Why I Chose a Champion 2500 Generator - A Better Deal Than Honda EU2200 and Harbor Freight Predator

[@bookooc5605]

Dave, I appreciate that this wasn't a freebie and a commercial like so MANY of the RV channels do. How refreshing that you paid for it, like the rest of us out here who haven't sold their souls to KZbin.

[@RippSnortin]

I bought one of those a couple of years ago, because I live in the mountains and power goes out on the regular. It works good so far, even with the damage l did to it. I took it out in the forest so l could use an electric chainsaw for firewood. My mistake was setting it down directly on the dirt, which was a fine silt. Turns out most of their issued inthrough the bottom. After that l had to do 3 oil changes right away to get the oil to come out somewhat clean. It also smokes like crazy on startup. Make sure to put it on a sheet of plywood or cardboard.

[@DavesRVLife]

Thanks for sharing that! :)

[@denisewalters8247]

You are giving Champion a Great review!!!! They should hook up with You & give you one! 👍 now back to your show!!! Thanks Dave for information!!!

[@doingitwithnothing]

Good choice… I have a 3500 dual fuel Champion for bout 8 yrs been a good one… also that model u bought I think can be paired up to get more power if needed

[@DonnyMusto]

I think it’s time you poured a pad or driveway for your RV and your van this way you don’t have to worry about the mud.

[@lindagolden9892]

But it’s not his property… 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@billburnhope2176]

@@lindagolden9892I’m sure the owner wouldn’t mind!

[@donmontalvo1]

Thanks for the video. It closes the gaps left by some of the other videos. First on that shows how to connect your RV to the generator.

[@nodak81]

I have a Champion 3500 watt that I got on sale at TSC. Out of nine generators I own, it's my favorite. Runs well, nice clean power, electric start and wireless start/stop. I have a larger Troy-Bilt generator but I find myself always pulling out the Champion during power outages.

[@gniko5358]

we just came home from a boondocking fishing camp and used a Max Peeding Rod 3500 generator from china - amazon we used it for two years now so far so good

[@juanrivera9507]

I bought a Champion 2500 a 18 months ago for my 17 ft. casita travel trailer. So far i have no issues, it can run the AC, the refrigerator and 24 in. TV at the same time with no issue.

[@richarde1355]

Did you buy the regular or dual fuel model? Do you still like your Champion? I am considering a Champion 2500 Dual Fuel or a Honda EU2200i to run my Casita. Thoughts? Thanks!

[@nurseelliott4256]

Thank for sharing and may that generator serve you well

[@Rick-ip3cm]

I like the harber fright predator quite gen with 30amp plug

[@feathers352]

I have been looking for a backup to run the sump pump with a power outage. I appreciate the honest comparision.

[@jamesalles139]

do you require 220 volt split phase?

[@lindagolden9892]

🌻 Dave thanks for doing and sharing all the comparisons. I’ve snapped a pic of this box presentation as a quick reminder for my needs.👏

[@williamoberlander7932]

Thank you so much! Dave! Sincerely appreciate it!

[@peterriley8489]

Dave I got to hand it to you I really appreciate watching all your videos very informative specially this one on the generator. I like the way you go into detail

[@DavesRVLife]

I appreciate that!

[@frederickbowman4494]

GREAT VIDEO !!

[@rsmith5504]

Good choice Dave. I have only owned Champion Inverter Generators and have had great luck. Very dependable. I’d recommend installing a hour meter to help stay on top of oil changes.

[@CozyLivingMachine]

Of course, right after we bought a Predator. 😂 Great share!

[@DavesRVLife]

oops... I hate when that happens!

[@westhavenor9513]

I have the same generator, run it exclusively on propane. The only thing in my house it won't run is the countertop microwave oven. But I also own the Champion 3400 watt (for the last 8 years). It's my main backup gen. The 2500 is a second backup for me. Champion is a great company. Called them last week for some parts and I got them a couple days later.

[@johnmal5975]

I got one of these a year ago its a fantastic deal. I live in Fl. bought for hurricanes. I mostly use it to recharge my solar power stations. I really like the propane side of it no carb to clean and no fuel storage hassles. It's not loud for a generator just a good deal.

[@S.JerseyJim]

Just bought one to keep my Jackery juiced up boondocking. Love it!! Quiet, starts right up and light enough to bring in and out of my car when solar isn’t doing it. 👍

[@johnbante5594]

i does it put out pure sine voltage?

[@jackie6582]

Hope it works out for you 🤗 give Bella Bella a big hug for me❤👋

[@DavesRVLife]

Thank you, I will

[@DavidWarner-my1uq]

I like my duel fuel 2400 champion ,couple items I dislike but overall for its size and weight it does fine, keep the oil changes on time, two pulls to prime the propane, two pulls to start, turn the propane on slow to have it fire right up.

[@genekied]

I bought the Westinghouse i2500 two years ago and haven't had any issues. If I ever have to replace it, Champion will be on the short list. The Westinghouse has all the similar specs except it has a larger and heavier engine, it's a beast at 53 lbs.

[@bullseye-not]

Thanks Dave. I just ordered one for emergency back-up.

[@jmljml5065]

On Champion's website, they specifically state this model is not recommended for emergency home back-up. Doesn't exactly inspire confidence in the product, does it?

[@danparker1976]

ive been watching you before you sold the bounder..good channel and good videos.Thanks Dave

[@onrycodger]

Excellant choice! Shawn with Long long honeymoon has done extensive reviews on them. He's definately a fan of Champion. They have great support too.👍👍

[@johnjones9642]

I have the champion 2000 inverter, the1800 & the 4000 & they run great! & sometimes if the warranty is up & you need a small part they just send it to you any way for free. And the have a 24 hr emergency number to assist people when there are storms they'll answer help you get it going when you're in a pinch😊

[@robertlovesdogs4824]

I thought it got quieter. When you put a load to It. Enjoy your channel Dave.I've been watching you for a Since 2018.

[@billburnhope2176]

The revs drop under load, hence quieter?

[@dave434]

I will look for one soon. Enjoyed your review!

[@pennylee6569]

Awesome thanks for sharing see yah Dave an Bella hugs always ❤❤

[@clnyegaard3358]

Thanks for sharing. Just to answer your question, you can get Westinghouse generators at Lowes. Take care and safe travels. p.s. next time you’re on the Mississippi Gukf Coast check out the Mississippi Model Train museum. No admission (at not when we visited). Fun little stop.

[@DinoLeon-10661t]

Sold Hondas and Yamaha Generators for 12 years I own 6 Champion generators. The are half the price of the Honda and Yamaha. Champion has awesome customer service and frankly they dependable and for the money you can’t beat them.

[@anitablades6033]

So from your review, your going to save on gas with the weight difference. That alone will be a substantial money savings. You might want to keep track of how much fuel you save ! They would give you a deal from the company !!!

[@markparr7224]

That is the same one I got. I had a 4000/3500 Champion remote start that I loved but it was too much for what I need. I love the new one so far too. The old one was 20 years old and still running strong. I sure miss the remote start tho.

[@lunatik9696]

My neighbor loaned me his Champion 4000/ 3500 and I liked it. Electric start is really nice. It is an open frame yet still relatively quiet at 1/4 - 1/3 load. I use the generator to charge my battery for my solar setup. I got the Champion 2500/ 1850 53 dB quiet (at low eco RPM) off Amazon Champion store, it is louder once it is under load, but can't hear inside once door is closed. I considered the dual fuel, but needed something fast. I am considering a 4250/ 3750W upgraded version of the one I borrowed or the 2500 dual fuel as a backup/ supplement. The CO sensor is a pain. I saw one video where it was disabled. I have to leave the door to under house open or it dies after 15 minutes. I even had a fan running. Champion is sold locally, and according to one representative, can be serviced locally. The champion has a 3 year warranty, while Westinghouse has a 1 year warranty. I have 2 non working Westinghouse generators. a 2200 (1700 running) and a 4500 (3700 running). Both have failed. It is nearly impossible to get them serviced. I have a trouble ticket with Westinghouse to find a service location. It has been several days and no word yet. Needless to say, I can not recommend the Westinghouse due to lack of service. The 4500 is impossible to start pull or electric. The 2200 has been working great, but now does not start. I had the pull cord replaced, but if feels like a valve is stuck open. Need local service!

[@ericd2791]

maybe i get one for my rv, i have one since 2019 & it still running strong. as long you take care for them. do the oil plug keep it dry. don't overload it.

[@brendasweetapple7444]

My husband loves his Champions.

[@billsnyder6826]

I bought a Wen2350 similar weight 39 lbs and sound rating as your Champion. Some say the Wen is using the Yamaha engine. The Wen has a 4.5 star rating on Amazon. I like my Wen but probably most brands are pretty good.

[@paulywally1957]

You have to go with what works for you but for me I went solar and lithium. Silent endless fuel supply from the Sun.

[@PriusTurbo]

@@paulywally1957until there is no sun for a while

[@gereshomeE]

I miss your BEARD. It looked so GOOD on you, Dave.

[@m.d.grimes1622]

I would definitely look back in your videos to find your recommendations for purchasing something, you make sense to me. Good video Dave. 😁😁😎😎👍👍

[@deborahbrebner1237]

I prefer dual fuel as carry propane tanks and don’t have to carry gas. Use to use Champion but had issues with them not lasting.

[@eliciamccoy3326]

I got the 4650 champion with remote I love it good product. Be careful stay safe 😂

[@DavesRVLife]

Nice 👍

[@geriatrictrippin]

I have a 2000 watt one for 5 years now. It's been used hard and burns some oil now. Still fires up on 1 pull. I did upgrade to a better carburetor after the butterfly shaft snapped on the original carb. And I've replaced the step motor once. It filled with fine sand after extensive use in the desert. I love mine and I recommended it to friends who also enjoyed the money savings over a Honda or Yamaha. Yes its a knockoff but at 1/3 the price of a Honda, I can buy 2 more. I heat and ac my van with it mainly. Also to top off house batteries when solar power was reduced due to cloudy weather.

[@dieterlange7581]

Very informative Dave I would've liked to have seen if it rang your roof air

[@tonylittle8634]

I had a situation last week running a jackhammer that was rated at 14 amps. I had a Honda 2000, Generac 3275 and the champion 2500 model. Guess which one ran the jackhammer all day? I never thought in a million years it would be the champion. It was the cheapest of the three

[@darrylmcleman6456]

They are available in DUAL FUEL ( PROPANE( too.

[@craigtarbox3499]

👍👍👍 Good choice . PS. Lulu Getting a new sister Tuesday !

[@RVAshsinApril]

Good info with the comparison of the generators.

[@tonyinfinity]

I wish they had the 4000w version out when I bought one of these. I ended up getting two of these to run in parallel when I could've just had the one 4000w they offer now. Ugh the story of my life.

[@montanaplease]

I wonder if two of the 2500’s ran together is still 53db or does that DB level go up? Kind of like subwoofers when you double the cone area or double the wattage you usually get 3db more

[@tonyinfinity]

@@montanaplease I would think two gens side by side both making 53db would still be 53db. But the 53db is when it has practically no load so when I run mine in parallel the rev up and make quite a bit more noise

[@danparker1976]

Dave have you ever thought of getting a small fake rock for sound deadening on one of those generators.they are very light .the only other con would be dragging it around..probably better for your big driver rv.i bought a fake rock to cover my water well pump in my front yard..before i bought the fake rockt i had a hideous looking block pump house that was ugly and even with a heat light it seemed my water was always freezing.. lol..it already had foam insulation but of course i added some anyway im sure if you did use a rock you could pop a few ventilation holes for the muffler but not to many as to negate the sound deadening

[@PriusTurbo]

Or just bury it underground

[@chrisgardner6677]

It does not have a fuel filter. Jets in carb tend to clog. Great until it starts running rough. The fuel intake contains the fuel filter. Be ready to clean the carb..

[@TOLOW1962]

i picked upa great deal at home depot, 3500 , 50lbs very small , nice and easy, super quite and only 450

[@keith9875]

So how is your Champion 2500 working for you now? Any regrets about buying this model?

[@Camperman1951]

I sent a link of this video to Champion. You're welcome.🤭

[@lindagolden9892]

👏 👏 👏 Dave gave a terrific review and comparison.

[@BubbaWarbucks]

Once you find a brand you trust you stick with it! No explanation necessary

[@rallysport5150]

So are you still going to clean the Carburetor and fuel system on the Champion in the Coachman?. or is it running ok?

[@stevewoods8116]

Great Video very helpful!!!

[@brendynwalsh9829]

Hey there I love your channel!! This is affirming to see i made the right choice on a generator! I have been watching a lot of ur vids trying to see how you solved the problem of your AC not tilted enough, could you explain?

[@barry6484]

Nice generator... I looked at the 4650 as well... Got a question for ya regarding TPMS for your vehicle, Im looking at sensors to monitor tire pressure instead of looking at the indicator on the dash. Had new tires installed but the sensors are extra. The heck with that. Any recommendations to disable the dash indicator, 2014 Honda crv and it's paid for.

[@freedomisntfree_44]

Wouldn’t go by the run time on the box, My predator ran 14 hours powering a few lights and a shop fan

[@ernielansford8710]

The human ear can only distinguish a sound level change between 3dB and 10dB changes. Some ears can hear a change of loudness below 10 dB change but not many. On another note do you have a soft-start device on the coachmen AC unit?

[@montanaplease]

Every 3db is double . So if you go from 53db to 56db you basically doubled

[@David-rx2to]

Check the gap on the spark plug.

[@rand8355]

Great video! Thanks!

[@ETINFL60]

Thanks for sharing

[@andygilmore9675]

Family farm and home sells Westinghouse generators.

[@odeannehartnett2538]

If you did not have solar on the Coachman, how long would it take the new generator to charge the house batteries from 50% to 100%?

[@edkrumeich3265]

Can you double these up?

[@CountryComesToTown]

Nice review. I've also seen some reviews of the dual fuel version. I know that you said you prefer the gas only version. Just wondering if it's more effecient to run gasoline? Enjoying the videos! Jim in Georgia

[@bboice08]

Sounds a little loud maybe it’s me😮😮😮😮😊😊😊😊so was the extra expense on the other model added muffler/sound reduction? Did you get to start them up before purchasing?

[@AugsterA]

Had to fast-forward this video

[@jessbailey6718]

Is the power “clean” like a Honda? Would like a comparison like “Project Farm” did because Honda delivers very clean energy compared to Harbor Freight. Wondering about how clean the Champion is.

[@jmljml5065]

You can bet the Champion also has a bigger voltage drop than the Honda, mainly because the inverter board components are cheaper, and the engine is not nearly as "muscular"...80cc vs 120cc.

[@Bodilly66]

Bought my Westinghouse Gen at Sam’s

[@happycamper608]

I have predator and a generac 3500 and I very rarely ever use them.

[@mabbaticchio]

Does it matter that you turned the dial to the propane marker (green) and not the gasoline marker (red) after you took it off choke position? My OCD needs to know.

[@DavesRVLife]

It doesn't have a propane option. Green is the run position.

[@mabbaticchio]

@@DavesRVLife My bad. I was thinking it was the dual fuel model like I have.

[@happycamper608]

Do you use your Jackery?

[@Scott-ig1zd]

One weigh is dry and the other is wet full gas tank and oil. They weigh about the same, I have a Champion 2000.

[@jeffreyburks1]

Honda EU2000 even used on FB marketplace is legendary.

[@michaelplante9591]

Does that mean this one is easier to walk away with?

[@DavesRVLife]

Yes, if not secured!

[@alvinmousseau1100]

Nice video

[@arriagada1957]

My brother bought one 2500 watt..the 1st thing that broke was the access panel bolts...and then the pull cord broke within a yr ..good for occasional user not for long term user Honda will go for over 10 yrs the Honda has much better components

[@billburnhope2176]

Weight with or without fuel!

[@samhilty1017]

Who has parts for the champion.

[@j.b.9895]

Gotta be careful with manufacturers DB ratings, there is no standard measurement criteria. Some use half speed and/or different distances for the measurements. I know that propane has less BTUs than gas but to say luging around a can of gas, especially in a van, is more convenient than a 20# propane tank is something I don’t agree with

[@pinkiepie1656]

Not gonna lie, but i bought the Champion just for that sexy yellow.

[@montanadan2524]

I found the Westinghouse at $500 with a higher output than the champion or honda to be the best value.

[@jmljml5065]

The Grenergy folks who make the LP conversion kits referred to the engine of a Westinghouse iGen 2500 as "toy-like", compared with the GXR120 in the Honda EU2200. That was their observation, not mine.

[@montanadan2524]

@ that would be an interesting read, can you point us at the details?

[@jmljml5065]

@@montanadan2524 I misspoke; it was Hutch Mountain, not Grenergy. I'll try to find it.

[@bsteleven]

And the Lord said “LET THERE BE LIGHT” then he said “no no no not that gas burning artificial stuff”!!!

[@craigjohnson3603]

I've repaired many Honda's they are not fun to work on. They will eventually need carb. Work fuel line and pump replacement if you run ethanol and alot of disassembly to do it. Haven't worked on these yet. Good luck Dave.

[@joeblow8206]

Who runs a Honda without ethanol free?

[@craigjohnson3603]

@@joeblow8206 a lot of places across the country don't sell it I'm lucky I can buy it but some people cry about paying .50 to $1. More per gal.😆

[@mkbehnke1]

Dang nice dinner…

[@billsnyder6826]

By the way my Wen was only $429. On Amazon

[@richardhoward3462]

You just bought it because of the color.... yellow. Matches your lawnmower and tractor 😅

[@DavesRVLife]

lol... :)

[@varmitsac1]

I get it; the champion is a good generator and at less than half the price. But not in the same league as the Honda. The Honda eu2200 motor displacement is 120cc vs the champion at 79cc. I don't care what the advertised wattage is, the torque of the larger engine makes a huge difference. I guarantee you the Honda will run at 2000w all day. But yeah...expensive.

[@montanaplease]

No dual fuel with Honda and that’s why im looking at Champion

[@nathanr.8556]

I have two Champions and they are great. Not everybody has money coming out their A$$ for overpriced Hondas

[@TheLadsMagicBusAdventures]

Cool.

[@winstonsizemore2385]

Not doubting that these are good generators I'll check into them. But I've had a Honda for 17 years that's never given me any problems with routine maintenance. Plus starts every time you can depend on it. There's no way these generators are going to last as long as Hondas that's why they cost more. Cheap things are not good, good things are not cheap

[@tomcleary2785]

Japanese Honda were great, all new ones still have a Japanese engine but everything else is Chinese and also made in china

[@jmljml5065]

@@tomcleary2785 Thailand isn't China...brush up on your geography.

[@marshallbrooksjr.9088]

Dave, wise choice on your generator decision. There is no need to spend excessive amounts of money on the H gen as compared to your smart, final choice. Most folks are not aware the engine in the expensive category you did Not choose, has a ribbed rubber band 1/4 " wide that connects the crankshaft and camshaft. How long will that device last? Metallic chains or similar configurations that serve the same function are not provided on numerous brands of portable gens. The brand you chose represents value for the money. Please remember any gen powered by gasoline can only achieve 80 % of it's rated maximum output capacity. Due to the BTU value of gasoline [approx. 1050/ cu. ft.], only 80 % of the gens capacity will be available. In essence, your 2,500 watt gen will produce 2Kw max. The key to longevity and operational reliability of your system involves changing the engine oil every 20 hours. Ignore the mans. recommended oil interval change. Remember, they don't want your gen system to last for years upon years. They prefer your engine wears out asap. Oil is cheap, generator repairmen are charging 287 bucks/ hour on a national average. When gasoline is used, the engine's constant RPM value of 3,600 RPM's and 87 octane gasoline produce a few more hydrocarbons than LP fuel. Those hydrocarbons turn into soot and carbon accumulation in the valve stem area.. Consider using only premium gasoline [ 92 octane, if possible] because their is No capacity for the engine to advance or retard it's timing while operating. It's main objective is to run @ 3,600 RPM's, continuously. Be kind to your new gen, constantly consider it's maintenance whether the manufacture suggests it or not. Consider checking the starting battery and the charge rate once/week The more frequently you change the oil, the less problems will develop over the long haul; and you can take that to the bank. Hug Bella for me, please.

[@mat314159mat]

Best advices seen for a long time for small engine’s durability

[@berettaguy7445]

Honda's aren't for everybody, that's for sure. A lot of guys are content buying stuff made by Chinese pre-schoolers, and that's okay.

[@LuminairPrime]

Pretty sure it's set to propane (not gas) in this video. How is it even running 🤣

[@jackpopp7556]

Westinghouse 2500

[@darryldickson4360]

You can barely run a gair dryer with that

[@GervsAdventures]

People say to buy a Honda there better yer they can be but ya paying for a brand name, But not many know that Honda generators and Yamaha are made in China now. Most Generators are now days. It's just how much money you want to pay for a Generator, as long it works then it works.

[@jmljml5065]

Honda's are made in Thailand and Japan. The Yamaha EF2200is is made in China; all their larger models are made in Japan.

[@RV_Tips_Tricks_Travel]

I had a champion. It ran for about 6 months, then it didnt. Good warranty? They would not honor their good warranty until I checked for fuel delivery and adjusted the valves. I am NOT a mechanic. Got half my money back from Amazon and bought a predator from Harbor Freight. Never again will I own a Champion.

[@nathanr.8556]

Enjoy the Predator 90 day warranty