Champion 3500 + Propane + 15K A/C

[TheLexx]

Attachment 27946
Hoping this file will attach. Here is a document that micro air wrote the day i asked the question.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

The doc works. Thank you. It looks like the two ac units draw too many amps. I guess it's best instead to perform the foam box mod to increase the flow out of the vents.

[Cahriad]

FWIW, I have never been able to start my Coleman Mach 15 on the Champion 3500 propane even with everything shut off, including the converter. SoftstartRV solved that problem

[geotex1]

Thanks for the info everyone!


Actually what I'm seeing on the Champion web site is they are indeed a little bit different:
Attachment 27945


Is that an add-on part that Champion sells? Got a link?

I like the size and the ability to use propane. We had a class A a while back and rarely used the generator, but sure was nice to have when we needed it. The AC was primary concern if we end up needing it for that. I know a soft start would help, just preferred not to bother with that yet if I don't need it.

Thanks!

The are EXACTLY the same unit. They have to be differently rated because of the exclusive supply contract. I have the same with my manufacturing, but I definitely know this for fact as I just happen to have an inside source.

Moreover, I have TWO of these and a parallel kit. One will handle the A/C no problem at all even on propane. You will, however, need to be conscious of what else is drawing while on propane - fridge, batteries charging, etc. One unit definitely will not start both A/Cs, even with soft starts, and even if staggered starts while on propane.

Aside, the Champion dual-fuels are really great units! I actually use ours for home backup as well and even put an LP port out near the feed for the transfer switch to fuel them from our 1000 gallon underground propane tank.

[SolarPoweredRV]

Hi all - I spent some time with the search function and couldn't find this specific answer. I'm considering picking up the Champion 3500 dual fuel inverter generator however I'm wondering if anyone has any real world experience starting/running a 15K A/C with this generator on propane. I know the output power is less on propane. I also know that an EZ soft start would help, but I'd prefer to not add another $300 if it's not needed. Thanks!

PS: Yes, I do have the gen prep package but not quite ready to shell out for an Onan on-board gen at this time.

I have no problem running my 15k A/C with the Champion 3500 Generator, running on Propane.

I absolutely Love this Generator !!! I have never run it on Gasoline and I never plan to.

I originally bought this generator for use on my older camper and I had trouble getting the A/C to run on very hot days, however, I installed a Hard Start Capacitor in the A/C unit and never had another problem. Since the newer A/Cs have Hard Start capacitors built in I have not had any problems running the A/C in my 310GK.

PS: regardless of what others have said, I would still purchase the 3500 model.

[RobertS377]

I’m not adding anything that hasn’t been said. We love our Champion 3400 Dual Fuel. We’ve had it for a year and it does everything we need.

It will start and run either AC on propane, the 15 & 13.5 BTU Dometic. Not both at the same time obviously. It will actually run either one on the ECO mode. On regular mode I’ve never had to turn off anything at the breaker. I can run the keurig, the fridge, tv, a lights,& battery charger

I’ve never tripped a breaker or had the genny shut down due to overload

Great unit for the price. Even my wife is glad we bought it and she initially thought it wasn’t necessary when I bought it

[srobins]

Thanks for the info everyone!


Actually what I'm seeing on the Champion web site is they are indeed a little bit different:
Attachment 27945


Is that an add-on part that Champion sells? Got a link?

I like the size and the ability to use propane. We had a class A a while back and rarely used the generator, but sure was nice to have when we needed it. The AC was primary concern if we end up needing it for that. I know a soft start would help, just preferred not to bother with that yet if I don't need it.

Thanks!

This is from the Champion FAQs

Models 100263 and 100264 are the exact same machines. The 100-watt difference is just marketing. The 100264 which is rated at 3,500 watts is sold at Camping World and Cabela’s. It is the same as the 100263 with the less conservative rating than our typical standard at the retailers’ request.

[geotex1]

Anyone buying one, I suggest a couple of things:

1. As per manual, conventional oil for break-in. However, change it after the first hour of just idling and again after the overall 5 hours. You will have the most shavings and dust after the first hour. I switched to a full synthetic after break-in. This is the normal process for industrial generators.

2. Replace the dipstick with a nice magnet tipped one. There are a couple aftermarket ones around $20.

3. Get an inductive hour meter to track the usage for maintenance schedule.

4. If you parallel, change the hex nuts out on the ground studs for wingnuts.

5. If you're tall and toting by the handle, you'll scrub the rear edge because the wheels aren't tall enough for the angle. Put a piece of self-adhesive grip tape on that edge to take the scrubbing.

[RobertS377]

3. Get an inductive hour meter to track the usage for maintenance schedule. @

Ditto this... $8 on Amazon and takes 10 min to install. Only way to track maintenance schedules

[[email protected]]

Hi all - I spent some time with the search function and couldn't find this specific answer. I'm considering picking up the Champion 3500 dual fuel inverter generator however I'm wondering if anyone has any real world experience starting/running a 15K A/C with this generator on propane. I know the output power is less on propane. I also know that an EZ soft start would help, but I'd prefer to not add another $300 if it's not needed. Thanks!

PS: Yes, I do have the gen prep package but not quite ready to shell out for an Onan on-board gen at this time.

I have the dual fuel 3500. And as long as the generator is not set in economy mode it will fire up the AC without a problem.

[orbsah]

Got my Champion 3500 last week and fired it up yesterday. Great little unit and no problem at all running my 15K AC. Thanks for all the comments everyone!

Does anyone have a specific Amazon link for these add-ons?

2. Replace the dipstick with a nice magnet tipped one. There are a couple aftermarket ones around $20.

3. Get an inductive hour meter to track the usage for maintenance schedule.