Champion Generators - anybody own one??

[aczlan]

We have a 3000W 120v Champion. It works well enough, but the lack of 240v is a big negative.

Aaron Z

 

[WilliamBos]

We have a 3000W 120v Champion. It works well enough, but the lack of 240v is a big negative.

Aaron Z

That is why I have been holding off, want 240.

 

[sseelhoff]

I have the 3500w (4000 surge) that I bought at Cabelas a few years ago. It worked fine for a few years, then started having problems. Took into the shop for repairs, and the shop refused to work on it, and said they could not get parts.

I'm looking for a replacement. Will likely go with the Yamaha inverter style.

 

[Canada_CT230]

Neglect of any gas engine will cause problems. My small Honda generator is more of a pain that my larger ones. I pickle ALL fuel in my gas engines, run them every month and I don't have any problems.

Only a few of the small Champions don't have 240V the larger ones do. My Champion doesn't have 240V but at 20A output it wouldn't run much on 240V. I use mine for our RV in Wal-Mart parking lots while travelling. Runs the AC unit and microwave just fine. I use my big generator for the house.

Also, running an arc welder on the generator would be somewhat questionable. You'd have to be careful of the Amp draw. Most larger gens only output 30A on their 240V plugs.

 

[WilliamBos]

Neglect of any gas engine will cause problems. My small Honda generator is more of a pain that my larger ones. I pickle ALL fuel in my gas engines, run them every month and I don't have any problems.

Only a few of the small Champions don't have 240V the larger ones do. My Champion doesn't have 240V but at 20A output it wouldn't run much on 240V. I use mine for our RV in Wal-Mart parking lots while travelling. Runs the AC unit and microwave just fine. I use my big generator for the house.

Also, running an arc welder on the generator would be somewhat questionable. You'd have to be careful of the Amp draw. Most larger gens only output 30A on their 240V plugs.

Thanks. Just checked the arc, it is 50A. Will probably not run it, eh??

Could be time for a welder upgrade.

Invertec V155-S Stick Welder

 

[Samandothers]

I am on my, second 3500/4000 unit. First one lasted 3 years for $300. It is RV ready and works great for what we need. So we got our second one and starting year 2 with it.

 

[JJZ 109]

I've got a little 3500 watt unit that came from Lowe's for $299. Its run my seamless gutter machine for 2 seasons now without a hitch, through 160+ jobs.

 

[Skyco]

I just bought a Champion 1500 W surge 1200 W continuous generator from Northern Tool, a few weeks ago, on sale for $169. Had a $20 off coupon so got it for $149.
I'm not impressed. It will not hold 1000 W continuous, lugs down to about 53 Hz.
It also has a lot of trouble recovering from a sudden removal of load, surges wildly for a minute or so before it settles down. Running the 700 watt measured draw coffee pot at my camp, it goes nuts when the thermostat on the pot cuts off...it will NOT start the 750 watt measured draw microwave oven.
The gas cap leaks when it is moved.
Northern will NOT take back a generator that has been oiled and fueled. Caveat emptor.
I'm kind of a generator "nut' I own 8 not counting the Champion.. This Champion has been the worst. I have two Hondas, a Kipor, an Onan, a Coleman, a Generac and two generic chinese 6kW "silenced (HAH!)" diesels.
The Champion has been the biggest disappointment.
:2cents:

 

[Canada_CT230]

Must be a Canada / USA difference. My Champion is of what I consider a pretty good quality. I have seen some real cheapo units out there.

My Champion 4000/3000W is really decent for what I paid for it. It could be whisper quiet but didn't spend $2000 either. So I'm happy.

I'd buy another...no hestiations.

As far as your ARC welder. 30A output may get you welding with some smaller rods and lower Amps. Try it and see if you can. Probably the reason why gas engine driven welders are the size of a small car.

 

[Skyco]

Yeah the one I bought is relatively quiet....not campground quiet, but better than many inexpensive generators.
I suspect the inability to load to spec and the surging is due to being CARB certified, ie too lean.
Since I can't return it I will remove the carb and see if the main jet is removeable to replace with a larger one...if not the micro drills will come out
I bought it solely to recharge batteries at my camp in the winter, and run the microwave oven/coffee pot etc . My diesel is way overkill when I don't need air conditioning and my little 35 year old Honda 600 watt generator* is too small for anything except charging the battery bank, which takes around 500 watts alone.

*they don't make them like that anymore! Small but very heavy, I think it outweighs my Kipor 2kW invertor generator!


Added later- discovered another minus to the Champion generator- I mentioned the fuel cap leaks, well today I noticed the paint they use on the steel tank is NOT gasoline resistant...starting to come off where the gas gets on it when the cap leaks during movement :thumbdown: