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6/27/2014 1:12:56 PM EDT
I saw all the positive comments on threads about Champion genny's in previous threads so this thread is both a question and heads up type of thread.

Just saw this at our local California Costco:

Champion 7000 w dual fuel genny with battery start......









I'm thinking it could be useful to store propane rather than the same amount of gasoline.  

What do you guys think ?  Good price ?

It expires on 07/06/2014

Should I get it ?




6/27/2014 1:22:14 PM EDT
[#1]
Only down side I see is propane has about 2/3 the energy (or something like that?) compared to Gasoline.

Not sure how that might affect the run time of the generator, but I do know the propane will store a hell of a lot easier and longer.
6/27/2014 1:35:42 PM EDT
[#2]
The lowered efficiency of propane is reflected in the operating watts of the generator as seen on the side of the generator in the first picture.  I wish I had a spare $600 right now, that is a great price.  I have two Champions already and the wife probably won't let me get another this year.
6/27/2014 1:41:19 PM EDT
[#3]
Nice gen set would run just about any thing, dual fuel give you some flexibility.
6/27/2014 1:55:02 PM EDT
[#4]
Thanks guys !!
6/27/2014 7:38:41 PM EDT
[#5]
What does it take to convert these from propane to running on a NG hookup at the house? Is is as simple as a regulator swap? Has anyone ever put two regulators on them with a selector valve to enable both propane or NG to be used?

I could see this being even more useful if it took NG. Never even need to store fuel as long as your gas supplies aren't disrupted.
6/27/2014 7:56:22 PM EDT
[#6]
Quote History
Quoted:
What does it take to convert these from propane to running on a NG hookup at the house? Is is as simple as a regulator swap? Has anyone ever put two regulators on them with a selector valve to enable both propane or NG to be used?

I could see this being even more useful if it took NG. Never even need to store fuel as long as your gas supplies aren't disrupted.
View Quote


I had the same thought since it is now rated for a gas.  

Anyone know the answer ?
6/27/2014 11:00:45 PM EDT
[#7]
Quoted:
Should I get it ?
View Quote


That's a hell of a deal, if you think you can use a model that large. Running with a 6 KW load, it'll blow through a 20 pound propane tank in no time flat!

The fact that it's factory-equipped for propane use is a definite plus - No messing with conversion kits, and everything's covered by the factory 2-year warranty.

My guess is that it won't be particularly quiet - So a small, supplemental inverter generator might also be worth getting.
6/28/2014 6:20:35 AM EDT
[#8]
Quote History
Quoted:


I had the same thought since it is now rated for a gas.  

Anyone know the answer ?
View Quote View All Quotes
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Quote History
Quoted:
Quoted:
What does it take to convert these from propane to running on a NG hookup at the house? Is is as simple as a regulator swap? Has anyone ever put two regulators on them with a selector valve to enable both propane or NG to be used?

I could see this being even more useful if it took NG. Never even need to store fuel as long as your gas supplies aren't disrupted.


I had the same thought since it is now rated for a gas.  

Anyone know the answer ?


The way this unit is setup propane will produce10% less energy than gasoline.
If it were NG capable it would produce 20% less power than gasoline.
The conversion kits offered by US Carb has a much higher demand regulator and larger supply hoses and this helps to narrow the gap
to a much smaller percentage loss of power when gasoline is not used.
Talk to US Carb and they will explain it to you if you doubt my word.

6/28/2014 6:35:09 AM EDT
[#9]
Here is where I. Inverted my generator to tri fuel.

http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_10_17/668123_Converted_my_Big_20HP_Honda_Engine_Generator_to_Tri_Fuel__Pictures_.html
Quote History
Quoted:




What does it take to convert these from propane to running on a NG hookup at the house? Is is as simple as a regulator swap? Has anyone ever put two regulators on them with a selector valve to enable both propane or NG to be used?

I could see this being even more useful if it took NG. Never even need to store fuel as long as your gas supplies aren't disrupted.
View Quote

6/28/2014 11:44:08 AM EDT
[#10]
Quote History
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Quoted:
Here is where I. Inverted my generator to tri fuel.

http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_10_17/668123_Converted_my_Big_20HP_Honda_Engine_Generator_to_Tri_Fuel__Pictures_.html
Quoted:




What does it take to convert these from propane to running on a NG hookup at the house? Is is as simple as a regulator swap? Has anyone ever put two regulators on them with a selector valve to enable both propane or NG to be used?

I could see this being even more useful if it took NG. Never even need to store fuel as long as your gas supplies aren't disrupted.



Good post. I especially like the genny hut.

Did I read correctly that the kit supplied regulator will regulate propane AND NG?
6/28/2014 1:30:35 PM EDT
[#11]
Wow, I wish I had the money laying around for that.  I love my 3500 watt champion.  Don't really need a bigger one but if I did I would definitely buy that one.
6/28/2014 2:23:17 PM EDT
[#12]
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Quoted:
Wow, I wish I had the money laying around for that.  I love my 3500 watt champion.  Don't really need a bigger one but if I did I would definitely buy that one.
View Quote


I have the 3500/4000 champion. I have been really pleased with it although it has yet to be tested by SHTF.  My one complaint was that it didn't have a 240 twist lock. It only had a 3-prong 120 twist lock which is a pain in the ass for me because my power inlet is a 4-prong twist lock. I made a special generator cord with a 3-prong twist lock on one side and a 4 in the side that plugs into he inlet so one of the prongs isn't used. Its fine for now and if I ever upgrade I will be glad I got the bigger inlet connector.

One of the nice things about the smaller generators is that they will run a lot longer on a gallon of gas. I was actually thinking about downsizing to an inverter generator to increase my efficiency even more.


ETA: I just noticed this generator has the 3-prong twist lock too. You woudl think one this big would have the 4-prong.
6/28/2014 2:25:23 PM EDT
[#13]
if I ever see one around me here in FL I would definitely be thinking hard about buying one.  Love that its set from the factory to run off both fuels.....do it!!  then do a review please
6/28/2014 3:31:22 PM EDT
[#14]

Quote History
Quoted:
I have the 3500/4000 champion. I have been really pleased with it although it has yet to be tested by SHTF.  My one complaint was that it didn't have a 240 twist lock. It only had a 3-prong 120 twist lock which is a pain in the ass for me because my power inlet is a 4-prong twist lock. I made a special generator cord with a 3-prong twist lock on one side and a 4 in the side that plugs into he inlet so one of the prongs isn't used. Its fine for now and if I ever upgrade I will be glad I got the bigger inlet connector.



One of the nice things about the smaller generators is that they will run a lot longer on a gallon of gas. I was actually thinking about downsizing to an inverter generator to increase my efficiency even more.





ETA: I just noticed this generator has the 3-prong twist lock too. You woudl think one this big would have the 4-prong.
View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Quote History
Quoted:



Quoted:

Wow, I wish I had the money laying around for that.  I love my 3500 watt champion.  Don't really need a bigger one but if I did I would definitely buy that one.




I have the 3500/4000 champion. I have been really pleased with it although it has yet to be tested by SHTF.  My one complaint was that it didn't have a 240 twist lock. It only had a 3-prong 120 twist lock which is a pain in the ass for me because my power inlet is a 4-prong twist lock. I made a special generator cord with a 3-prong twist lock on one side and a 4 in the side that plugs into he inlet so one of the prongs isn't used. Its fine for now and if I ever upgrade I will be glad I got the bigger inlet connector.



One of the nice things about the smaller generators is that they will run a lot longer on a gallon of gas. I was actually thinking about downsizing to an inverter generator to increase my efficiency even more.





ETA: I just noticed this generator has the 3-prong twist lock too. You woudl think one this big would have the 4-prong.
It has the 4 prong 240v  as well.  



 
6/28/2014 4:52:00 PM EDT
[#15]
Quote History
Quoted:


Good post. I especially like the genny hut.

Did I read correctly that the kit supplied regulator will regulate propane AND NG?
View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Quote History
Quoted:
Quoted:
Here is where I. Inverted my generator to tri fuel.

http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_10_17/668123_Converted_my_Big_20HP_Honda_Engine_Generator_to_Tri_Fuel__Pictures_.html
Quoted:




What does it take to convert these from propane to running on a NG hookup at the house? Is is as simple as a regulator swap? Has anyone ever put two regulators on them with a selector valve to enable both propane or NG to be used?

I could see this being even more useful if it took NG. Never even need to store fuel as long as your gas supplies aren't disrupted.



Good post. I especially like the genny hut.

Did I read correctly that the kit supplied regulator will regulate propane AND NG?




Yes the US Carb Kit will.
I'm sure the on demand regulator on the Champion generator will only do propane.
I've tested with other factory dual fuel gens and had no luck changing them into tri fuel with a simple fuel swap (example propane over to NG).

6/28/2014 5:03:45 PM EDT
[#16]
That is a good deal.  I have two Champion 3500's and like them better than my Honda 4000 watt.
6/28/2014 5:07:19 PM EDT
[#17]
Quote History
Quoted:
That is a good deal.  I have two Champion 3500's and like them better than my Honda 4000 watt.
View Quote


Why is that exactly? I would have thought that the Honda would have kicked Champion's ass.
6/29/2014 3:15:12 AM EDT
[#18]
Quote History
Quoted:
That is a good deal.  I have two Champion 3500's and like them better than my Honda 4000 watt.
View Quote


Is it a true Honda generator or just a Generator with a Honda engine?
Honda did make a few not so great generators back in the day.
6/29/2014 8:24:43 AM EDT
[#19]
Thank you Rockyriver for all the info.  All of you have been very helpful.  

I am picking it up today.   Thanks !!!
6/29/2014 10:29:54 AM EDT
[#20]
Quote History
Quoted:
if I ever see one around me here in FL I would definitely be thinking hard about buying one.  Love that its set from the factory to run off both fuels.....do it!!  then do a review please
View Quote

costco in ft myers and in other locations had these on sale two weeks ago $ 525  I look hard and long, but did not have the spare cash

major regret