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Champion 3800 Dual Fuel at a Glance
When selecting a generator, whether it is for home backup or to power the RV, requires some in-depth research and consideration. You must choose the right one which can supply enough power to run all the decided appliances when the power outage hits.
There are many things you will need to take into account before you make a purchase. This article is dedicated to the Champion 3800 Dual Fuel generator, and it includes a discussion on important features and few other things, including its pros and cons.
This generator’s versatility and ability to power a moderate number of appliances make it a solid choice as a backup generator for small to medium houses. If you look up the Champion brand, then you will encounter more than dozens of portable generators in the market.
The reason behind that is the quality and sturdiness of their generators, and this one is no different. It is strong equipment from a reputed brand.
Champion 76533 can run either on gasoline or on propane. This dual-fuel capability comes in very handy during extended power outages as stored propane can be used when gasoline becomes unavailable. Moreover, the selection of fuel is fairly simple, and you can easily toggle between the fuel.
Other than that, it will always be ready to power your house on short notice. Moreover, you won’t have to worry about the safety of the generator or your appliances as it is equipped with many safety features.
How Much Power Does It supply?
This unit boasts a 224cc powerful dual-fuel engine, which is at the center of the system and produces considerable starting and running watts, even in the harshest weather conditions. Dual fuel generators are more powerful than solar power stations, but they are not as powerful as standalone gasoline generators. But, the dual-fuel capability provides reliability and flexibility.
Champion 3800 Dual fuel generator is available at a reasonable price point. When it runs on gasoline, it provides 3800 running watts and 4750 starting watts. Whereas on propane, the running watts will be 3420, and starting watts will be 4275. So no matter which fuel you use, the power it provides can run appliances of your RV and the essentials of your household.
Using this generator, you can power lights, refrigerators, routers, furnace blowers, fans, and many more things. It can also power a 15,000 BTU AC unit without any problems.
Features
Champion 3800 comes with many important and convenient features. There are also few safety features as well to ensure the maximum protection of the generator, appliances, and person.
Starting Methods
This unit is equipped with an electric and manual recoil starting mechanism. The inclusion of an electric start makes the starting effortless. On the other hand, if the electric start malfunctions, the generator can be started with the recoil starter.
The electric start works on the battery, which means the battery should have enough charge to perform the starting function. If the generator had sat ideal for a long time, then the battery would need to be recharged.
Also, when starting the generator for the first time, the electric start might not function if the battery is not charged. The battery gets charged as the generator runs.
Noise Level
The generator is not that quiet, or for that matter, not that loud; it produces a moderate noise level. The noise measured from a 23 feet distance is 68 dB. This level might not be accepted at certain parks, but it creates no issue when powering your home as it will be placed away from your home.
The noise keeps reducing as the distance increases from the point of use. This means you can place it at a little more distance, and the noise level will decrease a bit.
Portability
The provision of tires and a fold-down handle makes the generator more portable despite its 122 lb weight. The tires used are airless and made out of rubber, which means you won’t have to worry about a flat tire. Moreover, it will free you from the periodic hassle of refilling the tires.
With the help of a handle on the front, this unit can be transported anywhere you like. When it gets situated at a desired place, the handle can be folded down. It also saves space; when you store the generator with a folded handle, it will take less space. So, this generator can be stored in compact places as well.
Cold Start Technology
It is not an easy task to start the generator in cold weather. Champion 3800 comes with the cold start technology; now, no matter how cold the winter is, the generator will start very conveniently without any muscle power requirement, which is generally the case when starting with a recoil starter.
Fuel Consumption
Propane is more efficient than gasoline, which means propane provides more runtime than gasoline. When it runs on gasoline, you can expect it to run for anywhere between 6 to 9 hours, and this will depend on how much power is drawn out from outlets. It has a 3.4 gallons gasoline tank; the maximum 9 hours of runtime with that much fuel is a good score.
When you use a 20 lb propane tank, the generator will run for about 10.5 hours at a 50% load. Also, the exhaust will be clean, and the noise level will reduce considerably on propane.
Control Panel
The control panel on the units is simple and easy to use. All the outlets and switches are neatly organized and properly labeled, so you don’t get confused.
On the bottom left of the generator, it has a grounding pin; from there you can connect the generator to the ground rod to ensure the safety of a person and appliances if there is an electrical leakage.
There is also a battery switch and electric start switch for easy starting. Other than that, it has one 120 V 30A RV outlet, and you can directly connect a power cord from your RV to this generator. It makes it more convenient as you won’t need any adapter to make a connection. It also has one 30 A locking outlet and two 120 V standard outlets.
These outlets are safe to use as they each have their own circuit breakers. Moreover, your appliances are safe from any kind of surges, thanks to the built-in VoltGuard protection.
You can keep an eye on important parameters like voltage, runtime, and frequency through a digital display. It is simply known as Intelligauge.
Safety Features
Champion doesn’t take the safety consideration lightly. The unit is packed with multiple safety features to keep the user and appliances safe.
Most of the time, the internal moving parts get damaged due to low oil levels. To avoid damage, the generator is equipped with a low oil level shutoff mechanism. When the oil level falls below a certain level, the generator will turn itself off. It will protect the engine.
Power surges in a generator are a common occurrence, and if it has a higher magnitude, then it can damage the connected appliances. To prevent damage to appliances due to the surges, it has built-in VoltGuard protection. It will smoothen out the surges and will keep the electronics safe.
The generator also has overcharge, over-voltage, and over-current protection.
What Are the Downsides of Champion 3800 Dual Fuel?
The generator is portable, but it is not that lightweight. It weighs 122 lb. It can be transported from one place to another easily, but when it needs to be lifted to place inside the car, you will need help from a friend.
Other than that, the generator is quiet but not that much. The noise might be a problem for some. So make sure that you are comfortable with the noise level.
Who is This Product For?
This powerful and robust generator can be the best choice for many buyers. It doesn’t lack safety and has a versatile control panel.
This is a very good choice as a home backup solution for small to medium houses. For large houses, it will power only a few appliances. When the outage hits, this generator will keep running your essentials.
You can use this to power your tools when working on a DIY project where there is no outlet available. Moreover, you can use it to power your tools at a job site where there is no access to electricity.
It is RV-ready, which means that this is a solid way to power appliances of your RV. You can also take it for camping or tailgating. Other than that, this unit will be a good fit for someone whose business is outdoor, like a food truck.
Conclusion
Champion 3800 can easily fulfill your portable power needs whether you need power at the campsite or the job site. It is powerful, reliable, and robust. This generator is built to last.
When the electricity goes out, it will power the essentials of your house. It will power lights, and it will keep the fridge running so your food won’t spoil. This is one of the popular generators from the champion and is worth every penny.
