Hunting Washington Forum

Equipment & Gear => Power Equipment & RV => Topic started by: timberghost72 on October 30, 2017, 05:54:53 PM

Title: Generac and Champion Generators??
Post by: timberghost72 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
Title: Re: Generac and Champion Generators??
Post by: follow maggie 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.
Title: Re: Generac and Champion Generators??
Post by: J.Brower 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.
Title: Re: Generac and Champion Generators??
Post by: jrebel 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.
Title: Re: Generac and Champion Generators??
Post by: CP 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.
Title: Re: Generac and Champion Generators??
Post by: mjgentile 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.
Title: Re: Generac and Champion Generators??
Post by: runamuk 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.
Title: Re: Generac and Champion Generators??
Post by: C-Money 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!
Title: Re: Generac and Champion Generators??
Post by: 300rum on November 01, 2017, 07:13:16 AM: How often/long does it run?

Quote from: runamuk 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.
Title: Re: Generac and Champion Generators??
Post by: timberghost72 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.
Title: Re: Generac and Champion Generators??
Post by: runamuk on November 01, 2017, 07:51:10 PM: Quote from: 300rum on November 01, 2017, 07:13:16 AM
How often/long does it run?

Quote from: runamuk 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.
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.
Title: Re: Generac and Champion Generators??
Post by: jb101 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.
Title: Re: Generac and Champion Generators??
Post by: C-Money on November 02, 2017, 07:18:38 AM: I agree, the Chinese Honda clones are really pretty good motors.
Title: Re: Generac and Champion Generators??
Post by: Special T 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.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Generac and Champion Generators??
Post by: fish vacuum 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.