Champion Power Equipment 4250-Watt Open Frame Inverter Generator - 200914

GAP: I bought this generator to use for backup during power failures. The main features that influenced my decision were size, propane fuel and inverter output. I have only used this generator for two tests, have not had a power failure yet. The first test was just to start it up and make sure it generated electricity. I used it to power the refrigerator and an 1800 watt hair dryer. It started and ran fine (using propane) and supported the load. The second test was when I got the cable to connect it to the generator inlet for my house. I was able to power my whole house, with the exception of the 240 volt items (Stove, A/C, Dryer). We had a working Refrigerator, Lights, Internet, TV and even used the Microwave. I now feel that we are prepared for the next power failure.

This generator is the right size to provide power for the essentials for a medium sized house. We should be able to use everything we need, including the gas furnace, and I plan to purchase a small window air conditioner to keep one room cool and comfortable in the summer.

United States on Sep 25, 2023

Kevin: First, let me say I have both the 2500w dual fuel inverter, and this 4250 dual fuel. I am extremely happy with the 2500w dual fuel, but it won't run my 15.5k BTU a/c on the travel trailer (even with a soft start). So I purchased this 4250 dual fuel because I only use propane in them, I am not a fan of the gas smell. The "low noise" part of this is a gigantic lie as it is incredibly loud for an inverter generator. There are plenty of YT videos showing sound dB, so I won't get into that. I placed this in the back of my '23 Tundra and it unscrewed the latches off of my hard tonneau cover from the vibrations. I could also feel (quite a bit) the vibration inside the trailer while this is running in my truck bed. Next was the random shutoff- plenty of propane, no load changes, but somehow it kept thinking it was out of oil. When trying to start it, you can see the oil light flash (through the sweat dripping because it was hot and pull-starting anything multiple times in the blistering heat is no fun). After I figured it out, I added a bit of oil (even though the dipstick said full) and it started right up. It ran for the 5 hrs I had it on, then I turned it off. The next day I tried to...

United States on Aug 28, 2023

Nobody-nowhere: My order arrived early, however there was a hole in the box and some minor damage to the plastic cover below the controls. I could have sent it back but avoided the hassle and kept it. I followed the instructions to get it started and it started and ran on propane after a couple of pulls. The pull starter is very easy. I didn't try the gasoline mode. It is surprisingly quiet.

One beef is the cryptic symbols on the start/run selector for propane, off, stop, and gasoline. Those symbols are tiny and some make little sense. I had to scour the manual to see what the tiny gasoline pump with the line through it meant. One other complaint is the not obvious hole next to the propane inlet where you are supposed to insert a plastic barb on the quick connect when you insert the propane hose. What is its purpose?

It is also not all that heavy at around 80# considering how heavy others like it are. The ECO mode light is also a button to turn it off and on. The oil dipstick is clearly visible and easy to access. So is the oil drain for when you change the oil.

I haven't run any loads with this yet but I'm satisfied that it will handle what I have planned for it. BTW, the RV...

United States on Aug 12, 2023