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otrfun's avatar
otrfun
Explorer II
May 12, 2013

Ideal Inverter Generator

Like a lot of others I'm looking for the ideal inverter generator.

For many, the hundred dollar question and major prerequisite seems to be: "Will it run my 13,500 BTU a/c?"

Some Yamaha fans anguish over whether to invest in two EF2000's for $2100, or save some hard-earned money and take a gamble whether the much less expensive Yamaha EF2400iSHC ($1350) or louder EF2800i ($1550) will run their a/c. Or, just go with the more expensive, heavier, and higher wattage EF3000iS/EF3000iSEB ($1900-$2200), which have better odds of running their a/c.

Then there's the die-hard Honda fans who have a similar choice, with the exception Honda doesn't have anything to compete with the lower-priced Yamaha EF2400iSHC or louder EF2800I. So they're left with either the two EU2000's ($2150), the much heavier EU3000iS ($2000), or much lighter (compared to the EU3000iS) EU3000i "Handi" ($2300).

The most popular combination seems to be the paralleled, dual Honda EU2000 setup--with proven reliability, high resale, but IMO just too much money ($2150) for the occasional r/v'r.

Then there's the made in the far east competitors. Cost is a huge attraction. But, reliability/service and overstated surge capability seem to be major negatives.

What is a guy/gal to buy for their hard-earned money?

Anywhoser, I was just about ready to pull the trigger on a Yamaha EF2400iSHC, when I saw this latest inverter generator from Champion. It's the 75531i, a 3100 max./2800 rated watt inverter generator with a 30 amp TT-30R connector, cast iron cylinder sleeve, 1.6 gallon gas tank with 8 hr run-time at 25% load, 58 dba (full load??), 84 lbs., and Eco mode. Very similar in weight and style to the Honda EU3000i "Handi" (with handle and wheels). Currently being sold online for around $950-$999. From what I gather, Champion has a decent reputation for warranty service/parts. Obviously, being a new model reliability is an unknown. Even assuming little surge head-room, 2800 continuous watts would seem to be more than enough run the vast majority of 13,500 BTU a/c's out there.

I've already read one informal online review of an individual who reported he was able to run his 15,000 BTU a/c with the 75531i with the Eco mode on.

Is this inverter generator potentially the cat's meow (in terms of price vs. performance)? Or . . .
  • I would like to know what the "58dBA @ 23' " means for the Champion. If that's at idle, it's going to be louder than the red or blue.
  • "The Best?"

    A neighbor who says "I don't seem to need my never used Honda generator. It's yours if you'll come over and pick it up"

    Just Sayin'
  • Appreciate everybody's input. I've been looking at generators off and on since last summer. It is so hard to ignore the huge price difference between the equivalent Honda/Yamaha inverter generators and this new Champion 75531i inverter generator.

    If this new Champion 75531i 3100/2800 watt inverter generator proves even somewhat reliable, quiet, and successfully powers most late model Dometic and Coleman 13,500 BTU a/c's (and possibly some 15,000 BTU a/c's)---then I suspect the 75531i will be a big seller. On paper, spec-for-spec, and in outward function/appearance, this thing competes head-on with the $2300 (online price), Honda EU3000i "Handi" (80 lb.) inverter generator. Online price (including shipping) for the Champion 75531i is approx. $999.

    The 75531i was just released in March, and is supposed to be stocked by Costco soon. I'm hoping Costco gets them in stock before I go on vacation this summer. With Costco's liberal return policy, it's a no-brainer to give this thing a try.
  • The only first hand review I have seen on the 3100i is by Professor95 and it is very positive. He had no issues starting a 15K AC even with his fridge on electric.

    I'd be thrilled to get one to replace our older Champion 3500/4000 that is heavier and louder but am waiting to see just how often we need a generator after putting the solar up.
  • mlts22 wrote:
    ...although any 3000 watt generator will have a tough time starting a 15,000 BTU AC...


    We run our 15k AC on our Honda 3000! without issue & significant altitude on occasion. The air filter needs to be clean for altitude. Care needs to be exercised in managing how the AC is started and run is all. We start our AC if on the genny or 20 AMP shore power (SP) with the thermostat calling for a 2° reduction runs everything on low. Then we reduce the t'stat in 2° increments, keeping the AC running in low till we get to our comfort level. Once all is at our comfort level we let the t'stat do its thing and ensure we start the genny early enough. We ran on the genny & 20 amps SP for weeks in 100°+ temps in Alabama 3 summers ago without issue just using care.

    Not "set n' forget" but it works for us!
  • The Champion inverter is about half the price of the Yamaha 3000, gives you 100 more watts, which can help with the inrush current from your A/C, and is by a brand with a reputation.

    Comparing it to a Yamaha iSE:

    It has a 1.59 gallon gas tank, compared to the Yammy's 3+ gallon, so expect about 4-6 hours at half load run time.
    It weighs almost 1/2 as much as the Yamaha.
    It puts out 100 more watts.
    It is manual start, no way to upfit a remote to it.

    Pretty much, if you don't mind the smaller fuel tank and the manual start for something that is half the price, it is a good generator. Were I buying a 3000 watt generator again with that Champion offering on the market, it would be a tough choice between the two, although any 3000 watt generator will have a tough time starting a 15,000 BTU AC other than the Yamaha 3000iSEB with the battery that can give 500 extra watts for eight seconds.
  • If I want air all day/night I am looking for hookups.
    At least check that the gen is compatible with an extended run fuel tank.
  • otrfun wrote:
    Is this inverter generator potentially the cat's meow (in terms of price vs. performance)? Or . . .


    i've been saying that the Champion 3100w will be a game changer for the RV world.
    great customer support, proven reliability and performance, great price and great package.
    knowing how well Champion's other products have worked out, then there's no reason to think that this one won't be up to the same standard.

    this one will hopefully impact H&Y in terms of sales. then maybe they will start looking at what they're pricing their products at.

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