My Top Pick Generator For RVing! Inverter Generator Dual Fuel.
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 10 сен 2024
- Today I wanted to share with you my top pick for an RV Generator. The 2500 Dual Fuel generator is a great size in terms of output and storage. For us we mainly need to use it to charge up the batteries when we can't get enough solar. It is also great because you can choose between propane and gasoline. I think it is great to have the flexibility depending on fuel availability.
2500 Dual Fuel. amzn.to/3phsrMr
Link Kit. amzn.to/3sp9r0i
4500 Dual Fuel amzn.to/3M9GcGT
Here is our Amazon page for our favorite gear. We will be adding more products as we find more products we use and love. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
www.amazon.com...
jaredallaboutrvs@gmail.com
Passport America WE USE THIS ALL THE TIME. passportameric...?rfsn=2638351
Harvest Host Link www.harvest-ho...
Lithium Batteries bit.ly/2WZpYr9 Save 15% with code “allaboutrvs”
Need more info? Here is our Website: allaboutrvsinf...
Membership link
/ @allaboutrvs
Another cool thing about this generator is that by putting a standard quick connect between pressure sensing valve and the regulator (on the hose that came with the generator), I am able to run mine from a 20lb propane tank or connect it to my trailer where a gas grill is normally attached, and use the propane from the RV. No need to truck around an extra propane tank.
Great tip
I was looking at trying to do this, I got this same generator last year. Can you share any more details on how you did this?
Got a link to that connection?
@@ChrisBrown-dz9sz There was a website that I had found to get the idea but it was for an older model that was different. Please see my comments above to Bill H.
I made the same mod to mine. Found that with a 20 foot LP hose, it was hard to get the hose 'primed', making starting the generator almost impossible. I drilled a hole in the center of the regulator cap and put a small bolt and double nut through it so that I can force the regulator to free flow long enough to fill up the hose. Works great, and I highly recommend this mod.
Although we got the gas generator we got 2 2500 Champion generators so that we could link them together. And also we are both seniors so if needed I can get the generator out of the truck and hook it, that was a big selling point.
Champion has really been stepping up their game in the last 5 years. Most of my power equipment is slowly but surely becoming black and yellow.
Thanks Jared! I did a lot of research and went with the Champion Dual Fuel 4500. It has the 30 amp plug built in and has plenty of power to run the A/C and not have to worry about turning everything else off. It is heavier but I keep it in the back of the truck and have a long extension to hook up to the onboard propane tank. Plan to just run off propane. It is also the back up generator for our house ( have a few critical circuits on a transfer switch) so it serves dual purposes. Appreciate your videos!
FYI … I used my Champion Dual Fuel generator last winter here in Texas when we lost power for our house. I ran it on propane. About 3:30 am it stopped running. I thought it was out of propane. It wasn’t. I found out that at very low temperatures it stops working. I was told that propane will not convert to a gas at very low temps. Our temp was in the single digits that night. If I had used gas it would have kept running. Something to keep in mind.
@@fendr1962 If you used a larger propane tank, you would have been ok. You just need more surface area when it's cold.
@@mnotlyon Thanks! So I read something about the liquid contracts at low temperatures. So you actually have less gas available.
@@fendr1962 Not exactly. Propane is a gas at normal pressure, but if you compress it, or cool it, like all gasses, it turns to a liquid. When propane is inside a tank, the liquid boils at a much lower temperature than water. It will continue to boil until the pressure inside the tank makes it stop. This is the gas that is used for most purposes. As you use gas, the liquid boils so the pressure stays the same, regardless of how much liquid is in the tank.
It requires heat to boil the liquid. This heat is taken from the outside air. That's why sometimes your propane tank will sweat when you're using it in humid conditions. The tank gets cold as the propane boils off.
When it's cold outside, the propane has trouble making the phase shift because it can't get enough heat. It has to get very far below zero before it stops phase shifting altogether, but it might slow down at low temperatures so that it won't keep a generator running.
If you use a larger tank, then there is more surface area to allow the propane to do it's phase shift. That's why people in the north can use propane to heat their homes. They are using 500 gallon ( we measure propane in gallons rather than lbs when the tanks get larger than 100lbs) or larger tanks.
Be careful running your generator in the back of your truck. I had mine running in the back of the truck while we were in the camper and I was starting to feel very sleepy at 8pm, but bed time is normally 10pm. I just about dozed off when my co2 detector went off, woke me up and I put two and two together, I was being asphyxiated by my generator. I went outside and I could smell the fumes from the generator, I turned it off and aired out the camper and put an extra blanket on instead. I could not smell the fumes inside the camper but obviously there was sufficient fumes getting in to set of the detector, close call I could have woken up dead.
I have two of these, it will run my 13.5 AC on propane without a soft start up to 4,000 - 5,000 feet, it’s a true 20 amp generator, which is what the AC is designed to run on. The other nice thing is you get all 2500W surge watts whether on gas or propane, running watts are something like 1800 for gas, 1650 on propane. At elevation you’ll need the companion kit. The final bonus is for the price of one Honda EU2000i and a soft start you can buy two of these plus the companion kit and still have some beer money left over. For awhile the Champion site reflected the wrong companion kit when you used their compatibilty tool, I notified them and it appears to be corrected. The 30 amp companion kit is Model #100740.
You do get a lot for the price.
Just remember: You get what you pay for. I’ll pay more for the Honda version any day.
so it does run 15k ac, hoping for ac fridge and couple of lights, great reviews he does but never answers the question everyone wants to know THE AC thing
Jared, need to mention that you lose about 200 watts when you run it on propane. Probably not enough difference for most folks, but still, worth mentioning. Good overview of this generator.
I like the idea of the lighter generator. However, I did go with the larger Champion 3400=3500 watt dual fuel with a 30 amp output, only because I also have my house wired with a generator input for my generator to power "some" of my house in the event of a power loss. And of course in the two years owning the generator, we havent had a single power outage!! That's the law!!!
Nice, great to hear that there's a small dual fuel that will run a 15k AC on propane! Definitely at the top of my list for when we go full time.
A word of caution about LP not clogging up gensets. They too can develop fuel system problems if left unused for a long time. An example is a friend who bought a barely used DP motorhome with an LP generator up front. After several years of sitting unused in AZ, the genset's fuel system had become so clogged with LP oil sludge and crystallized precipitates that the genset wouldn't run. The entire fuel system from the feed point through to the engine block had to be replaced. Although those were extenuating circumstances, perhaps there should be a recommendation to exercise an LP genset on a regular basis or evacuate the fuel from the carb before long storage. Also, for folks with very old RVs and LP flow problems, sometimes a sludge buildup in a low spot or droop section in the feed lines can be the cause.
Champion recommends shutting off the generator by turning off the propane.
I hope you have better luck with your Champion than I have had. I have the 3400 dual fuel and have had nothing but problems with it. The generator is made in China and no repair shop wants to touch it because parts are impossible to get now. So I have a $1200 dollar paper weight.
My experience with Champion support has been great. Had a control board on a 2K inverter and I had the replacement within 8 days.
Champion has there own mechanics, the customer service is very good.
Just did do a lot of research and wanted share the results. While Westinghouse has had many issues with their iGen 4500 their new one is a real winner. The iGen 4000 is a solid platform is dual fuel compact like the Champion and Honda's and for the rated output really nicely priced. We looked at the Champion a solid reliable generator but Westinghouse has fixed the issues with the iGen 4000 and has many options namely the remote start in a compact unit is what sold us over the Champion.
How long can you run air con?
I ran mine for over an hour before I shut down and still had plenty of propane left so based on that willing to bet get at least 5 to 6 hours of run time on a 20lbs tank maybe more. Have seen some RUclipss that have it at 8 to 12 hours at 50% to 75% load. Hope that helps.
@@seanhall8331 thank you
My research put me at the same genie, using (2) linked for enough oomph to fix dinner in the hot southern summertime. Also, I can run a welder and tools for those creative times. Thanks for another great video. Cheers.
Another great video. All reasons are good reasons for the Champion generator you selected. Champions are great generators, we have an open frame for a different purpose.
Our family uses a 3500 watt inverter generator with our RV and I’ll say why: we live in Texas so we need to run the a/c 10 months out of the year. When we go on trips outside the state, we carry it in the truck bed in case we have to stop someplace without power.
I like the idea of dual fuel but my thoughts on propane were it was less efficient than gas. 34 hours? I’d like to see if that is the case. When it comes to an emergency, I don’t know how easy it would be to get propane. When we had our power grid collapse, it was already cold before hand and unless someone knew the power outage was going to happen, I’d have been using my propane like crazy.
Just my perspective, it might be worthless to someone else.
I'm sold on it. It was already on my watch list. Time to order. Thanks! Your videos are always very helpful.
It's nice that there are now many options to the over priced Hondas, which frankly, are a pain in the ass to start if they aren't run weekly. Yes, I only use no ox gas in it, but the carbs are highly prone to varnish in the very small passages.
I’ve done some research on these and one minor note to remember is the available running power is a couple hundred watts less when using propane vs gasoline in these units. Make sure you consider this before purchase!!
Wow at $900 not cheap. Wide range of prices and models.
Good Morning. I have the same one and love it. It will run one of my AC unites. I bought one more and then if I need to run two i can. Jack
Looked at the 2500 right after your video posted. With your link. Amazing price was $500. Without your link,, Amazon price $700. Today, with your link. 1 available $900.
How do you connect it to your RV. I don't see a 30 or 50 amp outlet on it.
Enjoy those RV generators on board and portable while you still can
Sweet pick! Thanks for the review and insight. I have a Champion dual at my off grid shack. Works great I like it. Take care!!
Thanks Jared! What have you done to protect it while in use? Interested in how you secure it from "walking away".
I tried for several months to buy one of these last year and couldn't find them in stock anywhere... Bought a Honda, but would have bought this if available.
I have my 2000 watt Honda also. I've been happy with it for 20 years but they've come a long ways👍
This makes me think about changing up.
I have the 4500 watt dual fuel. I love it, but my biggest complaint is the 100 lb weight.
Great video, I like your setup, especially the 1 ton heavy duty Ram with the legendary Cummins 🇺🇸
I have the same one! Love that thing.
Great idea. I really like the size. Thank you for the info.
Thanks
Every time you use the generator you have to get out , set it up and then , put it away. Wouldn’t it be easier to install it in the RV?
Noise dB level would be one of my top picks.
Yes, these inverter generators are much quieter than traditional. For sound this lined up very similar to all the other inverter generators I’ve used
53 dB @25 ft.
Excellent choice. The Champion generators are the ones that we chose after looking at all of the options (like Predator from Harbor Freight or Honda). The recent new Champion models made the next step up in size of generator a little too heavy, so we're going with the 2500 (with the option of a 2nd unit if we need more power). The power, size and dual fuel, as well as how quiet they are, were all important factors. I just wish the dual fuel models also had remote start, but none of their dual fuel models have a remote start option...so I'm assuming that it must be some sort of technical issue (or legal/patent issue).
Earlier this evening I ordered 2 2500 Champion dual fuels and their parallel connector. Their size and weight, power and being able to run them together which I will need to run my AC in case of a power outage for my camper made that decision for me. I like the 4500 dual fuel but I didn't want to deal with the weight of that lol
If you want remote start you will have a bigger generator and heavy one, that defeated the hole purpose of a compact unit! They make one, it's about 100 pounds.
I Have the 2700 and love it!!!!
Our Momentum was Generator prepped but no generator. Our Champion 3500 fits in there perfectly. We put a SS exhaust tube to run the fumes below the door. To refuel (When off) we use a battery operated Tera pump. The only time we have to pull the generator out is to change the oil.
We have a champion dual fuel 4500.
Oil change videos are good, too. I've recommended your page to friends.
We love our champion generator. The only downside; it’s sometimes a bugger to start if using propane!
I haven't had a problem!
We have that one. We use propane in it. Haven't put to many hours on it. Same thing for us, charge batteries.
Thanks Jared! That's the one I have been thinking about getting
The dual fuel seems very wise. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you
My propane Onan "Camp power 2500" generator (circa 2006) had about 20hrs on it when I bought my camper back in 2015. Anyone that knows about propane generators knows, that's not good. They need to be worked and continually or they go bad. Mine stopped working a few years ago and I've just gotten along without it after spending more than the generator you're featuring costs to not get fixed by an Onan repair facility. I told them what I thought it was (corrosion on the slip rings). They checked everything but that saying they didn't want to take the whole thing apart. That was nice of them to not cost me more to not fix it, but you don't have to take the whole thing apart to burnish the slip rings, there are tools for that (a very fancy stick) you can stuff into the ring vent and burnish it. But no., they didn't know about or do that. Granted this is a very old generator and the guy trying to fix it is used to working on Onans as big as a pick up truck, but suffice it to say, they didn't fix it. They also didn't charge me for all of the hours they spent or quoted, so that was nice. But it still burned me to pay over $500 bucks and get back a broken generator that now I'm going to have to fix and reinstall (after not having removed it) or replace it spending more money after bad. So I just didn't do either. It would have been nice to have a generator a few times, but I have gotten along without it. One day when I get a house again, with some shop space, I'd like to put it on the bench and work on it. But this generator will actually fit in the same space as the old one and run in that same space, with a minor exhaust vent addition.
does it have the 30amp plug in like the Honda?
Great video on smaller lightweight inverter dual fuel generator. I would have preferred that you showed which other generators that you compared it to.
I was wondering about using the AC with this generator so thanks for this video. I just installed a softstart (13,500btu) and Generator should arrive next week.. I have been using our bigger generator (Champion dual fuel 3500w) but its too heavy at 100lbs
I put an adapter on the regulator valve to hook up 1lb propane bottles to see if it would operate and it does! I am able to charge up my batteries in about an hour and still have propane left in the 1lb green bottle.
I never thought of doing that. Good idea
At 66 years old lol I have a friend who helps me put my champion remote start generator in the bed of my 2001dodge in winter lol I don't want to get up in cold to start a generator, in warmth weather i use my 2 Hondas 2000i joined together set up with propane working well .we live in Arizona so minimum cold times lol 😆
To followup on the connection question, the video shows using two dog bones to connect to your RV. Have you had any issues using the 110 plug? Is there any power loss using the dog bones?
Been watching your videos for quite some time now, Thanks for all of those.
I'm wanting the larger 4500 watt model, but it won't fit under my tonneau with the cap on, looks like the 2500 (or maybe their 2000 watt dual fuel) is where I'm headed.
Thanks for this Video! Off to make a purchase now 😄
First of all… Thank you for all your amazing videos! They’ve helped me a ton. We just got a new trailer and I’m trying to figure out the nuances of the electrical stuff with solar, etc.
I have a 15k BTU AC and I have an easy start on the way. I have been strongly considering the champion 2500w. Do you just use an adapter and plug your RV shore power cable directly into the 12v plug? Or do you need that attachment that goes on the top, even tho I wouldn’t be adding a 2nd generator?
Okay, I have to admit that when I saw the title of this video I thought to myself: "Oh no. Another Honda snob." It was nice to see you went with something else. Don't get me wrong. Honda does make a good unit. But, geez! Some people would punch you in the nose if you say its not the greatest thing since sliced bread. Actually, I would buy a Honda if the price wasn't so ridiculously high. I mean, making a profit is one thing but gouging people and making them like it is, well, very corporate.
Haha. That’s funny
We just sold our champion 3400 dual fuel for this 2500 one. We're adding big solar panel and wanted to save weight by downsizing the generator.
Great information. Thank you for this.
Thanks
Great information, thank you.
thank you for making this video !!!!
I installed the Micro-Air soft start and it works great. I can see how starting a 15k AC will work but was wondering how you run your 15k AC with the Champion 2500 on propane. With just the AC and converter on I'm drawing 2000 watts on my Coleman 15k AC. The Champion 2500 is rated at 1600 watts on propane. Before starting the AC I only have a 34 watt draw which tells me the 2000 watts is the air conditioner. I'm trying to understand how you and others are doing it. I asked another popular person youtube and was told the 15k AC should draw 1450-1600 watts. I have a Coleman 48000 air conditioner. Maybe you can help me understand how the running watts on a 15k air conditioner is less than 1600 watts. Thanks and I love your reviews!
Thanks for another great video. Assuming you have two units linked together, can you run them off the same propane source without having to make adjustments to the pressure regulator(s)?
You would have to get a y adapter to use one propane tank. Then there's is the possibility of the propane tank freezing up from to much flow at one time? I will be testing this out soon.
Hi Jared, thank you for another great video. How would I go about hooking up my AC unit to run off this generator?
Nice video. Looks like Wahweap Bay in the background. 👍
Yes. It was so quiet there it was great.
Jared. Thanks for the videos - - I enjoy them and learn a lot from them. I am looking at the Champion 2500 and also have a Coleman Mach 15 (15,000BTU) A/C. I have no soft start, and have been told that you can simply turn on your fan for a few seconds, then swithch to A/C, and that will work. So that said, in your opinion, do you think this Champion will work for me? Mostly want to use to charge batteries, but also occasional A/C use. Thanks, keep up the good work, and happy camping!
great video
Great options for a small generator I’ve had a robin Subaru for 10 years I bring it just to charge my battery if needed thanks Jared 👍
Love all your videos. Lots of information, Just wish you would respond. I asked questions time and time again and never get responses on basic things .
Awesome thanks for the info.
Are you able to use a fuel powered generator and combine it with a solar power generator and have them both work together?
Why didn't you stick with the 3400 Champion generator? I have a 13500 BTU Air conditioner, can I run it with the 2500 Champion? What are your thoughts on Firman generators from Costco?
What’s the ballpark figure on adding a soft start to the AC unit , if you don’t mind me asking ?
how many hours can it run for the gas tank, and what's the price per hour of running air conditioning in a travel trailer?
Will it run a single AC and charge your batteries at the same time?
which generator did you have before please? Mine has the LP generator from Cummins & its brutally noisy. I would love to swap it ouut but its intimidating...never done work like. that
How are you hooking this up to your camper since it appears to not have the 30/50 amp plug? What am i missing here?
Would it run your AC with out the easyStart?? Does it run the microwave??
I was excited about the $517 price! But today, it's $907. 😕
Biden
“Bidenomics” hard at work to improve our lives.
That’s the one we bought too.
Nice.
I have the same generator as your old one. I love it but wish it were a little quieter while running the AC. Is the new generator any lower on decibels?
great content
Hi, do you connect to the camper with an extension cord with a doggone? What guage extension cord is appropriate? Thanks. Love your channel.
it runs your 15K AC unit on propane , that’s good . Do you know what percentage of watts you loose on propane vs gasoline ?
Jared, I'm wondering, since the Champion 2500 you are recommending does not have a 30amp outlet, are you saying that one must attach a 15 to 30 amp dog bone to the generator and then hook up their standard RV 30 amp power cord and, hopefully, have already installed an Easy Start / Soft Start device in their AC and at that point the 15k AC will run without difficulty on the Champ 2500?
I'm wondering why this Champion does not have the 30 amp female outlet already installed on it. We use a Grand Design Imagine 2250RK (30 amp) and I'm also wondering; if we are running the AC with this Generator, would we be restricted and need to be cautious as to what other items to start up? Ex: Would we need to switch the hot water heater to propane while to AC is on? etc.
Please clarify if you would. Much Thanks. Oh, ps: does the hose and regulator to operate this generator on LP come with it or does one need to purchase it separately? pls advise.
Yes you have to use a dog bone and at this size e erything else had to be off for the Air Condition to be on. If you need more power add the second generator and then it has a 30 amp outlet or get the next size up in generator.
Don't forget a spare sparkplug and sparkplug wrench. Propane has lower power output than gas, which I did not hear you mention.
Not a bad idea to keep a spark plug on hand. I covered the propane power difference in a different video. ruclips.net/video/LDbbOgf-vnI/видео.html
I'm impressed but also a little confused. The generator looks like it has a 20-amp outlet, yet 2500 watts is more than 20 amps. Also, most (maybe not all) dogbones that will plug in to the generator are only rated for 15 amps but yet, once again, the generator can provide more than 20-amps of power. Can you offer some clarification?
All portable generator ratings are surge rated. For example a 2000w has a continuous rating of 1350w. This 2500w has a continuous rating of 1850w with gasoline and 1665w with propane.
Excellent answer @mver
Great video as usual. Can you use an adapter for 30amps? This model doesn't have a 30 or 50 amp plug.
We just bought Campion 4650w dual fuel generator and its great. Do you know if there is a way to connect it to rv propane quick connect? Will it run?
Hey Jared, I watch a lot of your videos and you have taught me a lot, thanks! I just ordered this Champion generator for a summer trip. What are the additional adapters that you use to plug into your rig? I'm guessing a 50a to 30a then a 30a to either a 15a or 20a and one of those grounding plugs. Thanks again!
You can get a 50amp adapter to a household plug. I got one on Amazon.
How do you use this on a 50amp 2018 Shasta Phoenix 5th wheel?
Helluva a lot cheaper than a comparable solar set up.
Hi Jared. I’m wanting to ask you if this generator will start and run my 15k a/c and residential fridge or is it too small. I DONT have a soft start on my 5th wheel. What are your recommendations. Thanks
You still liking it? Any issues starting on propane?
Hello Jared,..Been following for a long time! Love your informative videos and helpful tips! I have a dilemma,..I bought a horse trailer Rv with living quarters, it has a built in Onans generator. BUT here’s the kicker,..lol. How do I use the generator? I know how to start it and its maintained..but if I am boon-docking how do I utilize its e every ,. I know am missing something,. I should be able to run AC with generator. I just don’t know what switches or knobs to turn or how this all comes together…Is there anyways you can help with this question or point me in a direction for info? If not then I will call the Shadow Horse Trailer people and get them to assist.. I just wanted to ask you first,. Maybe you can get another idea from this for another video. Your videos are so well designed and laid out, I just love them all!! Thanks again and Happy Trails
I’m not sure you mentioned this, what would be more fuel efficient for running AC in summer, 2 smaller generators or one larger generator?
Will the 2500 run the AC and keep the refrigerator in the freezer going in the RV as well at the same time?
I have that one and a bigger one to link to ;)
Will this generator run the air conditioner out of the 110 outlet?
What adapters do I need to buy, to be able to connect the generator to the 30 amp RV cord.
Can this generator run on propane, a 15,000 btu air condition Mach and run my 12 volt 10 cubic foot refrig and a few lights on our new rock wood 2205 ? What watts do a refrig like this draw? I’m installing a soft start on it this weekend
@AllAboutRVs With the 2500 Watt generator how do you charge your house batteries with out the 30 Amp plug? I am new to generators and on my second year with my travel trailer. Like you I just want a generator to charge my lithium battery on days of little to no sun. Thanks
Is the output reduced when on propane?
Thanks so much for this review. I have a teardrop camper with a 5000 watt btu A/C, which is the main thing I will be running on the generator, along with a small T.V.. will this generator handle that for me? Thank you
You can get a 2000 watt inverter generator that will run it just fine.
Where is the link in the description?
Just click on "show more" below his comments.
Jared, when running this inv gen the 4-5 hours for the initial break-in, is it critical to use gas or can the break-in be done using propane? TY
You can run propane or gas.
Is that, 2500 watts on propane or gas? There is a big differance.
Anytime I pulled a Champion out of the box, they never pulled what there rated on a load bank. I've worked on alot of them. In fact, I own 3 myself. I like them other then there, " rated" output.
2500 is that even enough to run a AC I heard 30 amps you have to have to have at least 3000?
Nice video and a good option. Do you know if there is a model with an electric start option?