While generators may appear the same e.g similar build structure and capabilities, some models, in particular, boast a more advanced design that makes them stand out against others.
Dual fuel generators offer excellent flexibility allowing you to run them on gasoline or propane.
Champion is known for producing high-quality, reliable generators and the 3400W Dual Fuel Generator is no exception.
In fact, many would consider it to be one of the best units on the market. Packed with many advanced and impressive features, it is ideal for use in a multitude of settings including RV’s, tailgating, or a backup power source at home.
So as one of the ‘best units available on the market’ is this generator worthy of your purchase and is there validity behind such claims.
Below, we have compiled a review where we have delved into the features of this generator, along with what we like about it, things that we think could be improved and whether we think it is a viable option. Continue reading if you would like to find out more.
Champion 3400W Dual Fuel
Specifications:
- Gasoline Starting Watts: 3400W
- Gasoline Running Watts: 3100W
- Propane Starting Watts: 3060W
- Propane Running Watts: 2790W
- Engine: 192cc Champion Single-Cylinder OHV Engine
- Weight: 95.7 lbs
- Noise Level: 59.0 dBA
- Parallel Capable: Yes
- Frequency: 20Hz
- Gasoline Capacity: 1.6 Gallons
- Run time: 7.5 hours @ 25% load (Gas), 14.5 hours @25% load (Propane)
- Start Method: Manual Recoil or Electric Start
- Dimensions: 25.1″ x 17.3″ x 18.3″
Features:
Parallel Capabilities
There may be instances where you find yourself needing double the amount of power than you anticipated and this is where a generator that is parallel ready comes in handy.
Essentially, this means you have more power available to power more devices or appliances at once.
When connected with another Champion inverter, this will provide you with an impressive 6800W of power rather than 3400W.
Electric Start
I’m sure we all appreciate convenience when using a generator and this is where the electric start function proves helpful.
Most generators are designed with recoils that need to be pulled to encourage the generator to function.
However, this unit has a button that allows you to operate the generator with a simple click.
Clean Power
You are likely going to be running devices such as your phones, laptops, or televisions using the Champion Generator, and as such the production of clean power is very important.
Operating well below the harmonic distortion threshold, this unit provides you with this clean power, so causing potential damage to these sensitive electronics needn’t be a concern.
Economy Mode
This Champion generator also features Economy Mode that alters the performance according to demand.
Because of this feature, you can enjoy reduced fuel costs because the generator is only going to be consuming the fuel as and when it is required.
Additionally, this also results in quieter functioning while helping to prolong the quality and longevity of the engine.
Maneuverability
A great thing about this generator is that it is designed with wheels and a handle that make it much easier to maneuver between locations.
This is going to come in particularly useful if you are likely to be using the generator on the go for vacations etc.
Gone are the days where you are left contemplating how you are going to maneuver the generator from one area to another as the addition of these features is going to make it much easier.
As a closed frame generator, it is also much more compact when compared to its open frame counterparts.
For this reason, it isn’t going to consume a huge amount of room and this makes it much easier to store in between uses.
Run Time
The run time of this generator is pretty generous entitling you to lengthy use.
Of course, the longevity is going to differ depending on the fuel that you use, but opting for propane will provide you with an impressive 14.5 hour run time when used at 25% load.
Even when used with gasoline, it offers a generous 7.5 run time at the same load. When both fuels are combined, your generator is likely to last for around 20 hours before requiring refueling.
Low oil Shut Off
This function works by monitoring the oil that is contained within the tank.
Once the unit has detected that the oil has dropped below a certain level it will shut the engine down.
This helps to prevent any damage caused by using a generator that is running on an inadequate amount of oil.
Outlets
Impressively, this generator is equipped with a range of outlets and ports. This includes a 120V 30A RV, two 120V 20A Household Outlets, a 12V DC outlet with a dual USB Adapter.
This selection of outlets means that you can charge household appliances along with sensitive electronics using the correct port.
Of course, when doing so it is important to ensure that the wattage doesn’t exceed its maximum capabilities.
What do we like about this generator?
There are many reasons to rave about this generator. It boasts a selection of advanced features and there are many things that we like about it.
Versatility – First of all, this generator is particularly versatile. As a portable model, it can be used in a range of settings whether this is at home as a backup power source during an outage, on the go in an RV, at a campsite, worksite, or for tailgating.
Regardless of the setting that you find yourself in, this generator is more than likely to cater to your needs in offering the power that you require.
As this generator is equipped with 3400 starting watts of power and 3100 watts of running power, it offers the potential to charge the entirety of an RV. When used as a home backup, it can power a few essential appliances or devices at once.
Duel Fuel – As we have mentioned, this is a dual fuel generator that runs on propane and gasoline at the same time. As such, the use of fuel alternates depending on their efficiency at a given time.
A great thing about dual fuel generators is that they are super flexible and offer lengthier run times than standard units and because of this, the Champion 3400W generator is a strong contender.
Ease of Use – The design of the generator is going to determine how easy it is to use and this is particularly important for those who lack previous experience of using one.
The quick touch panel means that all of the controls are contained within one area and because of this, the settings are much easier to identify. The use of color-coded functions also makes this easier by highlighting the different features.
For those who are new to using a generator you don’t want to take it out of the box only to find that it is overly complicated, the Champion 3400W eliminates this concern. This unit also features indicators that inform you of the oil level, overload, and when the generator is output ready.
Warranty and Customer Support – A great thing about this generator is that it comes with a three year limited warranty and access to free lifetime technical support.
Should you experience any issues with the quality of the generator that you receive or problems with the functionality, the warranty has you covered.
Even when the warranty has expired, you still have access to the technical support team that can provide advice and suggestions of possible rectifications to issues that you may have.
Noise Output – Noise can often be a particular concern when using a generator. Of course, it is important to be cautious of those in the areas surrounding you.
If you live in a built-up neighborhood or the unit is going to be used in an RV site where your fellow campers are nearby, a loud generator is going to be particularly off-putting.
Again, this needn’t be a concern with this Champion unit as it produces a minimal 59 dBA of noise and is particularly quiet at smaller modes. If you are running a heavier loud you should, of course, expect the noise level to fluctuate slightly.
However, on the whole, this model is particularly quiet, producing a level of noise that allows you to converse with those around you with ease.
Ready out of the box – A great thing about this generator is that it is ready to use straight out of the box, hence why it is a particularly favorable option for use on the go in RVs.
For some, the thought of trying to assemble and set up a complex unit is particularly off-putting, however, it comes out of the box ready to use right away.
Ventilated Design – On the sides of this unit you will find the addition of vents that encourage the air to circulate inside the generator.
By allowing the air to escape from the inside of the generator, it also means that the unit is going to cool down much quicker in between uses too.
What do we dislike about this generator?
We must admit, there aren’t a huge amount of things to dislike about this generator.
Most issues that have been identified are issues that you would stumble across with most other generators.
The Weight – This generator weighs roughly 96 lbs and despite being designed with handles and wheels, some may find it a little difficult to maneuver in between locations.
It, of course, depends on the distance in which you are going to need to maneuver the unit and whether the terrain allows you to pull it on the wheels or requires you to lift it using the handles.
While it isn’t likely that the generator is going to be moved a huge amount once it has been set up, it is a factor that is important to be aware of.
Regular Charging – As with many other generators, this unit is going to require regular charging in between uses.
For some this may provide a slight inconvenience as you will need to remember to charge the battery even when the generator isn’t in use as doing so will ensure that it is prepared for future uses.
Lack of Rubber Covers – While this may not be a significant issue for some, it is worth noting that this generator does not come with rubber covers that help to keep the outlets clear of any debris, dirt, or damage caused by the rain.
They are also a favorable feature if this generator is likely to be used in an environment with younger children as it means that they can’t access the outlets and ports with their fingers. Again, this is an issue to be aware of.
Lack of Fuel Guage – This is something that many generator units lack but a feature that can be hugely beneficial in informing you when the generator is low on fuel and requires refilling.
Is it worth the purchase?
If you’re looking for a powerful and reliable generator that doesn’t produce a lot of noise when functioning, the Champion 3400W Dual Fuel Unit provides a viable option.
As you can see from our guide, there are many factors to rave about and a few issues to recognize. It’s a particularly great choice for RVs as it offers the wattage capacity that will allow you to power the majority of appliances including an air conditioning system with ease.
As it produces a minimal amount of noise, it isn’t likely to disrupt those in neighboring RVs either and this is particularly important when making your selection.
For those who don’t have an RV but intend to use this generator for other purposes, it is a great option. In fact, it is a worthy option for use as a backup power source in instances where you may experience a power outage.
As such, you can continue to use your favorite appliances without worrying about a lack of power. Of course, we can’t forget that this is a dual fuel generator that can be run on both gas and propane providing you with greater flexibility and an extended run time.
While the weight may be of concern to some, it does come with wheels and a handle which intend to make the task of transporting this generator easier.
On the whole, this unit is a strong performer that boasts a user-friendly design that allows for easy use, not forgetting that it is also backed with lifetime support and a 3 year warranty for help should you experience any issues.
