If you do not want to go out into the cold morning air to start a generator to brew your first cup of coffee, then you should consider buying a portable generator with a wireless remote start key fob. In light of that, here is my review of the Champion 75537i 3100-watt inverter generator with wireless remote start.
What is included with the Champion 75537i?
The inverter generator is shipped with a few essential items:
- automotive style battery charging cables
- oil funnel
- remote key fob
- spark plug socket
- USB adapter (dual 2.4A port)
There is no oil in the crankcase, therefore buy the appropriate automotive oil before you unbox, assemble and start the generator.
Wireless Remote Start Is Convenient
This generator has its own battery which provides power for both the electric starter and the wireless remote start system. Obviously, the remote key fob has its own tiny battery.
The wireless remote control system needs a few elements to work properly. Foremost, the battery needs to have enough charge to power the electric starter and turn over the engine. The generator should be completely level on a flat surface. Furthermore, the fuel valve, battery switch and ignition switch should be turned on. The battery of the wireless remote key has to be in good condition and able to communicate with the receiver control module inside the generator. The maximum remote starting distance is up to 80 feet away.
The remote control module controls the automatic choke and electric starter. It will try to start the generator for up to six times after you press the start button on the remote key fob. There is a very important voltage delay when starting or stopping the generator with the remote control. No current will be available at the outlets for 15 seconds after a remote start.
The current is turned off immediately when you press the stop button on the remote key fob. The engine will stop a few seconds after pressing the stop button. This protects appliances that are connected to the generator from insufficient voltage when starting or stopping the generator. This voltage delay does not occur when using the recoil pull cord or electric starter.
Gasoline Powered Engine
This generator gets power from a 171cc, 4-stroke OHV gasoline engine. Its fuel tank has a 1.6-gallon capacity, but it does not have a fuel gauge. The recommended fuel requirements are regular unleaded gasoline with a minimum octane rating of 85. The ethanol content of the fuel must be less than 10%, although ethanol-free fuel is still the best because it does not leave a watery goo in the fuel tank, fuel valve and carburetor. The run time on a full tank of gasoline fuel at 25% load is about 8 hours.
The oil capacity of the engine is about 0.6 qt. You can buy and add 10W-30 automotive oil, unless you live in a very hot or a very cold climate. You should adapt the oil type to the weather conditions where the generator is going to be used. The engine will stop automatically if the oil level in the crankcase is too low or if the generator is not standing on a level surface.
Inverter Generator Produces Clean Power
The Champion 75537i provides 2800 running watts for continuous usage. The inverter system puts out clean electricity with less than 3% total harmonic distortion. The control panel has the following knobs, lights and receptacles:
- 120 Volt AC, 20 Amp Duplex (NEMA 5-20R)
- 120 Volt AC, 30 Amp Receptacle (NEMA TT-30R)
- 12V DC outlet
- battery switch
- circuit breaker
- economy control switch
- engine switch
- fuel valve knob
- ground terminal
- oil warning light
- output light
- overload indicator light
- push-button choke
- red pilot lamp
- wireless set button
The economy control switch reduces both fuel consumption and noise because it lets the engine reduce speed to idle when no current is being used. However, the engine speed will return to full RPM when an electrical load is connected and turned on. You should turn the economy control switch off when you are going to use appliances that draw high electric loads.
Ready For Your RV
The Champion 75537i is promoted as being “RV ready” due to its 30-amp NEMA TT-30R outlet and 12V DC outlet. Moreover, its wireless remote start is convenient because you do not have to leave the comfort of your recreational vehicle in order to start it up. In addition, its quiet operation (58 dBA from 23 feet away) makes it a good choice for camping or RVing.
You might also consider buying the Champion 3400-watt dual fuel inverter generator if you have an RV. It can run on either gasoline or propane right out of the box, which makes it more versatile on RV trips. However, the 3400-watt dual fuel model does not have wireless remote start, but it is capable of a parallel connection with another Champion inverter generator. You may learn more about this Champion 3400W dual fuel inverter generator by reading its full review.
Champion 75537i: FAQ
The overall power of the gasoline engine decreases by about 3.5% for every 1000 feet of elevation above sea level due to lower air density at higher altitudes. This reduces the amount of air mixed with the fuel in the carburetor and affects the air-fuel ratio of the mixture. The only way to address this problem is by reducing the amount of fuel in the air-fuel mixture with a smaller carburetor main jet. The standard carburetor main jet is sufficient for altitudes below 3500 feet. Above 3500 feet high altitude problems such as hard starting, reduced power performance, increased fuel consumption, spark plug fouling and increased exhaust emissions might become noticeable. Consequently, you are advised to contact Champion Power Equipment for more information regarding parts and procedures for high altitude operation.
The 75537i inverter generator is not a dual fuel model. Thus, you will have to find and install a third party propane conversion kit, which might void the emissions warranty. As a result, it will no longer be compliant with the EPA or the CARB. The best suggestion is to get a dual fuel inverter generator, so you do not have to install a fuel conversion kit.
The Champion 755371 does not have parallel connection outlets, thus it cannot be tied in with another Champion 3100-watt inverter generator to produce more power. It does not have parallel capabilities.
The remote control module consumes tiny amounts of battery power (about 2 mA) when the ignition switch and battery switch is left in the active position. Nevertheless, it might take around two weeks for the remote control module to actually drain the battery. If you start and use the inverter generator for a few hours, then the battery will be recharged automatically during normal operation. This is only a problem if you forget to turn off the ignition and battery switch before storing the generator for a few weeks. Accordingly, you should remove the battery and put it on a battery float charger to maintain the charge over a long period. If you are using the generator every day, then the battery will be slowly recharged while the generator is running.
Champion 75537i Inverter Generator: Verdict
This Champion 3100-watt portable inverter generator can power the most essential appliances in your RV or travel trailer. It might power a small air conditioner, coffee maker, microwave, computer or television. Yet, at 2800 running watts you might not be able to power everything at the same time. The 12-volt DC outlets and included charging cables are useful for recharging automotive batteries.
The most attractive feature of the Champion 75537i inverter generator is its wireless remote starter. People love the remote electric start option because it makes starting the generator from inside a travel trailer or RV so easy and convenient.
Some discouraging features are the poor build quality of the choke button, the lack of a fuel gauge and the very small wheels. Yet, these problems are probably to be expected from such a bargain-priced inverter generator. The Champion 75537i might not be quieter than a 3000-watt Honda or Yamaha inverter generator, but it costs a lot less money.
Be that as it may, you might simply consider getting a newer and slightly more powerful inverter generator with wireless remote start, such as the Champion Power Equipment 200987. This model number offers 3500 running watts and up to 4500 starting watts. It is both RV ready and parallel ready. It also has a 4-mode intelligauge meter for volts, frequency, session and total run time. Not only that, but it is a quiet, lightweight and portable solution for your outdoor power needs (check price on Amazon).