Champion 2500 watt Inverter Generator - A detailed look

[@adamshaw4715]

Excellent that you shared the importance of the break in instead of fill it and forget it!

[@CampingCoastie]

Thanks

[@KeywordManagement]

Hey Camping Coastie...I got my Inverter / Generator the other day and followed process similar to what you did...I did the recommended 5 hour break-in. Mine has EZ start dial...so no separate choke. I wanted to add that it smoked a little bit for the entire 5 hours before putting a load on it. In reading the manual, it states that putting a load on generator will help seat the rings. Within a couple of minutes of putting load on generator it stopped smoking. I changed oil for third time and added 5-30 weight mobile 1 synthetic oil. Running it for another hour and zero smoke...so anyone breaking in new generator don't be alarmed if you see smoke. Look forward to taking on my upcoming travel adventure where I'll be working remotely and using Starlink satellite internet and using Champion 2500 to power my electronics.

[@CampingCoastie]

It’s a great little generator, safe travels.

[@richardkoch8752]

I have the dual fuel model. I LOVE it!!! I start and run it for one hour the 1st of every month. I have a magnet oil dipstick for it. I had a fair amount of metallic slivers after the 1st oil change, since that none. After the break in I switched it to AMSOIL oil....the best for engine longevity.

[@CampingCoastie]

It's a nice generator.

[@gmanw3]

I just bought one for $445 Canadian on clearance. I own two 2000 watt champion inverters, a 4500watt champion inverter, and 2 6500 watt open frame champions. They all work great. Champion is a great brand

[@CampingCoastie]

I like the Champion brand, good generators at a good price.

[@user-qd4iq9br8o]

I recently bought the Champion 2500w inverter generator for a cabin that I have where we have no electricity. It started easily, and did everything that I asked it to do. I ran small power tools, a leaf blower, vacuum, and well pump. Its light weight, portable, and perfect for what I needed.

[@CampingCoastie]

I'm glad it's working for you. They are nice generators.

[@billbradley2480]

That’s a great price! They’re about $550 at Tractor Supply. They’re about $600 on Amazon.

[@vimesagainsthumanity]

Thanks man, your video answered alot of questions I had about the gen.

[@CampingCoastie]

Glad to help.

[@frankhartman5496]

My biggest complaint about the unit so far is the lack of a fuel gauge. It's very easy to overfill the tank and make a mess and run out of gas with things still plugged in. Otherwise I like the unit.

[@CampingCoastie]

I agree, a simple fuel is really needed.

[@evolutionofyou5339]

How long dose it last of ran. All day ?

[@CampingCoastie]

@@evolutionofyou5339 if it’s just idling on eco mode it will run a good 10 hours. Not sure if it was running under a full load.

[@thedalillama]

@@evolutionofyou5339 my ran for 2.75 hours on 0.54 gallons of gas on a full load.

[@zipkrackersr5823]

Wanna know how to fix that. It has a 1.05 gallon gas tank on the 2500 watt champion, buy a 1 gallon can and pour the entire gas can in it once it runs out you add 1 gallon. Never over fill again

[@ChrisClement]

Thanks for the review and break in demo

[@CampingCoastie]

If you have any questions let me know, I might be able to help.

[@shelley131]

Love your videos, straight to the point. I recommended this to my brother in law a few months ago. I own another brand and my only reason for owning the other brands is they have a service center where I live in case it needed repairs. If I may recommend a neutral ground bonding plug it will help with the use of a surge protector for your RV if you ever have to run it off the generator.

[@CampingCoastie]

Thanks. I need to get one, thanks for reminding me.

[@drs3055]

!!! What is a neutral ground plug - where do I get one? Thanks.

[@CampingCoastie]

@@drs3055 amzn.to/3MpYbbm

[@CampingCoastie]

@@drs3055 It will let you use an EMS while using a generator. Otherwise you will get an open ground condition and the EMS will shutoff power from the generator to the RV.

[@mikeleo5990]

Whats a neutral ground bonding plug guys ?

[@russellenberger2949]

5 hours Break in time is done. Used propane with no problems. Drained oil added Syn 10-30 We are ready To go!

[@gardsnyder5657]

It’s a great generator!

[@preacher031163]

Better b sure to add zinc if ur gonna run synthetic

[@drs3055]

Just found your channel and subscribed! Can’t wait to check out rest of your vids! You mentioned pointing to a ground on front of your 2500, do you need to do something to ground? Do you use an EMS or surge protector between your 2500 and rv? Thanks for a great video.

[@rickybreaux2607]

Thanks Gard!

[@KeywordManagement]

Thx for sharing...going to order one

[@californiamusic]

Nice video, thanks!

[@CampingCoastie]

Thanks

[@samhill5231]

Excellent review, very informative. I wasn't going to buy a Champion genset because I figured they were just a lower quality unit and I was leaning towards the Honda EU2200 for the occasional power outage at home. After watching your video and reading others replies, I am convinced these cheaper Champion gen's are apparently worthwhile after all. Now, I am curious to know what engine is in these, ie: are the engines built by Champion themselves or some other "no name" brand manufacturer? Thanks.

[@CampingCoastie]

Thanks. Not sure who makes the engines, but probably a Chinese company.

[@samhill5231]

I think the engines are Chinese built but to strict Campion USA specifications. Just make sure to change the oil religiously, don't overload the genset and should last years with proper storage and care. @@CampingCoastie

[@wlnrv]

Excellent review !

[@gardsnyder5657]

Thanks

[@johnhubble5373]

Sound level in the woods will be better than in front of a garage and or large vehicles.

[@CampingCoastie]

True

[@rubbersole79]

Holy crap I've been using my 3100 watt champion for 4 years and haven't even checked the oil yet.

[@CampingCoastie]

That’s a good sign it doesn’t burn oil, otherwise it would shutdown if the oil was low.

[@nutknowledge]

You can also go 4-5 years between oil changes on your car too

[@MyHann]

Nice review. And you could share a link to the fuel indicator? Can't find it on the internet. Tnx!

[@CampingCoastie]

Thanks. Sadly it doesn’t have a fuel gauge.

[@athought446]

Great video 👍

[@CampingCoastie]

Thanks

[@arriagada1957]

I have the same one and the recoil broke off inside the unit after a few mo using it...not good ! I m glad i have a Honda(last 8 yrs) that works always when need it..if you are occasionally user may be good for you..but Honda will last longer..!!

[@CampingCoastie]

Thanks for the heads up, I will be easy on the rope starter.

[@mrspin3315]

I disagree, also the Honda cost 3 times as much money and you can't get one that runs off of propane!

[@jgrove111]

Nice vid.....but I have questions....oddly enough my new Champion came with quick start up guide as well as a manual....they don't really suggest if you ALWAYS require grounding the unit or not....if not, when. Lastly, they suggest don't run in damp or rain....and I am sure you would, so how are you protecting the unit from damage or possible electrical shock. Hopefully this unit can get me just enough if the power goes out at night.

[@gardsnyder5657]

If possible, connecting to a ground would be ideal, but it many times is not practical. You would need to find an exiting ground, if at your house you could most likely be able to attach to your house ground rod. Most of the places I use a generator I would need to drive a ground rod and that is not likely. As for rain, I don’t run mine in the rain, I just cover it with a tarp and wait for the rain to stop. Some people build small tents over them to use when it is raining.

[@Edward-uz4do]

Mine lasted 2 years. I used it once a week.

[@CampingCoastie]

What went wrong with it?

[@erix4erix]

Thanks thanks

[@CampingCoastie]

Glad to help.

[@ProjectReefBlue]

Great video. Is the air intake on the bottom? Thanks in advance.

[@CampingCoastie]

As far as I can tell it’s on the front in the black area below the control panel.

[@jessieperez2422]

What about RV connection

[@CampingCoastie]

It doesn't have a 30 amp outlet for RVs. You would need to use a 30 amp female to 20 amp male dog bone adapter to hookup to an RV.

[@WoodgemanX]

The four oil changes aren't going to prolong the life of the engine. Modern machining processes don't require for you to break-in' the engine.

[@drs3055]

I spoke to Champion yesterday, before reading your response. Champion said it was important to break in the generator as specified in the operator’s manual as they say you need to break in the pistons and rings. One would think, though, to your point that would not be needed in this day and age. Candidly, I am a little obsessive and would feel more comfortable going over board - maybe even getting a magnetic oil dipstick!

[@WoodgemanX]

@@charlesmciver897 I install standby generators and some manufacturers have a break-in procedure to follow. to comply with warranty requirements. I have two PowerMate 1850W generators one with a Subaru engine the other with a B&S. Both with over 300Hrs and no issues in the past 15yrs. No break-in performed.

[@chrisbiggers4017]

Is the break in procedure you went through in the owner's manual?

[@CampingCoastie]

I find it odd but I didn’t see anything in the manual about break-in.

[@dannyj5688]

@@smallbyrdz3823 Yes...mine does also>

[@DjKaiser84]

Did your first oil change look like liquid metal?

[@Ewolk89]

Where did you get a 12-volt air conditioner???

[@CampingCoastie]

Sorry so late getting back to you. Coachmen offers 12 volt ACs on their Class B RVs. I have a ProAir AC.

[@ajcepeda]

The overload is blinking red and is not giving power how do i reset it can someone help me out

[@CampingCoastie]

Turn it off and unplug everything from it. Turn the economy switch to off and restart the generator. If the overload LED starts flashing again, press the reset button above the 120 volt outlet and the reset button above the 12 volt outlet. That should fix it, if not, let me know.

[@clamo6362]

be carful folks. new EPA regulations is causing them to not honor warranties.

[@CampingCoastie]

Gasoline engines are sadly trying to be phased out. I really like the convenience and power of a gasoline generator.

[@clamo6362]

@@CampingCoastie gas powered cars are getting phased out.

[@CampingCoastie]

@@clamo6362 I know, but in California they have been banning small gas engine like generators and lawn equipment.

[@clamo6362]

@@CampingCoastie 😳 so how in the hell you mow the lawn?

[@CampingCoastie]

@@clamo6362 The people the will have to use electric lawnmowers. Pretty stupid in my opinion. www.caranddriver.com/news/a38004981/california-ban-gas-powered-lawn-equipment/

[@digitalmixer]

Should I get this one or the 3500

[@gardsnyder5657]

If you are going to run an RV AC the 3500 would probably be a better choice. But it’s heavier.

[@digitalmixer]

@Gard Snyder no rv just for emergency power outages

[@digitalmixer]

@@gardsnyder5657 also thank you for the video perfect

[@gardsnyder5657]

@@digitalmixer This would be a good one, but at your house weight doesn’t really matter much. I would probably get a 3500 watt. There is also a nice Champion 4500 watt generator that seems nice.

[@n.b.p.davenport7066]

Is that the dual fuel model?

[@CampingCoastie]

No, it’s just gasoline.

[@abbiebeast]

Dude - the sound is bouncing back to you - reface the gen so the exhaust points to the trees, NOT the load bearing landscape wall facing you - geez!

[@abbiebeast]

Sound measurement - Not only that you need to take a background reading FIRST before starting the Gen and subtract it to find the true db of the gen also height not just distance is a variable

[@CampingCoastie]

True, plus I am only using a DB meter app on my phone.

[@BaconNDCheese]

Can this unit run a window ac? 6k btu

[@CampingCoastie]

It should do that easily. It can run my 11.5k AC if I am careful in the starting procedure.

[@BaconNDCheese]

@@CampingCoastie yea I just went to pick it up after watching your review and it is kind of loud when I plug the ac in. Where I live, the power often cuts in and out during the hottest days of summer. Feel kind if bad for my neighbors

[@CampingCoastie]

@@BaconNDCheese So many different generators are available these days. Harbor Freight sells a 3500 watt generator that is really quiet. It weighs 102 pounds empty and is about $900. We used our Champion 2500 watt generator for a month while dry camping on the Navy base in Key West. Several people asked about my generator, they said it was quiet. My only problem is that to run my AC I have to make sure my battery charger is off or my battery fully charged. I have to turn on only the AC fan, then turn on the compressor.

[@George196207]

Do instruction warn about NOT ploping it down in sand becasue air intake is on the bottom ? Have seen video of one guy crying airintake got filled with sand .LOL

[@gardsnyder5657]

I don’t remember seeing that in the manual, but I would not run any portable generator sitting on sand. I run mine sitting in the back of my truck or on a piece of two foot by three foot piece of plywood when sitting on the ground. I do that to make sure it gets as much airflow around it.

[@mrspin3315]

You should know better, common sense!

[@thedalillama]

Mine burns 0.54 gallons in 2.75 hours and generates 575 watts per hour. It is constantly surging, and especially in eco mode. I'd consider this a major FAIL.

[@CampingCoastie]

That’s really bad!

[@thedalillama]

@@CampingCoastie It converts only 9% of energy in gasoline to usable electricity. That is really bad. I will be calling Champion for an explanation when I return from my trip.

[@CampingCoastie]

@@thedalillama I hope you get it taken care of.

[@gmanw3]

You are in a bit of an echo chamber there

[@CampingCoastie]

I know, in an open field, it would be quieter.

[@mrspin3315]

I hope you didn't break in the generator with synthetic oil! It will not brake in! You should have followed the instructions and broke it in for 5 hours! But it is your generator.

[@CampingCoastie]

No synthetic until fully broke in. The rings need to get set right and all the other items that need to wear properly during break in process.

[@mrspin3315]

@@CampingCoastie good on you! I ran mine for 1 1/2 hour's and changed my oil. Didn't need to change it because it was clear. I used Honda 10w30 oil. I feel it's the best.

[@CampingCoastie]

@@mikez4759 From the Champion website: Synthetic oil may be used after the five-hour initial break-in period. Using synthetic oil does not increase recommended oil change interval. Full synthetic 5W-30 will aid in starting the engines in cold ambient < 41º F (5º C) temperatures.

[@bobadingo]

Pooring liquid such as oil into the cylinder is a MAJOR mistake due to the fact of possible hydraulicing and causing permanent damage to components like connecting rods and pistons!! dumb move don't do stupid shit people.. .

[@CampingCoastie]

It’s perfectly fine to put a little oil in the spark plug hole and rotate the crank by hand with the plug out to coat the cylinder walls and the piston rings. It you put a lot of oil in the and put the plug back in the and tried to start it that would be bad.