Dual fuel units offer a very flexible alternative to conventional generators. The fact that you can run a generator on both gasoline and propane gives you the choice between two different fuel types and as a result allows the generator to run for longer continuously.
There are very few dual fuel inverter generators on the market. Champion 3400 dual fuel inverter generator is often quoted as the best one out there. It is widely advertised as an excellent choice for RV as it’s not only quiet and compact but also features the dedicated 120V RV 30 amp outlet.
Are all these claims true? Does this generator live up to this reputation? We’re about to find out the answer now in the following Champion 3400 dual fuel inverter generator review.
Champion 3400W is not only the best inverter with dual-fuel capability but also one of the most recommended inverter generators in general. It’s also 100% RV ready making it the top choice for those who need a great performing and relatively inexpensive dual fuel generator for their travel trailer.
PROS
- RV ready – no need to purchase any adapters
- Quiet
- Easy switching between gas and propane
- Remote start
CONS
- Wheels sometimes get stuck on grass or rough surfaces
Champion 3400W Dual Fuel Inverter Generator – first impressions
When hearing about this generator for the first time we were excited to give it a look. All in all, it does not happen very often when you stumble upon an inverter generator with dual-fuel capability.
The Champion 3400W dual fuel generator can be run either on gasoline or propane. Switching between fuels is very easy and happens at the push of the button. You can easily connect a regular BBQ-type propane tank to the generator via an enclosed connection cord.
This generator was specifically designed with RV enthusiasts in mind and as such comes with the dedicated 120V 30 amp RV outlet. This is a truly outstanding thing and surprisingly very few other generators offer this. It saves you the cost and hassle of buying any external adapters to plug in the generator to the travel trailer.
The generator gives you 3400 watts and 3100 watts of power at your disposal. This is more than enough to run a medium-sized RV air conditioner and a few other things along with it. The Champion 3400W dual fuel generator is very easy to start up and operate thanks to its user-friendly control panel and remote start.
Champion 3400W Dual Fuel Specs
- Wattage: 3400 Starting / 3100 Running Watts
- Outlets: 120V 30A RV outlet, 2 x 120V 20A outlets, 1 x 12V USB port
- Noise Level: 59dB (at 23 ft)
- Weight: 95.7 lbs
- Fuel Type: Gas & Propane
- Dimensions: 25.1 x 17.3 x 18.3″
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 1.6 gal (gas)
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 1.6 gal (gas)
- Engine: 192cc 4-stroke air-cooled single cylinder
- Run Time: Gas – 7.5h @ 25% load; Propane – 14.5h @ 25% load
- Starting Method: Manual recoil or Electric start
What we like about Champion 3400W Dual Fuel Generator
Very easy to use
As we’ve mentioned before, the electric start makes it super easy to control the operation of the generator.
You don’t need to be a qualified electrician to use it without difficulties at all. The control panel is very well designed with all outlets and buttons clearly labeled so that you instantly know where each function and outlet is.
Ideal for RV
The whole “100% RV Ready” thing is not an advertising cliche. The dedicated RV outlet works flawlessly and makes it possible to connect the generator to a camper van without any additional equipment.
While you can’t expect to carry this generation with one hand as it’s a bit too heavy for that, it is nonetheless much smaller and lighter than many other 3000 watt generators. The built-in wheels and the adjustable handle make the task of moving it around much easier.
With its 3400 starting and 3100 running watts, it’s perfect for running pretty much an entire RV including the most energy demanding equipment such as the AC or refrigerators. This is certainly not the case with smaller generators which usually can only power one large appliance at a time. Overall, Champion 3400W is certainly one of the best generators for RV.
Dual Fuel capability and long run time
We are big fans of dual fuel generators. They give you much more flexibility in terms of fuel choice and offer a longer run time. With Champion 3400 dual fuel inverter generator one of the few of its kind you can expect it to run continuously for up to 20 hours when you combine both fuels. This is an amazing result and no other inverter generator can rival it on this matter.
This also makes the Champion 3400 dual inverter a very reasonable solution for those who need a portable backup power generator for their homes. Being able to run a generator for so long when a hurricane strikes can be a real comfort and save you a lot of trouble.
Clean Power
Most of the conventional dual fuel generators are not the best choice for running portable electronic equipment like laptops or LCD TVs. That’s because they generate the electricity at the so-called modified sine valve producing more than 3% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD). This can be potentially damaging for sensitive modern electronics.
Inverter generators on the other hand don’t suffer from this problem and operate well below the 3% THD threshold. If you need a generator that combines the best of both worlds the dual-fuel flexibility and the clean power of inverter generator Champion 3400W is your best.
Quiet operation
Champion 3400W operates very quietly given its higher wattage. At smaller loads, it makes less than 60 dB of noise. You could compare it to an idling car engine. Even at higher loads it still stays within a reasonable threshold and is way much quieter than cheaper open frame portable generators. That’s another reason why campers and RV owners like this generator a lot.
Parallel Capability
What happens if you find yourself in a situation (like a hurricane) when you need much more power to run several energy-consuming appliances at your home? Get another Champion 3400W inverter and connect them!
In such a way you would end up having 6800 starting watts at your disposal which is already enough to power most crucial home appliances. And it’s certainly enough to satisfy even the most demanding large RVs.
Are there any downsides?
To be perfectly honest with you, we really can’t find any serious downsides to this generator.
The only minor annoyance some users report is that the wheels are a bit too small and there is very little space between them and the generator body. This can sometimes result in rubble or debris getting stuck in between.
The wheels are also not made of the best quality so that it might happen after months of frequent use that one of them may simply come off. Fortunately, the replacements are very cheap and that’s something which can be easily DIY.
The generator is also not very resistant to severe weather. We certainly wouldn’t recommend letting it work in the pouring rain. The best solution is to get a generator tent like this to protect it from harsh weather.
FAQ
Can it run a 13500 BTU AC?
Yes, it can. You would still have enough spare power to run a few other small electronic devices on top of it.
Does this come with the LP hose?
Yes, it does.
Where is it made?
It’s designed in the USA and assembled in China.
Is Champion as good as a brand as Honda and Yamaha?
While perhaps it’s not such a well-known and trusted brand as these two, IMHO Champion is one of the best generator manufacturers in the US. Their generators generally attract very positive results from people who’ve bought them. They also cost less than Honda or Yamaha while offering similar capabilities.
The quality of materials used for finishing is one of the reasons why Champion is cheaper. However, as long as you’re not planning to run a generator day by day in a harsh construction environment, Champion is as much of a great choice as more expensive gens.
