This is a review of the Champion 3500-watt Generator.
I have done detailed research on Champion 3500-watt RV Ready Portable Inverter Generator. So you can decide whether this 3500-watt portable generator is best for your RV Need.
Champion power equipment has been around since 2003. With over 2.5 million generators sold in North America, they are the market leader in power solutions.
I found the Champion 3500-watt portable generator to be a versatile and reliable power source. It has cold start technology and a dual-fuel generator version too.
It makes considerable noise and comes without wheels. That makes it quite difficult to move.
Its efficiency, runtime, and durability compensate for the above cons. This makes it a good power generator option for an RV.
This champion 3500-watt generator review will analyze features and user reviews in detail. I will also discuss possible alternatives to Champion 3500-watt RV Ready Generator.
Keep reading…
Champion 3500-watt RV Ready Portable Generator Overview
The champion 3500-watt gas generator utilizes a 196cc single-cylinder OHV champion engine.
I love RVing for many reasons. I love flexibility, comfort, my dog can come along, and many more.
This generator enhances your RV experience. It provides the extra power needed for your electronic equipment. You can run many household appliances such as an air conditioner, an electric kettle, a freezer, a sump pump, etc.
Champion 3500-watt portable generators are good for your camping trips or weekend projects. You can also power your essentials during an outage.
It won’t run high-power tools such as a clothes dryer, central air conditioner, water heater, etc. You will need bigger guns for these.
Let’s have a look at the important features champion power equipment has to offer…
RV Compatibility – RV Ready
The Champion 3500-watt portable generator has a 30A adapter to hook your RV. This 3500-watt generator lets you start and run a 15000 BTU air conditioner. It can also power other appliances such as a coffee pot, lights, box fan, laptop, etc.
This generator produces a sound level of 68 DB. This noise level is considerable. You will feel like a lawnmower running outside your house.
You have to pull a recoil rope to start this. Cold start technology makes starting this generator easy.
Overall this Champion 3500-watt portable generator is a good addition to your RV.
Power Output and Tank Size
You should buy a generator with 20% extra power than you need. It will be handy in case of any emergencies.
So carefully assess your power needs. And then decide whether the Champion 3500-watt generator will suffice your needs.
Champion 3500-watt generator with 4 stroke gasoline-powered engine generates 4000 watts surge power. It has a rated power of 3500 watts.
This generator has a 3.8-gallon tank capacity. It can run for 12 hours on a single tank at 50% load.
It can run overnight and save you from the unnecessary hassle of refueling at night.
Power Efficiency and Fuel Type
Champion 3500-watt generator has a good runtime of 12 hours at 50% load. A single tank of fuel is enough to get you through an overnight outage.
Alternative Fuel type is important if gasoline is not easily accessible in your area. This engine runs on gasoline. So choose the generator with the type of fuel accessible to you.
If you are looking for a dual fuel generator in this power range. Champion power equipment provides another dual-fuel version. Champion 3500-Watt Dual Fuel Portable Generator RV Ready.
Safety Features
Champion power equipment stands for convenience and versatility. This generator has many features that ensure the safety of the user and the generator’s engine.
This generator uses cold start technology. This ensures a quick start in cold weather conditions. This generator’s control panel has Intelligauge. This helps you track runtime hours, voltage, and frequency with ease.
This generator includes a low oil shutdown feature. This shuts off the engine when the fuel level falls below a specific point. This saves the engine from incurring any damage.
Push to reset circuit breakers ensure further safety & come in handy in case of any emergency.
Quiet Operation
This Champion 3500-watt has an operation noise of 68 DB. This noise level is comparable to a vacuum cleaner running.
As time passes, operation noise will start to increase. But, these are quite cheaper when compared to other good ones in this power range.
If you do not want a noisy generator you can choose one from the alternatives at the end of this review.
Durability
This generator has a long-lasting engine and runs through all your power needs. A durable cast iron sleeve adds to the durability of the engine.
This generator has covered outlets. This gives extra protection against the environment.
This power generator includes a 3-year limited warranty. It also offers lifetime technical support from dedicated experts. Their customer service is good but there are few users who are not satisfied.
Although, a few parts of this generator are plastic built such as the recoil handle. These might break when handled carelessly or during transportation.
Other features
Champion 3500-watt generator has 4 power outlets. It has a 120V 30A locking outlet (L5-30R). It also has a 120V 30A RV outlet (TT-30R) and a 120V 20A household outlet (5-20R).
This generator has a Volt Guard™ i.e. a built-in surge protector. This prevents overload and also keeps our equipment safe.
This generator uses automatic voltage regulation to provide you with a continuous flow of power.
This generator weighs 107.8 lbs.
Unit Dimensions (inches): 26.3/23.2/22.4 (Length/Width/Height)
Champion 3500-watt RV Ready Generator – User Reviews
Around 82% of users have rated Champion 3500-watt RV Ready Generator 5 stars in a 5-star rating system.
Most voted features in user reviews are easy to use, dependable, and have good power output.
Users didn’t like the extra vibration, no wheels, and noise of this generator. Few users have also complained about weak plastic parts breaking.
Alternatives
If you still haven’t decided on the Champion 3500-watt RV Ready Generator. I have added a few best alternatives for you to consider.
Powerhorse 3500 Inverter Generator
This generator uses a 212cc Powerhorse fuel-efficient engine. It comes with a push-button electric start and an emergency recoil start as backup.
Using Inverter Technology this generator produces clean power. Clean power is essential to run sensitive electronic devices.
Engine Smart Control (ESC) regulates engine throttle. This decreases fuel consumption. And promotes quiet operation and dependability. This generator has a noise level of 57db at quarter load.
This is EPA and CARB-compliant generator. CARB and EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) compliance ensure that harmful gas emissions are within defined standards.
It also has starting Power of 4500 watts and rated power of 3500 watts. It has a 2.6-gallon fuel tank. It can run up to 10 hours at a quarter load on a single tank of gasoline.
This generator is parallel ready i.e. you can connect two to get twice the power. It also includes integrated wheels for easy movement.
This generator has more starting power than the Champion 3500-watt generator. It also has extra features which will enhance your ease.
Predator 3500 Super Quiet Inverter Generator
This generator uses Inverter technology and generates clean power for sensitive electronic equipment.
A 212cc OHV gas engine powers a predator 3500 generator. This generator also includes an electric start & recoil backup for a hassle-free start.
This generator is RV-ready with a 30A RV adapter and 57 DB operation noise. It has better fuel economy. It can run up to 11 hours at a quarter load. It has a fuel tank capacity of 2.6 gallons.
This generator is a good option for RV power & emergency backup power for your essentials. It can also serve your tailgating and campsite needs.
Honda EU3000iS Inverter Generator – Quiet Generator
Honda EU3000iS is a super quiet portable generator with inverter technology. It generates clean power essential for sensitive equipment. It has an electric start with a recoil start as backup.
It comes with CO minder technology. This detects harmful levels of Carbon Monoxide and shuts down the engine for the user’s safety.
It has an intuitive control panel. It helps you monitor voltage, frequency, runtime, etc for better operation. It also has USDA-approved spark arrestors. It has covered Power outlets to ensure protection from the environment.
It has a fuel tank capacity of 3.4 gallons. It can run up to 19 hours at quarter load and 7 hours at full load. It has a low oil-level shutdown feature. This shuts the engine at low oil levels to protect the engine from any damage.
It generates operation noise as low as 50 Db at a quarter load.
This is a parallel-ready generator and comes with integrated wheels for easy movement.
This might be a little costly compared to the others on the list.
Conclusion
Champion 3500-watt portable generator is a budget generator with a considerable noise level. This generator model also lacks a wheel kit, electric start, etc.
But, Champion power equipment has other models with similar specs and added features. Such as a wheel kit, wireless start, more starting power, etc in an affordable price range.
Champion 4375/3500-watt RV Ready generator with wheel kit and extra surge power of 4375 watts.
Check the current price of Champion 4375/3500 watt RV Ready generator with wheel kit.
Champion 4375/3500-watt RV Ready generator with wheel kit, 4375 peak watts, and wireless remote control.
Check the current price of Champion 4375/3500 watt RV Ready generator with wireless remote control.
If you need a dual-fuel portable generator, the Champion 3500 dual-fuel generator is the one for you.
Champion 3500-watt generator is a durable and fuel-efficient alternative power source solution. Volt Guard technology, Intelligauge, etc make operation easy.
This generator is many folds cheaper than other generators in this power range.
But, if you are ready to invest in more luxury features. The Honda EU3000iS is an ideal generator in this power range.