3000W Chinese Gensets Info.

[professor95]

professor95 wrote:
EDIT ADDED 45/5/2013- When this thread started in March of 2005, I never expected to see it survive this long or amass the quantity of information that has been shared here.

In the eight year run of this thread we have amassed almost 10,000 postings and surpassed a million views. This creates somewhat of a dilemma for anyone who has just discovered the forum.

Since the amount of information is virtually overwhelming, I suggest you set your preferences for this thread to read "newest first" and then begin to page backwards.

What you will find in these pages is a wealth of info on virtually any make or model of Chinese manufactured synchronous (non-inverter) generator in the 3,000 watt performance class. Info will include how to rewire series coils to parallel to obtain maximum wattage from a single 120 volt outlet. Tips on further reducing sound levels, how to care for these generators, which ones are "RV ready" and provide the best overall performance for the dollar invested. Which companies NOT to deal with, where the best prices are, how to safely wire the generator into a home or RV, how to check your RV for electrical faults, sources for generator accessories, which 20/30 adapters are safe to use and which are not. How to convert a gasoline generator to propane or NG. This is only the beginning. The forum has a life of its own with the focus sub-topic switching frequently. Still, the main topic of utilizing the amazing, inexpensive Chinese gensets is always there. The amount of creativity and innovation presented in these pages is indicative of the talents shared in the diverse backgrounds of the folks who make up our combined RV community.

Many of the original brands and models of Chinese gensets mentioned in the introduction and early pages of the thread have since disappeared. New EPA and CARB emissions requirements, company bonds assuring the emissions warranty will be honored even if the company goes out of business, and fierce competition in the industry have changed the playing field. Champion Power Equipment has become the apparent "trophy team" providing an ever expanding retail outlet, an ample parts supply, a strong warranty and excellent customer service. CPE has continued to improve their product and now offers a new model (#46538) with exclusive convenience, safety and performance features aimed at the RV market. Big names like Cummins/Onan, Honda and Generac all now have Chinese built open frame synchronous gensets available. Ironically, the prices often found on these gensets has not significantly changed during the past eight years - even with the devaluation of the American Dollar and new EPA/CARB requirements.

I also encourage you to use the search function and even the advanced search options to find information. Key works such as "rewiring", "PowerPro", "Champion", "Onan Homesite", "Duropower", "ETQ", "Jiung Dong or JD", "Tractor Supply", "Costco", "Lowe's" and "Home Depot" are all examples of keywords that will give you specific information on different models being sold by retailers today.

Or, you can fill your glass with your favorite beverage (keep more close by - maybe some munchies as well :D, sit back at your computer, tell your wife (or significant other) that you will see her in the morning and spend the next 10 or so hours reading through the postings.

No one on the forum gets mad if you ask a question that is a repeat. Please do not hesitate to post to the forum. All questions are considered important and those active on the forum will do their best to respond with a valid answer.

Also note we are not out to knock the Honda, Yamaha, Kipor or other brands of high end digital gensets. We recognize the quality of these products and their suitability for quite, efficient RV use. But, there is a flood of reliable, inexpensive and comparatively lower cost gensets coming out of China that are excellent alternative choices for the RVer wanting power to run an air conditioner, microwave, etc. without excessive noise or breaking the budget.

Oh, one last thing. The folks on this forum are true gentlemen. We do not flame one another or the product discussed - period. Ugly contributors usually have their comments and remarks ignored by our masses. It is not a forum to start arguments to obtain a clear win. We do disagree on many issues, but we have all agreed to do that in a respectable manner.

We now have the introduction of more and more inverter gensets. There is a rather extensive thread named "The Official Unofficial Champion 2000i Generator" on this forum. Today, I added info on the new Champion 3100i inverter genset. Discussion on this product may get moved to its own thread at a later date.

Many have looked upon this thread with distain saying Chinese is cheap and doomed to failure. I remember saying exactly the same thing about Japanese products a few decades back. But, over the past eight years the track record for Chinese built generators has shown otherwise.

Please, join us in a fascinating journey down the Chinese built genset road of knowledge.

This is the question I posted that got it all started back in March 2005.......

Randy

For a little over a month now, I have been somewhat intrigued by the availability of a 3000 watt, 6.5 HP generator at Pep Boys and Northern Tool for under $300.00. The engine on this generator looks identical to a Honda 6.5 HP OHV engine. Knowing that the Chinese have become very adept at “cloning” reputable technologies from other manufacturers, I was not surprised at the similarities. Neither store could give me any information on the generator nor did they have a “running” display model.

I have done a little research. This is what I have discovered:

Many of these generators are imported by ELIM International (www.eliminternational.com) out of Buffalo, New York from Jiung Manufacturing in China. (The unit at Northern is identical but carries the JIUNG name.)

The engines are indeed a Chinese knockoff of the popular 6.5 HP 196cc Honda Engine. “Supposedly” Honda has licensed the engine technology to the Chinese manufacturer of the product.

The Chinese company that makes the ELM3000 generators is a rather large, diverse, long-standing company with a reputation for “above average quality” Chinese made products (Jiung Manufacturing). There are many more Chinese companies making almost identical gensets.

The generators at PepBoys do have a six month limited warranty. But, it is only on the engine (not the generator) and requires paying for shipping to and from Buffalo. Probably not a very practical thing to do if you have warranty issues.

ELIM does supply replacement parts (a PDF parts manual is available on the ELIM web site). No prices are given for replacement parts nor is there an “availability listing”.

The generator head itself is a brushless design. The only really significant wear parts in the generator are the bearings – most likely universally available.

The published dB rating is 67 at 23 feet. This is “reasonably” quite for a generator of this size as most comparabl.... The 67 dB rating is the same as Honda gives their 3000 watt CycloInverter with a “look alike” eng...

[racefan1965]

Have fun in Vegas Mark. We are still going to Infineon again. We've only missed going one year since nascar started racing there. And the DW hasn't let me live that one down.lol It's going to be a busy 2 weeks for us. We race in Altamont the weekend before Infineon then a week at infineon and then the weekend after Infineon we race in Eureka.
I won't have to get my champion going to use it. We've had so many power outages this year that we've used it on average of at least once a month.lol Starts first pull and runs like a dream. I've still yet to adjust the valves though. Hope to get to it before infineon.

Rick

[MFinCA]

Old & Slow wrote:
Just to keep the playing field level:
I will say the Champion C46540 starts with one or two pulls on the rope but no chance to ever have remote start. I like the yellow and black little bugger.:B

Yes, I like mine, too. I don't use it often enough, and wanted to make sure it ran OK before we go to the NASCAR race in Las Vegas at the end of the month.

So I took it to the TT storage yard this weekend and it fired up after 2 pulls and ran like---A Champion! Microwave and AC ran just fine off the generator.

I've changed the oil & cleaned the air filter in it in anticipation of using it for 6 days at the track.

[Old___Slow]

Just to keep the playing field level:

DuroPower.com has the Electric Start DP3500EC @ $429.99 with delivery to your door and no Tax outside CA.

I will say the Champion C46540 starts with one or two pulls on the rope but no chance to ever have remote start. That is why I bought the DuroPower. Some day I hope to add this feature. Somewhere I read there would be a Champion C46540E but to this time I don't find one available. Maybe some day maybe a can upgrade the C46540 to electric start? I can say if I had a flag pole and a Champion Flag (if I had a Champion flag?) I would fly the Champion flag with pride. I like the yellow and black little bugger.:B

[racefan1965]

order it online from www.partsamerica.com I'm not sure where your at in central florida and not knowing the state I put in a Altoona zip. Here is the page that came up. http://www.partsamerica.com/ProductDetail.aspx?MfrCode=CPE&MfrPartNumber=C46540&CategoryCode=3483C

As you can see it's 299.00 + s/h. Most likely end up with a total cost of about $350.00. You could try their store finder as well and see if a store near you is selling one so you could avoid the Shipping charge.

[bobandcat]

2003Bigsilverado wrote:
All of those store you all have listed I have never seen where I live in Florida. I know of a Tractor supply that 45 min. away but thats the only one.

Give Tractor Supply a phone call. A number of folks on this forum have purchased their Champion gensets from them. I also think that they have coupons or sales on the Champion occasionally. It’s up to you whether its worth the drive.

[professor95]

JeromeB wrote:
Professor95
My wife and I also went to the Richmond show. Outside of the McGeorge' Rolling Hills area, there were Kipor 3000's powering their park model trailers. We didn't notice them at first. (really quiet). There were 2000, 3000 and 6000 models for sale inside. When we inquired about the noise and performance, we were shown the ones at work outside. I believe the "show price" quoted for the 3000 was $1175.00 +-

Thanks for the additional info. Since the dealership you referenced is one I prefer to stay as far away from as possible, I missed their outside display of park models and Kipors.

Did you notice all the Chonda units in the outside area of the main show? I found that "interesting".

[Jerome_B_]

Professor95
My wife and I also went to the Richmond show. Outside of the McGeorge' Rolling Hills area, there were Kipor 3000's powering their park model trailers. We didn't notice them at first. (really quiet). There were 2000, 3000 and 6000 models for sale inside. When we inquired about the noise and performance, we were shown the ones at work outside. I believe the "show price" quoted for the 3000 was $1175.00 +-

[professor95]

The annual AGI events "RV Show" was held this weekend in Richmond at the Raceway Complex. Gads, Nancy and I fell in love with a beautiful Silver Back 5'er. It was hard to walk away - we may still consider a new rig this year. All that money sitting in our bank accounts is getting moldy :B.

But, that is not why I am posting...... Outside, the place was completely populated with various makes and models of 3,000 watt Chinese built gensets. They were everywhere! Not for sale, but to power the RV's on display. I did not see a single portable Honda or Kipor on the lot, sans for the models for sale inside at the Camping World store.

And, go figure, not a single RV dealer had a Chinese built 3,000 watt unit to sell (but they sure were using them). Apparently, the dealers are buying Champs, PowerPros, etc. where they can find them for their own use - even if they carry a higher priced line of gensets in their stores.

[2003Bigsilverad]

All of those store you all have listed I have never seen where I live in Florida. I know of a Tractor supply that 45 min. away but thats the only one.

[Old___Slow]

ol Bombero-JC wrote:

2003Bigsilverado wrote:

ol Bombero-JC wrote:
~
Before spending your 240 bucks,
ask Big Lots, or check the gen's paperwork for:
~
Where do I get service? Parts? (call the service & parts line/s!)
Is there a "tech line" to call for problems? (try the number!)
*Can I return it if it for a refund if it doesn't perform as expected?*
(& for how long).
~
IMO, a set of stubby open-end wrenches from Big Lots is a lot
different than anything with . . . "moving parts"! - Buyer beware!
JC

PS: Hmmmmmm . . . For $60. more you can get a 4000W Champion,
with a 30amp RV outlet - that's been tested every way from
Sunday on here! Lots and lots of happy users too.
Excellent service & parts, real people to talk to, etc.

Where do I find somewhere local that I can look at on and maybe buy then for only $60 more. Harbor frieght has a 3500 max 3000 genny with the switch to go back and forth from 120 and 240 and I like that one to but they want $399 for that one. I like to see what I'm buying ussally but do buy things off the internet a little

Kragen, Schucks, & (need help on that 3rd one).
As I recall, $299. until Feb 17.
The local Kragen had several on the floor.
~
~
Old & Slow - thought you were going to say you expected
a Capt. Midnight decoder ring in that box of cornflakes, LOL!

Cracker Jacks or Cornflakes? Capt. Midnight has the light of the Harvest Moon shinning on his CHAMP. No decoder needed when I say all US in the Champ Camp Crowd (some call these folks the Champ Cheering Crowd)love our little genny. She waits for some add on goodies for me to make her the 'One Total Winner' Is she worth the price? YES:)
Andy Rooney Club, guess I must return card:B

[bobandcat]

ol Bombero-JC wrote:

2003Bigsilverado wrote:

ol Bombero-JC wrote:
~
Before spending your 240 bucks,
ask Big Lots, or check the gen's paperwork for:
~
Where do I get service? Parts? (call the service & parts line/s!)
Is there a "tech line" to call for problems? (try the number!)
*Can I return it if it for a refund if it doesn't perform as expected?*
(& for how long).
~
IMO, a set of stubby open-end wrenches from Big Lots is a lot
different than anything with . . . "moving parts"! - Buyer beware!
JC

PS: Hmmmmmm . . . For $60. more you can get a 4000W Champion,
with a 30amp RV outlet - that's been tested every way from
Sunday on here! Lots and lots of happy users too.
Excellent service & parts, real people to talk to, etc.

Where do I find somewhere local that I can look at on and maybe buy then for only $60 more. Harbor frieght has a 3500 max 3000 genny with the switch to go back and forth from 120 and 240 and I like that one to but they want $399 for that one. I like to see what I'm buying ussally but do buy things off the internet a little

Kragen, Schucks, & (need help on that 3rd one).
As I recall, $299. until Feb 17.
The local Kragen had several on the floor.
~
~
Old & Slow - thought you were going to say you expected
a Capt. Midnight decoder ring in that box of cornflakes, LOL!

Also Checker and Murray auto parts stores as well as Tractor Supply. Last, you can order it online through the parent company's website, http://www.partsamerica.com/ProductDetail.aspx?MfrCode=CPE&MfrPartNumber=C46540&CategoryCode=3483C

[ol_Bombero-JC]

2003Bigsilverado wrote:

ol Bombero-JC wrote:
~
Before spending your 240 bucks,
ask Big Lots, or check the gen's paperwork for:
~
Where do I get service? Parts? (call the service & parts line/s!)
Is there a "tech line" to call for problems? (try the number!)
*Can I return it if it for a refund if it doesn't perform as expected?*
(& for how long).
~
IMO, a set of stubby open-end wrenches from Big Lots is a lot
different than anything with . . . "moving parts"! - Buyer beware!
JC

PS: Hmmmmmm . . . For $60. more you can get a 4000W Champion,
with a 30amp RV outlet - that's been tested every way from
Sunday on here! Lots and lots of happy users too.
Excellent service & parts, real people to talk to, etc.

Where do I find somewhere local that I can look at on and maybe buy then for only $60 more. Harbor frieght has a 3500 max 3000 genny with the switch to go back and forth from 120 and 240 and I like that one to but they want $399 for that one. I like to see what I'm buying ussally but do buy things off the internet a little

Kragen, Schucks, & (need help on that 3rd one).
As I recall, $299. until Feb 17.
The local Kragen had several on the floor.
~
~
Old & Slow - thought you were going to say you expected
a Capt. Midnight decoder ring in that box of cornflakes, LOL!

[2003Bigsilverad]

ol Bombero-JC wrote:
~
Before spending your 240 bucks,
ask Big Lots, or check the gen's paperwork for:
~
Where do I get service? Parts? (call the service & parts line/s!)
Is there a "tech line" to call for problems? (try the number!)
*Can I return it if it for a refund if it doesn't perform as expected?*
(& for how long).
~
IMO, a set of stubby open-end wrenches from Big Lots is a lot
different than anything with . . . "moving parts"! - Buyer beware!
JC

PS: Hmmmmmm . . . For $60. more you can get a 4000W Champion,
with a 30amp RV outlet - that's been tested every way from
Sunday on here! Lots and lots of happy users too.
Excellent service & parts, real people to talk to, etc.

Where do I find somewhere local that I can look at on and maybe buy then for only $60 more. Harbor frieght has a 3500 max 3000 genny with the switch to go back and forth from 120 and 240 and I like that one to but they want $399 for that one. I like to see what I'm buying ussally but do buy things off the internet a little

[Old___Slow]

Oh, ol Bomb ero-JC there you go again. One of those's CCC guys. Look, I belong to the ARC club (Andy Rooney Club), I look for a full box of 'CORN flakes'. Just because I own a Champion C46540 and bought it for $270 plus a little shipping and tax, doesn't mean the box is full. YET?.... Where's my Electric Start Kit and my over voltage kit? 'Nother thing. I've looked for something else to belly ache about with this Champion so I could post something neg.(to join ARC) and say 'see there' I told you so, BUT, no deal. She's does her thing and cranks mostly with one pull. She's a little loud but Prof95 got us started with "quiet time" So what else:@

[ol_Bombero-JC]

~
Before spending your 240 bucks,
ask Big Lots, or check the gen's paperwork for:
~
Where do I get service? Parts? (call the service & parts line/s!)
Is there a "tech line" to call for problems? (try the number!)
*Can I return it if it for a refund if it doesn't perform as expected?*
(& for how long).
~
IMO, a set of stubby open-end wrenches from Big Lots is a lot
different than anything with . . . "moving parts"! - Buyer beware!
JC

PS: Hmmmmmm . . . For $60. more you can get a 4000W Champion,
with a 30amp RV outlet - that's been tested every way from
Sunday on here! Lots and lots of happy users too.
Excellent service & parts, real people to talk to, etc.