Generator

[B-O-B'03]

Originally Posted by KSH

I ordered the champion from Costco $800 showed up in 2 days. Oiled, slowly pulled the starter to get oil an fuel moving and it started on the third slow, and I mean slow pull. Didn't intend to start it, but I guess it was ready. Ran it side by side with a Honda 3000is and they are really close in sound. The Honda is slightly quieter on eco mode, but not $1300 worth quieter. I just ran it for 10 minutes and then just shut off the fuel. I'll break it in later, but so far I'm impressed. If it runs my trailer ac, it's a keeper.

Nice choice.

I am really happy with mine and I bought this hour meter for it, to keep track of when I need to do maintenance.

-Brian

[KSH]

Silly question, can I use the same oil the truck uses for the generator, Pennzoil platinum euro L full synthetic 5w 30? I have some extra from the dealer. I also have some Mobil 1 synthetic 5w 30

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[B-O-B'03]

Originally Posted by KSH

Silly question, can I use the same oil the truck uses for the generator, Pennzoil platinum euro L full synthetic 5w 30? I have some extra from the dealer. I also have some Mobil 1 synthetic 5w 30

My Owners manual says a full synthetic 5w-30 is good for -20 to + 120 degree ambient operating temp.

You should be good to go.

I would run the first 5 hours with the supplied oil, for the break-in period and then change to synthetic after that.

-Brian

[KSH]

Running it now for the break in.

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[bdaniel]

Originally Posted by KSH

Silly question, can I use the same oil the truck uses for the generator, Pennzoil platinum euro L full synthetic 5w 30? I have some extra from the dealer. I also have some Mobil 1 synthetic 5w 30

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A quart of oil is cheap. I always use 30 weight in my Honda EU3000is and I have over 1000 hours on it and I change it every 50 hours.

Bobby

[gearhead]

Originally Posted by KSH

Silly question, can I use the same oil the truck uses for the generator, Pennzoil platinum euro L full synthetic 5w 30? I have some extra from the dealer. I also have some Mobil 1 synthetic 5w 30

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The Pennzoil synthetic is good stuff. Any named synthetic is good for small engines that have a tendency to shear the viscosity improvers in conventional oils. I run SHELL synthetic Rotella in my diesel truck and all small engines. But I'm trying to help all I can to keep my pension check coming.
Dive off into this forum. There is a section for small engines & lawn mowers.
http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ubbthreads.php

[KSH]

Is there a proper way to plug into the generator, there is always a spark/arc when I plug in. The generator manual says don't start it with anything connected, but I have to imagine people with remote start have their equipment connected. Or should I have the breakers off in the trailer, plug into the generator and then turn on the breakers?

[esmoglo]

Champion 3100 generator came in a few days ago added oil & fuel, first pull it started right up and ran it for 10 min with no load. Today I took the generator with me to the RV storage lot powered up the 15BTU AC and it worked flawlessly, ran all the lights in the coach no issues (have LED’s inside) with a 2 year warranty and only $719 you can't go wrong.

[KSH]

Where did you get it for 719?

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[esmoglo]

Overstock it was $799 found an online coupon code (took some time) but I found one took off $80 paid $719 with free shipping and no tax. I call that winner winner chicken dinner..LOL

[KSH]

Nice

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[B-O-B'03]

Originally Posted by KSH

Is there a proper way to plug into the generator, there is always a spark/arc when I plug in. The generator manual says don't start it with anything connected, but I have to imagine people with remote start have their equipment connected. Or should I have the breakers off in the trailer, plug into the generator and then turn on the breakers?

I turn the main breaker off, start the generator, plug the camper in and then turn the breaker on.

I always turn the main breaker off, before plugging in or unplugging... shore power or generator.

-Brian

[jje1960]

Originally Posted by B-O-B'03

I turn the main breaker off, start the generator, plug the camper in and then turn the breaker on.

I always turn the main breaker off, before plugging in or unplugging... shore power or generator.

-Brian

Actually never thought of this... Simple and a very good idea. When we use our remote start, will start doing this. Thanks.

[HANGAR]

My single Honda 2000eu will initially start and run my 15K a/c unit. But once the compressor cycles off and tries to restart, it seems there is not enough power to get it back up and going again. You hear the generator jogging, but there's not enough muscle to restart the compressor on the a/c. It's interesting why it will initially start up and run, but it always fails when the compressor cycles off and tries to restart.

[KSH]

I read something about in rush current being the issue.

[JRTJH]

Originally Posted by HANGAR

My single Honda 2000eu will initially start and run my 15K a/c unit. But once the compressor cycles off and tries to restart, it seems there is not enough power to get it back up and going again. You hear the generator jogging, but there's not enough muscle to restart the compressor on the a/c. It's interesting why it will initially start up and run, but it always fails when the compressor cycles off and tries to restart.

Initially, when you first start the air conditioner, there is very little "head pressure" in the compressor. The "start capacitor" can easily get the system started. Once the air conditioner runs and cycles off, the compressor "head pressure" is significantly higher than the "first start" and the generator isn't capable of "restarting the system". The increased amperage to "get it going" against the increased compressor head pressure just isn't there.

As an aside, consider the load you're putting on your generator by even attempting to run that much load. In the Honda manual, they strongly suggest limiting loads over 1600 watts to less than 20 minutes. The problem is excessive heat in the generator windings. That heat will cause the insulation on the windings to break down faster than normal and will reduce the life of your generator. I'd urge you not to run that kind of load, even if the generator is "doing it the first time, but not afterward".

[esmoglo]

Just wanted to update Costco has the Champion 3100W Generator back on sale $100 off price is now $699 shipped! Got the Costco member booklet for this month and I saw it in there.

I have been running the generator with my 15BTU AC system running all the lights and TV with no issues runs great. Now if I want to run the microwave I turn off the AC, I run the fridge on propane as a standard while running on the generator.

[KSH]

Saw that a few days ago also, going to call them to get my$100 since I ordered a few weeks ago. The unit runs great.

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[notanlines]

Hangar, if you go to most any search engine the results will be that a continuous 3000 watts is required to support a 15k air conditioner. Remember what Grandma said back in the day: "Never send a boy to mill...."

[Voyager]

I just bought two Champion 2000's from Canadian Tire $599 each and the parallel kit from Amazon $59. Very impressed with the generators both started on second pull, low noise and really like the way the parallel kit fits between the stacked units, tried my 13500 air and worked like a charm. Probably will only use one most of the time but nice to have the ability to use two. Used a friends Honda 3000 last summer, worked well but way to heavy for me to handle.