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wml52's avatar
wml52
Explorer
May 18, 2014

Champion 41537 generator???

The reason for my post is I’m looking to replace my tired and worn Generac PP5000T gen-set and I’m looking to get some feedback from folks that use a generator much more then the average person does.

It will be used primarily as emergency back up for my home to run essentials, furnace, well pump, fridge and a few lights. I’m considering the Champion 7500 watt mdl: 41537 for this purpose. Before I go any further I have to state that I would love a Honda but budget just doesn’t allow for it, as it will only be used occasionally.

I have been to many sites and have read many reviews but what I find most of the time is reviews that fall into 3 major categories, Those who bash everything if it’s not a Honda, those who complain that they do not like the way the wheels or handles are attached and provide nothing in the way of information regarding reliability or power output and those who bought the generator and used it for 20 minutes testing a power drill.

What I’m interested in is the reliability of the Champion generator, which is the reason I’m posting here. You folks have much more long-term experience using various generators then on most of the sites I’ve been to. So I seek your thoughts and opinions. Since this will be used at home in a very rural area noise is not an issue.

Thanks to all and I look forward to hearing from you.3

Bill
  • wml52's avatar
    wml52
    Explorer
    May 18, 2014
    Thanks to all who have replied. I feel much more confident about my initial thought that the Champion was a decent genny for the money. It was also one of, if not the only manufacturer who gave very candid technical answers when I called about the specs of the engine and alternator. In fact I was rather surprised as to just how forthcoming they were. When I called one of the top well known brand manufacturers and asked the same questions I asked of Champion I was treated like I had asked for the ICBM launch codes.

    So once again I thank you all your replies it is very much appreciated.

    Bill
  • ol_Bombero-JC's avatar
    ol_Bombero-JC
    Explorer
    May 18, 2014
    The link to the thread (below) is chock full of Champion Generator info - as well as other brands.

    Champion wasn't around when it started. It "evolved" into mostly a Champion thread.

    A Champion *inverter* generator thread was started when the inverter Champs came along.

    Besides RV use, you will find lots of long term *home use* "testimonials" during power outages.

    "3000W Chinese Gensets Info"

    ~

    On edit - had to take a look.
    WOW! - That thread is closing in on TEN THOUSAND posts and has..... 1,044,596 views!
    Gotta be a Guinness -ahhh....RV Net?- Book of Records..:B


    ~
  • greenrvgreen's avatar
    greenrvgreen
    Explorer
    May 18, 2014
    Champion 3500/4000 here, and I love it, although I don't use it camping (boondocking) any more. Main reason: It is HEAVY and BULKY. It is IDEAL for home backup.

    I've owned my beloved Champ for 6-8 years now, and it continues to start on the first or second pull. I store it OUTSIDE all year, and start it and run it every few weeks. It sits out in the rain, it's had snow piled up on it, and it keeps starting on the first or second pull.

    If I were the OP, I would analyze my power needs and look carefully at the plug and power config of the 7500. IIRC there are several models and I looked at buying one but found that they really seemed to offer twice the pluggage of my 3500, but no single plug that offered all 7500 watts.

    So my recommendation is to buy two of the 3500/4000 units, for less money, same power and twice the reliability in a pinch.

    I love my Champ!!
  • JiminDenver's avatar
    JiminDenver
    Explorer II
    May 18, 2014
    The biggest complaint you will hear about a Champion synchronous generator is the fact that it is louder than the inverter generators. Champion customer service doesn't a lot of complaints either.

    We became the third owners of a well used 3500/4000 3 years ago and even though it looked beat up, it started with one pull until this year when the recoil started failed. I wanted a upgrade so I gave it to a neighbor before finding out that a 3000w inverter wouldn't handle the altitude as well. Now I have a shiny new 3500/4000 with remote start and a happy neighbor too.
  • Mr_Beebo's avatar
    Mr_Beebo
    Explorer
    May 18, 2014
    I currently use a Honda 8125 Watt Black Max for our home emergency backup power. Before it I used a Troy Bilt/Briggs and Stratton. Inside the house you couldn't tell the difference. Both are noisy open framed units, both started right up, ran smooth and kept the lights on. The Honda uses a little more fuel. I have two champion 2000s I use for camping and inside a cargo trailer I pull for my contracting business. They have impressed me to the point that I would have no problem, based on my own experience with their products, trading my Honda for a 5-7500k Champion.
  • MrWizard's avatar
    MrWizard
    Moderator
    May 18, 2014
    IMO..Champion has customer support that is second to Nobody
    Percentage wise, the quality control might be slightly less than Honda
    But nobody is better at trying to satisfy a customer

    I have several of their generators and have been very happy with each and everyone
    Started with the little 1200w almost 7 yrs ago, after the first yr, I upgraded and bought my first 3500, my generators have a combined total of thousands of hours , reliable..yes I think do
  • azrving's avatar
    azrving
    Explorer
    May 18, 2014
    I didnt know where our first winter of snowbirding was going so I didnt want to invest much in rigs or equipment. I knew that I needed a generator to run hairdryers, micro ac and charge the battery so I bought a 3500/4000 Champion.
    I gutted it from the cradle, converted it to propane, enclosed it in an insulated box on the TT rear bumper. I also used 120 volt 12" axial fan that kicks on as soon as it starts and actually let it run at slightly lower temps than I observed in its factory cradle. It now has 40 plus hours on it with no problems at all. I changed the oil after about 5 hours and run synthetic. Its not as quiet as a Honda but it was a whole lot cheaper and it has remote electric start. I think I paid $445.00 or so. I think I could still throw the whole gizmo on Craigslist and get $300 for it so I feel it was a very good value even with it being a short term use/purchase. If my plans had not changed and I kept using it, I think it would be an excellent value. I limited my use around other campers.
  • navybanker's avatar
    navybanker
    Explorer
    May 18, 2014
    I have three Champions, one the the 3500 and other two are 2000i's to parallel. The 3500 was purchased at least 5 years ago and the smaller ones probably 2 years ago. I am pleased with them especially the tech support. The two smaller ones would not run the 15K AC in camper and called support. They asked for s/n and said they needed an update. They paid for sending the two to California to be worked on. Now, they run the AC. I don't have any experience with the model you mention but am pleased with the ones I have.

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