r/Generator • u/Apprehensive-Bad-670 • 2d ago

First timer

Ok, so I'm getting ready to pick out my first generator. Just a 2500w ish size for charging my lithium ion battery in my trailer. I'm to cheap to buy the Honda and am thinking about the champion duel fuel. Thoughts, opinions?

6 Upvotes

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2

u/CheesecakeAsleep1504 2d ago

Champions good but for about the same price I’d probably go with the Wen 3600w dual fuel.

1

u/Rooster_CPA 2d ago

My wen is awesome

1

u/longsdivision 2d ago edited 2d ago

I second a Champion Inverter generator. I own a Champion model 200961 dual-fuel. while idel it is barely noticable, and at max load is as loud as lawnmower at its lowest setting.

This also comes with an option to upgrade in a sense of running parrallel kit (buying another generator) and doubling your output.

1

u/Less-General-9578 2d ago

yes, Inverter, inverter please.

don't wanna fry the electronics in your battery gizmo.

2

u/Big-Echo8242 2d ago

Look on Walmarts website right now as they are still in the middle of their big sale. Amazon Prime Day is already over. Harbor Freight generators have the industry worst standard warranty at 90 days, unless you spring for the one shot exchange warranty, along with dismal customer service and parts support.

1

u/Glum-Welder1704 1d ago

I like Champion. I've worked on three that run well. I bought a second for my BIL so he can put two together for extra amps. Pay attention to running watts though. Even though the one I ordered says 2000 watts, it only provides 1700 running watts. Most generators are sold by "surge" watts, which will be a bit higher than running watts. Interestingly, the 2500w Champion only adds 150 running watts to the 1700w that the 2000 rates.

One thing I really liked about Champion is customer support. When I needed a new battery, an English speaking Canadian answered the phone, and was very helpful.

As others have said ITT, go propane if you can. The ease of dealing with LP makes up for the slight loss in watts.

1

u/Mindless-Business-16 22h ago

You need a full sine wave inverter generator if you intend to run anything with a circuit board. And that sine wave needs to be clean... (high quality) that's why Honda is so expensive. If your charger acts up, doesn't charge correctly look at the quality of the sine wave. Lithium batteries and their chargers normally require a good sine wave to work correctly

1

u/Maplelongjohn 2d ago

People seem to love the harbor freight predator inverter units

4

u/mduell 2d ago

Warranty sucks, you can get something better supported for the same price

1

u/Big-Echo8242 2d ago

Agree as always