If you own an RV or go camping a lot, a portable generator is worth considering. Generators are useful to own for several different reasons.
If you plan on being off-grid for any time, having your own power will give you freedom and independence.
A generator also offers peace of mind as a backup power supply.
Generators come in all shapes and sizes with many different feature sets. It can be a tough task whittling them down to decide which one to purchase.
To make this job a little easier, we reviewed four premium generators from one company, Champion.
We present the case for buying Champion and specifications for each generator so you can easily compare the differences. If you are not sure what size generator you need for your RV or want to learn more you can refer to this complete generator guide.
Champion Company Background
Champion Power Equipment is one of the world-leading brands when it comes to power equipment. They are known for making durable and powerful products.
Champion is an American company, headquartered in Santa Fe Springs, California. Founded in 2003, they have sold over 2.5 million generators in North America alone.
They manufacture several different types of generators, from inverter generators to portable generators. In addition, they also sell a wide variety of power tools, such as log splitters, and winches.
Champion takes pride on the quality and effectiveness of their products. And their customer service is top notch.
Champion 4000 Watt Generator Reviews – Comparison Table
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Champion 4000 Watt Generator – Reviews
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This is one of the most popular Champion generators. It is an open frame model that runs at a quiet 64dBA.
DH stands for Digital Hybrid. It is an inverter generator which means the engine gets throttled up and down electronically to meet consumption. Inverters have several advantages.
They are more quiet than standard generators, produce fewer emissions, and the added efficiency means you won’t have to add gas as often.
The design is simple featuring the typical Champion black and yellow, a clear control panel and a manual starter.
Overall dimensions are 20.5 x 17.9 x 17.7 inches. While it is a fair size, it will still be easy to store in your RV when not in use.
In terms of its weight, it is 81.6 pounds, fairly heavy, but 20% lighter than other Champion inverters. This model does not come with wheels which does make transportation a little cumbersome.
You can purchase a wheel kit to make transportation easier, but this is an additional cost.
The engine displacement is 224 cubic centimeters and it runs on gasoline. What is great about this model is that it is 50% quieter (64dBA) than many of Champion’s 3500 watt generators.
The energy mode also allows you to save fuel and energy and extends the engine life. Overall run time for the engine is 17 hours.
The engine comes with a 3-year limited warranty, and a free lifetime dedicated technical support.
Parallel ready. If you purchase the optional ParaLINK Parallel Kit, you can increase your power output by connecting one or two additional 2800-watt (or higher) inverters.
It produces clean power and has the following outlets:
1 x 120V 30A
2 x 120V 20A
1 x 12V DC outlet with dual USB adapter
In terms of price, it is reasonable, and this generator is RV ready.
- inverter technology for efficiency
- quiet technology
- 3-year warranty and free lifetime technical support
- energy and fuel-saving mode
- RV Ready
- Parallel ready
- relatively heavy and the wheel kit will need to be purchased separately
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This generator is also open frame and very similar to the first model with a few additional features. It is a digital hybrid inverter.
Overall dimensions are 23.5 x 24.8 x 20.5 inches. While it is slightly larger than the first generator, this is because the wheel kit is included.
In terms of its weight, this is 96.8 pounds, so it is heavier, but the wheel kit makes transportation easier.
A handy addition to this generator is that it comes with a wireless remote key fob. Imagine, the wireless starter allows you to turn on the generator from the comfort of your RV.
The remote has a hefty range, working up to 80 feet away. (Of course, you can always turn the generator off and on manually.)
The engine displacement is 224cc, and it runs on gasoline. The generator is 50% quieter (64dBA) than a standard Champion inverter.
Dual USB adapter, and battery charging cables are included.
This Champion generator has an extended run time of 17 hours, and is RV and parallel ready. It comes with a 3-year limited warranty and free lifetime dedicated support.
There is an economy mode to save energy and fuel too. The charging points on this generator include:
1 x 120V 30A RV
2 x two 120V 20A
1 x a 12V DC automotive-style outlet
- Comes with a dual USB adapter and battery charging cables
- The wheel kit is included
- Wireless remote key fob
- Quite a heavy generator
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This Champion Generator has an Advanced Digital Hybrid Design. It is a little more expensive than the first two generators, but still reasonable for what is offered.
Overall dimensions are 20.5 x 18.3 x 18.9 inches. This is average size when compared to Champion’s other 4000 watt generators.
This inverter weighs a total of 82.2 pounds. So medium weight, and once again, the wheel kit is an additional upgrade.
It is small enough to be stored in your RV when it is not in use, however.
What is great about this generator is that it is dual-fueled. It can run on both propane and gasoline. The engine is 224cc and has an Economy mode to save your fuel.
This generator has a shorter overall run time of approximately 14.5 hours, but can be extended on economy mode.
It is 50% quieter than the standard Champion models.
It is parallel and RV ready and comes with a 3-year limited warranty and free lifetime technical support. Here are the outlets that come with this inverter:
1 x 120V 30A RV
2 x 120V 20A
1 x 12V DC outlet with dual USB adapter
- Advanced Digital Hybrid Design
- Dual Fueled (propane and gas)
- DC outlet comes with a dual USB charger
- Shorter run time of 14.5 hours
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The final Champion Open Frame Generator we are going to review is the 100397. This is the most expensive generator on the list and does look a little different in its design.
Overall dimensions are 22.8 x 24.8 x 26.3 inches. It is the second-largest generator that we have included.
This one weighs in with an overall weight of 123.9 pounds. This is the heaviest generator on this list.
While it comes with a wheel kit for easy transportation, lifting this generator in and out of your RV storage may be difficult.
What is great about this model is that it is dual-fueled and you can use both gasoline and propane for the engine.
The engine capacity is 3.4 gallons. The engine size is 224cc and only has a run time of 10.5 hours, which is not as high as the other generators we have featured.
It is powerful and has a built-in surge protector to stop the generator from overloading. It has an electric start and comes with 3 years limited warranty.
You also receive lifetime technical support too.
The generator comes with the following electrical outlets:
1 x 120V 30A locking
1 x 120V 30A RV
2 x 120V 20A
- dual-fueled
- Comes with a wheel kit
- 3 years limited warranty
- electric start
- Heavier than the other generators included in this article
- low run time
- more expensive
Summary
We think that Champion is a solid brand offering top quality equipment.
Their line of premium Champion 4000 watt generators offers a wide variety of features and combinations including:
- wireless start
- dual fuel
- inverter
- portable
- Parallel ready
- RV ready
- economy mode
They all operate at a very quiet 64dBA which makes them great for campsites, tailgates, and overnight use.
They are fairly priced, backed up by good customer service and come with a three-year warranty should anything go wrong. The Champion website has a great tool you can use to find the right generator.
FAQ
What is the difference between an inverter generator and a standard generators?
In terms of power generators, inverters are better. They are quieter, smaller, lighter, and more efficient than regular generators.
Standard generators spin at a constant RPM. Inverters use technology to regulate power by what is needed. This allows them to conserve energy, run quieter, and produce lower emissions.
What does it mean to run RV/camping generators in parallel?
Running in parallel means you can connect two or more generators for more power. Most manufacturers sell a parallel kit that makes it easy to connect two generators.
Here is the Champion parallel kit.
