[easyazon_image add_to_cart=”default” align=”right” asin=”B005SHTOAM” cloaking=”default” height=”116″ localization=”default” locale=”US” nofollow=”default” new_window=”default” src=”http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41u2uNXA3LL._SL160_.jpg” tag=”genergator-20″ width=”160″]Do you have a Champion 5000W-9500W model generator?  If so, a generator cover can help you to protect your purchase from the elements, and also can provide for a nice clean look if you store it outdoors.  Champion itself makes a cover for their generator series.  As you might expect, it is an ideal fit, because it was designed specifically for these generators.  Let’s have a look at the Champion Power Equipment C90016.  I ordered it and tried fitting it on my Champion 5000W to see how it would measure up.

Note that this cover doesn’t work for small Champion generators in the 3000-4000 watt range. If so, then you want to look here. Either way, when you are looking for the best Champion generator cover, it helps to go with the company that makes the generator itself.

Cover Design

Let’s start with the basics.  This Champion generator cover measures 28.7 x 22.8 x 23.6 inches.  How well it will fit your generator will depend on the model; if your model is in the aforementioned series, it should fit great.  Otherwise, check the dimensions of your generator against the dimensions of those models.  If your model is in the right dimension range, this cover could work for you, even if you have a different type of generator.

The material is water resistant vinyl.  When I pulled it out of the box, I could tell straight away that it was going to be durable and hold up great to use.  A quick safety note if you are new to generators.  You should never leave a cover on your generator while you are using it.  Only use it for storage purposes.  If you leave the cover on, it will heat up, and so will the generator.  This can cause mechanical failure and result in a melted cover.

Cover Performance

I was able to get the cover to fit easily over my generator.  It was effortless and looked fantastic.  This may be important to you if you are buying the cover for appearance reasons.  Not wanting to wait for it to rain in order to test it, I went ahead and grabbed my lawn hose and turned on the spray function to imitate rain.  I directed a shower of water over the generator in its cover for a good ten minutes, turned off the hose, and took a look.  I could easily see looking at the cover that the vinyl had done a great job.  Taking it off I found my generator completely dry.  Very nice!  I’ve read reviews from other buyers who have said that the cover also holds up well to intense daily sunlight.  So whatever climate you live in, this should be a helpful buy.

Conclusion

As a generator cover, this is a pretty basic item.  You can buy it for around $25 to $35, which is a reasonable price given the amount of protection that it offers.  You will find more than 100 customer reviews on Amazon.com (at the time of this writing), more than 80 of which are 5 stars.  Only 6 are under 3 stars.  I can wrap up my Champion C90016 generator cover review by heartily recommending this purchase.  If you have a generator in the 5000W-9500W series, it pays off to protect your purchase.  This low-cost add-on can extend the lifetime of your generator by protecting it from harsh climate conditions.

[easyazon_block add_to_cart=”default” align=”center” asin=”B005SHTOAM” cloaking=”default” layout=”left” localization=”default” locale=”US” nofollow=”default” new_window=”default” tag=”genergator-20″]

[easyazon_image add_to_cart=”default” align=”right” asin=”B004BKI0UW” cloaking=”default” height=”160″ localization=”default” locale=”US” nofollow=”default” new_window=”default” src=”http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51EH14e8wmL._SL160_.jpg” tag=”genergator-20″ width=”160″]If you are interested in a propane generator in the $300 to $500 range which would be ideal for emergency use, the Sportsman GEN4000LP may fit the bill.  This generator is also known as the Sportsman 3250-4000W LP Generator (if you would prefer a gasoline model, but otherwise are happy with the specs on this generator, you may want to check out the Sportsman Series Gasoline 4000 Watt Generator).  Online, the Sportsman 3250-4000W LP Generator is highly rated, averaging 4.2 out of 5 stars on Home Depot.  The vast majority of the ratings are 4 out of 5 stars, with only a handful of negative reviews.  I decided to see how the propane generator performed firsthand.  Here is what I found out.

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Sportsman GEN4000LP Design

The GEN4000LP is 102 pounds, making it heavier than I would like for most portable generators, but still technically movable.  There are carrying handles as part of the roll cage, which protects the internal components, but no wheels.  So you could use this generator for camping and remote work sites, but it still is probably best suited to emergency home use.  Reviewers who did try it out for camping said that they were happy with it overall though, so this generator provides you with plenty of flexibility for different applications.  Helpful features include Automatic Low Oil Shutdown and Automatic Voltage Regulator.

[easyazon_cta add_to_cart=”default” align=”none” asin=”B004BKI0UW” cloaking=”default” height=”28″ key=”wide-orange” localization=”default” locale=”US” nofollow=”default” new_window=”default” tag=”genergator-20″ width=”176″]

Power Output and Noise Level

I had to do about a half dozen pulls to get it started the first time, but after that, a couple of pulls were enough to get it going again.  The 7-HP engine is powerful enough to produce 3,250 watts of running energy (4,000 maximum watts).  Running at about a 50% load, I was able to get around 10 hours out of it before I needed to refill the propane cylinder.  You do need to have your own cylinder—it does not come with the generator, so that is something to know before you make your purchase.

There are a couple of advantages that come with using propane instead of gasoline.  For one, the emissions are reduced, and the generator is a lot more environmentally friendly.  The other advantage is the noise level, which is far lower than you will typically get with gasoline.  Not only was I pleased with the noise level when I tested this generator out, but I also noticed other reviewers online consistently citing this as a favorite feature.  This makes the Sportsman 3250-4000W LP Generator great for situations where you need to keep the noise level down as much as possible, like when you are running it at a campground in a park.

[easyazon_cta add_to_cart=”default” align=”none” asin=”B004BKI0UW” cloaking=”default” height=”28″ key=”wide-orange” localization=”default” locale=”US” nofollow=”default” new_window=”default” tag=”genergator-20″ width=”176″]

Conclusion

[easyazon_block add_to_cart=”default” align=”right” asin=”B004BKI0UW” cloaking=”default” layout=”top” localization=”default” locale=”US” nofollow=”default” new_window=”default” tag=”genergator-20″]The Sportsman 3250-4000W LP Generator is a great choice if you are looking for a backup power source without the mess and inconvenience that can go with gasoline.  This propane generator is inexpensive, well-designed, and includes user-friendly features and efficient power output.  If noise level is important to you, this is a particularly good buy.  Don’t forget to check out the gasoline alternative to this product if you want to avoid using propane. If you are looking for the best gasoline generator, that might be the right choice for you.