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Author Topic: Generac and Champion Generators??  (Read 2098 times)

Offline timberghost72

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Generac and Champion Generators??
« on: October 30, 2017, 05:54:53 PM »
Looking to see if anyone has reviews on these two makers of generators. I'd love to have a Honda or Yamaha but way too much $$$. I am specifically looking at 5500K-8000K electric start portable generators. Online reviews are all over the board so hoping to get some real world opinions. Generac has been around for ever so I would think that they make a good product. Champions are cheaper and made in China but seem to have good reviews. The Champion also has a gas/propane model.

Thanks,

Tony

Offline follow maggie

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Re: Generac and Champion Generators??
« Reply #1 on: October 30, 2017, 11:22:34 PM »
I have a champion 9,000 watt that runs on gas or propane. I’m not going to say it’s as good as Honda, but I’m happy with it. It does what I need it to do & doesn’t give me any problems.

Offline J.Brower

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Re: Generac and Champion Generators??
« Reply #2 on: October 31, 2017, 07:28:48 AM »
We bought a champion a few years ago, i think its the 3500W. Starts 1st or 2nd pull every time, and keeps going until you shut it off. Only had it under load a couple of times, so not sure on longevity but so far I am happy with it.

Offline jrebel

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Re: Generac and Champion Generators??
« Reply #3 on: October 31, 2017, 07:33:54 AM »
I have a Champion 2800 and love it.  Use it with the trailer and have no problems. 

Offline CP

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Re: Generac and Champion Generators??
« Reply #4 on: October 31, 2017, 07:42:36 AM »
I have a Champion 1200W that I use to run a 60amp battery charger.  Works fine and it was cheap. 

Also and older Generac 12.5KW propane that runs my off-grid cabin.  No problems with it either.


Offline mjgentile

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Re: Generac and Champion Generators??
« Reply #5 on: November 01, 2017, 01:20:40 AM »
 I went with neither pound for pound and for the cost Harbor Freight Generators where rated one of the best by Consumer Reports, I went with a 8750max 7000 running electric start under 700. May be able to get around 600 with coupon. Had it two years with no issues. Just run it about once a month under load.

Offline runamuk

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Re: Generac and Champion Generators??
« Reply #6 on: November 01, 2017, 01:27:28 AM »
I have generac at work and they are great, run off propane require almost zero maintenance and work when needed.

Offline C-Money

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Re: Generac and Champion Generators??
« Reply #7 on: November 01, 2017, 06:35:24 AM »
I needed a bit more power so went with the Duromax Gas/propane. Runs great, does what I need. I have not used it a ton yet. Just be sure your not throwing 220 when you hook up to your camper. Wish this model had a RV hookup.

http://www.electricgeneratordepot.com/duromax-4850-watt-duel-fuel-hybrid-generator

Used a 2500 Honda a lot before we got the new camper, and it ran everything just fine!
I felt like a one legged cat trying to bury a terd on a frozen pond!

Offline 300rum

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Re: Generac and Champion Generators??
« Reply #8 on: November 01, 2017, 07:13:16 AM »
How often/long does it run?

I have generac at work and they are great, run off propane require almost zero maintenance and work when needed.

Offline timberghost72

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Re: Generac and Champion Generators??
« Reply #9 on: November 01, 2017, 07:24:24 PM »
After some research and all the responses it seems that most generators in the price range I'm looking at are pretty much the same and made overseas including Generac. Generac standby gensets are well made from what I've read but the portables are a different divison and fair. I've read reviews on some  bad customer service for Generac so I may stay away from them. Champion looks to be pretty good and priced good also. Sure wish I could afford a Honda  :bash:

Thanks for all your replies.

Offline runamuk

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Re: Generac and Champion Generators??
« Reply #10 on: November 01, 2017, 07:51:10 PM »
How often/long does it run?

I have generac at work and they are great, run off propane require almost zero maintenance and work when needed.
They run a weekly test run for say 20 minutes. We had some power down during a big project and it ran for 8 or 10 hours.  The 500 gal propane tank has sat at 80% for this whole year. I have no idea how long it would have to run to use up all the propane.

Offline jb101

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Re: Generac and Champion Generators??
« Reply #11 on: November 01, 2017, 08:06:50 PM »
I'll chime in with a recommendation for the Harbor Freight Predator line. Picked up a 4kw last year for around $250 on sale.  Added oil, fueled up, set the choke, one pull out of the box and it purred.  Only used it a few times but always one pull.  Word on the street is that Predator motors are exact copies of Honda motors.  The metallurgy coming out of China lately is a quantum step over what they used to produce.

Offline C-Money

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Re: Generac and Champion Generators??
« Reply #12 on: November 02, 2017, 07:18:38 AM »
I agree, the Chinese Honda clones are really pretty good motors.
I felt like a one legged cat trying to bury a terd on a frozen pond!

Offline Special T

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Re: Generac and Champion Generators??
« Reply #13 on: November 02, 2017, 08:27:23 AM »
Folks got a duel fuel champion (I'm pretty sure) from Costco. Connect it to your home propane tank and you will be as happy.  No fetching fuel and very low maintance. My folks loose power on a fairly regular basis and have been happy with the purchase.

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In archery we have something like the way of the superior man. When the archer misses the center of the target, he turns round and seeks for the cause of his failure in himself. 

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Offline fish vacuum

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Re: Generac and Champion Generators??
« Reply #14 on: November 02, 2017, 12:08:21 PM »
I almost bought a Yamaha 2000, until I saw it was made in China. Bought a champion 2000 on sale for a bargain instead. I haven't used it much but I run it for 20 minutes every 6-8 weeks. It always starts easy and is quiet.

 


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