All generators are an equivalent. In reality, some generators stand out for having some unique features, like electric start, RV outlets, USB adapters. Check out a number of the essential features of Champion 3400 generator, then read on for a few of the more standout features it offers:
- Fuel: dual – gasoline or liquid propane gas
- Engine: 192cc Champion single-cylinder OHV engine
- Starting Watts: 3400
- Running Watts: 3100
- Estimated Run Time @ 500W: 11h half-hour
- Inverter: yes, clean energy wave with but 3% THD
- Outlets: 120V 30A RV, two 120V 20A, 12V DC outlet with dual USB adapter
- Noise Level: ultra-quiet, only 59 dBA
- Parallel-Ready: yes, with this parallel kit
Electric Start
For us, single-use is a crucial thing about a generator. Most generators have a recoil starter with a pull cable. This does have one among those, but it also has an electrical start option.
This is super convenient and straightforward to use. Unfortunately, this one doesn’t accompany a remote starter just like the Champion 75537i generator, but the electrical start is basically secure and reliable (and is the slight well worth the price difference for you?).
Other ease-of-use features this generator has going for it are the low-oil auto-shutoff feature, and therefore the sturdy wheels with handle for straightforward transport.
RV-Ready Out of the Box
A portable generator is often the RV enthusiast’s ally, but not all generators are an exact fit.
This generator is fully RV-ready and excellent for the work. Additionally, to have a particular RV outlet, it’s powerful enough to run most 15,000 BTU RV air conditioning (check my post about central AC too).
It’s also parallel-ready. Once you use this optional Champion Parallel Kit to attach this generator to a different Champion generator that has a minimum of 2800 watts, you get a 50A RV outlet.
This would allow you to run two 15,000 BTU RV air conditioners. Finally, this is often a perfect RV generator because it’s relatively easy to move. It’s a touch heavy at nearly 100 pounds, but its size, wheels, and handle makes it easy to move and tuck in.
Noise Level: How Loud is Champion 3400?
For a generator this powerful, it’s pretty unusual to ascertain operation this quiet (here is my test & comparison for the most silent generators.
At only 59 dBA, you’ll still be ready to have conversations when it’s running efficiently.
This makes it great for activities where you’re around people nearby, like tailgating and camping. You don’t need to worry about annoying your neighbors due to your noisy generator!
The background level will fluctuate a touch, counting on the type of load you’re running. At a better weight, it’ll be louder. It’ll be at its quietest when running a quarter-load and using Economy Mode. This smart throttle automatically adjusts the engine to spice up fuel economy, extend the lifetime of the generator, and reduce the noise.
Gas Consumption & Capacity
The 1.6-gallon fuel tank is often crammed with standard gasoline. The relatively high degree of fuel efficiency means gas consumption is going to be reasonable. On a full tank of gas, you’ll expect a total run time of up to 11 Hours half-hour at a 500W load (my estimate). We wish that the gasoline tank held a touch more personally, especially for a generator of this size and output capacity. The fuel efficiency helps, but you are still needing to refuel a touch more often than I’d prefer.
Because this is often a dual fuel generator, you furthermore may have the choice of using liquid propane gas as fuel. A 2.3-foot hose is included that you can attach to a 20-pound propane tank. When using propane as your fuel source, you’ll get away with a longer run time. You can expect a total run time of up to 14.5 hours on a full tank of propane. The oil tank holds 0.6-quarts of oil, and therefore the recommended oil type is 10W-30.
Service, Manual & Warranty of Champion 3400
One of the simplest things about this generator is the 3-year limited warranty with free lifetime technical support. If you ever have any quiet problems with the generator, even after your warranty has expired, the friendly and professional experts can assist you in finding an answer. They’re known for excellent customer service. It’s vital that you follow all of the manufacturer’s recommendations for regular maintenance, as laid call at the manual.
If you fail to try to do so or if you are trying to finish repairs yourself, the warranty will become void. Luckily, the upkeep is pretty straightforward, and therefore the instructions are laid out quite clearly within the manual. If you’ve got a drag, it’s a realistic idea first to try troubleshooting as laid out in the manual. If that doesn’t help, then you ought to call Champion Power Equipment’s customer service number and that they will direct you on what to try. They will presumably connect you with a professional repair-person near you.
Online Customer Reviews & Ratings
This is one among the simplest reviewed champion portable generators you’ll find.
As of this writing, Amazon reviewers have given it a 4.4-star average with nearly 80 percent of these reviews being perfect 5-stars (click here to read buyer reviews on Amazon).
One buyer describes this Champion generator as offering an equivalent quality of the favoured Honda generators but at a way lower price.
Several reviewers praised the generator for being surprisingly quiet. Others call it easy to use.
A handful of buyers describe having problems with the generator overloading or not working as described, but these reports are an exception to the general glowing praise.
On YouTube, Rockin RPC (video above) reviews the generator very positively, describing it as particularly adept at RV-use.
Potential Problems & Known Issues
One thing to remember with this generator is that if you only leave it sitting around and rarely use it, the battery might affect it. You’ll get to charge the battery every now then if you would like the generator to urge you through an emergency power loss situation.
The only other known issues with this generator are similar potential issues you’ll see with any generator. By and enormous, these problems can all be solved with some pretty essential maintenance. If you’ve got things to happen just like the generator not starting or failing to power all of your devices, only undergo the troubleshooting steps listed within the manual.
More often than not, something simple like cleaning the air cleaner or sparking plug will solve the matter.
Final Words & Our Opinion about Champion 3400: do you have to Buy it?
The Champion 3400 Watts Generator is an especially good option if you would like a respectable amount of power, but you furthermore may want to be as quiet as possible. During this very review, the Champion generator surprised us, exceptionally quiet it is, especially for its size and power. It’s also great for straightforward transport. It’s pretty heavy at nearly 100 pounds, but it’s nice wheels and a handle. The dimensions are additionally pretty ideal for sliding into a floor, even with a truck cover on
You get tons of features with this generator, just like the dual-fuel capability (option to use either gasoline or propane). If you would like a generator that’s easy to use and user-friendly, you actually can’t fail with this Champion model.