So first--the "why". Why did I choose this specific generator?
My requirements were:
1) Ability to recharge Battle Born batteries if shore power is not available. (I want to "boondock" at Harvest Host sites on travel days.)
2) Run generator on propane
3) Small enough for me to lift and store (not run!) in front storage compartment
4) Electric start*
5) Run bedroom air conditioner if conditions require it (hot and/or humid with no shore power)
6) Run in the rain without having to build/create a compartment
*The Champion met all but one of the conditions--it doesn't have an electric starter. It didn't make sense (to me) to buy Harbor Freight's Predator or the small Honda since I'd have to modify them to run on propane voiding the warranty. The cost of the Predator plus the mod kit would have equaled this Champion ($599) by the time I was done. The Honda is double the price before the mod kit.
It also has the ability (as many small generators also have) of running in parallel with a second unit if required. I don't envision that being required but it is nice to have the option.
For the rain requirement, Champion makes a rain shield specifically made for their line of generators. Luckily I received the shield today as sure enough it rained during initial testing!
The cover is relatively easy to install and once assembled is super easy to get on and off. The yellow cover sits on top of the flexible white arms. The black straps wrap around the extension arms to hold the cover in place. Slip off the black straps from each extension arm and the cover pops right off. Loosen the ratchet strap and the rest of the contraption comes off in seconds. Minor gripe is the storage bag for everything is extra, so I have another item to order. The storage bag should come with it cover IMO.
Not a requirement but a "darn" is the generator does not have an hour meter--I'll have to figure out how to add one.
I'll save the operational notes for my next post in this thread. It may take me a bit so if someone chimes in before I get it posted look down the thread for it.
My requirements were:
1) Ability to recharge Battle Born batteries if shore power is not available. (I want to "boondock" at Harvest Host sites on travel days.)
2) Run generator on propane
3) Small enough for me to lift and store (not run!) in front storage compartment
4) Electric start*
5) Run bedroom air conditioner if conditions require it (hot and/or humid with no shore power)
6) Run in the rain without having to build/create a compartment
*The Champion met all but one of the conditions--it doesn't have an electric starter. It didn't make sense (to me) to buy Harbor Freight's Predator or the small Honda since I'd have to modify them to run on propane voiding the warranty. The cost of the Predator plus the mod kit would have equaled this Champion ($599) by the time I was done. The Honda is double the price before the mod kit.
It also has the ability (as many small generators also have) of running in parallel with a second unit if required. I don't envision that being required but it is nice to have the option.
For the rain requirement, Champion makes a rain shield specifically made for their line of generators. Luckily I received the shield today as sure enough it rained during initial testing!
The cover is relatively easy to install and once assembled is super easy to get on and off. The yellow cover sits on top of the flexible white arms. The black straps wrap around the extension arms to hold the cover in place. Slip off the black straps from each extension arm and the cover pops right off. Loosen the ratchet strap and the rest of the contraption comes off in seconds. Minor gripe is the storage bag for everything is extra, so I have another item to order. The storage bag should come with it cover IMO.
Not a requirement but a "darn" is the generator does not have an hour meter--I'll have to figure out how to add one.
I'll save the operational notes for my next post in this thread. It may take me a bit so if someone chimes in before I get it posted look down the thread for it.
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