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Old 02-27-2017, 12:56 PM   #1
JDZO6C5
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Generator

So I'm in the market for a new generator to go along with our new 5th wheel cougar. We previously had a travel trailer that was powered with two paralleled Yamaha 2000's. We sold those with our old trailer. I'm thinking about going with a bigger single generator rather than the two yamaha's. A few reasons being I don't have to carry around two inverters, have to parallel them, and carry double the gas. We had to parallel ours frequently for the AC. When paralleled they are running at full load, which together they get loud. They also consume gas quicker. Which requires me to fill both up at various times. I figured I would get a single larger generator to avoid this even though they're more heavy. I decided on the Yamaha EF3000ISEB. I would like anyones input on this or any personal experience with this model? Also, to anyone that has this model ,I would like to know if the height of it exceeds the height of truck bed rails? I use a truck bed cover and curious if the height of this model would obstruct my cover from closing? My new 5th wheel has an upgraded 15,000 BTU unit which is the reason why I want to go with the model that has the boost capability for start up.Thanks.
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Old 02-27-2017, 01:02 PM   #2
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Honda

I have the Honda 3000 and they are heavy but I too did not want to fuel generators in the middle of night. The 3000 runs 20 hrs on econo and about 10 hrs full load so I can go to bed and not worry about fuel till the morning.
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Old 02-27-2017, 01:09 PM   #3
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Another member recently had a "wanted: Honda generator" posting in the forums. There was some discussion there regarding midsize generators. Some people are set on the "Red" and "Blue" variety. They are good generators, no doubt. But dollar per watt, the "Yellow" has earned a reputation of being an outstanding performer without draining the bank. The best part of the 3100 series of Champion generators is that they have an "RV" style 30 amp receptacle built in. And they will power a 15K BTU A/C unit. These are the main two reason I bought it. Some models are duel fuel and give you a LPG option. The one I have has the wireless start option which came in handy at deer camp this past fall, when temps where hovering around freezing.
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Old 02-27-2017, 01:12 PM   #4
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This makes total sense and reinforces my decision on a bigger single generator. Thank you
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Old 02-27-2017, 01:15 PM   #5
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Buster brown, thank you for the reply. I never thought about the champion model.
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Old 02-27-2017, 01:22 PM   #6
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Buster brown, thank you for the reply. I never thought about the champion model.
No problem. I never knew the following these Champions had until last year when I was in the market for one. I always knew Honda led the way but the pricepoint was up there. Champion has been a contender for years now. And with all the variety in their lineup, I wouldn't doubt you couldn't find something to suit your needs. Plus they start at about 1/3 the cost of the red and blue brands. Just food for thought.
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Old 02-27-2017, 01:55 PM   #7
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No problem. I never knew the following these Champions had until last year when I was in the market for one. I always knew Honda led the way but the pricepoint was up there. Champion has been a contender for years now. And with all the variety in their lineup, I wouldn't doubt you couldn't find something to suit your needs. Plus they start at about 1/3 the cost of the red and blue brands. Just food for thought.
I just checked out their products on the website and wow! Seems like alot more bang for your buck. I like the 3500w inverter that includes remote start, wheels, rv outlet, and can use different fuels. Price is tempting as well.
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Old 02-27-2017, 02:29 PM   #8
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I just checked out their products on the website and wow! Seems like alot more bang for your buck. I like the 3500w inverter that includes remote start, wheels, rv outlet, and can use different fuels. Price is tempting as well.
I am very happy with my Champion 3100 inverter, going into my third season with it.

If you go the Champion route make sure you go with an inverter type and know that on the dual fuel models the propane option does not provide as much power as gasoline.

The non-inverter options are much louder and do not provide clean power, which can harm electronics.

-Brian
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Old 02-27-2017, 03:30 PM   #9
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I am very happy with my Champion 3100 inverter, going into my third season with it.

If you go the Champion route make sure you go with an inverter type and know that on the dual fuel models the propane option does not provide as much power as gasoline.

The non-inverter options are much louder and do not provide clean power, which can harm electronics.

-Brian
The only drawback I see is the run time is substantially less compared to a Honda or yamaha since the gas tank is smaller. 7.5 hours of run time on quarter load compared to 19.5 hours run time on the Yamaha. I really do like the champion 3500 inverter with remote start. Especially the price. $1,100.00 including the remote start. The Yamaha remote start add on is $375.00! I would be $2,600.00 deep with the Yamaha.
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Old 02-27-2017, 04:11 PM   #10
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I am very happy with my Champion 3100 inverter, going into my third season with it.

If you go the Champion route make sure you go with an inverter type and know that on the dual fuel models the propane option does not provide as much power as gasoline.

The non-inverter options are much louder and do not provide clean power, which can harm electronics.

-Brian
I'm curious, when you're running your champion with the AC on what is the amount of load it runs? Trying to figure out run time on a tank. Is it at half load?
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Old 02-27-2017, 05:38 PM   #11
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I'm curious, when you're running your champion with the AC on what is the amount of load it runs? Trying to figure out run time on a tank. Is it at half load?
After my break-in period , I had my 3100 watt'er connected to my 30 amp trailer. Tested it against my trailer's 15k BTU a/c. Only other appliances powered was converter and refrigerator. Believe it or not, but the 1.6 gallon tank provided juice for around 5 hours in 90 degree temps during mid afternoon hours. Load was maxed out when the AC cycled on. I had the trailer set at 78 degrees. The compressor never tripped.
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Old 02-27-2017, 09:27 PM   #12
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I have 2 generac iq 2000 quieter than honda. Half the cost also
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Old 02-28-2017, 10:35 AM   #13
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The only drawback I see is the run time is substantially less compared to a Honda or yamaha since the gas tank is smaller. 7.5 hours of run time on quarter load compared to 19.5 hours run time on the Yamaha. I really do like the champion 3500 inverter with remote start. Especially the price. $1,100.00 including the remote start. The Yamaha remote start add on is $375.00! I would be $2,600.00 deep with the Yamaha.
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I'm curious, when you're running your champion with the AC on what is the amount of load it runs? Trying to figure out run time on a tank. Is it at half load?
I have never really needed to worry about run time, we typically have camped where there is no need to run the generator over night.

I do know there is not a lot of reserve power when the AC unit is first turned on and I usually flip all the other breakers, in the panel, off until it has been running for a few minutes.

After that I turn on the rest of the breakers, except for the water heater, which I run on gas anyway.

The Champion 3100 will run the inside fridge, outside fridge and converter, while running the AC, you should have even more headroom with the 3500 and the remote start would be very nice. I got mine from Costco, $699.00 shipped to my door, but it is pull start only.

I found a this video from a guy that sells a kit to add an external tank to the 3100:


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Old 02-28-2017, 01:17 PM   #14
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I found a this video from a guy that sells a kit to add an external tank to the 3100:
I've watched that video a few times as I'd like to add an extended fuel tank to support longer run times for future trips. It seems almost all the parts can be purchased for about 1/3 of the price he is selling his kit for. This is a summer project for me. A three gallon tank would have been a better capacity from the factory to support boondocking and off-grid operations.
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Old 02-28-2017, 01:24 PM   #15
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Check out Supergen for Champion refurbs, done by factory guys. Our group has purchased several. They're a bargain.
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Old 02-28-2017, 04:06 PM   #16
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I've watched that video a few times as I'd like to add an extended fuel tank to support longer run times for future trips. It seems almost all the parts can be purchased for about 1/3 of the price he is selling his kit for. This is a summer project for me. A three gallon tank would have been a better capacity from the factory to support boondocking and off-grid operations.
Yes, I bet you can find the parts for less than $50, I would just use what he posted as a plan for what I can do on my own.

A quick search turned up the fuel pump for under 10, the PCV valve was a little more problematic, but I think I found one on ebay.

Let me know if you find a source for the parts.

-Brian
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Old 02-28-2017, 05:04 PM   #17
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Yes, I bet you can find the parts for less than $50, I would just use what he posted as a plan for what I can do on my own.

A quick search turned up the fuel pump for under 10, the PCV valve was a little more problematic, but I think I found one on ebay.

Let me know if you find a source for the parts.


-Brian

I will. When I get the time, I'll put a parts list together so other DYI members can take advantage of this project. I found a breather valve on amazon that looks like it will work too. I'll probably be the ginnie pig.
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Old 02-28-2017, 11:36 PM   #18
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The champion 3100 is $699 at Costco and runs my unit easily. Lots of power. Very quiet. Also on costcos website and You can also parallel two together. Highly recommend!

I also have a Yamaha 4500 inverter that is the cats meow. Big and heavy but on rollers. Powers my 3500 sq foot house in power outage.
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Old 03-01-2017, 04:14 AM   #19
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You probably can do it for less than he sells the kit. Of course, do it without watching the video too. The guy did a nice job, spent the time to record instructions and is trying to make a living.

The reason everything is made in China is no one wants to pay for anything.
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Old 03-01-2017, 06:10 AM   #20
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I went the opposite direction. From 1 big heavy gen to 2 smaller lighter Hondas. Also got a IPI extended run tank.
http://www.ipiindustries.com/pages/choose-products
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