Champion 3100W Inverter/Generator...run 15K AC on Propane?

[Baja_Man]

Considering a Champion inverter/generator 3100W/2800W sold by Costco. It is a dual fuel model with gas/propane and electric start. I've read it will start AND run a 15K AC (with no capacitor mods). I want to know whether it will start and run same AC on propane.

Can anyone here confirm this?

Thanks!

Costco generator:

Costco Champion Generator

[pianotuna]

I do have the microair unit to reduce start up surge, and I do have a hybrid inverter charger.

I have successfully and safely run the roof air on 97 volts.

[SoundGuy]

pianotuna wrote:
I do have an autoformer to take care of any low voltage issues.

Yeah, I think you've mentioned this once or twice before. :W

[pianotuna]

The issue with propane is fuel consumption. It is much harder to find propane for sale than gasoline. A twenty pound tank might only last a day if it is truly hot outside.

Personally I try to NOT run the roof air from the generator. I much prefer to go to an inexpensive camping site--or to ask one of my friends if I may plug in. I do have an autoformer to take care of any low voltage issues.

[SoundGuy]

Sandia Man wrote:
We've had our gasoline version Champion 3100 with remote start going on our 3rd season and it has no issue whatsoever running our rig's AC unit on very hot days or at high altitudes (up to 8500'), even does so on eco-mode.

You could get the Costco version and see if it will perform the task you outlined above on propane, unless there is something different about this dual fuel model, it should power your rig's AC unit on gasoline mode if anything.

I notice that here in Canada Costco is offering the dual fuel electric start model in the larger 3400 watt size only, with the smaller 3100 watt being manual start, gas only. One would think the 3100 watt gasser would easily start & run a 13,500 BTU A/C but I also notice a couple of reviews where purchasers said the one they bought would not. 😞 Costco Canada's price for the 3100 is $930 Cdn + tax, the 3400 is $1280 Cdn + tax, a difference with tax of ~ $400 Cdn. However, aside from the larger dual fuel having a larger engine and electric start it seems to me that running it on propane and never putting gas in it would eliminate any carb gas fouling issues, the need for gas stabilizer, and the need to ever empty the tank for long duration storage, so even though it produces less power running on propane than running on gas this larger Champ may be the better long term solution for many despite it's higher cost.

[Sandia_Man]

We've had our gasoline version Champion 3100 with remote start going on our 3rd season and it has no issue whatsoever running our rig's AC unit on very hot days or at high altitudes (up to 8500'), even does so on eco-mode.

You could get the Costco version and see if it will perform the task you outlined above on propane, unless there is something different about this dual fuel model, it should power your rig's AC unit on gasoline mode if anything.

You could opt to go for the larger 3400 watt Champion for added power margin for a bit more $$$, have heard good things about the new Harbor Freight 3500 watt inverter genny that is a heck of a buy if they prove to be durable.

Since we have an onboard gasoline Onan on our rig we had grown accustomed to the simplicity of starting/stopping our genny from within our RV. Seen a deal on one with remote start, and now have over 200+ hours without a hiccup.

[SoundGuy]

rowekmr wrote:
Which effect will be minor with the SPP6 vs the Micro Air Easy Start?

The ability of the A/C compressor to start, particularly as elevation and/or ambient temperature increase.

[rowekmr]

Which effect will be minor with the SPP6 vs the Micro Air Easy Start?

SoundGuy wrote:

Baja Man wrote:
Considering a Champion inverter/generator 3100W/2800W sold by Costco. It is a dual fuel model with gas/propane and electric start. I've read it will start AND run a 15K AC (with no capacitor mods). I want to know whether it will start and run same AC on propane.

Can anyone here confirm this?

Regardless of any testimonials you may receive the fact is every genset's performance will be significantly degraded by increases in elevation and ambient temperature. Running the genset on propane will additionally degrade it's performance, regardless of elevation and/or temperature. Any "capacitor mod" done to an A/C won't help it run, just help it start ... if it's a hard start cap like a Supco SPP6 that effect will be relatively minor, with a soft start kit like a Micro-Air Easy Start the effect will be significant.

[Baja_Man]

Costco has an extremely liberal return policy. Time and time again, I've witnessed them offer full refunds on items after 6-12 months. Even if every person here said the Champion would run a 15k a/c on propane, that's still no guarantee that yours will. Too many variables. Buy the Champion from Costco. If it works to your satisfaction, fine. If it doesn't, simply return it

I concur......ordered and I will find out soon enough!

[Turtle_n_Peeps]

SoundGuy wrote:

Baja Man wrote:
Considering a Champion inverter/generator 3100W/2800W sold by Costco. It is a dual fuel model with gas/propane and electric start. I've read it will start AND run a 15K AC (with no capacitor mods). I want to know whether it will start and run same AC on propane.

Can anyone here confirm this?

Regardless of any testimonials you may receive the fact is every genset's performance will be significantly degraded by increases in elevation and ambient temperature. Running the genset on propane will additionally degrade it's performance, regardless of elevation and/or temperature. Any "capacitor mod" done to an A/C won't help it run, just help it start ... if it's a hard start cap like a Supco SPP6 that effect will be relatively minor, with a soft start kit like a Micro-Air Easy Start the effect will be significant.

SoundGuy saved me a lot of typing. 100% correct on all points.

[afidel]

One interesting idea is the new Champion 2,000 watt generator coming out next month. It will be the first quite, easily portable (ie something you actually want to lift on a regular basis which the 3,600W class are not) generator with duel fuel capability AFAIK. It's listed at 1,800W starting on propane, with the link kit that gives 3,600W starting on propane.

[SoundGuy]

otrfun wrote:
Costco has an extremely liberal return policy. Time and time again, I've witnessed them offer full refunds on items after 6-12 months. Even if every person here said the Champion would run a 15k a/c on propane, that's still no guarantee that yours will. Too many variables. Buy the Champion from Costco. If it works to your satisfaction, fine. If it doesn't, simply return it

If there wasn't such an easy but better alternative perhaps I might agree but since there is, a 3400 watt Champ that is just that much more likely to be able to handle the OP's requirements, it doesn't make sense to go with the smaller 3100 watt, regardless of Costco's liberal return policy. As others have said, the smaller 3100 watt may suffice under ideal circumstances but when conditions are much less favourable the larger 3400 watt would unquestionably be the better choice. Go big or go home. :W

[otrfun]

double post

[otrfun]

Baja Man wrote:
Considering a Champion inverter/generator 3100W/2800W sold by Costco. It is a dual fuel model with gas/propane and electric start. I've read it will start AND run a 15K AC (with no capacitor mods). I want to know whether it will start and run same AC on propane.

Can anyone here confirm this?

Thanks!

Costco has an extremely liberal return policy. Time and time again, I've witnessed them offer full refunds on items after 6-12 months. Even if every person here said the Champion would run a 15k a/c on propane, that's still no guarantee that yours will. Too many variables. Buy the Champion from Costco. If it works to your satisfaction, fine. If it doesn't, simply return it

[theoldwizard1]

SoundGuy wrote:
Regardless of any testimonials you may receive the fact is every genset's performance will be significantly degraded by increases in elevation and ambient temperature. Running the genset on propane will additionally degrade it's performance, regardless of elevation and/or temperature. Any "capacitor mod" done to an A/C won't help it run, just help it start ... if it's a hard start cap like a Supco SPP6 that effect will be relatively minor, with a soft start kit like a Micro-Air Easy Start the effect will be significant.

Concur especially on the underlined items !