Champion 2500 generators in parallel?

[Ziptrekker]

Has anyone used two Champion 2500 generators in parallel? If so, how did you do it?

Would that be sufficient power for my 50 amp rig? I have a 50 to 30amp adapter. We plan to use AC and microwave (highest power users) but not at the same time.

Should an EMS be used? If so, which one?

 

[Ziptrekker]

I answered one of my own questions. For parallel connection, use model 100319 kit. It has a 50 and 30 amp connection. Still not sure about if it's enough wattage for our needs.

 

[MoonShadow_1911]

Has anyone used two Champion 2500 generators in parallel? If so, how did you do it?

Would that be sufficient power for my 50 amp rig? I have a 50 to 30amp adapter. We plan to use AC and microwave (highest power users) but not at the same time.

Should an EMS be used? If so, which one?

Honestly, we bought a Champion 3400 Watt Dual Fuel Inverter/generator. It has a 30 amp RV receptacle built in, it provides 3250 watts on propane, and will run 8 hours on 1 20 pound propane tank at 25% load. It has a 1.5 gallon fuel tank, and will power 1 AC unit and charge the batteries with either fuel delivery system. It weighs just a hair under 100 lbs. If absolutely necessary, we could buy a second one and the parallel kit to run everything in the coach at the same time, but, I don't think we will ever get to that point.

The one 3400 watt costs less that 2 2400 watt generators and a parallel kit (when you can find it in sale). We bought our 3400 on sale through Amazon for $300.00 off. It has a lower fuel consumption rate that two 2400s, and lighter than the combined weight (I think). No need for a propane Y connector... Just simpler, overall, for my simple brain to use. Just my 2 cents, adjusted for inflation.

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[Rob+Kath]

I am also looking at this exact configuration. At 39# it is something DW can handle if the need arises. I like the larger unit (3400) but at 95# it a killer.

My research so far indicates that this pair will support one A/C without any difficulty, possibly both if I add the soft start modules on the A/C's. I'm looking at starting with one unit and seeing how it goes.
It would seem that the startup draw on the A/C units varies quite a bit from unit to unit. A single 2500W generator might run one A/C (and nothing else) depending on your exact unit. I am confident (not positive) that one of these generators would handle a single 15oooBTU A/C with a soft start installed. The Microwave won't be a problem on one gen unit, its only about 1000 to 1200 watts.

Two units, linked with the parallel kit, would handle a decent load (about 3300W continuous on propane). As with any generator set-up, you'll need to be conscious of the loads and your power consumption.

Keep in mind that my crudimentary thinking is based on propane, not gasoline. If you are going to be using gasoline, then the generators will produce a little more power than propane, so my confidence level goes up a bit more.

Anyone else currently using the Campion 2500? How does it perform?

Rob

 

[geotex1]

Your question here is a little different than on your other thread about propane. Yes, you could use two of the smaller in parallel, but you're not going to be able to run everything simultaneously. You will need to be conscious of your power usage is all. One of the 3400 units might be a better choice as mentioned and you can work with a 50 to 30 amp dogbone adapter. Personally, we have two 3400s and a parallel kit. If needed, like height of summer, we can run both and have no concern for the power demands in our camper. However, we generally just use one unit. Our Champions are also backup power for our home so the cost was easily justified and payed for itself when the hard winter here this year had power lines down for days.

 

[traveldawg]

I always seem like I am defending the use of 2 small generators over one large one..... anyway......

I just posted on another thread that I have been using 2 Honda 2000i"s for over 12 years. I can run one AC constantly and use other appliances. We keep the water heater on gas when on generator. And we just make not sure to run the AC, microwave, and DP's hair drying all at the same time.

P.S. I only run one AC at a time (or at all).

The advantages for me are: lightweight so easily portable; can use just one when heavy amperage not necessary; can store in front bay.

 

[geotex1]

I always seem like I am defending the use of 2 small generators over one large one..... anyway......

I just posted on another thread that I have been using 2 Honda 2000i"s for over 12 years. I can run one AC constantly and use other appliances. We keep the water heater on gas when on generator. And we just make not sure to run the AC, microwave, and DP's hair drying all at the same time.

P.S. I only run one AC at a time (or at all).

The advantages for me are: lightweight so easily portable; can use just one when heavy amperage not necessary; can store in front bay.

Lol! I don't think it's a matter of defending. Either approach works. Fantastic argument is about handling with the tiny portables since they're so easy to carry! I consider ours mid-size in the portable world and because of my back just built a flip-fold ramp and platform to park them in the front storage.

As with engineering, every problem can be solved multiple ways and solutions are driven by the need-want. No one way is the "right" way. Same goes for selecting what portable generator to buy because ALL have shortcomings. Every single design and brand on the market, which are also far fewer than people believe because of the magnitude of private labeling in the market space.

 

[MoonShadow_1911]

I always seem like I am defending the use of 2 small generators over one large one..... anyway......

I just posted on another thread that I have been using 2 Honda 2000i"s for over 12 years. I can run one AC constantly and use other appliances. We keep the water heater on gas when on generator. And we just make not sure to run the AC, microwave, and DP's hair drying all at the same time.

P.S. I only run one AC at a time (or at all).

The advantages for me are: lightweight so easily portable; can use just one when heavy amperage not necessary; can store in front bay.

Yeah, I know... I was just giving my 2 cents. [emoji16]

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[MoonShadow_1911]

As with engineering, every problem can be solved multiple ways and solutions are driven by the need-want. No one way is the "right" way. Same goes for selecting what portable generator to buy because ALL have shortcomings. Every single design and brand on the market, which are also far fewer than people believe because of the magnitude of private labeling in the market space.

Bring an engineer, my way is ALWAYS the right way, unless the wife corrects me. All joking aside, yes there are many ways to skin a cat(fish). All have pros and cons. The biggest con to mine is the 100 lbs weight.

I'm liking the idea of a ramp to put it into the front compartment!

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[Ziptrekker]

Thanks so much everyone. Very helpful. Any thoughts on the EMS?

 

[Ziptrekker]

Thanks Rob. My 'beef with 3400 vs. 2 x 2400s was the weight factor also (pun intended).

 

[MoonShadow_1911]

Thanks so much everyone. Very helpful. Any thoughts on the EMS?

Mine works just fine with the Power Watchdog EMS, so far at least!

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[Rob+Kath]

My 'beef with 3400 vs. 2 x 2400s was the weight factor also (pun intended).

While I'm not small, I'm not Arnold Shwartzguy either. So weight is always an issue for me because life should be easier (and I am not getting any younger). If needed, my wife could handle the 2500W too.

For me it's not going to be a regularly used item (I hope). It's a back-up for power loss and for the rare no-power-available situation. Although, I might consider more boondocking if the opportunity presents itself (and I have a generator).
I agree with the others here that it's about your preferences and choice. None of these are perfect and there are issues with everything. Pick your poison.

I still have a lot of generator questions like; how do you secure it (and the LP tank) when in operation? I also don't want 50 lbs of chain to haul around either. I am thinking it could be in the back of the truck and secured, but that might just be a big reverb chamber. For now I'll keep watching video's and doing more research.

** EDIT**
Some generators are neutral/ground bonded. Meaning that the Neutral and Ground wires are connected like they are in a sticks & bricks home. Some are not.
I have the Progressive Industries Power Management system permanently wired into the trailer. It will check for the bonding and shut down power if it does not see it. My understanding is that you can use a male plug, from the hardware store of your choice, and connect the neutral and ground internally. The just plug it into the regular outlet on the generator to create the bond, YMMV. You would have to verify what your generator has in terms of the bonding and if your Power Management System looks for that.

Rob

 

[geotex1]

I still have a lot of generator questions like; how do you secure it (and the LP tank) when in operation? I also don't want 50 lbs of chain to haul around either. I am thinking it could be in the back of the truck and secured, but that might just be a big reverb chamber. For now I'll keep watching video's and doing more research.

Up until fairly recent times, theft was not so common in the subculture...

To keep honest people honest, I have a 30-foot, 1/2-inch braided steel cable and a very hefty NY disc lock. Cabled around 5er's rear hitch tube but you must also attach to the meat of the generator. Several portable generator brands have reinforcing available for this too.

Have used the truck bed when overnight stopping at Cracker Barrels or such. With spray-in bedliner, it does not reverberate.

Before the pandemic, I'd log hundred of thousands of air miles, and one thing I learned is that cellular based GPS trackers are great stuff for knowing where your luggage is... I have a pair that are on a month-to-month plan basis, and could be easily hidden in the battery compartment. Haven't ever personally done this, but it's an option. I did make sure our insurance would cover stolen generators, and it does, and we have a $100 deductible. Just needed to register the make, model, and serials numbers on the policy. Final thought, we have a lot of boondocking friends and their approach is to have more battery capacity and large inverters to keep things going when they're not home so that they only run the generator when at the camper to recharge, run the air conditioning, etc.

 

[Heavysledz]

If your only draw back to the 3500W generator is the weight factor and difficulty getting it into or out of the front storage compartment, consider putting it on a sliding shelf that allows you to simply extend it out of the front compartment when in use....MorRyde sells one for around $150 as does RecPro. here is a link to a video as well for reference.....

https://www.amazon.com/RecPro-Generator-Generators-Compartment-Baggage/dp/B07GJV9W55

 

[Rob+Kath]

To keep honest people honest, I have a 30-foot, 1/2-inch braided steel cable and a very hefty NY disc lock. Cabled around 5er's rear hitch tube but you must also attach to the meat of the generator. Several portable generator brands have reinforcing available for this too.

Have used the truck bed when overnight stopping at Cracker Barrels or such. With spray-in bedliner, it does not reverberate.

Thanks, this is good to know. I have a spray-in bedliner and would prefer to keep the generator in the truck if possible (just concerned about the noise issue). There are several ways to strap it down securely (from theft) to the bed. Did you use any padding or isolation?
My thought was to strap it in the front corner of the bed using available tie-downs. Then I can use a shorter steel cable & lock system. If needed, I can always lock it to the 5th wheel hitch, that thing isn't going anywhere. Sounds like I'll need to do some field testing once I get the generator. At least you give me some confidence that the idea works.

Heavysledz also posted a drawer system that could be an option too. This would essentially dedicate the gen to the RV, which is OK. I don't have other plans for it at this point. Space management is becoming an issue, so I may have another use for that drawer,.... Now I need to spend more money.

Weight is an issue. I also like redundancy and the option to run a smaller and more efficient if possible. I am going to start with one unit and see. If we get to a point where we like locations that need generators, I can upgrade to a bigger one or add another 2500.

I appreciate all of the input, but don't want to hijack the OP.

Rob

 

[geotex1]

Thanks, this is good to know. I have a spray-in bedliner and would prefer to keep the generator in the truck if possible (just concerned about the noise issue). There are several ways to strap it down securely (from theft) to the bed. Did you use any padding or isolation?
My thought was to strap it in the front corner of the bed using available tie-downs. Then I can use a shorter steel cable & lock system. If needed, I can always lock it to the 5th wheel hitch, that thing isn't going anywhere. Sounds like I'll need to do some field testing once I get the generator. At least you give me some confidence that the idea works.

Heavysledz also posted a drawer system that could be an option too. This would essentially dedicate the gen to the RV, which is OK. I don't have other plans for it at this point. Space management is becoming an issue, so I may have another use for that drawer,.... Now I need to spend more money.

Weight is an issue. I also like redundancy and the option to run a smaller and more efficient if possible. I am going to start with one unit and see. If we get to a point where we like locations that need generators, I can upgrade to a bigger one or add another 2500.

I appreciate all of the input, but don't want to hijack the OP.

Rob

In my RAM, in addition to the spray in, I have a heavy DeeZee bed mat - I tow goose and just cut out the needed holes for the ball and safety chain anchors.

Our generators live in the front compartment. I made a deck flush to the baggage door lip and a flip down ramp to pull them in and out easily. Only a touch heavier than a factory generator install!

Do realize you don't have to have identical twin models to parallel. You can have a smaller and a larger unit. It's not mystifying electrical theory either, but Honda, Champion and others have supported mismatched paralleling a long time.

 

[Rob+Kath]

In my RAM, in addition to the spray in, I have a heavy DeeZee bed mat - I tow goose and just cut out the needed holes for the ball and safety chain anchors.

Our generators live in the front compartment. I made a deck flush to the baggage door lip and a flip down ramp to pull them in and out easily. Only a touch heavier than a factory generator install!

Do realize you don't have to have identical twin models to parallel. You can have a smaller and a larger unit. It's not mystifying electrical theory either, but Honda, Champion and others have supported mismatched paralleling a long time.

Got it. I was thinking about a tray with heavy duty rubber feet/bumpers in the bed, but I am now considering re-arranging the front compartment. I'll need to see what exactly is on the bottom of the generator from the factory and go from there. I can lock it into the bed or to the receiver when in use.
I do know you can mis-match the Gensets and still link them together. I just never thought of it for myself. Must be a 'can't see the forest for the trees' kind of thing. Duh!
Now I know how people end up with a Dually .

Rob

 

[RV Sailor]

Got it. I was thinking about a tray with heavy duty rubber feet/bumpers in the bed, but I am now considering re-arranging the front compartment. I'll need to see what exactly is on the bottom of the generator from the factory and go from there. I can lock it into the bed or to the receiver when in use.
I do know you can mis-match the Gensets and still link them together. I just never thought of it for myself. Must be a 'can't see the forest for the trees' kind of thing. Duh!
Now I know how people end up with a Dually .

Rob

Ours sits on a horse stall mat from tractor supply in the bed of the truck. Zero vibration. Two long cables with krypton locks secure it in the bed or to a tree. I also made an exhaust extension like a dryer has which 20 ft long which goes on the exhaust with a SS hose clamp when we used it that way.

 

[rob2020]

I purchased a Westinghouse 4000 off of Amazon.ca because I am in Canada. Used it lots last summer and runs like a clock quiet remote start and not to heavy. Got it for around 1200. Have been running every couple months and fire right up. Purchased the extended warranty at the time so I have something like 7years warranty. Both my son and son in law have Yamaha at about three times the cost and they and no quieter.