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1handyhubby's avatar
1handyhubby
Explorer
Jul 15, 2016

Champion generator

I've been saving for a Honda generator (2000i companion) for a while now because several people have recommended them. 1friend recommended a Ryobi and today I was looking at a Champion generator at Costco. $400 cheaper and 1db less than the Honda which is 59 db. Anyone here have any first hand experience with the Champion? It's rated at 2,800. Saving money is always good but I'm a bigger fan of reliability. Thanks.
  • bbaker2001's avatar
    bbaker2001
    Explorer
    Jul 15, 2016
    we had the Costco champion, really liked it, but it would not run my microwave. my Honda will. if had to do it over, I would have stayed with the champion. don't use microwave that often. I put the two side by side for sound, and like the champion.
    cheaper and just as good
  • exhaustipated's avatar
    exhaustipated
    Explorer
    Jul 15, 2016
    I also have the Champion 2000 watt portable inverter generator and I've never had a problem at all with it over the last several years since I bought her. Mine has always started for me on the first pull and runs like a champ and I run her on eco mode most of the time. I also see no reason to spend more than twice the money for a Honda or Yamaha unless it's burning a hole in your pocket and looking for prestige.
  • BC_Explorer's avatar
    BC_Explorer
    Explorer
    Jul 15, 2016
    The Champion 2000i generators are great as are the bigger 3100 watt models. I own a 2000i and is probably one of the better camping purchases I have made in recent years.

    Both the 2000 and 3100 models have a switch for econo mode and will auto power up as the load increases.

    If I were in need to upgrade, I would not hesitate to purchase a 3100.

    Here is the The Official unofficial CPE 2000i Generator Thread. Nearly 300 pages of reading!
  • dewey02's avatar
    dewey02
    Explorer II
    Jul 15, 2016
    X2 on the Champion 2000i. We've had one for a few years and it has worked well. It always starts. Perhaps not the gold standard of the Honda, but for way less money, I can be happy with a cubic zirconia! :)
  • fly-swatter's avatar
    fly-swatter
    Explorer
    Jul 15, 2016
    I've had the 2000 watt Champion for 4 years now and have had no issues with it at all. Might be a little noisier than a Honda at high idle but I run it on econo mode 95 percent of the time.
  • BendOrLarry's avatar
    BendOrLarry
    Explorer
    Jul 15, 2016
    I have used a Champion 3100 invertor generator for the last 3 years, had a Honda and it died. I would not go back to Honda. The Champion is a great generator, runs our AC at 6000 ft elevation and has never missed a beat. I see no reason to spend more than twice the money for a Honda or Yamaha. If you like status, or wasting money then buy a Honda or Yamaha.
  • TxGearhead's avatar
    TxGearhead
    Explorer II
    Jul 15, 2016
    I've got a Champion 4000/3500 "open frame" RV ready generator.(has a 30amp plug) It had some issues at first. Died on me 1,500 miles from home. After a couple trips to the shop it may be fixed. I recently bought 2 Honda 2000 inverter gens and a IPI long run gas tank.
    Want to buy a Champion??
    Watch sales on Smarter Tools 2000watt gens. They have Yamaha engines. COSTCO, Home Depot, Amazon, WalMart, etc.
  • Artum_Snowbird's avatar
    Artum_Snowbird
    Explorer
    Jul 15, 2016
    Some generators throttle down when they are not being heavily used. It's a real advantage to not waste gas, and noise, when you don't need too.

    With your Honda, you get that, their electronics let the motor just shuffle along and it makes the right voltage for your system without all the pounding at 3600 RPM.

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