RV Beginners -- Do You "Need" a Generator?

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Пікірлер: 524

@camperjack2620 3 жыл бұрын

Even if you only get campsites with electricity, if you go to a music fest, an art show, a tractor show or stay overnight at a host's place, you may need power there. IF you have a breakdown, you're going to want the shelter of your camper with everything working.

@davefroman4700 3 жыл бұрын

All of which can be done with solar and lithium batteries today without the noise and fumes.

@kevinsterner9490 3 жыл бұрын

Great video. We just purchased a new to us 24 ft Keystone Bullet trailer. It replaced our older Toy Hauler that had a built in generator., I purchased an I Power inverter generator that has a Yamaha motor. Mainly because I couldn’t afford a Honda. 😀 The only reason I bought it is because my wife wants to blow dry her hair in the morning. So we all know, happy wife happy life. 😀

@normgibson6565 3 жыл бұрын

For the past few years we have been using a Predator 3500 invertor generator and have been very happy with it.

@kclaptraffic 3 жыл бұрын

SAME! they are very good generators for the money!

@helgeronhovde4801 2 жыл бұрын

We have one too. Been very happy with it.

@WestShoreMan 3 жыл бұрын

I totally love my Champion with the remote. Don’t need to go outside in freezing temps to get the coffee brewing in the morning. Plus no prob for the A/C.

@chrismichael3486 3 жыл бұрын

I went for the cheapest and quietest one I could find. The Predator 3500

@DennisJPolson 3 жыл бұрын

When I see that LOLOHO posts a video, I go right to it. 👍 Thank you for another informative and entertaining video, Sean & Kristy!

@MrVbda1 3 жыл бұрын

I bought the Predator 3500 back in 2017. It has been a great unit. Very quiet and able to run everything I need it to run.

@MrVbda1 2 жыл бұрын

@Jimjimmyjames Smith The Predator 3500 can be converted to run on both propane or gas with the kit. I still use gas.

@bobinaz7047 3 жыл бұрын

I bought 3100 watt Champion remote start based on your recommendation 2 YAG. Never leaver leave home without it.

@johnnaquin8828 3 жыл бұрын

I purchased a used class c from an individual 3 years ago. For whatever reason he pulled the 4,000 watt onan out of the motorhome. It was cheaper for me to buy 2 honda 2200 watt generators that fit in my bays under the motorhome than to replace the $4,000 onan. I bought a metal box from harbor freight that fits (3) 2 gallon gas cans which I mounted on the back bumper. It works great. Parallel operation gives me 4,400 watts which is more than enough to run my motorhome. The only drawback is the potential of theft but locking them up is not a huge issue. I love my honda generators, one is the companion and the other the standard. You do get what you pay for.

@raysprague765 3 жыл бұрын

We have two Honda 2000i generators that we bought thirteen years ago. Other than normal maintenance, zero issues. Since we live in the West and boondock usually, at the altitudes we are at, four thousand to seven thousand feet, gas generators lose efficiency and some appliances like microwaves, require more power than one single 2000i produces if we have any other appliances running. They are also much easier to move, and if needed we would have a spare. Also understand Onan has entered the portable/RV market and is very competitive.

@pookiesmamma 3 жыл бұрын

We live in the west as well and thank goodness the higher in altitude the cooler the weather in the summer!

@benedavis6900 3 жыл бұрын

We have a Honda 3000iu. It is super- quiet and reliable. We take it with us most every trip. Love your channel!!

@TheDotDetective 3 жыл бұрын

We love your channel is so lame

@TxTravel295MK 3 жыл бұрын

Champion 3100W with remote has been great. Runs everything we need and then some. Came in handy during the Texas freeze too!

@MasterArmedforces 2 жыл бұрын

Im looking at that one. Have you ever heard of someone bypassing the internal gas tank to a larger 10 gallon can to get more run time w/o the smell & mess of constantly fueling it up? Thks!

@Mike-AI7HP 3 жыл бұрын

We have a Champion 3500 watt Dual Fuel (apparently only sold at Cabela's/Bass Pro Shops) and a 2000 watt Champion Dual Fuel. Champion support says you CAN link them together with no problem, and we have many times. Their tech support says its a myth that they must be the exact generators.

@mikemccollough4826 3 жыл бұрын

I've had a 3500-3000 Preditor gas generator for over 3 years. Good service and no problems. Recently we purchased a 5th wheel that has two air conditioners and I will be getting a 2000 watt Preditor to run it parallel. Safe camping

@frankiefry1 3 жыл бұрын

We just went through the freeze in TX. Having our generator saved us from freezing half to death, even though we were/are at an RV park! Thank goodness we had the 'rolling blackouts' and could find gasoline when we needed to refill our can. We have now added a second 5 gal. can of gas to our stash.

@jhatchit 3 жыл бұрын

I have a Champion Model 100573 Digital Hybrid 3500 Watt Inverter Generator for two years now. It has been a good reliable generator and it runs my RV fine. 13.5K AC, Fridge, TV, etc.

@robertsilveus3071 3 жыл бұрын

Got a Champion 3100 3yrs ago. Only 'needed' it once when camping, to run the furnace when it was cold. Have used it at home when the power went out once. IMO it has payed for itself.

@vrbricksaunderson7384 3 жыл бұрын

WE love our Champion 3400 - run only on LP and use it as replacement for my weights to keep my arm muscles strong :-)

@bradmiller6507 3 жыл бұрын

We have two 2000 Watt Champion inverter generators. When we need the AC we parallel them, when not using AC we just use one. They let us boondock which has improved our RVing experience.

@bruceh3786 3 жыл бұрын

I had two of the 3400/3500 Champion inverter wireless remote generators. I traded one in on the new Champion 4500 inverter wireless generator about a week ago. One of my trailers has two AC units so I think I will be able to run both on the one generator. However that will require installing easy start units on the air conditioners. The new generator easily starts the first AC but the trailer built in Surge Guard energy management system cuts out when attempting to start the second unit. It is my understanding the 3500 class models are out of production so if someone wants one new they need to get it now while they are still left in the channel. Supergen is the only Champion dealer that I know of that currently has the new 4500 series.

@glennnewton4170 3 жыл бұрын

Had to go with Harbor Freight Predetor 3500, I've had it for one year runs great nice and quiet and starts right up

@robertanthony312 3 жыл бұрын

I too have a Harbor Freight 3500 inverter. I was sold on the fact if you get the 2 year maintenance package, you can bring it back after 1 year 364 days and get a new one free.

@richarddavis8083 3 жыл бұрын

Bought an open frame 4400/3500 Predator Inverter three days ago, matered at 67-68db at twenty feet (My meter) Their 3500W QUIET suitcase tagged at 67db. Big wheeled it and breaking in at eighteen hours (OM says thirty hours break in). What bugs me ......too many elitsts reviews of generators seem to avoid the very name Predator. Check what Consumer Reports says Honda Vs Predator.

@Todd_S 3 жыл бұрын

A generator was one of the first purchases I made. I really enjoy my Predator 3500 Inverter generator.

@bobmakowski7627 3 жыл бұрын

I’ve been looking at those 3500 Predators very impressed with the super quiet 57db and the $849 price at Harbor Freight. Now a remote start would be nice, lol.

@pookiesmamma 3 жыл бұрын

That was the one we purchased a well. It is really quiet!

@Todd_S 3 жыл бұрын

@@bobmakowski7627 I've seen a remote start kit for the Predator on KZfaq.

@KandyKas 3 жыл бұрын

Your videos are always so helpful! Ive been watching for years and I've learned so much. Thank you!!

@cgan2013 Жыл бұрын

The best overall generator info videos I’ve come across…and I’ve seen quite a few!!😊👏🏻

@JReesh 3 жыл бұрын

I'll give my story. We only stay at campsites with electricity. I purchased a Predator 3500 inverter generator b/c I eventually want to try boondocking. With that being said we made a week long trip last year at all electricity campsites so I left the generator home. We were about 6 hrs from home and drove through a rough thunderstorm about 45 minutes from our campsite. Upon arrival the RV park was out of power due to the storm with limbs down and damage to many RV's and vehicles there. The temperature was such that we NEEDED AC, but I don't have my generator with me. It was full dark and we had to scramble to find another park an hour away to get power. We lost our initial downpayment on the park that we didn't stay in. So b/c of that I ALWAYS travel with my generator, just in case. I have since had the opportunity to use my generator and it worked like a charm.

@MRHEAT20 3 жыл бұрын

Champion 3100 with remote start - but I think I will also buy the 2000 watt Geny just for the lower sound👍

@stevecarr1992 3 жыл бұрын

And, extreme portability!

@harryv9397 3 жыл бұрын

We just bought a Firman 3650/3300 Remote Start Inverter Generator after much research by myself. A very quiet machine and will be an asset this year as we want to do more boondocking. Just this past week we also put in a generator panel in our house as we lose power 3-4 times a winter, usually 1 day or so in duration. This is the main reason we bought the gen set. It runs two fridges, all the lights and plugins in the kitchen, living room , master bedroom and our garage. Now....we can relax whether camping or during a power outage!

@joeofallthings7403 3 жыл бұрын

We have the Champion 3150 with remote start. It arrived with a "mostly dead" battery. Called the customer service hotline, and they said to hand start it and let it run for a couple hours. If the battery was still dead they would send a replacement battery. After running it for a few hours, the 5 hour break-in period, the battery was charged and it has worked great every since. Got it on sale at the blue big box store for $599. What a great deal!

@harley9218 3 жыл бұрын

I've been on the fence about generators. I understand using one sporadically during the day for whatever reason, however, when I really need it is on hot humid nights to power the AC for sleeping. Ironically, the exact time period that "generator hours" prohibit use.

@santini1953 3 жыл бұрын

A hazard of rv parks

@Powerstroke98 3 жыл бұрын

It then comes down to enough 'battery power' and an inverter, where you can then run a generator within the parks allowable hours.

@jimc.6127 3 жыл бұрын

I bought an Onan/Cummins 4500wt Inverter generator with my 2021 Lance 2375 t.t. and I'm almost regretting it because of the weight. It's permanent home is now in the bed of my pick-up, well secured of course. At $1,087.00 I still think it was a good investment.

@michaelbrown2443 3 жыл бұрын

To us, the noise and smell of a generator destroys the whole reason for being out there. Our 900W solar system has been enough so far, and the 30A DC to DC charging system allows the tow vehicle to be the "backup generator" of last resort. It also allows us to arrive at the new campsite with batteries already at 100%. Thanks for your channel. The first and still the best!

@kristymichael 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much for the kind compliment, Michael!

@tonycorso7865 3 жыл бұрын

We bought a 3500w champion dual fuel when we bought our camper 3-1/2 years ago. We only use propane to fuel it. 15,000 miles on the camper now but only 27 hours on the generator. We have solar/inverter and lithium. Still, when you want air conditioning and you’re not plugged In the generator is a must so it’s always with us when camping.

@williammowery8853 3 жыл бұрын

Have a 3000watt yamaha in front compartment of 5th wheel had to put a 12 volt electric auto fan to keep it cool with remote start had it for about 15 years and 3 rv,s later very happy with it ,don't use it as much since the solar install but nice on cloudy days or to run air or microwave

@LeeH-Ranger83 3 жыл бұрын

Great topic! I bought a “yellow” generator a couple of years ago and have 125 hours on it. I use mine EVERY TWO WEEKS (if not camping) to keep my AGM batteries o/a 13.6. A definite MUST HAVE!!!!

@stephenpowstinger733 3 жыл бұрын

Hard to say whether yellow or blue or what color makes for a good unit. 😆

@craigjohnson2771 3 жыл бұрын

I have a Honda 2000, I choose it because that’s all I need. Uses less gas than the larger ones and with 4 6 volt batteries it does just fine. Been thinking about the soft start for the ac but with wheels on the camper I just follow the temps.

@stephendall2329 3 жыл бұрын

I have a Predator 2000 and it comes in handy with my small electric chainsaw to cut firewood in places that allow wood collecting. I have made a small wheeled carrier for it and recently I installed a receiver hitch on the back bumper so I can lock it up after removing it from the truck bed.

@AllenManor 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Sean and Christy! Always nice to see a video from you.

@kristymichael 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks, Allen!

@jamesnunn5452 3 жыл бұрын

We bought a Firman dual fuel and runs great. Thanks for your channel look forward to Sundays

@johnshuler8688 3 жыл бұрын

I bought 2 Westinghouse iGen 4500 DF (dual fuel) 98 lbs.$1100. Great generator! Remote start. Refuse to carry gas. I parallel them on my house during power outages. 3300 watt on propane.Going to try both a/c units on my Airstream with soft starts.

@tlewisAK 3 жыл бұрын

When RV Camping in Alaska there are few campsites with hookups. Having a Generator is a must.

@jeffgilde3250 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you. You reassured me that I made a good choice to getting one. I purchased a Firman 3200 watt from Costco and can’t wait to use it this summer for a trip out west for 2 months. You two are terrific to watch!!

@eugeneenslow8563 3 жыл бұрын

Haven't watched any of your videos for a while. As usual, a great source of useful info 👍

@paulsylvester1394 3 жыл бұрын

One warning about these generators. The wattage ratings are typically the max output and that is only good for seconds. Ignore that number and pay attention to the continuous power. There is a popular generator out there rated at 3500 watts. That is peak! Continuous output is only 3000 watts! That is 15% lower than the touted 3500 watts. Similar story with most units. As for fuel problems, I add Stabil to my gas can BEFORE I fill it and I do that every time! That being said, I am looking for a generator to ensure I have power for a CPAP machine.

@jerrycollison3929 2 жыл бұрын

My wife and I lived off the grid in Alaska for nearly 20 years. We powered our homestead mostly with the Honda 3000i. We used the Yamaha 2700 and the Honda 2000i as a back ups. We used our gasoline generators almost every day, especially in the winter. The Honda was the longest lasting and most dependable by far. We used propane for instantaneous hot water, clothes drier and cooking. But the Hi da 3000i was the generator of choice for many of us in the Alaska bush.

@mnleber 3 жыл бұрын

We have 3 HONDA Generators, a 1800W open frame which was workhorse and went with us on all RV outings until my brother objected to on one of our trips so I immediately went to a Honda dealer and bought a 2200eu which is really quiet and it has outlasted 4 trailers now. Since I require use of a CPAP this generator will run all night no problem. When in Florida the gen is usually outside the window and both my wife and I both sleep without the noise being a factor. One time we even had a fellow in a tent next to us who didn’t even realize the generator was running!!!! Anyway when we moved to the country in 2017 where power outages can sometimes be often and lengthy especially come winter. So, we bought a Honda 7500eu that we plug into a generlink attached to our power meter. It can power all of our household essentials like lights, furnace, fridges and freezers with no problem. It is heavy and on wheels! When we had our first outage with this generator I went to the garage to pull it out to the meter and I could not open the electrically operated garage door. DUH. Anyway the light went on and I realized the door had a mechanical disconnect. Kind of felt stupid but the generator did a good job during the outage. As you said as this is a portable generator I will take it with me if we ever move!! Good reviews all. thanks for the info

@jc525exc 3 жыл бұрын

Great Job Again! You really help the beginner on what to look at ahead of time. Now that I'm a veteran RV'er, I can relate to learning experiences you discuss in video like running heater in really cold weather and running batteries down & running out of propane. Our solar set up with lithium batteries & onboard generator give us piece of mind we are set to enjoy our camping experiences with or without power.

@rwilson6835 3 жыл бұрын

Important piece of additional info, generator output decreases with altitude so be sure and factor that in to your decision. If you like to camp in the mountains and the capacity of the generator you are considering is just enough at sea level, it may not "cut the mustard" at altitude.

@TraditionalFun 3 жыл бұрын

Indeed, but you can usually make a minor modification to the unit that makes it play well at higher elevation.

@ironmikehallowween 2 жыл бұрын

@@TraditionalFun what is that Mod? I live in the south so it doesn’t impact me, but I am curious. Thanks

@richarddavis8083 2 жыл бұрын

@@ironmikehallowween it involves changing out the fuel needle ne Ed c in the carburetor. As of late...most new generators will have a needle you can change....check your for video.

@badcompany3057 3 жыл бұрын

Power sources are like guns, one is none and two is one. Nice job on the informational vid.

@kevincoughlin4459 3 жыл бұрын

We have two Yamaha 2000. While our trailer is set up for 50 amp, we are used to camping with 30 amp. It takes some power management. Often we just need coffee in the morning on a travel day. We have used them during a power outage at one park. We were very popular. Folks borrowed power and paid in gas a win win situation.

@herb7877 3 жыл бұрын

I have a small solar system that does fairly well when we are out. We boondock about 75% of the time year round. Here in the Pacific N.W. Winter, late Fall & early Spring sun may be in short supply. My little yellow 2000 watt inverter / generator has been a great addition reducing a lot of stress & anxiety. A gallon of gas goes a long time. In 4+ years I doubt I've used 5 gal's of gas but won't go out without it. It's light enough to easily pick up and move around.

@Nonplused 3 жыл бұрын

The correct answer is "yes, you need a generator". A quiet one is best.

@chivosadventures8171 3 жыл бұрын

*quiet*

@Nonplused 3 жыл бұрын

@@chivosadventures8171 Guess I need that Grammarly thing. Fixed it.

@chivosadventures8171 3 жыл бұрын

@@Nonplused Cool man.

@charlestait5303 3 жыл бұрын

LOL rich people have the strangest needs

@EagleOne49 3 жыл бұрын

Great video! We used a Honda 2000i generator for over a decade which met most of our needs and no mechanical issues. As we have "matured," the need to run the AC unit on our fiver is much more apparent. We serviced the 2000i and gifted it to a friend and purchased a new Honda 2200i and a 2200i Companion with the parallel cable (4400 Watts). The Companion unit has a 30-amp non-RV plug, but an adapter does the trick. The 2 units are easy to lift into the back of the truck and we're able to run the AC. 2 new features on these units worth mentioning: (1) You are able to run the fuel out of the units so no fouled carbs; and (2) Bluetooth connectivity, which tracks your wattage demand as well as hours of operation from an app on your phone.

@tfay412 Жыл бұрын

I bought a Generac IQ3500. I love it. It’s quiet and has a continuous output of 3,000 watts. I ran it when boon docking in the bed of my truck and I couldn’t even hear it inside the RV. I heard the diesel pushers generator over mine.

@travelingrvrv4608 2 жыл бұрын

I got my 2200 watt generator at Aldi (The Grocery Store). I have a 93 Casita with a House A/C and my generator can power all the lights and A/C. I live in Dahlonega, GA we went to Black Mtn GA Camp site in July and did NOT need the A/C at all. When we go to FL for vacation, we do kinda like you, we split up the trip into two parts and get to the location Early. It is All Fun and we learned a lot from you!! Thank You LOLOHA!! Hope to see you one day! (Tybee Island is a Great Place to stay for a Educational trip)

@jimloth6091 3 жыл бұрын

We have a Champion and are quite happy with it, although it doesn't get used much. The first time we used it was one morning at a Harvest Host site. I fired it up to run the coffee maker, and we joked that we were drinking a thousand dollar cup of coffee. With Covid it has sat idle for well over a year.

@jimmymccandless3938 3 жыл бұрын

We use a harbor freight generator Predator 3500 watt which is extremely quite and operates a 13,500 btu unit and carries the coffee pot at the same time. So far (2 yeara) it has operated and starts every time, but I am very big on maintaining it at scheduled intervals and at times even before. Always liked the champion generators after watching ut review of them years ago. Thanks for all ur vids.

@johnhuya2277 3 жыл бұрын

I have same one for about 2 yrs now and.runs great also. And quiet. But i installed a soft start on AC last year so don't need that big of one anymore, so switching to a 2500 duel fuel champion easier to move around. (But still keeping my eye predator )

@CommonCentsOutdoorsman 3 жыл бұрын

Champion yup! Had our 3000 remote start for a couple years now with zero issues. Starts every time! We have a 50 amp rv and starts the 15k AC with fridge and charger on without blinking. My granddaughter accidentally put the second AC on and it started it also and ran for a minute before shutdown. No soft start system! What a beast! You are steering your viewers in the right direction!

@kristymichael 3 жыл бұрын

I'm happy to hear you've had such a good experience with your Champion! Ours has been awesome, and that little remote start is priceless in freezing weather!

@kevinbarry71 3 жыл бұрын

Love the video. I still find it incredible that the entire RV industry has apparently not discovered what an inverter air conditioner is. They would be ideal for an RV. Actually their ideal for everything really. Refrigerators, and air-conditioning units and houses have used them for many years.

@fendr1962 2 жыл бұрын

When we started out RV’ing about a year and a half ago we decided to purchase a Champion 3500 duel gas/propane generator. Our RV air conditioner is a 15,000 BTU unit. It will not run efficiently in anything less then a 3500 watt generator. For the most part we don’t expect to use it all that often. So going with the cheaper price Champion was a no brainer. But to our surprise it was handy when here in Texas we lost our power for several days and it was very very cold. ( Oh. Here’s a little secret. Propane doesn’t like to change into a gas at 5 degrees Fahrenheit. )

@BillSeiter 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for your video. We took delivery of a 2500 watt Champion dual fuel inverter last week. This unplanned purchase is needed to cover a 4 night non-electric stay in YNP. We went bigger than our little camper requires in case a home back up source is needed. Strict use of propane power avoids the use of gasoline stabilizer and clean-up for our infrequent use of the unit.

@grob4382 3 жыл бұрын

I've had good luck with my harbour freight 3500 inverter generator. No issues as of yet. It's all about maintenance, maintenance, maintenance. Happy trails y'all. Last tip, i use ethanol free gas.

@stephenpowstinger733 3 жыл бұрын

Ethanol-free might be hard to find I believe.

@FirstSuiGeneris 3 жыл бұрын

_Nice review! I have owned a few like the Hyundai 2800 si for 3 years, Westinghouse 4500 for 1 year, and 2 Firman 3200 for 1 1/2 years with over 2000 hours each. The key to any generator is the break-in and maintenance. If you do these simple and easy tricks, they'll do the job no matter what brand. I would put my Hyundai against those Honda and Yamaha's any time; I had many friends and people who have the Honda's and Yamaha's can't believe how quiet my Hyundai is, even when it's running on full. : ) For the bigger Westinghouse, that thing is a beautiful monster, runs quietly and flawlessly; it's what replaced those Firmans. I gave the two Firmans to two different people who couldn't buy an inverter generator and needed it for a few reasons. They are still going strong. I just did a quick tune-up on one this weekend; well, I showed and guided her through what to do. I also have a huge 12000-watt generator, but I am NOT going to be lugging that thing around. It for the house and back shop! It's loud!_

@earlreaganjr9381 3 жыл бұрын

I always look forward to your videos. In order to keep weight down, for me to pickup & move, we went with two 2,000 watt (45 lb) eTrailer gas generators. Most of the time, we only use one at a time. We have parallel cables for when we need to run A.C. They fit under our ReTrax truck bed ridgid cover. Originally we wanted the Champion duel fuel 3,000. But it was too high, too heavy & at 66 I would like for my back to last a few more years :)

@aaronidouchi3059 3 жыл бұрын

Good information, I enjoy your videos. I just bought a Champion 3100 dual fuel electric start in part of your video. Heading the Death Valley this weekend in our travel trailer. Take care & stay well.

@fredfleming8905 3 жыл бұрын

Great video as always. Because of the recent mega freeze in Texas I ordered a Champion 4000 watt Digital Hybrid (Dual Fuel). With the 30 amp RV hookup on this model we will be ready for our travel trailer purchase in 2022. I also have the Honda 2000i gas only generator and love it dearly but I want more watts to handle an RV. For now I will be ready for hurricane season. It was your review of Champion generators that influenced my decision...thank you. Fred in Texas

@Flierted 3 жыл бұрын

We’ve had a 3600/3400 watt Champion Dual Fuel for two years. It has been one our best values purchased for the travel trailer. We used it in Death Valley during 104 degree days and it kept the AC running just fine.

@johndagricola 3 жыл бұрын

We are very part-time in our Promaster with a minimal build. We plug into 20amp shore power when available, and a 2000w generator is adequate for us. While I know Honda is the gold standard, we just bought a Westinghouse 2200w "new-in-box" for $300. At that price...and given our minimal needs, it was a good strategic decision. Thank you for your videos! After all these years your presence in our lives is like a comfortable old armchair.

@FABAutomotiveDetailing 3 жыл бұрын

I am currently in the market for a generator so this video was very helpful. Ceramic coatings are the best protection you can get for you camper and vehicles. I have coated a lot of cars and trucks but never a camper including mine. I can only imagine how much work that is.

@seanhk40 3 жыл бұрын

Totally agree with your review of the Champion brand. Had mine for 5 years with no issues.

@Alamotigergrad 3 жыл бұрын

We got the Champion 3400 last year and works great, no regrets

@mike4094 3 жыл бұрын

I have a 3500 watt Predator from the freight. Love it. Never had a problem and it’s quiet.

@fishnchips8618 3 жыл бұрын

We just got a 3500 Champion remote start for our 16' Airstream Bambi. I have a 2200 watt but it struggled with the AC, I may try a soft start capacitor later but the larger generator was not much more money. The AC was exceeding the overload protection on the 15 amp outlet on the 2200 more than a lack of power. I do like having the 30 amp outlet now! We plan on charging our E bikes on trips with it, run the AC during our triple digit summers, and keep the trailer charged. The Champion runs great, I like it has the fuel shut-off so I can run the carb dry for storage. We have a Champion 7500 watt open frame generator we use for the PG&E blackouts. I have been pretty happy with the brand.

@cjwalstad 3 жыл бұрын

Great video. Champion 3500 Duel Fuel Inverter Generator. I always run propane. Very easy electric start. Have had my generator for five years. Never let me down. Had a problem with the propane regulator. Champion mailed a new one free of charge including shipping. Great customer service.

@BKD70 3 жыл бұрын

Great video! We have the Champion 3500 inverter with remote start (gas only). It's great, runs our travel trailer just like we were on shore power. And it is quiet, can hardly hear it at all while we are inside the camper. I took Sean's suggestion when we bought it and installed an hourmeter on it. We've used it almost 100 hours now in 3 camping seasons. The remote start option is the whole bowl of cherries!

@nomadmac2001 Жыл бұрын

Great video! Mrs NomadMac and I were just discussing this morning if we wanted or needed a generator. We're mainly boondockers and what you said makes perfect sense. Needless to say we will be getting one here very soon.

@cookiecracker6266 3 жыл бұрын

Wonderful video, thank you for the information. I am a new truck camper owner and trying to get things ready before I take it out. I will mainly be using it in the winter to go skiing in the Northeast, so right now working on turning my truck camper into a 4 season unit.

@niceatrya3477 3 жыл бұрын

You're absolutely right on the "Careful of the height" issue. I was ready to pull the trigger on a iGen4500, until I measured the height of the space in the bed of the truck to the bottom of the tonneau cover, and realized I wouldn't be able to close it all the way. The Champion 4500 looks like it will, but with that being 61db vs the igen being 52db, everything is a trade off.

@Stefoshark 3 жыл бұрын

Hi from Canada, i got a Honda 3000w inverter , i think also call the Handy style , very happy & work well so far

@charlesahon 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the generator updates. Always great info.

@thomashirte4840 3 жыл бұрын

We use an Atima 2200W Generator (powered by Yamaha) which we have had since 2018. It has served us well for boondocking along with the air conditioner (13.5KW) and soft start that you talked about - powers everything we need in our rig (Gulf Stream 19ERD Vintage Cruiser). Great combo for us.

@jasonb9913 3 жыл бұрын

Always appreciate your videos. I installed a 40A DC-to-DC charger and my Duramax idles at 50-51db at 23 ft and can provide 36-38A of charging to my trailer batteries at idle. With an Easy Start on my A/C, 400W of solar and 3,000W inverter charger I have put off my generator purchase. However the 3400W Champion Dual Fuel is my first choice, though I have started to look for smaller dual fuel units.

@NomadicLiving 3 жыл бұрын

Have a pair of the traditional Honda 2000 generators, three years strong, so far have had no thoughts of getting rid of them. They have been super reliable, easy to heft in and out of the truck.

@bertkelly7650 3 жыл бұрын

I bought my generator because I wanted to camp at racing events. Found out there's a campground a mile down the road that had full hook ups for the same price as what the racetrack wanted. Haven't used the generator at all, because I have been camping where there's power. I run it every now and then. It will come in handy if power goes out at home.

@ronchalfant6394 2 жыл бұрын

Hi Guys!! Yes a generator is necessary at Yellowstone, Gros Venture, Teton and many other National campgrounds.. As well as in the Sierras where power shut offs due to fire weather can affect the campgrounds that do normally have power. Thanks for your video..

@JayDee25895 3 жыл бұрын

I have a 2k Champion new in the box never touched it for four years then we had The Big Texass Freeze! I ran my gas heater fan motor and when we didn't need the heat we plugged in the freezer and refrigerator to keep food fresh. I will be getting a larger one that runs off Nat and Propane gas pigtail it into my breaker box within the next month save the 2k for a loaner OR RENT Lol...... Peace

@dusdroadadventures7978 3 жыл бұрын

We chose the Westinghouse IGen4500. The unit so far as been amazing. 3 year warranty one registered. Has a remote start/stop and is incredible quiet.

@jeffedwards8975 3 жыл бұрын

I just bought the new 2500W Champion on sale at a (membership club) for less than $500. I've not used it camping yet, but have tested it in the driveway and it does start and run my 13.5K AC. It seems to be a quiet, smooth running machine.

@odeannehartnett2538 3 жыл бұрын

Are you using an adaptor, 30amp to 110, to power the 13,500 btu air conditioner with this generator?

@sesquashtwo 3 жыл бұрын

I just picked up a Firman 3650/3300iR model and the greatest short list for power rating was the ability to power my13,500 Dometic Roof Mount when boodocking or taking a cheaper (or available!) campsite that has only water, or even not even that. Then of course, to have power to need, anywhere else other than by your trailer!

@mikesudz4050 3 жыл бұрын

Sean I bought a Champion dual fuel because of you. Thank you! A great generator. I just put the little hour meter on it again because of you. Thank you again it works great. I love your posts.

@LongLongHoneymoon 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks much Mike! I hear much positive feedback about Champion, and we have been pleased as punch with ours... I'm glad to know your unit has worked well for you!

@debicaron6046 3 жыл бұрын

I have solar, but use my Predator 2000w inverter generator on cloudy days. It starts every time. I maintain it..Its really quite, and I can carry it..That's a big deal.

@fredquaile9432 3 жыл бұрын

Informative with humor as usual! Have a Honda 2000iu that I used for our Okanagan slide-in. Reliable, quiet, and easy pull start. Sold slide-in, kept the Honda and bought a 24’ Outdoors RV Back Country with one 173 watt solar panel on roof and an on board generator 3800 watt, I think. Makes decent boondocking rig.

@thomastheys6681 3 жыл бұрын

I have worked with small generators for many many years at specific events and I have to tell you that the Honda was probably the most dependable. So today I own a Yamaha blue case 2000 which I just keep in the back of the truck for emergencies. I think the champion is probably a great unit but what I have learned through experience is that my 10,000 W generator on my coach will handle everything! Thomyt

@piushorning4869 3 жыл бұрын

I have the champion 3400 gas only for use at home during the winters incase we lose power to the house. I did find out that the battery would not start the gen nor did pulling on the cord start the gen. So I now use a battery minder attached to the battery and hooked up to the patio outlet. so now the gen starts every time

@TexasFlyer2 3 жыл бұрын

We have a Champion 3400W remote start and really like it. Around $900. With one soft start, we can run both a 13k and a 15k a/c unit at the same time.

@jimshank1877 Жыл бұрын

Our Champion Inverters are great. We parallel two remote start units, 3500 & 5500. Carry them in truck bed, ahead of fifth wheel hitch for 41' fifth wheel. Out of the way and hard to steal from that location. Use? Harvest Host and occasionally an extended rest stop. The 5500 has larger fuel tank and runs 15-20 hrs under normal use. The 3500, 5-6 hrs. Wish there were good aux tanks for both, for longer run times. Customer Service has been very good.

@frankduzok 3 жыл бұрын

Based on your recommendation as RV newbies we bought the Champion 3400 dual fuel and love it. Fires up every time.

@markdrebert247 3 жыл бұрын

Frank, which fuel do you use most often, propane or gasoline? Just curious. I'm looking at the Champion 3400-watt dual fuel Inverter generator as well.

@frankduzok 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for asking. I have never put gasoline into it. I'm no tech so I want to eliminate the possibility of gumming up the works. Propane has such a long shelf life I can carry as much as my space can allow. And, it doesn't stink😁

@markdrebert247 3 жыл бұрын

@@frankduzok Thanks for your input. I'm buying my first RV 5th wheel next month with 2 AC units, the main AC is 15k and the 2nd is 13k and is a 50amp service rig. I'm also looking into a solar package as well to help power the smaller appliances and for travel days to keep the fridge running. I'm thinking the 3400 Champion will be a great addition to power up the heavier appliances when we need the extra umph out in the boondocks when no shore power is available.

@frankduzok 3 жыл бұрын

@@markdrebert247 Wow , you're going big league into RVing. I'd like to know what truck you're going to use to pull you're rig. We're starting out with a small 23 foot single axle. Your solar system will recharge your batteries but they would drain pretty quick if you used your ac in the boon docks. I know my generator will work fine juicing my 13.5 a/c unit but i don't know how much else I can add to that load. I don't think a single 34k generator can run 2 a/c units at the same time..

@markdrebert247 3 жыл бұрын

@@frankduzok We have a Chevy Silverado 2014 3500 Dually. We paid it off last year and now excited to purchase the Grand Design Reflection 303RLS. I'm sure the 3400 will at least run one of the AC units but not both. We plan to install the Micro Air Easy Start for the AC units as well so the battery system can run one of them for 30 minutes just to help cool down the rig a little if we can't run the generator for whatever reason.

@davekronberg7715 3 жыл бұрын

Have a Champion Dual Fuel which we love. Ideal for our 25 ft Rockwood Mini Lite and it has come in very handy for extended power outages we are having because of fire danger. Particularly like running on LP because I can hook a big fuel bottle up and run for many hours. Thanks for your excellent channel.

@brucebugbee6604 3 жыл бұрын

I have a Honda 2000 which I purchased many years ago and it still runs great. The only problem is that I can't start my RV's air conditioner with it. Last year I bought a Titan solar generator and wired it into my RV's AC system with a transfer switch under the bed and mounted 8x100 watts of solar panels on the RV roof. When we're boondocking, the Titan takes care of all our AC power needs since it has a 3000 watt inverter and it will start and run the air conditioner, but the Titan's batteries only last about 2.5 hours if I run the air conditioner. I still use the Honda to supplement the charging of the Titan when I need to run the air conditioner or if the sun isn't out, and it works great for that. Even with solar, you still can't completely cut the generator power cord. :-)

@loveandlife4222 3 жыл бұрын

A generator is a must have for us and many others who use a cpap or oxygen machine at night. Great information! Thanks.

@josephjamison5007 3 жыл бұрын

When we first bought our trailer 3 years ago we bought a remote start 3400w champion based on your recommendation. The remote start has been an absolute game changer, especially while camping in colder weather. If I were to do it it again I would probably install a soft start for the AC and buy a smaller generator. We mostly camp in Forest Service Campgrounds in the Colorado Rocky Mountains. It's pretty rare that we need AC and if we do, we will usually have hookups. The only drawback would be to loose the remote start.