Tony F. wrote:
Old & Slow wrote:
Tony F. wrote:
Hey guys,
I'm new to this forum, and new to searching for a generator. Until recently I had set my mind on twin 2kw Hondas, but the $$ was just too hard to part with. I saw the ad in the latest Costco coupon book a few days ago and was intrigued by the remote start 3kw Champion, so I started doing some research.
What I learned was very surprising to me. First, this is not a "Chinese" product in the strictest sense. This is an America owned company, with American engineering and support. The products are made in their own factory in China. This differs from typical Chinese products that are made by Chinese owned companies, or by American companies who contract with a Chinese factory to build their products.
Champion has full control of every step. The fact that they are using Chinese labor is a non issue.
Regarding Champion's track record, they've been making products for about 7 years now and - here's the interesting part - have NEVER had a recall. Never. That is a significant statement when you consider the fast pace new products are being introduced. Honda and Yamaha cannot make that same claim.
Finally, I own 4 Toyota vehicles. From 1997 to 2007, and like them all. However, my next vehicle will likely be a Hyundai. Why? Because they now have the fewer failures per thousand than any other brand in the world. In other words, they have surpassed Toyota and Honda for quality in one of the most indicative quality measurements there are. As a very loyal and long term Toyota customer, I am willing to look beyond my prejudices in order to find the best products for the money. The same goes for my generator purchase. Although I have little generator experience, I have been doing a lot of reading and talking to fellow campers. There are thousands of well informed people out there saying the same great things about Champion. I hope I've drawn a clear parallel there.
I'm not trying to bag on anyone or any product, but I think it would behoove anyone interested in an inverter generator to give this new product a good look.
Besides, the stacking, and the semi-integrated parallel kit is way cool.
Tony
Tony,
Something is way strange here. This is your first post. You say, recently you did some research. Concerning Champion. I'm pretty good about clicking around. I find 'NO PUBLIC', or for that matter, private, information to support the claims of your search. If you could leave us a link to all this info' concerning Champion (CPE) that would be appreciated. This is vary important. Please respond.
Floyd
Wow, I didn't realize I would stir up such... I can't think of the words. I don't want to say paranoia. Maybe distrust. I totally understand it though.
First, let me just say: No, I don't work for Champion, or anybody affiliated with them. No, I don't get anything from anyone for my post. Finally, yes, it is all true.
If you go to Champion's home page and scan to the bottom, you can read a statement that covers most of what I said. Regarding the recalls (or lack of) I found that in an article online, and simply called the company to find out. None of it is hard to learn, and if you call or email the company directly, you can verify everything I stated. You might not trust the source, but since they only verified what I learned already, I do. Same goes for recalls on other brands. The info is out there.
I said I was new to this forum, and new to searching for a generator, but I did not say I was new to research. It's what I do, and I'm good at it.
I'm not trying to sell anyone the Champion product, but rather suggest to anyone interested in their latest products that they are worth investigating. Most people (myself included) tend to get comfortable with our notions, and sometimes find it hard to accept changes in reality. That was the point I was making about Toyota Vs. Hyundai. And that is why I am willing to look past the Honda and Yamaha generators to something that just might displace them as the generator of choice. Maybe not, but I'm not willing to simply ignore the Champion because it isn't a Honda or Yamaha.
Anyway, sorry for stirring up the pot. It was not intentional, and I'll try to be more careful going forward.
Tony
Glad to hear from you Tony,
Several statements in your first post raised a Red Flag. So, I went on a hunt (research). Most all American Companies, on their websites have a link to 'about us' or 'get to know us'. All a person can find about CPE is the info' and the CS page. I find no reference to belonging to the US Chamber of Commerce or any of the other Trade Associations you look for when dealing with a Company. One other point. I believe A Chinese grope or Company may own a US Company but not the other way around. Something else, I find Champion (CPE) only handles " Chinese Import Products " if I am correct?
At the moment, Champion products, imho they are really value priced. But according to reports on several threads, this will not last long. And how long will we see the Champion (CPE) products in todays business enviroment??. Selling cheap may not lead to longevity.
I do hope, we will soon see the New Champion 2000w Inverter and it proves out to be a real value and dependability as compared to the two older famous brands.
As for the Champion C46540 I have owned for three years, it's been a winner except for being a little loud, plus 70dbA with a full load. It is back to stock after removing the LPG retro, except, for the added Electric Start. I wait the Remote Control kit.
Floyd
Tony FYI, There is no listing in Santa Fe Springs, CA with the BBB, No knowledge period, also not listed in the quite up-todate 'WikiPedia'.
