Posted by uncle_bob

Hi

Ok, one thing that has come up a few times, but never really been dug into:

Just how does my "20 pound" propane tank compare to my 5 gallon gas can in terms of running one of these beasts? Spoiler alert .... I plan to run mine on propane.


Bob

Bob, no doubt gas has more energy, is more available/portable. I think you pointed out the benefits of any dual-fuel genset - run what ya got! Like some other posters, I'll run propane over gas to keep the carb and fuel system clean and it's more convenient. I think there's also less contamination of the generator's oil (piston ring blow-by) so another side benefit.

Unless you use a lot of propane in your Airstream, why not use the low pressure port? Sixty pounds will last quite a while and with the 1 + 1 tank setup, you've got time to refill. You could bring an empty gas can for emergencies.

Happy Camping!

[Mollysdad]

I agree, the dual fuel option is best.
But if I run out of gas, I take the can to a gas station.
If I run out of propane, I have to disconnect the tank, lug it to a propane supplier, and it's expensive!
Running for 10 hours on a 30 pound propane tank gets to be a hassle.
Most people don't carry a stand alone 40 pound tank.
If I fill my gas generator at home, then carry a five gallon can, I'm looking at 30 hours of power. You can't fill up a propane generator.

To be perfectly honest, I've carried the generator on a number of trips and never run it. (which why the Predator looks good)

[shucklemoon]

Originally Posted by Mollysdad

I don't have an F-250, but here is my solution for a heavy generator. I have the Honda 3K.
Harbor Freight Hydraulic table. 1000# capacity. (The 500# doesn't go high enough.)
If not in the truck the generator lives on the table, just lower it down and roll it into the garage.
It rises easily and is built like a tank.
Look for a sale coupon.

Here's another option for those concerned about the weight and lifting these in and out of tow vehicles, a motorcycle lifting table that looks like it would be high enough, easy to set up/store (and slightly less pricey than the 1000lb Harbor Freight table).
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XNZ5GV6..._vi2jDbMZ68W85

[uncle_bob]

Hi

Again, I have a couple of propane tanks sitting here Pulling this beast in and out of the big tall F-250 on a regular basis .... not going to happen. Refilling with gas in the truck bed, not easy (I'm only 6'4" .... ). Keeping it running on gas without it getting all over the back of the truck is unlikely ....

My gotcha with using the onboard propane is that it's there for heating the trailer / running the fridge / making hot water. We do go through the onboard supply when off grid in the fall or spring. No argument that it's s fine backup, but for me at least ... not the main source. We filled up in JC back in mid April and are one tank down since then.

Will the generator get used on this or that campsite? Who knows !!! If there's enough sun, the 400W solar will do its thing. We have been in places / conditions where solar was not enough. Our solar most certainly will not run the A/C for hours on end

Lots of fun !!!

Bob

[MikeandCarol]

Tractor Supply has the Champion 2000W inverter Generator on sale for $399 through this weekend. I have a 3400 dual fuel that I carry as backup for my solar. In two years I haven’t ever needed to run it. It has less than 10 hours run time. I bought the 2000W to replace the 3400 and am putting my 3400 up for sale locally. The 2000 is gas only, pull start and 34lbs. My wife carried it around the garage with no problem. If you needed more power they can run in parallel and still cost less than a 3400. Just a thought.

[Pete B55]

Champion has their new dual fuel 2000W finally available. Lowest price appears to be through ACME tools.

[uncle_bob]

Hi

I have a Yamaha pull start that is in the "no A/C" range. The gotcha is that we are headed out to some areas that simply don't have (affordable) sites with power. My *guess* is that we will be ok without A/C in most of them. At $60 a night, and out for a couple months .... the dual fuel 3400 is the cheaper option.

Indeed part of the calculation I posted was working out just what a few hours of A/C would cost. Even with fuel tossed in and running for 10 days or so ./ couple hours a day the generator is still cheaper.

Yes, I suppose we could pull up and head to a new site each time the thermometer looks like it might spike. I'm *way* to lazy to do that

Bob