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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.

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Old 02-03-2018, 03:08 PM   #7
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Quote:
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, 01:23 PM   #8
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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,

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Old 02-06-2018, 09:12 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JRTJH View Post
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......
Thanks for the information! Do you ever try to run your microwave off one unit?
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Old 02-07-2018, 03:59 AM   #10
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Thanks for the information! Do you ever try to run your microwave off one unit?
I know my Honda @1600 running watts would run my microwave plus other stuff with the exception of the coffee maker, would have thought the Champion with @1700 running watts would have also run it.
Haven't tried running microwave on my new camper with it but it is a bigger microwave than my old one.
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Old 02-07-2018, 08:04 AM   #11
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Yes, we routinely run the coffee pot (1200 watts) or the microwave (1100 watts input power--900 watt cooking power) on one generator. To do that, I leave the refrigerator on "GAS" (not AUTO) and turn the water heater electric switch on the water heater to OFF. We've had no problems with either of our single generators powering the microwave. I might add that we alternate our generators if we're only taking one. That way we "sort of" keep the operating hours equal.

As for the previous comments about the Champion 2000 not supporting enough power to operate the microwave, I've never had that problem with either of mine. If I did, I'd search the trailer to make sure there are no "hidden power users" and if I couldn't find any, I'd contact Champion about a generator problem.
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Old 02-05-2018, 12:03 PM   #12
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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, 03:28 PM   #13
sparky01
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Nice

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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/

Thanks for the heads-up seems everybody says bad about the Westinghouse units or there is no history
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Old 02-06-2018, 07:22 AM   #14
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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   #15
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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, 01:41 PM   #16
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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.

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Old 02-06-2018, 02:20 PM   #17
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"..., not sure what "Legendary Life Time Warranty Serviced From Our HQ In Phoenix Arizona, USA" actually means...
-Brian
You can download the operator's manual here: https://www.firmanpowerequipment.com/documentation/ It's model WO2981.

The "legendary lifetime warranty" is explained on page 29. What it says (I'm NOT a lawyer) is that parts and labor are covered for 1 year, after that, parts and technical service are provided for "lifetime". But the next sentence says, "normal wear not covered" and further down it explains that parts are only covered if installed at the service center (where labor is charged to install the free parts)... So, it sounds like some "doublespeak" to me....

It seems like there's a 1 year warranty and after that, if it breaks, you have to send it to the repair center where they'll charge you a fee to diagnose the problem and if they determine it's not "normal wear" they'll replace the part (for free) and only charge you for the labor to install the "free" part. Hmmmmm
YMMV
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Old 02-06-2018, 05:25 PM   #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.
I also have the Predator 3500 Invertor generator from HF...paid $699, but on-sale $679. It has been flawless for me, really is VERY quiet, and runs my 15K BTU A/C and still have lots of headroom for other TT requirements.

I personally wouldn't go with a 2KW generator, plus or minus, as it's just too marginal for a TT with A/C. YMMV... Pay attention to the other post that talks about hidden electricity draws. If you do choose a 2KW, HF also has the 2KW version invertor generator, at $649, less on sale.

FWIW...talked to a Honda representative yesterday at the Great American Outdoor Show yesterday in Harrisburg, PA. I brought up the Predator 3500 and 2000. He just stammered, and had no rationale comeback. He actually acquiesced that they are not likely to win their court case for patent infringement.

Good luck with your choice!

Regards,
Mike
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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, 01:48 PM   #20
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I have a Champion - non-inverter, it's a great little generator and I haven't had a lick of problems with it. Key to having these start back up is to drain the fuel out of the carb appropriately if you're going to let them sit for a while.


I did notice in this chart that the Westinghouse, for 100 more running watts, consumers 30% more fuel.

http://primereviews.org/best-portabl...-the-quietest/
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