Top Rated Product

Product Reviews

Champion Power Equipment™ 3500W/4000W Portable Generator

Generator | Brand : Champion Power Equipment™ | Type : Portable | Application : Recreational/Emergency | Power Rating : 3,500 W | Current Rating : 29.2 A / 14.6 A | Voltage Rating : 120/240 V | Engine : 196cc | Product Width : 17-1/2 in.
Average Customer Rating:
4.767 out of 5
4.8
 out of 
5
(150 Reviews) 150
Open Ratings Snapshot
Rating Snapshot (150 reviews)
5 stars
125
4 stars
19
3 stars
3
2 stars
2
1 star
1
145 out of 150(97%)reviewers would recommend this product to a friend.
Customer Reviews for Champion Power Equipment™ 3500W/4000W Portable Generator
Review 1 for Champion Power Equipment™ 3500W/4000W Portable Generator
Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
JB52
Location: Alexandria, Va
Champion 3500/4000W Generator
Date:November 16, 2012
Looking for a decent sized generator in the aftermath of Sandy, had difficulty finding anything decent in stock. Went to TSC online, found this one available, and had it shipped to local TSC store. Arrived quickly, and when I went to pick it up the TSC associate said we better open it up and take a look 'cause the box had damage. Sure enough, there was a dent in the side of the control panel but didn't look to bad so I accepted it. Got it home and filled it w/oil, started it up, and it ran fine. After breaking it in for about an hour, tested it w/power tools and it did great on my saws which can load up generators with their large starting current demands. Unit ran fine, and was surprisingly quiet. Put it away in my shop, added some Sta-Bil to the gas, and I am ready for th next storm!
Props to TSC-I reported the damage to them by email after purchase and they offered to have it picked up and replaced(!) but it operates perfectly and I am very happy with it-the dent isn't that bad and if it works, that's most important. Unit is priced right, runs good, and I can now get rid of that nasty 2-stroke unit I have.
Ordered the wheel kit tonight.
TSC has a new satisfied customer!
1 of 1 found this review helpful.
Review 2 for Champion Power Equipment™ 3500W/4000W Portable Generator
Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
CRAFTBENDER
Location: Ford City, Pa.
A great purchase
Date:March 25, 2012
I needed a generator that would run my gas furnace and lights during the winter in case of power outage, plus my Honda I2000 inverter won't run my Miller 130 wire feed welder. The Champion 4000/3500 fills the bill. Starts every time and is very quiet. I like the fact that the engine has a cast iron sleeve. I will reserve the Honda inverter to power my electronic stuff.
2 of 2 found this review helpful.
Review 3 for Champion Power Equipment™ 3500W/4000W Portable Generator
Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Anonymous
Location: st.johnsbury,vermont
great product
Date:March 13, 2012
got this generator for the up coming camping season because we upgraded campers. first time i tried to start it it just wouldn't start, but low and behold when you turn the gas on it will start right up!stupid mistake but this thing is great i hooked everything up and power was in my hands. and this thing is so quiet you can talk without hollering standing right beside it. can't wait for the first camping trip here in vermont, maybe i'll go before all the snow is gone!!! great product champion keep it up!!!
Review 4 for Champion Power Equipment™ 3500W/4000W Portable Generator
Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Perry
Location: Gilmer Texas
Champion 4000 w generator
Date:December 12, 2009
I bought this generator after pricing Honda's for several weeks. I went on line and read the reviews and about 97% of them for this generator were excellent. When I brought it home I realized that in order to make this generator truly mobile I would need a wheel set. I proceeded to build my own wheel set. I installed the wheel set I built. I read the manual put oil and fuel in it and turned on the fuel valve put the choke on and turned on the ignition switch. Pulled on the starter rope and it started instantly. I proceeded to plug several things into the outlets and the generator handled them all. After about twenty minutes of running I topped off the fuel tank and put a cover on it and put it in the garage.
About a week later (Thanksgiving Week) we were having the whole family over (17 of them) for a dinner that my daughter was preparing at our home. My daughter was cooking a pork recipe and had two crock pots going. about two hours before the family was to arrive our power went out. Everyone panicked myself included then I remembered the generator. We rolled the generator up to the back patio and it started instantly. Plugged both crock pots into the generator and my wife commented to bad she could not vacuum prior to the company's arrival. We plugged the vacuum into the generator along with the two crock pots that were already plugged in and the generator handled everything. Right before the company arrived the power came back on, by that time everything was cooked. Topped off the fuel again and put the generator back in the garage for the next emergency. I love this generator already. If it continues to start easily and has good longevity I would say this generator is an awesome value for the price. I purchased it at Tractor Supply Naturally, since they have always been great to deal with.
6 of 6 found this review helpful.
Review 5 for Champion Power Equipment™ 3500W/4000W Portable Generator
Rating: 
3 out of 5
3 out of 5
Anonymous
Location: Springfield mo
great price but noisy
Date:February 6, 2013
I have a fifth wheel RV so I bought this generator for power when it is not available or power is lost at the campsite.
The price is right and it has a 30 RV socket built in so that is handy. However, it is NOISY. One reviewer said that you can stand right beside it and talk, you can, if you do not start it.
It is advertised as 68 decibels at 23 feet- should be 230 feet. Actually it measured 85db at 25 feet.
I would probably return it but since I put fuel in it I dont think that they will take it. Thats wrong, to mis advertise the noise level and then you are stuck with it.
Review 6 for Champion Power Equipment™ 3500W/4000W Portable Generator
Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Happycamper1
Location: Olympia Wa.
Happycamper
Date:February 1, 2013
I researched alot of generators and found good comments on Champion. I love it, it is quiet for a larger set. Im in construction so I know about loud and this one is very good for its size. No Honda inverter but acceptable. I choose the model with 240volt option and would advise to make sure you purchase the right one for your needs. The RV plug is a nice option. Fuel consumption is pretty good and it starts easily. Quality constructed and for the price I dont see how you can go wrong!
Review 7 for Champion Power Equipment™ 3500W/4000W Portable Generator
Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
RoadtripRay
Location: Blacksburg, SC
Easy starting generator - good choice for camper
Date:January 30, 2013
I moved my camper to property I just bought and do not have power, yet. I picked this generator up at the Tractor Supply in York, SC and it was a cinch to set it up for first use. It powers my entire camper off its 30-amp plug, and hasn't let me down in the month I've been using it. Even this recent crazy cold weather (20 degrees is unusual for SC) hasn't slowed this generator down. Starts on the first pull (with choke) even down in the twenties! I'll have power to the property soon so I won't need this on a daily basis, but even then I'll rest easy knowing I have backup power whenever and wherever I need it!
Review 8 for Champion Power Equipment™ 3500W/4000W Portable Generator
Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Nate98
Location: Baytown, Texas
GREAT GENERATOR
Date:January 28, 2013
I purchased this generator not expecting too much...BOY WAS I SURPRISED! I got the thing home, fired up on first pull, let it break in for an hour, in the mean time, I was making an extension cord with a RV plug on one end, and 4-20 amp recepticals on the other, allowing me more than one 20 amp receptical. I plugged my new cord in along with two 1500 watt heater one into each plug, the first heater hardly changed anything, I didn't even notice it came on, the second was barely noticeable, so i check the voltage, and with almost a full load, the thing was still cranking out 118 volts! Plus it can run my 1 horsepower well pump (240 volts 12 amps). This is a great generator, ESPECIALLY FOR THE PRICE!!! I'm ready for the next power outage/camping trip!
Review 9 for Champion Power Equipment™ 3500W/4000W Portable Generator
Rating: 
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
WillyNilly
Location: Walpole,New Hampshire
A Very Good Purchase
Date:January 28, 2013
A great addition to our equipment .Handy to use and move about for our needs .
Review 10 for Champion Power Equipment™ 3500W/4000W Portable Generator
Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
sonic2012
Location: Weston, WV
Great Generator
Date:January 27, 2013
I have had my generator for about 1 1/2 years now and haven't really used it until about july 2012 when we had a bad wind storm and it knocked out our power for about a week and this generator was able to power my refrigerator a 8,000 btu air conditioner 2 lights my 40" tv the satellite reciever the computer and the internet modem with no problem at all and the best part was it ran for about 12 hours on a tank of fuel. Then I had to use it again when our power went out due to SANDY and it started right up and powered everything again with no problems at all. But when the oil level is low it will shut off which is a very nice feature.
Review 11 for Champion Power Equipment™ 3500W/4000W Portable Generator
Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
MF135
Location: Roxboro, NC
Happy camper
Date:January 15, 2013
I am just another happy customer. I bought this for my 20 ft. camper and for power applications around my land. It performs exactly as expected, powers everything in camper including a/c and microwave, and is not very loud. Time will tell for durability, but after only 20 hrs I have no complaints at all.
Review 12 for Champion Power Equipment™ 3500W/4000W Portable Generator
Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
riverguy
Location: Forestville, CA
Pleasantly Surprised!
Date:January 1, 2013
We've had our generator for about a year now, got it at TS in Windsor, CA. Read all the rave reviews, and I second them all . . . with the possible exception of those who call it "quiet!" Our neighbors don't agree, and it sounds to me to be as loud as any genset I've ever used. But we live in the Redwood forest and we have predictable power outages during just about every winter storm, so this little gem as paid for itself several times already. It always starts easily, usually on the first pull. Since we live in CA, we had to pay extra for the "CA version," which I believe means it has some extra exhaust-clogging hardware on the muffler. BTW, the noise from this machine is not exhaust noise, but rather mechanical noise. I have no idea why it's so loud, but hey, it always works, so it's fine with me. With a light load, it has always had a "lope" in the running speed, and since the CA version will not allow any carburetor mixture adjustments, I just move the choke lever toward "choke" a bit until the speed evens out. I've had it running over 8 hours on a full tank and the gauge still shows some fuel when I refill it. It powers all the essentials of our home (full kitchen, gas furnace blower, office, TV, quite a few lights, and various power tools, all through a 6-circuit transfer switch. Sweet! This genset, especially at the tiny price, is the deal of deals!
Review 13 for Champion Power Equipment™ 3500W/4000W Portable Generator
Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Fdb423
Location: Long Island N.Y.
Champion 3500 first time experience
Date:December 29, 2012
I researched a number of generators after losing power a few times. I also wanted a small genset for my 30' travel trailer. After researching a number of brands-I decided on the Champion mainly because of price, size(fits in back of my truck with tonneau cover down), outlet configuratiion(for my TT) and customer support reviews. I ended up visiting family in south jersey and asked TSC put one aside for me. Could not be more pleased with the experience with TSC. Upon return home and opening the box - I prepped the gen with oil and gas. The gen started on the second pull - after a minute - it shut down. This happened a few times so I decided to call customer support. Brian from CPE got on and walked me thru a few troubleshooting steps: 1. fuel supply -2. low oil shut off. It was the low oil sender - MAKE SURE WHEN CHECKING THE OIL LEVEL THE DIPSTICK ISNT SCREWED IN. I added oil and the gen runs fine. Brian was patient and helpful easy to understand(if u know what I mean). I give the gen a 5 on all levels especially customer support. The gen is louder than the inverter ones but for the price / size / output it cant be beat. I plan on building a soundproof enclosure for camping times. Would recommend it to anyone that needs a gen for infrequent times of year or small emergency backup.
Review 14 for Champion Power Equipment™ 3500W/4000W Portable Generator
Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
LRay
Location: New York
Champion 4000 watt Generator
Date:December 27, 2012
I did a LOT of research before deciding on the Champion. I chose it because it puts out more wattage and amperage than the Generac 3250 and is priced much lower. Also, the User Reviews praised the Champion and I have found those to be a better source of info on a product. The reason for my purchase was to power our sump pump and other electrical needs in the event of a power loss. I bought and installed the wheel kit (a must for easy moving) and a Twist Lock cord w/ 4 outlets. The only issue I had was trying to figure out the amount of oil to add (.6 liters??). Out of the box, with oil and gas, it started w/ 2 pulls. I also checked our local service store to ask if they worked on Champions. They do and also said it was a good generator (they sell Hondas and Generacs). The Champion appears to be well made and I'm confident it will do the job.
Review 15 for Champion Power Equipment™ 3500W/4000W Portable Generator
Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
JohnM
Location: Texas coast
Great generator
Date:December 26, 2012
I bought this generator probably a couple of years ago. It has been on a barrier island on the coast of Texas. Every time I go to start it, it starts right up after sitting for over a month. I add sta-bil all the time to the fuel and run the fuel out of the carb before storing it for next use. I use it to power my camper (lights, refig and a/c) and tools on my camp site. The conditions are very harsh and this generator just keeps on running with no issues. It is rusting but that is to be expected since it is in a very salty environment. You will not be disappointed with this generator. It is one of the most important things on my camp site and it is the most dependable item there.
Review 16 for Champion Power Equipment™ 3500W/4000W Portable Generator
Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Champion123
Location: Little Rock, Ar 72227
Wow Great Timing
Date:December 25, 2012
Bought this unit on 12/21 after no power for the previous 24 hours. Wife and I said we always wanted one and so lets do this now. Ready to buy Honda 2000 and the $price tag. Its a great unit, but we are out of power once in a blue moon. Ok so its literally 4 days later (12/25) now its snowing and we have no power , but wait..we just bought this generator at TSC. Ok to me was cheap compared to the Honda and I was ok with that based on reviews... The Champion is purring outside, Uverse is running. So is refrigerator and lights. Incredible buy and the bonus is we can run our RV !!
Let it snow!! Can't wait to get the natural gas conversion kit.
Review 17 for Champion Power Equipment™ 3500W/4000W Portable Generator
Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Rallycom
Location: Orange Co. , New York
Quality Machine
Date:December 24, 2012
Just finished the break in & changed the oil over to full synthetic! I love this machine, so far it does everything it's supposed to do.
I feel the noise level is very acceptable! If you're going to be moving it around by yourself I recommend the wheel kit!
This unit will be used for emergency power at home, field power for various Amateur Radio Public Service events, & included as standard equipment for the Rally Car Service Crew!
If Champion asked me what I would change or add to this machine:
• I'm a little disappointed with the finish on the frame, I plan to cover it with truck bed liner coating .
• The addition of an hour meter should be a must
• optional 'tail pipe' or exhaust extension
I'm very happy with this machine & am expecting years of good service out of it!
Review 18 for Champion Power Equipment™ 3500W/4000W Portable Generator
Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
donnafrflorida
Location: winter haven fla
started right up
Date:December 14, 2012
Gave this as early Chriatmas present to daughter and son in law. followed directions. started on 3rd pull. bought wheels too. no problems at all.
Review 19 for Champion Power Equipment™ 3500W/4000W Portable Generator
Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
DougF
Location: Carlisle, PA
Very Happy With Purchase
Date:December 12, 2012
I ordered this generator on line and had it shipped to the local Tractor Supply store. It arrived there in less than a week and the store promptly notified us. Pick-up went without a hitch. The only complaint I had about the purchase was the questionable $10 oversize charge tacked onto my bill for this item. The thing weighs less than 100 pounds and is not very bulky. Seems to me that Tractor Supply stocks and ships a lot of bulky items and this just appeared to be an easy way to get ten additional dollars, but the price was still quite good - even such end of purchase charges are rather tacky.
I got the generator home and everything was there and had successfully shipped without any damage whatsoever. The directions for getting it ready to run were very easy to follow and the task required no particular mechanical skills or special tools. You will need a tad over half a quart of 10W-30 engine oil and, of course, some gasoline. After prepping the generator and following the starting procedures in the manual the thing fired right up on the second pull and ran flawlessly. I hooked up an electric drill to the outlet and it functioned normally. There is a specific way to turn the generator off - just follow the instructions in the manual.
I bought this generator as a back-up for my freezer, refrigerators, and sump pump in the event of a lengthy power outage. I have not had a need to use it yet. I think it is an ideal price for something that I may use only once or twice a year and saw no need to buy an expensive machine that would just set in the corner unused for most days of the year.
Review 20 for Champion Power Equipment™ 3500W/4000W Portable Generator
Rating: 
1 out of 5
1 out of 5
Tom123
Location: Quakertown, PA
Came out of the box broken
Date:December 10, 2012
I ordered this product and had it delivered to their Quakertown store. When I first tried to get it up and running it was making a loud scraping noise at the pull cord. Tractor Supply took the item back with ease. I would not recommend this generator. I will save a little more and buy a Honda.
1 2 3 4 5 ... 8 next>>