Predator or Champion?

[BarracudaBob]

Florida Hurricane Insurance Update: Claim Denials Surpass 50,000

They would never do that... DIYSF would be used against you too.

 

[Brucey]

Florida Hurricane Insurance Update: Claim Denials Surpass 50,000

They would never do that... DIYSF would be used against you too.

It seems that very soon parts of Florida will simply be uninsurable unless the Feds startup some group plan.

 

[BarracudaBob]

It seems that very soon parts of Florida will simply be uninsurable unless the Feds startup some group plan.

The state already has a plan but trying to get independent comanies back into the state. That was before 2024 hurricane season. Many residence only have fire and libility. Dropping flood and wind blow rain. This is a cycle we had back in 2004. Then it was quiet for 10+ years. Another one one the way. I am going to test my generator on a chargeverter. I haven't done that yet.

I have had 3 predators and kept upgrading them. I would really like the 13K but now looking at Champion as well. I do my own work so to me is parts availability. Never had to order from Harbor Freight so not sure how that goes. Is it safe to say Champion has local service centers that I can go to to buy/order parts?

 

[Bluedog225]

Yep. It’s all about parts.

Harbor freight orders are either OK, or miserable. Tending towards miserable for older stuff.

 

[windsurfer]

Are there any preferred vendors for champion portable dual fuel inverter generators?

 

[BarracudaBob]

Are there any preferred vendors for champion portable dual fuel inverter generators?

The lowest price you can get delivered to your house?

 

[Chispas]

Ive been looking at Kohler, which seem to have a good rep generally & come in at a price neatly between Honda & Honda engined Spanish made gennies. Im looking at 3 to 4 Kva, 9 to 11 HP engine. Has anyone got one of those smaller open framed, Kohlers ? They do a tri fuel kit, at least in the USA.

 

[sunshine_eggo]

FWIW, the Westinghouse worked great this weekend. Ran it on gas because I already had some there. Frequency was a bit more stable (60-62Hz) than the Predator (58-62Hz).

Brought the Predator back to put up for sale.

 

[Koyaanisqatsi]

I just picked up a used Honda EU7000is from a local guy. Wow. I may never be able to use a non-inverter generator after having this thing, which sucks because inverter gens are not cheap. Clean 120/240V 60Hz power at any load or condition. The engine runs at whatever RPM is enough to provide the necessary power. And with the ECO mode, it slows the RPMs and sips fuel. But even in ECO mode, I could switch the A/Cs in my trailer (120V/25A) on and off without any issues.

Ironically, the inverter is a useless feature when using something like the EG4 chargeverter to charge batteries, which is why I bought it. But it will work a lot better with the gen input of a hybrid inverter if I go that route.

 

[Dagoth Ur Does Solar]

I just picked up a used Honda EU7000is from a local guy. Wow. I may never be able to use a non-inverter generator after having this thing, which sucks because inverter gens are not cheap. Clean 120/240V 60Hz power at any load or condition. The engine runs at whatever RPM is enough to provide the necessary power. And with the ECO mode, it slows the RPMs and sips fuel. But even in ECO mode, I could switch the A/Cs in my trailer (120V/25A) on and off without any issues.

Ironically, the inverter is a useless feature when using something like the EG4 chargeverter to charge batteries, which is why I bought it. But it will work a lot better with the gen input of a hybrid inverter if I go that route.

Well, Honda inverter generators aren't cheap.

If you are like many of us who are okay with buying Chinese clones, the smaller ones are often not that much more than a non-inverter open frame generator.

I have an old Predator 1800 non-inverter generator, I'll probably try to sell it at some point and replace it with a cheap, small, enclosed, inverter unit. Those little ones can be so dang quiet. It would just be a backup to my Champion.

 

[MattMan119]

I just picked up a used Honda EU7000is from a local guy. Wow. I may never be able to use a non-inverter generator after having this thing, which sucks because inverter gens are not cheap. Clean 120/240V 60Hz power at any load or condition. The engine runs at whatever RPM is enough to provide the necessary power. And with the ECO mode, it slows the RPMs and sips fuel. But even in ECO mode, I could switch the A/Cs in my trailer (120V/25A) on and off without any issues.

Ironically, the inverter is a useless feature when using something like the EG4 chargeverter to charge batteries, which is why I bought it. But it will work a lot better with the gen input of a hybrid inverter if I go that route.

Yeah I have the 9500 Predator inverter generator .. works great ..

 

[12VoltInstalls]

Is it safe to say Champion has local service centers that I can go to to buy/order parts?

I did too much research before I bought the champion LOL
But when I called they said they have nearly every part in stock going back 20+ years, said they were totally supportive of diy maintenance and repairs. I can’t remember if they said CA or NV has a warehouse of service parts.

Harbor freight orders are either OK, or miserable. Tending towards miserable for older stuff

I got a three year extension service plan on the champion for like $75. Predator was just two years total for $200 or $250.
I actually had bought a predator 3kW ($900ish) but returned it and bought the 6250 Champion (?$600ish?) because of five years of security. I figured if it lasted three years it would go 20years with maybe some service parts. But having a couple of orphan HF power tools and even a new US General toolbox where parts were not available the Champion won me over. The $300 less just made the decision easier.

Are there any preferred vendors for champion portable dual fuel inverter generators?

I bought mine under a manufacturer “sale” on Amazon for ~$600 and got the service plan extension. Amazon in the past- even with a Walker exhaust system situation- has performed very well as far as warranty assistance going back 20? years so I feel confident.

the inverter is a useless feature when using something like the EG4 chargeverter to charge batteries

Explain that? Curious, not combative: the Champion inverter works great with my MPP AIO so I’m genuinely confused.

 

[Dagoth Ur Does Solar]

Ironically, the inverter is a useless feature when using something like the EG4 chargeverter to charge batteries

Explain that? Curious, not combative: the Champion inverter works great with my MPP AIO so I’m genuinely confused.

I guess if the only thing you have the generator for is using it to charge batteries with a Chargeverter, having an inverter doesn't matter. Isn't the Chargeverter's whole thing that it can handle really dirty power input from traditional generators and still charge your batteries?

 

[Koyaanisqatsi]

I guess if the only thing you have the generator for is using it to charge batteries with a Chargeverter, having an inverter doesn't matter. Isn't the Chargeverter's whole thing that it can handle really dirty power input from traditional generators and still charge your batteries?

Yep. That's exactly it. Chargerverter can handle dirty power from the cheapest generators.

 

[Koyaanisqatsi]

But the "gen" input in an AiO unit needs a good clean input so it can sync to the sine wave. If you're feeding an AiO from a gen, you really need an inverter gen for that.

 

[Chispas]

But the "gen" input in an AiO unit needs a good clean input so it can sync to the sine wave. If you're feeding an AiO from a gen, you really need an inverter gen for that.

I don’t think that’s the case with Victron chargverters?

 

[sunshine_eggo]

I don’t think that’s the case with Victron chargverters?

The chargeverter is an EG4 product.

Victron inverter/chargers are very tolerant of dirty generator power, and they have additional settings to enable accepting truly atrocious generator power at a 20% performance penalty.

 

[42OhmsPA]

But the "gen" input in an AiO unit needs a good clean input so it can sync to the sine wave. If you're feeding an AiO from a gen, you really need an inverter gen for that.

Dependent on the AIO.
My TP6048 (Voltronic clone) accepted power from my 5500W Generac once I added a space heater to load it and stabilize the gen.
My SRNE ASF had no issues with the Generac, it accepted the power unloaded. I didn't test the parallel ASPs because I bought a DC rectifier (diy chargeverter) to charge from the gen.

 

[repono]

Are there any preferred vendors for champion portable dual fuel inverter generators?

Sort of? There are models which seem unique to certain sellers. For example on Amazon you can find the dual fuel 4500 but not the 4650. The 4650 is sold at Lowes and I think Home Depot. It may just be a marketing ploy, but I went with Lowe's vs. Amazon for the extra 150 Watts.

 

[repono]

The state already has a plan but trying to get independent comanies back into the state. That was before 2024 hurricane season. Many residence only have fire and libility. Dropping flood and wind blow rain. This is a cycle we had back in 2004. Then it was quiet for 10+ years. Another one one the way. I am going to test my generator on a chargeverter. I haven't done that yet.

I have had 3 predators and kept upgrading them. I would really like the 13K but now looking at Champion as well. I do my own work so to me is parts availability. Never had to order from Harbor Freight so not sure how that goes. Is it safe to say Champion has local service centers that I can go to to buy/order parts?

In Houston, Texas Champion uses Northern Tool as their service center. I had a warranty issue with a 4650 dual fuel. Fortunately Champion shipped the part to me vs. requiring 4 to 6 weeks at Northern tool for 'testing.'

 

[repono]

I wish gasoline lasted longer. It is slightly easier to get and my genny only runs on gasoline (maybe i should spend the $100 for the propane kit if i can figure out which one).

I switched from gasoline to propane and never looking back! No more carburetor issues, fuel storage issues, transport, spillage, smell etc.

 

[seneysolar]

Are there any preferred vendors for champion portable dual fuel inverter generators?

Supergenproducts.com
Has some good deals on refurbished units,
Also,
Factorypure.com

Not affiliated with either, i have purchased from factorypure before, bought a refurbished champion, must have been a return because it showed up brand new.

 

[Wily]

I have a 9500 Predator inverter generator. do I need a chargverter with that?

 

[MattMan119]

I have a 9500 Predator inverter generator. do I need a chargverter with that?

You should not, it is clean enough to work perfectly..

I have not tried it but would have no problem knowing the 9500 well enough .. that is why i got it was for its clean power.

 

[Dagoth Ur Does Solar]

I have a 9500 Predator inverter generator. do I need a chargverter with that?

Not likely, inverter generators tend to produce power with low enough THD that it's not a problem.