Champion 3800-watt (76533) Portable Generator Review

Champion 76533 is one of the best RV-ready generators. It operates on both gasoline and propane to make life easier for the users. It is available at a great price, easy to assemble and start, and offers decent fuel efficiency. It has four AC outlets but no DC outlet. Also, Volt Guard, intelligauge, and a 3-year warranty make it an ideal unit to buy.

Champion Power Equipment 76533 3800-Watt Dual Fuel RV Ready Portable Generator

Features:

Generator Type: Champion 76533 is an open frame dual fuel generator. It is the ultimate power solution for RV owners because it is an RV-ready unit. Also, it is widely used at homes to run essential home appliances during power outages.

Fuel Option: You can use both gasoline and propane to run this unit. Champion’s patented fuel selector switch allows users to easily and safely switch between the fuel sources.

Weight and Size: It is not easy to manually lift this generator because it weighs 119 pounds. It doesn’t have a lifting eye, so you must be muscular to lift this generator with the help of another person. But once it is on the ground, it is easy to move around because of the handle and wheel kit.

If we talk about its size, then it is not a compact unit. It is 22.9 inches in height, 26.3 inches in length, and 24.8 inches wide.

Emissions: The best thing about this Champion generator is that you can use it in all the 50 states of America, including California. There are some strict rules regarding air pollution set by EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) and CARB (California Air Resources Board). This generator follows all these rules and regulations to keep the environment clean and green.

Start System: Electric start mechanism makes starting hassle-free. Also, you have a recoil option as a backup. A battery is included for the electric start system. The generator charges it during operation.

Cold Start Technology: It also comes with a cold start technology that makes it easy for the users to start their generators in extremely cold weather.

Engine: Champion 76533 is equipped with a 224cc, 4-stroke, single-cylinder engine. It has a cast iron sleeve and an air-cooled system to prevent overheating.

Power Capacity: If you need more power, use gasoline instead of propane. The power output it delivers on gasoline is 4750 starting watts and 3800 running watts. But if running on propane, the engine will give 4275 starting watts and 3420 running watts.

Engine Oil Capacity: Its engine oil capacity is 0.6 quarts. If we convert it into liters, then it will be 0.56 liters. The oil which is recommended to use in the beginning is 10W-30. After that, you can use synthetic oils.

What it can Power: The output power it delivers is enough to start and run an RV air conditioner of 15,000 BTU. Keep in mind that you can’t run an air conditioner of this power and other big appliances simultaneously. Always check the starting watts and running watts of the appliances and tools before going to connect them with the generator.

Tank Size: Champion 76533 comes with a steel fuel tank. It can accommodate 3.4 gallons of gasoline. In the case of propane, you can either go for a 20-pound or 40-pound propane tank.

Runtime: It gives more runtime on propane as compared to gasoline because of the size of the fuel tank, which is only 3.4 gallons. You will get up to 9 hours of runtime at 50% load on gasoline and up to 10.5 hours at 50% load when using a 20-pound propane tank.

Noise: From a distance of 23 feet, its noise level is 68 dBA.

Power Outlets: The control panel of Champion 76533 is featured with plenty of outlets: Two 120 Volt 20 Ampere (5-20R) household outlets, one 120 Volt 30 Ampere (L5-30R) outlet, and one 120 Volt 30 Ampere (TT-30R) outlet.

The TT-30R outlet makes Champion 76533, RV-ready.

Intelligauge: Intelligauge helps you to track maintenance intervals and monitor power output. It shows the runtime, frequency (hertz), and voltage of the generator.

Safety: To prevent overloading and keep your equipment safe and protected, the Volt Guard feature is available. Also, it has an automatic low-oil shutoff sensor. When it detects that the oil level is going below the minimum level, it shuts down the engine automatically.

Warranty: Up to 3 years of the limited warranty and free lifetime technical support. 

Champion 76533 vs. WEN DF475T vs. Westinghouse WGen3600DF vs. Firman H03652

Features

Models

  Champion 76533 WEN DF475T  Westinghouse WGen3600DF Firman H03652
Peak/Rated Watts (Gas) 4750W/3800W 4750W/3800W 4650W/3600W 4550W/3650W
Peak/Rated Watts (LPG) 4275W/3420W 4350W/3500W 4180W/3240W 4100W/3300W
Gas Tank Size 3.4 gal. 4 gal. 4 gal. 5 gal.
LPG Tank Size 20 lbs. 20 lbs. 20 lbs. 20 lbs.
Runtime (Gas) 9 hrs (1/2 load) 11 hrs (1/2 load) 13.5 hrs (1/2 load) 14 hrs (1/2 load)
Runtime (LPG) 10.5 hrs (1/2 load) 7 hrs (1/2 load) 10.5 hrs (1/2 load) 8 hrs (1/2 load)
Noise  68 dBA 69 dBA 69 dBA 67 dBA
Starting Mechanism Recoil, Electric Recoil, Electric Recoil, Electric, Remote Recoil
Weight 119 lbs. 105.8 lbs. 109 lbs. 112 lbs.

My Opinion

Pros: Champion 76533 is a portable dual fuel generator. It is easy to operate because of the electric start system. Its powerful engine delivers excellent output power and gives good runtime. Also, Champion 76533 has plenty of power receptacles, intelligence, and essential safety features.

Cons: There is no DC outlet available. Also, it is a bit noisy.

FAQs

Does Champion 76533 come with a propane hose?

Yes, this Champion model comes with a propane hose. An LPG hose connector is used to connect the propane hose to the generator.

What is the best way to store this generator for a long?

If you have only bought this generator for emergencies, start it once every 14 days and keep it running for 20 minutes.

But if you are going out of the city or country for a long, then there are various things you need to do.

  • Make sure all the appliances are disconnected.
  • If you are not going to drain the fuel, add a fuel stabilizer.
  • Run your generator for a few minutes without load.
  • After turning off the generator, allow it to cool down so that you can clean and store it.
  • Turn off the fuel valve.
  • Change its oil.
  • Clean the spark plug and add some oil into the cylinder.
  • Always store your generator in a clean and dry place.

Why my generator starts but runs roughly?

If your generator starts but runs roughly, then you need to do the following things:

  • Check the oil level. If it is low, fill it up.
  • The choke might be in the wrong position, so you need to adjust the choke.
  • The generator also starts roughly when the spark plug wire gets loose. So, if that is the problem, fix it.

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