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twins89's avatar
twins89
Explorer
Oct 05, 2014

champion generator

After much debating and checking... how much do we use a portable inverter generator, how much power do we need....etc we decided on the Champion. We had sold our Honda 1000 as it was too small to do anything and bought a Champion 2000 inverter generator. It is VERY quiet even on full mode. For a bit over 400 dollars (we picked it up-no shipping) it worked great. Charged the batteries, was easy for me to pick up, and ran a few appliances when needed. Next year if I have a few more dollars, I'll buy another and parallel them to have enough to run my AC, if we will be off grid in the hot months. The company we purchased it from is local but sells them regularly on ebay - supergen products. Yes, I know the blue and the red are tops but for a few hours here and there this will suit us fine.
Seeking Advice

14 Replies

  • beemerphile1's avatar
    beemerphile1
    Explorer
    Oct 06, 2014
    twins89 wrote:
    After much debating and checking... how much do we use a portable inverter generator, how much power do we need....etc we decided on the Champion. We had sold our Honda 1000 as it was too small to do anything and bought a Champion 2000 inverter generator. It is VERY quiet even on full mode. For a bit over 400 dollars (we picked it up-no shipping) it worked great. Charged the batteries, was easy for me to pick up, and ran a few appliances when needed. Next year if I have a few more dollars, I'll buy another and parallel them to have enough to run my AC, if we will be off grid in the hot months. The company we purchased it from is local but sells them regularly on ebay - supergen products. Yes, I know the blue and the red are tops but for a few hours here and there this will suit us fine.


    Supergen and the Champion both have excellent reputations. Have you read this thread?
    The Official unofficial CPE 2000i Generator Thread
  • Mootpoint's avatar
    Mootpoint
    Explorer
    Oct 06, 2014
    My BIL got a Champion 3100 inverter. No difference in sound compared to my Yamaha 2400 inverter. Dollars to donuts? I will have a good hard look at Champion if I ever need a replacement.
  • mlts22's avatar
    mlts22
    Explorer II
    Oct 06, 2014
    I've not heard anything bad about them either. I recommended the Champion 3100 watt inverter model to a friend of mine, and he does a bit of boondocking, and so far, it has worked well for him. It may be a couple dB louder than the red/blue, but a lot less.

    Oh, Yamaha generators are made in China now. Which makes the choice between red, blue/yellow and everyone else, not red/blue versus everyone else, as it was a year or two ago.
  • Ron3rd's avatar
    Ron3rd
    Explorer III
    Oct 06, 2014
    Nothing wrong with Champion, they have a big following and good support from what I've read here. Good choice IMO.
  • Dave_H_M's avatar
    Dave_H_M
    Explorer II
    Oct 06, 2014
    It is completely over my head how Honda small engine can stay in business. I run the knock offs like on the water pump, generators, etc.

    I think I now have it figured out while I had to get up and let the dogs in. It is because of the same reason my wife has a coach purse. :W
  • Mr_Beebo's avatar
    Mr_Beebo
    Explorer
    Oct 06, 2014
    Took our 2 Champion 2000s dry camping in Arkansas and the Smokies this summer. Worked fine and quietly.
  • pnichols's avatar
    pnichols
    Explorer II
    Oct 06, 2014
    I agree 110% with the implications of this discussion!

    Hondas have been way too high priced way too long.

    I have a couple of Honda's obsolete but in excellent condition non-inverter models, but they were given to me. One of them is one of the quietest small portable generators ever produced anywhere - but it cost way too much way back then, too.

    Champion generators offer great value ... designed (but not built) right here in the good old U.S.A too ... California.
  • Itching2go's avatar
    Itching2go
    Explorer II
    Oct 06, 2014
    Dakota98 wrote:
    Itching2go wrote:
    I hear ya'. Have had a champ 2000i for several years and never have had a problem. Just scored a second one this weekend at a local big-box store for $300, along with a parallel kit for $60. So, with the cost of the first unit at $425, my math tells me I have an all-n cost of $785 which is a heck of a lot less than the cost of a single red. I suppose there may be a good argument for paying a 30% premium for red, but when you're talking double the cost, I have a hard time parting with the $$$'s.


    I'm sure happy to hear the "common sense" in this thread.

    What big box store did you find it at ? Was it a return, close out or other?

    Honda rated at 59 dB(A) @ rated load 53 dB(A) @ 1/4 load. 2000 / 1600
    Appears that the Champion is the same, a couple pounds heavier & 2000/ 1700


    I ran across it quite by chance at Menards. It was an open box item, possibly returned as it was already filled with oil with the spark plug installed. Exercised them both this afternoon while winterizing the rig. Worked fine. We're getting set to retire next spring and figure it might come in handy when we head out for months at a time. While we usually spend our time at W & E sites, this will definitely open the door for some boondocking down the road.
  • Allworth's avatar
    Allworth
    Explorer II
    Oct 05, 2014
    We have a 4.5KW Champion as hurricane backup for the house. It handles the big fiver no problem. Treat it like a 30Amp hookup and watch the load management.

    Noisier than some, but not all that much.

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