This is our Champion 3800 Dual Fuel Generator Review.
I have reviewed multiple Champion generators in the past. User reviews and recalls suggest that Champion generators are reliable and affordable.
Champion Power Equipment has been around for two decades now. They have created a name for their versatile and reliable portable power generators.
Champion 76533 is a 3800-watt portable generator. This portable generator has good fuel efficiency and durability.
This 3800-watt Champion dual-fuel portable generator is RV-ready and comes with plenty of household outlets. It also features Intelligauge, Volt Guard™, and Automatic voltage regulation.
This generator has an electric start button and features a 3-year limited warranty. This warranty is also backed by lifetime technical support from dedicated experts.
Don’t bother yourself with the technical features and other questions you might have right now.
Is Champion generator reliable?
What can a 3800-watt generator run?
How loud is a Champion dual-fuel generator?
Along with answers to these questions, I have also explained technical features when they are in context.
I have reviewed key aspects and included alternatives and our verdict of this Champion 3800-watt generator review.
Keep reading…
Champion 3800 Dual Fuel Generator Overview
Champion Power Equipment has a wide selection of portable generators with variable features and power output.
Champion 76533 is a 3800-watt dual-fuel portable generator with a 4-stroke Champion 224cc engine. So, you can use gas or connect this generator to the propane hose to run this generator.
This generator is a good option as an emergency backup power source. You can also use this RV-ready generator for your travel trailer, tailgating, job sites, etc.
Let’s find out together how this Champion generator performs against key aspects.
Power Output and Tank Size
Your power output requirement will help you sort the long list of portable generators to an easy number. But, calculating exact output power requirements can be tricky.
So, I suggest you buy a portable generator with a bit more (20%) power than you actually need.
This will reduce engine wear and extend engine life. It will also decrease the chances of overload and thus add to the lifespan of the generator.
Champion 76533 portable generator produces 4750 starting watts and 3800 running watts on gasoline.
When running on propane (LPG), this generator produces 4275 peak watts and 3420 rated watts on propane.
This generator produces plenty of power to run most of your essential appliances in a power outage. You can use this generator as an emergency home backup and for camping, tailgating, travel trailer, etc.
This power is enough to start and run a 15,000 BTU RV air conditioner. This Champion 3800-watt portable generator can also power a refrigerator, coffee maker, and sump pump. etc.
A bigger tank size means more run-time hours. But. it has nothing to do with the fuel efficiency and performance of the portable generator.
Also, a bigger fuel tank increases the overall size and weight of the generator. Reduced portability can be a problem and cause inconvenience.
This generator has a fuel tank of 3.4 gallons. Champion 76533 3800-watt generator does not have a fuel gauge.
The suggested tank size for propane is 20 pounds.
Fuel Efficiency and Fuel Type
The fuel efficiency of a portable generator is directly proportional to its power and runtime hours. It is inversely proportional to fuel consumption.
A portable generator with better fuel efficiency also has better durability. Better fuel economy saves you bucks in the long run.
This 3800-watt generator can run up to 9 hours on gasoline at half load. This Champion generator can run for 10.5 hours on propane (20-pound propane tank).
This Champion generator can serve as an overnight power running at half load. You can get continuous power using propane.
An alternate type of fuel option is available with generators having the dual-fuel capability. It comes in handy when either of the fuel source supply gets disrupted.
Portable generators featuring dual-fuel technology use gasoline and propane as fuel options. Propane is cheaper and burns cleaner.
This Champion 76533 generator model is a dual-fuel portable generator. It can run on gasoline and propane.
Safety Features
I have often noticed a lack of proper safety measures while operating a portable generator. Along with electrical power, portable generators produce harmful gases.
When operated in a place with a lower air supply, CO (Carbon Monoxide) gets produced by combustion.
CO is a poisonous gas. It could be fatal if exposed for a longer duration. This gas is also known as a silent killer. 🔪
EPA and CARB regulate emission guidelines for portable generators. A portable generator has to be EPA certified to sell.
Additional strict CARB compliance is mandatory to sell a portable generator in California. EPA is Environmental Protection Agency and CARB is California Air Resource Board.
Features like CO sensors, GFCI outlets, covered outlets, circuit breakers, etc provide extra safety to users.
This generator is EPA-certified and CARB-compliant. This Champion generator has circuit breakers.
But, it does not have a CO sensor, GFCI outlet, and covered outlets.
Quiet Operation
All portable generators produce some level of noise while running. As I have said in other reviews, an Absolutely quiet generator remains a fantasy.
We have to select the one that makes lower noise compared to others. Noisy generators are invasive and can spoil your experience.
You wouldn’t love to have the loudest generator of all your neighbors. Imagine having loud generators on a camping trip, animals are going to complain too. 🤤
This generator produces a noise level of 68 DB. This noise level is a bit more than the noise level of moderate rainfall.
Durability & Portability
Durability is the ability of a portable generator to perform under extreme conditions such as a maximum load, longer runtimes, etc.
A durable portable generator has a longer lifespan and better efficiency. Durability also improves with generators built.
This 3800-watt Champion generator features Automatic Voltage regulation and a low oil shutoff feature for extended durability.
Automatic voltage regulation allows the engine to adjust voltage according to power utilization. It decreases engine wear and improves generator efficiency and performance.
The low oil level shut-off feature shuts down the engine when the fuel level goes below a certain level. This protects the engine from incurring damage by running on a low fuel level.
The portability of a generator refers to the ease with which you can move it from one place to another. This generator has a bit of weight and size.
Product Weight: 119 lbs
Product Dimensions: 26.3” x 24.8” x 22.9” (L X W X H)
But, the folding handle and never-flat tires make moving this generator easy.
Champion Power Equipment backs Champion 3800-watt with a 3-year limited warranty. They also offer free lifetime technical support from dedicated experts.
Other Features
Champion 76533 has other features that add to the convenience, operation ease, and generators durability.
Volt Guard™
Champion 76533 comes with a Volt Guard™ built-in surge protector. This prevents any overload condition ensuring the safety of your equipment.
Electric Start
This Champion generator comes with a handy toggle switch electric start. This removes any hassle involved in starting the generator.
It also has a recoil cord starter as a backup for emergency situations.
Control Panel
This Champion generator’s power panel features an Intelligauge. It has receptacles, circuit breakers, a battery switch, and an ignition switch.
The Intelligauge keeps track of voltage, run-time hours, and hertz. This helps us monitor power output and track maintenance intervals.
Power Outlet Options
This RV-ready portable generator has plenty of outlets to provide maximum support for different use cases.
This 3800-watt portable generator comes with a 120V 30A RV outlet (TT-30R). It also has a 120V 30A locking outlet (L5-30R), and two 120V 20A household outlets (5-20R).
RV Ready
This portable generator is RV-ready. You can connect your travel trailer to its 120V 30A RV outlet (TT-30R) outlet and start using power instantly.
Cold Start Technology
Champion’s exclusive cold start technology makes starting generator a cinch. You can expect an easy start with this feature even in cold weather conditions.
Parallel capability
Champion 76533 does not have a parallel capability feature. With parallel capability, you can connect two portable generators with a parallel connection kit to get double power.
Advanced Inverter Technology
Champion 76533 3800-watt is not an inverter generator.
Alternatives
The Champion 76533 model comes with lots of features and a convenient price range. But, you might need added features such as lower operation noise, Inverter technology, etc.
So, if you haven’t decided on this Champion generator yet. Then, you might want to check the alternative with extra features.
Alternatively, you can also check our round-up review for the best 3500-watt portable generators.
Westinghouse WGen3600 – Lightweight Yet Powerful
Westinghouse Outdoor Power Equipment is one of the most reliable and trusted portable generators out there. They have been around for more than a century now.
Westinghouse WGen3600 generator is a durable and reliable portable power solution. This portable generator comes with a 4-stroke 212cc Westinghouse OHV engine.
This Westinghouse generator produces 3600 watts of rated power and 4650 watts of surge power on gasoline. It comes with an optimum fuel tank capacity of 4 gallons.
Westinghouse WGen3600 can run up to 14 hours at a quarter load on a single tank of gas. When operating at half of its rated load, this generator has 10.5 hours of runtime.
This Westinghouse portable generator features a TT-30R RV Outlet Perfect for Camping or Home Backup. It also has one 120V Duplex 5-20R and one 120V L5-30R power outlet.
This portable generator is also RV-ready. It comes with an Automatic Low Oil Shutdown, overload protection, outlet covers, fuel gauge, etc.
This 3600-watts generator comes with a 3-year residential and 1-year commercial warranty. Westinghouse outdoor equipment backs this warranty with nationwide customer support.
Never flat wheels and foam grip handle make moving this generator a cinch. This generator produces a 68 DB noise level at the rated load.
Product Weight: 105 lbs
Product Dimensions: 23.3” x 22.8” x 21.3”(L x B x H)
Westinghouse WGen3600 has more power output and durability. This generator is also lighter compared to the Campion 76533 model.
If you need added dual-fuel capability and the same features as Westinghouse WGen3600 then do check Westinghouse WGen3600DF.
Check the Current Price of the Westinghouse WGen3600DF dual-fuel RV-ready portable generator.
Also if you need dual-fuel capability and CO sensor features along with features of Westinghouse WGen3600. Then you should check the Westinghouse WGen3600DFcv portable generator.
Check the Current Price of the Westinghouse WGen3600DFcv dual fuel generator with CO sensor.
The price for these generators keeps changing due to active discounts and offers. So, do check yourself for the exact unit price once.
Generac 7127 IQ3500 – Super Quiet and Efficient
With decades of experience and innovation, Generac Power System has created reliable and affordable portable power solutions.
Generac 7127 IQ3500 is an IQ series super quiet portable inverter generator. This generator features a Generac 212cc 4-stroke OHV engine for the best efficiency.
This inverter generator produces clean power ideal for sensitive electronics. Clean power (i.e. Sine wave power) has lower voltage spikes and low THD (i.e. Total Harmonic Distortion).
This Generac generator produces 3500 peak watts and 3000 running watts. This power output is similar to the Champion 76533 model.
Generac iQ3500 has a 2.6-gallon fuel tank capacity. It can run up to 14.1 hours at a quarter load and 8.9 hours at half load on a gasoline single tank.
This generator produces 47 DB of noise level when running at quarter load. This noise level is lower than in a normal conversation.
Electric start removes any hassle involved in starting a portable generator. This Generac 3500-watts inverter generator comes with an electric start with POWERDIAL™.
Generac iQ3500 has two 120V 20A 5-20R Duplexes, one 120V 30A L5-30R Twist Lock outlet, and two USB ports.
This generator is parallel-ready. It means you can connect two Generac 7127 to get double power i.e. 7000 peak watts and 6000 running wattage.
PowerRush technology enables maximum power for each outlet. You can either use a 120V or 240V power outlet to get maximum output.
Its control panel has a digital smart LCD. It has Digital Wattage Meter, Run Time Remaining Display, Generator Status, Hour Meter, and Fuel Level.
Product Weight: 109.1 lbs
Product Dimensions: 23.7” x 18” x 21.7” (L x B x H)
This generator is an excellent choice for home backup, camping, tailgating, etc. Generac Power System provides a 3-year limited warranty on Generac iQ3500 digital inverter generator.
Our Verdict On Champion 3800 Dual Fuel Generator
Champion power equipment has an innovative and versatile line of products. Dual-fuel technology is one of their USPs.
With Champion Power Equipment you can literally select another model with a difference of a single feature.
Champion 76533 3800-watt portable generator is overall a good portable power generator. You can use it as an emergency backup power during a power outage.
This dual-fuel RV-ready portable generator comes with an electric start and dual-fuel technology. It also features Intelligauge, Volt Guard™, and Automatic voltage regulation.
This generator can run a refrigerator, coffee maker, sump pump, a 15000 BTU air conditioner unit, and other essential appliances.
But, it lacks some advanced features such as inverter technology, parallel capability, etc. Unless you need these, this affordable generator is worth every buck.
Since everyone’s use case and power requirements are different, you might like an alternative.
All alternatives in this Champion 3800-watt dual fuel generator review are from trusted and reliable brands. I have selected alternatives based on features, user reviews and user recalls.
So, buying an alternative portable generator that suits your need best can be equally worth it.
For example, if you need a generator with lower operation noise, and advanced inverter technology. Then Generac 7127 IQ3500 can be the best choice for you.
Check the Current Price of the Generac 7127 IQ3500 portable inverter generator.
So, go for the one that suits your power needs best.
Also, I have experienced that some generators get delivered a bit late. So, if you plan to use it on a coming date then do check the delivery date once.