Champion 4000w dual fuel inverter generator

[HOLO HOLO]

I have a 2020 Caravel 16rb trailer. I purchased a Champion 2500 dual fuel inverter generator. This unit can start the 13,500 btu AC unit but cannot continuously run the unit after starting it (I have a soft start installed). I want to only run on propane so I don't have to carry gasoline (TV is a diesel). From the research I have done, I believe the 2500w generator just doesn't have the output on propane to handle the load of the AC unit. I like the quality and price of the Champion unit so have been looking at their 4000W dual fuel inverter generator and the manufacturer's literature indicates that on propane the running amps goes from 13.9 amps (25000) to 22.5 amps (4000) units. My question is has anyone used the Champion 4000w unit on propane and will it start and run a 13,500 btu Dometic AC unit without issue? Thanks in advance for your help and advise. Thanks, Mike

[jeffmc306]

Huh, I wonder what’s up with your setup? I have the same generator and posted a video running our 15K AC with a EasyStart installed.

Have you tried running it on gasoline as a test to see if it’s the propane supply or the unit itself? Are you at a higher altitude? I saw the 4000 after purchasing the 2500 and think it’s a great option since it’s the same form factor.

Also, check out Micro-Air’s generator troubleshooting page here.

Maybe do some more tests and make sure things like the converter or any other loads are turned off?

That 2500 should do the job!

[BikeCamper]

Originally Posted by jeffmc306

Huh, I wonder what’s up with your setup? I have the same generator and posted a video running our 15K AC with a EasyStart installed.

Have you tried running it on gasoline as a test to see if it’s the propane supply or the unit itself? Are you at a higher altitude? I saw the 4000 after purchasing the 2500 and think it’s a great option since it’s the same form factor.

Also, check out Micro-Air’s generator troubleshooting page here.

Maybe do some more tests and make sure things like the converter or any other loads are turned off?

That 2500 should do the job!

Everything I’ve read/heard corroborates this - - the 2500 should do the job. I would follow @jeffmc306’s advice and do some more investigating/experimenting before giving up on it.

That said, the 4000 is a very impressive unit and offers a lot of capability for the money. I have pretty much decided that this is the unit we will get for our 19’ Flying Cloud.

However, the 4000 is noisier and heavier than the 2500, both important considerations. Also, I was under the impression that the form factor is somewhat larger than the 2500, not the same as indicated above.

[HOLO HOLO]

I live in Las Vegas, NV and it is at about 2500 ft elevation and this year it has been 110+ for weeks. I have not tried turning off the breaker that feeds the on board battery charger so should try that. I'm wondering if the heat and elevation is also aggrivating my problem. I'll try turning off the breaker that feeds the battery charger. Thanks for the help. Mike

[jeffmc306]

Originally Posted by BikeCamper

Everything I’ve read/heard corroborates this - - the 2500 should do the job. I would follow @jeffmc306’s advice and do some more investigating/experimenting before giving up on it.

That said, the 4000 is a very impressive unit and offers a lot of capability for the money. I have pretty much decided that this is the unit we will get for our 19’ Flying Cloud.

However, the 4000 is noisier and heavier than the 2500, both important considerations. Also, I was under the impression that the form factor is somewhat larger than the 2500, not the same as indicated above.

BikeCamper, I should have clarified my comment about the form factor - the 4000 is similar to the 2500’s single handle vs. my 3400 that has wheels, two handles and over 90 lbs. Yeah, the 4000 is heavier and probably larger but not like the 3400.

HOLO HOLO, the heat probably has more to do with the loss of efficiency than your altitude.

[HunterC]

Mike,
The other users are correct in that my Honda 2200 will run the dometic AC, BUT only if the converter/battery charger breaker is off. As soon as the converter kicks on, there is not enough power for the AC. If you never want to worry about it, you may want a larger generator. If you don't mind flipping the breaker when needed, the 2500 should get the job done.
Hunter

[SpeedBump]

Originally Posted by HOLO HOLO

I have a 2020 Caravel 16rb trailer. I purchased a Champion 2500 dual fuel inverter generator. This unit can start the 13,500 btu AC unit but cannot continuously run the unit after starting it (I have a soft start installed). I want to only run on propane so I don't have to carry gasoline (TV is a diesel). From the research I have done, I believe the 2500w generator just doesn't have the output on propane to handle the load of the AC unit. I like the quality and price of the Champion unit so have been looking at their 4000W dual fuel inverter generator and the manufacturer's literature indicates that on propane the running amps goes from 13.9 amps (25000) to 22.5 amps (4000) units. My question is has anyone used the Champion 4000w unit on propane and will it start and run a 13,500 btu Dometic AC unit without issue? Thanks in advance for your help and advise. Thanks, Mike

We use a Champion 3400W dual purpose generator and use propane only. We have no problem running our airconditioner in our 25' Flying Cloud.

[Life is a Highway]

That 2500 unit should run the AC it’s on edge if you have other electrical loads
running

I’m looking at that new 4000. Don’t know it’s weight factor lifting and moving around?

[BikeCamper]

Originally Posted by Life is a Highway

That 2500 unit should run the AC it’s on edge if you have other electrical loads
running

I’m looking at that new 4000. Don’t know it’s weight factor lifting and moving around?

Champion lists the weight of the 4000 at 52 lbs vs 39 lbs for the 2500. It doesn’t sound like much (13 lbs), but if you have back issues or aren’t getting any younger, an extra 10-15 lbs can make a big difference.

[BikeCamper]

Originally Posted by jeffmc306

BikeCamper, I should have clarified my comment about the form factor - the 4000 is similar to the 2500’s single handle vs. my 3400 that has wheels, two handles and over 90 lbs. Yeah, the 4000 is heavier and probably larger but not like the 3400.

HOLO HOLO, the heat probably has more to do with the loss of efficiency than your altitude.

Okay, gotcha. Thanks for that photo, too - - it’s helpful to see the side-by-side size comparison. The 4000 would only be marginally larger than the pictured 2500 by a an inch or two in two dimensions, I believe.

For me the increased noise level and weight are the biggest differences besides their output. I really like the 30A plug on the 4000.

[gamakai]

I plan to replace our much used-always reliable 9 year old Honda 3000 with the Champion 4000 before our trip north in September.

[Mollysdad]

Originally Posted by gamakai

I plan to replace our much used-always reliable 9 year old Honda 3000 with the Champion 4000 before our trip north in September.

My Honda power dealer (Tampa) told me that Bush Gardens Theme Park uses Honda 3000's for power in remote places. They run the 3000's for 200,000 hours before trading them in!

Side note for Honda owners. If you bought yours used, there's nothing on line with a serial number database. However, if you stop by a Honda power dealer, he can look it up and tell you who bought it, when, where, etc.

[HOLO HOLO]

First, I would like to thank you all for your comments and input, it is greatly appreciated. I did the experiment suggested, I turned off ALL 120V breakers with the exception of the 30 amp main and the 20 amp AC feeder. Same results, AC initially started fine but once in run mode the generator bogged down and dropped out. I'm thinking in my heat and altitude I may need to sell the Champion 2500 (less than 2 hours running only on propane) and purchase a 4K dual fuel generator. After doing some research it seems the Champion 4000 doesn't like to start from cold on propane and most users are starting on gas and switching to propane while underway. I really don't want gasoline in vehicles (TV is diesel) nor the residual fuel in carb to gum up due to ethonol nonsense. I have read the opposite on the Westinghouse 4K unit, starts fine on propane but doesn't want to start on gas so folks are starting on propane and switching over to gas. For my purposes the Westinghouse sounds better to me. Do any of you have any experience with the Westinghouse 4K? Thanks again for your help, Mike

https://westinghouseoutdoorpower.com...with-co-sensor

[gamakai]

Originally Posted by Mollysdad

My Honda power dealer (Tampa) told me that Bush Gardens Theme Park uses Honda 3000's for power in remote places. They run the 3000's for 200,000 hours before trading them in!

Side note for Honda owners. If you bought yours used, there's nothing on line with a serial number database. However, if you stop by a Honda power dealer, he can look it up and tell you who bought it, when, where, etc.

All true--I will be able to load and unload the Champion by myself instead of calling one of my grandsons to help me with the heavier Honda--plus the propane option.

[jeffmc306]

This Champion 4000 review popped up on my YouTube recommendations. The reviewer did a thorough job of evaluating it. This could replace my 3400 dual fuel and is more portable.

[ITSNO60]

I had no idea that new Champion 4000 was so light at 55 lbs. If it turns out to be a reliable unit and can consistently deliver what it says it can it will be a game changer, and a fraction of the cost of a new Honda 3200 at nearly $3,000.

Hard to believe it could be as good as the Honda at the price though. Can't wait for people to try it and report back.

[gypsydad]

Surprising about your 2500. I had the 3400 Dual Fuel for years, before switching to the Honda 2200 Propane only from Genconnex, with the 3 year warranty. Champion 2500's have a pretty good following here without any issues I have seen, but they were not available when I got my Honda few years back.

When I switched to the Honda, I was mainly concerned about the weight advantage of the Honda over the Champion. 45lb vs 95lbs. The 3400 had a nice remote start however, which I miss. Takes me 3 pulls on the Honda, but starts every time connected to the front propane port on the AS.

Be interested to see why your 2500 is not working...

[BHChieftain]

Consider running 2 2500 units in // (if they support that). Easier to move around 2 lighter units plus you can only bring one when you know you won’t need the ac

[Mr Wonderful]

Originally Posted by BHChieftain

Consider running 2 2500 units in // (if they support that). Easier to move around 2 lighter units plus you can only bring one when you know you won’t need the ac

This is what I do. I'm old so I like breaking the weight up into two units. I have your exact units. I have a parallel kit to tie them together. I made a long propane hose and adapter that plugs directly into the propane tank. The other end is a Y that splits to each genny.

I initally thought of using the LP propane connector on the AS, but I didn't want to mod the regulator on the Champion side so I just go direct to the bottle on the AS.

I have a globetrotter.


Mike

[Saullman]

We've seen this before, it can probably run the AC with soft start just fine. What may be happening is that your batteries are also vying for a charge, that's why the generator can't keep up. If there is some way to either isolate your batteries from wanting to be charged at the same time or ensure they are fully charged prior to starting the AC.