This Champion Power Equipment 4000-watt inverter generator (model 100302) has an interesting design. It is a hybrid of an open frame generator and a fully enclosed inverter generator. The upside is that the open frame can accommodate a larger engine with increased power output. The downside is the increased loudness when compared to an enclosed style inverter generator.
Champion 100302: Summary
Overall, the Champion 100302 inverter generator is recommended by most owners. It is easy to start, and it has good power output. It provides 3500 running watts and 4000 surge watts. However, you have to use the 30-amp receptacle if you want to take advantage of the full 3500 watts. The two 20-amp Duplex receptacles will only give you a maximum of 2400 watts.
It is an affordable choice for camping, outdoor projects and recreational vehicles. Even so, it has no wheels, and it is louder when compared to an inverter generator with a fully enclosed design.
This Champion 4000-watt inverter generator does not have an electric starter. It only has a recoil starter, which you have to pull by hand. If you want a generator with an electric starter, then the Champion 100302 is not the model for you.
While doing our research, we noticed a Champion 4000-watt DH series open frame inverter generator that has a wireless remote start feature. This generator, model number 100573, comes with an internal battery and a wireless remote key fob, but it does not have a push-start button (view it on Amazon).
Digital Hybrid
Why is the Champion 100320 inverter generator called a “digital hybrid” when it only runs on gasoline? This definition does not refer to fuel source, but to frame design. The company combined an inverter generator with an open frame generator to create the Champion DH series portable generators. Therefore, this digital hybrid generator might look like an ordinary portable generator, but it is actually an open frame inverter generator that provides clean power. It is able to power digital electronic devices such as computers and televisions, in addition to normal household appliances.
Run Time
The Champion 100302 gas powered inverter generator has a 224cc, 4-stroke, OHV engine with manual recoil start. Its gasoline tank has a 2.9-gallon (11-liter) fuel capacity. The gasoline should be regular unleaded fuel with a minimum octane rating of 85.
How long will it run on one full fuel tank? This depends on the amount of power it has to generate. Its description says that it can operate for up to 17 hours on 2.9 gallons of fuel when carrying a 25% power load. Therefore, it might last a whole night without refueling if it is under a light electric load.
Eco Mode
The economy control switch on the control panel reduces the engine speed to idle when no electrical load is connected. The engine speed increases if an appliance is connected and turned on. Even so, do not use the economy mode for powering heavy loads because it makes no difference and the engine will only strain unnecessarily to handle the initial surge load. Thus, always turn off the economy control switch when connecting appliances that require a lot of surge and running watts.
Noise Level
The Champion 100302 is not the quietest inverter generator on the market due to its open frame design and inexpensive muffler. Of course, it is probably quieter than a normal, 3500-watt portable generator. Its noise level is stated to be 64 dBA. This number is definitely louder than other inverter generators, which have extra sound dampening components to reduce noise even further. It might not be too loud at home, but it could be annoying at a campsite.
Maintenance
It is very important to do periodic maintenance on the generator to keep it in good working condition. Improper maintenance of the generator will void the warranty and shorten its life span. Remember to remove and ground the spark plug wire before doing maintenance. This prevents the engine from starting by accident while you are busy. Most people will be able to change the oil and clean the air filter, spark plug and spark arrestor. Adjusting the valve clearances, cleaning the fuel filter and combustion chamber should be done by experienced people.
Engine Oil
The manufacturer recommends 10W-30 automotive oil for the engine. You can use the included oil funnel to add oil to the engine. Follow the directions in the owner’s manual.
Parallel Operation
We almost forgot to mention that this Champion hybrid frame inverter generator is parallel ready. The power panel has parallel receptacles where the Champion parallel kit (model 100319) can be plugged in. The kit comes with its own instructions, so we will say no more about it.
Conclusion
We have said enough about this Champion 4000-watt digital hybrid open frame inverter generator. You already know that it is not as quiet as an enclosed style inverter generator. It also does not come with a wheel kit, even though you might buy and install a Champion wheel kit yourself. You know it can power sensitive electronic devices. It is both RV and parallel ready.
An affordable portable inverter generator in the 3000W to 4000W range is not easy to find. If you have $2000 to spend, then you could get a Honda EU3000iS or Yamaha EF3000iSEB portable inverter generator. In contrast with those generators, the Champion 100302 open frame inverter generator might cost almost three times less (buy it on Amazon).
P.S. If you want a choice between other open frame inverter generators, then read these reviews of the Westinghouse iGen4200 and the Generac GP3500iO.