The Best Features:
- 3500 watts Rated, 4000 watts Maximum Output. Outlets: 1- 120V Outlet (5-20R), 1 - 120V Twistlock (L5-30R), 1 - RV Receptacle (TT-30R)
- Powered by Champion 196cc OHV Engine with Cast Iron Sleeve. (CARB - California approved)
- Runs for 12 hours on full tank of gas at 50% load.
- Weighs 110-pounds Dimension: 24.2-inch (L) x 18.3-inch (W) x 18.9-inch (H)
- CARB Compliant
Sweet Machine! By Skip Thomsen
First day with the generator, so I'll post some updates as I put it to the test of supplying our home with emergency power when we get our inevitable winter disruptions. Ok, so you know, I've been around all kinds of power equipment for more years than most of you have been alive, and am intimately familiar with most of it. After reading a gazillion reviews on generators, I bought this one because it gets raves from just about everybody. I did some research on the company, and they seem to be operating with uncommon integrity.
So I unpacked the generator, sat down and read the manual (I always do that), topped up the oil, added a gallon of fresh fuel, turned on the ignition, gas valve and the choke. Then I was going to pull the engine through once or twice gently before the real pull that would start it, but hey, it started half way through the first pull! After half a minute, I turned off the choke and the engine ran smoothly.
There are lots of opinions on the noise level. I started it in my shop, where I have run many other small engines, and this one qualifies as one of the quietest. WAY quieter than the Honda-powered pressure washer I had just been servicing. Actually, there is more (normal) engine/mechanical noise than exhaust noise, so once outside where it's supposed to be anyway, it will be a lot quieter without hard walls to echo the noise.
After about five minutes of running, I plugged in a few tools, among them a 1500W heat gun. The engine sound difference was barely discernible and the voltage stayed right on.
I talked to a tech guy on these generators and he said the one biggest issue people have with them is they leave old fuel in the tank when the machine is in storage for months on end. Adding a fuel stabilizer intended to keep our new alcohol-laced gasoline stable is key. I'm going to run it for 5 hours and then change the oil to Mobil 1 full synthetic. I use this oil in all my small engines (and in my vehicles and even in my Harley) and I have no engine problems.
BTW, I got this idea from another reviewer but it bears reposting: To open the box, I cut all around the bottom about a half-inch off the floor. Then I just lifted off the whole box that is now my storage cover. Neat.
I'll post an update after some good running hours, but so far, this little generator is A-1.
OK, it is now January, 2013, so it's Update Time:
We've had our generator for about a year now. Before purchase, I read all the rave reviews, and I second them all . . . with the possible exception of those who call it "quiet!" Our neighbors don't agree, and it sounds to me to be as loud as any genset I've ever used. But we live in the Redwood forest and we have predictable power outages during just about every winter storm, so this little gem as paid for itself several times already. It always starts easily, usually on the first pull. Since we live in CA, we had to pay extra for the "CA version," which I believe means it has some extra exhaust-clogging hardware on the muffler. BTW, the noise from this machine is not exhaust noise, but rather mechanical noise. I have no idea why it's so loud, but hey, it always works, so it's fine with me. With a light load, it has always had a "lope" in the running speed, and since the CA version will not allow any carburetor mixture adjustments, I just move the choke lever toward "choke" a bit until the speed evens out. I've had it running over 8 hours on a full tank and the gauge still shows some fuel when I refill it. It powers all the essentials of our home (full kitchen, gas furnace blower, office, TV, quite a few lights, and various power tools, all through a 6-circuit transfer switch. Sweet! This genset, especially at the tiny price, is the deal of deals!I run this thing to death with no mercy at all! By Mike Gburzynski
We use it to run the AC, laptops, flat screens, radios, microwave, fridge, lights, charge the house bank, and anything else you could need when out in the wild.. The noise is not bad at all... really, I sleep with this just a few feet away from the bedroom of our travel trailer and it never keeps me awake. Its dependable and starts right up after 1.5 to 2 pulls (after a week)
I run this thing to death with no mercy at all, sometimes all weekend long with only 10 min refueling stops in between.. but I'm also deeply religious about changing the oil too. Its placarded that a min of 100 hours between changes.. I do every 50, if you maintain it well, you can beat on it harder and it will continue to crank on. Its heavy, so get the wheel kit. Its sized well for our applications, with the AC blowing it sounds for a moment like it's trying to tow a jumbo jet and then it gets over the hill and its back to normal operation. It's also not bad on gasoline consumption, one tank will keep it going well into the next morning (unless your cranking the air conditioning) and although I have the regulator and such for running this genset on LP gas.. I have not done so yet and I will update this review when I get that working. I have used several generators, Onan, Yamaha and such.. you CAN get much lighter, fuel efficient and quieter.. but not at anywhere near this price point. If you're in the woods or offshore and nobody cares about a little more noise than a fancy $2k unit.. buy this one! You can hook a vacuum cleaner and flat screen TV to it and run for hours without complaint.. We love it!27 of 28 We are fighting Sandy and winning! By Danny K
Purchased this generator after Hurricane Irene. I immediately ran the generator without load for 5 hours and changed the oil as per the manual and stored it in the garage. We rarely get large storms like Irene so my wife thought I was crazy. Hurricane Sandy hit the Jersey shore like nothing we have ever seen before. Its been a week without power now, and its still out! The Champion generator is a Champion it is easily handling my Gas Furnace,Refrigerator, 55" TV (off uhf antenna)(because cable is still out) and a few low wattage CFL lights and various charges for our phones, laptops etc. What else could a person want? The generator was so easy to hook up, I would recommend getting the Connetek 30amp RV male plug adapter for the center connection on the generator. This will allow you to run more appliances on one heavy duty cable. The standard outlet on the generator will handle 20amps, using the Connetek adapter or similar adapter the generator can handle 30 amps. I am using 10-30 oil, but I noticed from some of the reviews mention the synthetic oil, which I think is a good idea and after I get power back, I will drain the oil in the Champion and install mobile one. Last comment, I would say is get the wheel kit, and look at the remote start model upgrade. Either way this generator is operating now as I type this review and it has made our life so much easier in this incredible storm where people have lost their homes!
UPDATE: Our power was back in 8 days. This generator was amazing, its loud like a lawn mower, closed the garage door and its almost silent and by the way I could hear all the other different generators from my neighbors that purchased theirs after I purchased mine. This generator kept my family warm with Furnace, TV, refrigerator, I shut off the furnace when the house was warm and the generator handled the dishwasher with no problem. Then I shut off the TV and furnace and ran the washing machine and gas drier with no problems. What else could you ask for in a disaster like this. This is a great generator, but there is now a new one with the wheel kit and wireless electric start! Its the same generator! Just add the wheel kit and wireless start! Great addition! The Best-Selling Champion Power Equipment 46533 4,000 Watt 196cc 4-Stroke Gas Powered Portable Generator (CARB Compliant) then to sell out very fast, if this is a must have product, be sure to order now to avoid disappointment.
