New Champion 3100 or Used Powerhouse 3100

[Sneakie]

Hi there
We are looking for an inverter generator for our 5th wheel. It won't be used very much, maybe one weekend a year right now at this stage in our lives (maybe more once we retire down the road) We would use it for our house if the need ever arose in a power outage.

We can get a brand new Champion 3100 from Costco for $980 tax and shipping included. This would come with 2 years warranty. Does Costco ever put these units on sale??

Or we can get a used Powerhouse 3100 for $750 with no warranty. I see these units run $1350 plus tax brand new. The guy owned it for 2 years and has 6.5 hours on it. He is an older gentleman and sold his RV so no longer has a need for it.

Do we pay $230 more for the new Champion or pay less for the used Powerhouse?? How do the two units compare? We aren't interested in the cost of the Honda or Yamaha at this point.

As the Powerhouse has a higher "new" cost is it a better unit?? I've read mixed reviews. Powerhouse has 100 cc more than the Champion but appears to burn a bit more fuel per hour based upon their specs.

Champion is smaller and weighs less.

Looking forward to your comments.

[greenrvgreen]

I own the Powerhouse 2700 and it is superbly engineered. I am VERY happy with it, in particular the "suitcase" design that makes it "luggable" (all 80 lbs worth).

I also own the Champion 3500 (NON inverter). Champion is a great company with great customer service, with tech support second to none.

If the design of the Champion appeals to you, read up a bit on it to verify that surge capacity issues with the i2000 have been resolved in this model (I dont know). If so--and you like the design--you cannot go wrong.

For myself, I am so satisfied with the 2700 that I am considering a second unit and the parallel kit. The Powerhouse 2700 offers 3000-class performance with "almost" 2000-class luggability.

[pianotuna]

Hi,

I would buy the Champion.

[tvman44]

Get the new Champion, only a few dollars more and you get a full warranty. Besides the Champions are good generators with excellent customer service and a good reputation on the RV Forums. 🙂

[JiminDenver]

Things to consider on a used generator are has it been exercised and was it drained between uses.

I haven't read many complaints on the Powerhouse unit aside from finding the parallel kit. Champion does have a good rep in customer service and getting parts. You may also find it cheaper as I've seen it as low as $800.