Generac vs. Champion Portable Inverter Generator [Recommended]

When you want to head out for a nice time outdoors in an RV, then you need the best generator to provide you with all the power that you need.

If you are planning a trip soon, then the Generac Gp2200i and the Champion 3100-watt generators should be top considerations.

The best part about these two generators is that they can still power your house. You can use them as power backup sources to keep the electronics running until the power outage is resolved.

Let us check out the various things to consider when choosing a generator and then after review the two generators mentioned above.

What to Look For

The Generator Size or Capacity

One thing that you should always consider is the generator size or rather the power that it generates.

Each time you want to buy a generator, you need to get one that can deliver the best power to meet the power needs of your RV or home.

This might mean that you calculate the electrical load in the house so that you can pick the correct one for the job.

The last thing you need is to end up overloading your generator. This can damage the engine plus the inverter. These two are costly repairs and sometimes you might just have to replace them when it becomes apparent repairing them is not the way to go.

So, look at the rated power of the generator then use it to work out its performance with your electrical load. With the right size of generator, then you should not have to deal with overload issues.

Modular Capability

Modular connectivity is something that more manufacturers are now adopting because of demand.

Modular connectivity is when you can parallel two generators to double the power. Let us say that in the future the electrical load surpasses the current power output of the generator. Rather than buying a bigger generator, just get the same generator and connect them together.

Other than doubling the power output, the paralleling capability means that you have one generator running even if one fails after a while. Also, the cost is a lot lower when you parallel two generators than when buying a bigger one.

It might not be mandatory for a generator to have this feature, but it would be nice to have it available.

The Controls

You always have to consider how easy or hard it is to control the generator. More manufacturers are now making user friendly generators. They know that users want to use the generators more often and would not have someone who understands the generators technically.

It is why more models are now designed to be RV ready or transfer switch ready. This means that once you get the generator, you simply plug it in and you are good to use.

As such, you will not need to have an electrician each time you want to set up the generator.

Also, the placement of the controls can make it easy or hard to use the generator. If the controls are neatly arranged and labelled, then it should be easy to configure the generator to work great as expected.

Fuel Efficiency

Another thing you have to consider is fuel efficiency. Fuel efficiency is often measured in terms of the number of hours the generator can run without refueling.

The fuel efficiency widely varies from one unit to another. It is something you always have to take a keen look into before buying the generator. The last thing you need is to keep refueling the generator just to keep it running correctly.

Sometimes you can get that a model has the economy mode. This is when the generator can adjust its power output so that it runs the engine at low speeds and also it reduces the noise level.

Generators that can match their engine speed to the load are great in terms of improving fuel efficiency. You can find them running for longer on a single tank of gas.

The Physical Size and Portability

These two go hand in hand all the time. If a generator is too big, then it would hamper its portability.

So, it depends on where you want to use the generator. It would be mostly used for RV applications, then it needs to be a compact and portable generator.

Even those that have to be used at home would need some features that aid with portability. Such will include the wheels, handles, and more. The idea is to keep the generator easy to transport whenever necessary.

Noise

It is always great when the generator you are using is a quiet one. It might take a bit of digging around, but it is possible to get yourself a quiet generator. What is important is to get a generator that will not keep you or the neighbors awake.

To understand the noise levels of a generator, look at its rated sound. It will be a figure accompanied by dBA as its units. Manufacturers are always proud of their silent generators, so they will not forget to highlight them in their product description.

Having a lower dBA is what you should be looking for.

Let’s Compare

Generac Gp2200i Portable Inverter Generator

Generac has been a top consideration for many people who are looking for the best inverter generator right now. This is because they know that the generator would make their life better whether using it at home or when using it in an RV.

For the kind of power you get, the Generac Gp2200i offers the best value for money. Here are more reasons to highly consider the generator.

Quiet, Compact and Easy to Use

The first thing that many people ask about a portable generator is if it is quiet. The last thing you want is to make noise for your camping friends. It is why you need to know about its noise level.

The Generac Gp2200i is a silent generator. Comparing it to what you get with other generators in the same price range, it is easy to see that this one is a quiet model.

Another thing that makes this a portable generator is its weight. Weighing 46 pounds makes it a lightweight inverter generator. You will always find this being a highly coveted generator for being lightweight.

It is not just about being lightweight, but also compact. Looking at its dimensions, it should not take up a lot of space in your RV if you find the need to take it on road trips. Also, at home, it will easily suit where you want to set it up.

Comparing it to some other models in the market, the model stands out for being easy to use. The controls are simple and straightforward to understand. It is why even those new to the generator will find it easy to use it.

Clean Power

Looking at the power, we find it being the most stable for the price range. This is all thanks to the True Power Technology from Generac.

This type of technology is good in terms of making sure you have stable clean power. Such power is ideal for those who have to run the sensitive electronics and appliances.

Still on power, the model can generate an impressive 2200 starting watts and 1700 running watts. Now that you know its power rating, it should be easy to use the correct load rating on the generator.

Portability

We have slightly talked about its portability above. We still have to mention the handle that further improves its portability. You can simply pick it up by its handle and take it to where you want.

Economy Mode

Another top consideration when buying a generator would be its fuel use. This model comes with one of the best fuel efficiencies for the price.

As for its fuel use, the model can run for 10.75 hours on its 1.2-gallon tank. This is when its load capacity is 25%. It is quite impressive to see that this generator would run this long considering the fuel tank is not the largest.

The economy mode is another important feature worth pointing out. This is where the generator can automatically adjust the speed of the generator to make it run at low revs to save on fuel and further lower its operating noise.

Parallel Ready

It is always interesting to see that a generator allows for parallel connectivity. This is where you can connect two similar generators together so that they can double the power.

This model allows for parallel connection. Just make sure that you get the paralleling kit when you buy the generator to make the connection easier.

Champion 3100-Watt Portable Inverter Generator

If you want more power than what the Generac unit is offering above, then go for the Champion 3100-watt portable inverter generator. It is also one of the budget generators in the market, so you will not have to spend so much to get it today.

If this is something you want, then it is best to learn more about its features. Let us check them out below.

The Controls

The controls are generally easy to use when it comes to handling this generator. The manufacturer even put all the controls in one place so that you can have an easier time accessing everything from one place.

The manual that comes with the generator will give you all the information that you need to handle any questions you might have. It might be the reason those who use this generator do not have to worry about the controls.

Still, it has a safe design where it would shut down automatically when the oil is low. This is to ensure that it only runs when there is enough lubrication for the engine. Always top up the oil so that you can keep the engine running better for longer.

Ultra-Quiet Operation

Anyone who is getting a generator would want something that is safe and quiet. The good news is that this model is all about having the best performance while at the same time remaining silent.

The noise level of this generator is 58dBA. Such a noise level is not going to be a problem for many people. We also find it being perfect for RVs, tailgating, and more.

You can even use the same as a power backup for the home without it being too much of an issue too. It might be the reason we find more people going for it.

The Power

The generator can deliver an impressive 3100 starting watts and 2800 running watts. It is why you will find it being a top choice for those who have more electronics they would want to run in their RV or at home.

The clean power the generator makes it good for sensitive electronics such as computers. At least now you would be comfortable knowing that the generator you are buying can deliver on clean power that you need.

Fuel Use

When it comes to the fuel use, this generator can run for 8 hours on its 1.6-gallon fuel tank. Such an impressive fuel use will make it perfect for overnight power delivery while at a campsite. You will not have to wake up in the middle of the night to refuel it.

The smart economy mode is also a nice feature that would make the generator use less fuel even further. This is where the speed of the generator is matched to the electrical load. You should also end up with an extended engine life.

Support and Warranty

Champion is known for its customer support performance. When you buy this model, you will get free lifetime technical support from the company. Each time there seems to be trouble with the generator, then you can get all the help you need.

As for the warranty, the manufacturer offers 3-year limited warranty. Just make sure you understand the terms and conditions of the warranty.

FAQs

Are the Generac generators safe for household electronics?

Yes. Looking at the various reviews on the generators, it is easy to say that they are safe. This is because they offer clean stable power. This is the kind of power that the sensitive electronics would want.

Are Generac generators loud?

These generators would have different noise levels. So, it depends on what model you pick. There are those that would be quiet while others easily audible. Try to go for the silent models to keep your neighbors happy.

What happens if you overload a Champion generator?

Depending on the model, some come with the overload protection circuit. This type of circuit is important for keeping the inverter from destruction if there is an overload. There will be a warning beep before the generator shuts down because of an overload.

How many electronics can the Champion 3100-watt handle?

This generator delivers a lot of power for its size. It is why it can be used to run even the power-hungry air conditioners of your RV. Just make sure that the total electrical load does not go beyond 2800 watts. If you keep it below this wattage, then it should handle a wide range of electronics with ease.

Conclusion

Both the Generac Gp2200i and the Champion 3100-watt generators are good in terms of power and smooth delivery of the same power. As such, both models can be used to power the sensitive electronics without it being an issue.

We recommend the Generac Gp2200i generator for those who are looking for an affordable generator. It is still a great generator for those who want something to deliver power overnight as its runtime can go up to 10 hours easily.

If you need more power, then go for the Champion 3100-watt portable generator. The manufacturer also made it to be RV ready so that setting up can be easier on overall.