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Old 02-03-2018, 03:36 AM   #1
sparky01
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Champion or Westinghouse

i'm looking at buying an inverter. My budget is limited so I am looking at a smaller unit. We dry camp in our Keystone Hideout 26' TT 2-3 times a year. I am only looking to use the inverter to charge my batteries and maybe run the microwave. I would like your opinion on the Champion 2000 watt stackable or the Westinghouse 2200 watt. They are about the same price, the westinghouse has a little more power but the Champion seems a little more durable?

Thanks

https://www.amazon.com/Champion-2000...generator+2000

https://www.amazon.com/Westinghouse-...rator+iGen2200
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Old 02-03-2018, 03:43 AM   #2
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Can't beat it for the price. I know 3 people who own them. I have twin Yamahas but if I was to do it over I would buy this one for half the money in a heartbeat.

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Old 02-03-2018, 03:49 AM   #3
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I guess i should clarify i was referring to the Champions. I have no experience with the Westinghouse.

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Old 02-03-2018, 05:21 AM   #4
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I noticed that the Champion actually has 100 more running watts than my Honda 2000. I was going to maybe add the Generac IQ2000 but it has same running watts as the Honda. I see the Westinghouse has 1800 running watts, 200 more than Honda. The only thing that I dislike about either one is the fact that neither have a 30amp twist lock plug, guess I'm spoiled with my Honda. Either would probably be a good choice, good luck with your decision.
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Old 02-03-2018, 07:01 AM   #5
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I have two "stackable Champion 2000 watt generators". They power my RV without any issues. Typically we don't need air conditioning, so I only take 1 generator on most trips around Michigan. A typical day includes using it to make coffee in the morning and about an hour or two to recharge the batteries if needed (usually every 3rd day).

This past summer I noticed a "funny fan noise" on one of the generators. It was about 14 or 15 months old (2 year warranty). I sent Champion an email through their website asking what they wanted me to do. They gave me the address of a "local" repair center. I took the generator there and was told they no longer accept Champion warranty work. I contacted the CS at Champion with this information, they sent me a FedEx tag to ship it back to them in California. I boxed it up, sent it to them, they inspected the generator and sent me a new one in return. The guy I was working with said they could not identify the noise, but agreed that it wasn't normal.

Anyway, the warranty service was without a doubt, the best I've had with that kind of situation. If I were to buy new generators, they would be Champion, based on that kind of support.

As a note, Champion is introducing a new model, a 2000 watt that is constructed similar to the "suitcase generators". It may be a tad bit smaller, but doesn't appear that it will stack (although it can be coupled with a second generator). Whether Champion intends to discontinue the current "stackable style" is something I can't find the answer to. So if you're contemplating buying a second one in the future, you might keep a close eye on availability.

Also, Champion now offers a 3 year warranty on their products. Previously it was 2 years.

I'd buy Champion again without question, if that's of any value to you, I can't say......
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Old 02-03-2018, 12:06 PM   #6
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I have the Champion 3100 Inverter generator and it almost always starts on the first pull, never more than 2.

We had a power outage, a month or so back and I dug the Champion out of the shed, put gas in it and it started on the first pull, after being unused for months, I don't remember camping with it last season at all.

I would definitely buy another one and they are regularly on sale at Costco, I paid under $700 for mine, delivered to my door, 4 years ago.

-Brian
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Old 02-03-2018, 03:08 PM   #7
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Originally Posted by B-O-B'03 View Post
I have the Champion 3100 Inverter generator and it almost always starts on the first pull, never more than 2.

We had a power outage, a month or so back and I dug the Champion out of the shed, put gas in it and it started on the first pull, after being unused for months, I don't remember camping with it last season at all.

I would definitely buy another one and they are regularly on sale at Costco, I paid under $700 for mine, delivered to my door, 4 years ago.

-Brian
Have same generator, also from costco for $599. Flawless, runs ac easily. I ran it for 40 straight hours in yakima in 100 degree heat to keep the trailer cool. I have since bought an extended run tank off ebay that is six gallons i havent used yet. I get aabout 5 hours per tank on the stock tank in 100 degree heat full blast on the ac. Very impressed!
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Old 02-05-2018, 12:03 PM   #8
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I just happened to see this. Doesn't give confidence in the Westinghouse.


http://wbsm.com/4500-portable-genera...o-fire-hazard/
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Old 02-05-2018, 01:23 PM   #9
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Originally Posted by nellie1289 View Post
... I have since bought an extended run tank off ebay that is six gallons i havent used yet. I get aabout 5 hours per tank on the stock tank in 100 degree heat full blast on the ac. Very impressed!
That sounds awesome, do you have a link to the tank?

Thanks,

-Brian
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Old 02-05-2018, 03:28 PM   #10
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Nice

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Originally Posted by Bisjoe View Post
I just happened to see this. Doesn't give confidence in the Westinghouse.


http://wbsm.com/4500-portable-genera...o-fire-hazard/

Thanks for the heads-up seems everybody says bad about the Westinghouse units or there is no history
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Old 02-05-2018, 06:43 PM   #11
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That sounds awesome, do you have a link to the tank?

Thanks,

-Brian
here it is.... https://www.ebay.com/itm/11246605359...84.m1436.l2649
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Old 02-05-2018, 07:55 PM   #12
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Thanks for the link... they are mighty proud of it

I guess, for now, I will stick with my 5.5 gallon gas can and manual refills.

-Brian
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Old 02-05-2018, 09:51 PM   #13
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If you look at the parts alone it’s like 120$. The marine gas can is 50 by itself. It’s very high quality. I am looking forward to trying it out
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Old 02-06-2018, 03:29 AM   #14
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Thanks for the link... they are mighty proud of it

I guess, for now, I will stick with my 5.5 gallon gas can and manual refills.

-Brian
Yes, until you have to get up in the middle of the nite because your gen ran out of gas...Lol.
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Old 02-06-2018, 05:31 AM   #15
talk2cpu
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I have a Champion 2000 and am a little disappointed. I was surprised at what it couldn't run. I know it won't run the AC, but found it would not run the microwave, even on full power. Only other thing running was the converter. Would die when only a 1000 watt light was plugged in on eco mode and barely stayed running when on non-eco. I do like the weight and how well it starts and runs, just wish it would take a load better without stopping. I would buy a Champion again, but it would be the 3100.

Just want to run the furnace, fridge and 650 watt coffee maker at the same time.

Tom
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Old 02-06-2018, 07:14 AM   #16
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talk2cpu,

There are a few "hidden electric thieves" in most RV's. People often don't realize that if on AUTO, the refrigerator will switch to the electric side as soon as you plug in. That's about a 400 watt heater in the refrigerator that becomes an "immediate draw on the generator" unless you switch from AUTO to GAS. There's the electric side of the water heater as well. The heating element in the water heater draws about 1100 watts by itself. Most people do turn off the water heater, but many forget the refrigerator.

The converter can, during the first hour or so of use (with depleted batteries) draw 800 to 1200 watts through the converter.

The Champion has a "sustained capacity" of 1700 watts with a "surge capacity" of 2000 watts. Most people are really surprised to find that their RV draws at least half of the available watts (refrigerator and converter) if they have a "dual 6 volt battery system" as soon as they plug in their generator.

That said, I'm surprised that your generator won't support more than it does. You might consider contacting Champion (if you're still in warranty) and discussing the problem. You may have a bad alternator or voltage rectifier/regulator section.
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Old 02-06-2018, 07:22 AM   #17
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I think you are shooting yourself in the foot by the 1700 watt running output. Check under the sofa cushions and see if you can find a little more funding and get something in the 3000 watt range (or two of the small stackables).

We have a Boily which is 3600 starting watts/3200 running. It is dual purpose - house plus 5er. While it has occasionally been a bear to start, does the job very nicely, especially keeping the lights and heat on if we have a winter power outage. I can't recommend that genset due to the starting problem but the output is sure nice and will run the 5ers 15K Btu a/c along with all of the lights or the microwave but not at the same time as the a/c.

Westinghouse is NOT the same company that your parents knew and loved. The name is being used by others now to sell low end electrical products.
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Old 02-06-2018, 08:27 AM   #18
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https://www.harborfreight.com/engine...tor-63584.html

I know I know, Harbor Freight. I bought the Predator 3500 on sale for $650 last year. Last time I used it was tailgating at a football game in November. Pulled it out of the garage this past weekend and it fired up on the 1st try. Very Quiet. Now 3 years from now I may be singing a different tune but for the cost it was worth it.
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Old 02-06-2018, 10:48 AM   #19
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https://m.costco.com/Champion-DUAL-F...100284958.html

I have the non dual fuel one. I got it for $500 at Costco. Runs my ac just fine.

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Old 02-06-2018, 01:41 PM   #20
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"We guarantee this product to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for 90 days from the date of purchase. Limitations apply."

The specs look good, the warranty turns me off a bit.

The Firman - 3200/2900, listed on Costco looked interesting, not sure what "Legendary Life Time Warranty Serviced From Our HQ In Phoenix Arizona, USA" actually means , but at $549.99 including shipping the price is awesome.

-Brian
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