Dual Fuels run on propane or gasoline, giving you the flexibility to run off your LPG bottle. And on propane, the engine will run for up to 10.5 hours. The 224cc engine is air-cooled with an electric battery-powered starter, no more fighting a cold recoil starting in the morning.
The champion 3800 watts is impressive, and that increases to 4750 watts with overload protection. There should not be an issue, even with everything plugged in. The inverter makes 120 volts through a VoltGuard surge protector.
Large tires mounted to the steel frame help with the weight, but you would need a strong hand to get it in and out of an RV. And this will increase dramatically when its 3.4-gallon fuel tank is full, and the engine oil is topped up.
There are two standard appliance sockets rated for 20 amps and an L5 lockable socket rated for 30 amps. The panel also has a 30-amp TT socket and grounding bolt to safely connect your RV.
All these sockets have molded socket protectors to prevent dirt from entering when unused. And an Intelligauge display shows the voltage, hertz, and runtime of the engine.
- Dual Fuel: Operate your 3800-watt portable generator right out of the box on either gasoline or propane, plus...
- Electric Start: Power up the 224cc Champion engine with the handy toggle switch, battery included
- Intelligauge: Keep track of voltage, hertz and run-time hours to easily monitor power output and track...
- Outlets: One 120V 30A RV outlet (TT-30R), one 120V 30A locking outlet (L5-30R) and two 120V 20A household...
- Champion Support: Includes 3-year limited warranty with FREE lifetime technical support from dedicated experts
Last update on 2024-10-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Contents
How does it compare?
Let us take a look at some other Champion Generators to see how it compares. Maybe you don’t need a dual fuel generator? Maybe you need an electric start via remote control? All these factors need to be taken into consideration before purchasing a new generator.
Last update on 2024-10-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Run time
The least run time you can expect from a generator of this magnitude is about 6 to 9 hours. The run time is subject to factors such as the gas tank size and the fuel source. Working a 9 to 5 shift in a place with shifty electric supply?
This Champion generator will give a decent 9-hour run time on a full tank of gas. And with its 3.4-gallon gas tank, 9 hours is a great score. Propane might give you a different time, about 10.5 hours. The run time on this generator is pegged on the fact that you will be running the genny at a 50% load.
Size & Weight
This generator stands at 26.3″ L, 24.8″ W by 22.9″ H. It is imposing yet compact for its power category. The size and design make it stable and sturdy. It sits high enough to not be distracting but it is still noticeable even from a distance. The size is complemented by its 122lbs weight.
You won’t carry this unit around easily but you can use the wheels on it. One of the main disadvantages of its bulk is that it does not have handlebars. They would be helpful in situations where you need to move the generator around using the least effort.
Outlets and Features
The Champion 3800 has 4 outlets. It comes RV-ready thanks to the 120V 30A RV (TT-30R) outlet. The 120V 30A locking outlet (L5-30R) means you can plug the generator into the house mains and run it from there. The two 120V 20A household outlets (5-20R) make the generator a complete unit fit for home use.
Other features that accompany these outlets are the fuel selector switch that allows you to seamlessly transition from gasoline to LPG. This is either to save you money or fuel. Either way, the long-term cost savings of the feature will be substantial.
The outlets also feature other protections such as Intelligauge that help you keep an eye on the output and schedule much-needed service.
✅ What we liked
- Electric Start. No more struggling with a recoil cord.
- Simple. Designed to run RVs, so it does not have a panel full of sockets.
- Sturdy steel frame with wheels.
- RV Ready
- Powerful, yet not too loud
- Good warranty
- Easy to service
- Long run time
❌ What we didn’t like
- Noise. A large engine will always make noise, using propane as the fuel will help.
- Wheels are solid, so they may struggle over soft surfaces such as sand.
Quick Facts:
- Starting 4750W — Continuous 3800W
- Fuel Type: Dual Fuel (gas or propane)
- Capacity: 3.4 gals.
- Tank Run-Time @ 25% Load: 9 hrs. On gas 10.5 hrs. On propane.
- Noise Level @ 25% Load: 68 dB.
- Weight: 122 lb. (55.34 kg).
- Warranty: 3 Years
Servicing and Warranty
Regular maintenance checks will make sure your generator serves you for a long time. Fortunately, Champion stands behind its product. And it does this by extending the courtesy of free lifetime support from its top technicians. You are entitled to a 3-year warranty that will cover defects.
However, if support is hard to reach, just make sure you have the generator inspected once every year or after every 3 months. You have the freedom to check the mechanical health of your generator as often as you would like.
Fuel and tank size
Dual-fuel generators are highly preferred for their quick ability to switch from gasoline to propane. The Champion comes with a 3.4-gallon gas tank. The gasoline tank is one of the fuel sources that if full, will power the generator for up to 9 hours.
However, this generator gives you options. You can either use gasoline or use liquid pressurized gas. You use the ordinary propane gas bottle to power this machine. A normal propane gas bottle is about 20 liters when full. This will give you enough power for up to 10.5 hours if you’re only running the generator at 50% load.
Where to buy?
We have seen this generator in many local hardware stores but we seem to find the best prices online whenever we searched for the latest price.
Below is a link to Amazon which will take you to the best and lowest prices we could find.
- Dual Fuel: Operate your 3800-watt portable generator right out of the box on either gasoline or propane, plus...
- Electric Start: Power up the 224cc Champion engine with the handy toggle switch, battery included
- Intelligauge: Keep track of voltage, hertz and run-time hours to easily monitor power output and track...
- Outlets: One 120V 30A RV outlet (TT-30R), one 120V 30A locking outlet (L5-30R) and two 120V 20A household...
- Champion Support: Includes 3-year limited warranty with FREE lifetime technical support from dedicated experts
Last update on 2024-10-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Final Thoughts
The Champion 3800 is a high power generator that will go a long way in keeping you powered up. It has a decent run time, it can use two fuel sources and it has multiple protections that ensure your equipment stays safe. While it’s not the most portable generator out there, it still performs above average. Take it out in your RV and stay connected.
