News & Updates

The sun is shining, the birds are chirping, and spring has sprung! But, as you head outside for a breath of fresh air, you can’t help but notice the layer of pollen, mold, mildew, and dirt coating everything. Fear not. With a pressure washer in hand, you can tackle spring cleaning with ease.

Here are some ways to make your spring outdoor cleanup a breeze.

Choose the Right Nozzle

First, after you’ve read your owner’s manual, choose the right nozzle. Different nozzles create different spray patterns, so select one that suits the task at hand. A 0-degree nozzle is great for a deep clean on concrete or metal surfaces, while a 25-degree nozzle is ideal for general cleaning like washing your car or patio furniture. Be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions to avoid damaging surfaces and save time by doing things right the first time. 

Be Safe

Next, safety first! Wear closed-toe shoes, safety glasses, and ear protection. You’ll also want to protect any electronics, outdoor furniture, and delicate landscaping from the water stream. Plastic sheeting and tape can help protect anything you don’t want to come into contact with your pressure washer.

Select Safe Soap

You don’t have to use detergents with your pressure washer, but sometimes it might be necessary. Remember to rinse from the top down and consider using environmentally friendly soaps to help clear away the grime. Choosing the right detergent also means you need to read the label and make sure the detergent you choose is biodegradable and the ingredients are environmentally friendly. You’ll also want to check the toxicity levels of the product to make sure it won’t cause harm to people, animals, or plants.

Walkways and Patios

Once you’re geared up and ready to go, start with the toughest cleaning jobs first. This allows you to get them out of the way and makes tackling everything else seem like a breeze. Concrete patios, driveways, or sidewalks are great places to start. Use a 0-degree nozzle to blast away dirt and grime, following up with a 25-degree nozzle to remove any debris left behind.

The Outside of Your Home

Now you can move on to the exterior of your home. Start at the highest point and work your way down, so you don’t wash debris onto already clean areas. A 25-degree nozzle is perfect for washing away all of the winter dirt from your siding, doorways, and windows.

Decks and Fences

If you have a deck or fence, be sure to give them some TLC too. Use a wood-safe cleanser and a 40-degree nozzle to gently clean away mold and mildew. Tackling these surfaces with lower pressure will prevent damage to wood and staining.

Vehicles

Don’t forget about your vehicles! Pressure washing your car, truck, or SUV is an easy way to get rid of grime, dirt, and salt buildup from winter roads. When washing your car, it’s best to use a 25-degree nozzle, working from the top down to avoid pushing dirt into crevices.

Bye, Grime 

After you’ve finished spraying everything down, turn off your pressure washer and disconnect it from the power supply. Always drain the water out of the pressure washer’s hoses and spray gun before storing it. 

Remember, don’t let grime win! Select the proper nozzle, gear up for safety, and work your way through your to-do list starting with the toughest jobs first. With a little effort, and a Champion pressure washer by your side, you’ll have your property looking fresh and clean and ready for spring. 

Stuck, fallen in a ravine, or just need an extra boost? No matter what your situation is, having the right winch can come in handy. Let’s talk about why you need a winch, how to select and install the right one for your vehicle, plus a few helpful tips. 

Why a Winch?

A winch is a small but mighty machine that functions as an anchor point between a powered vehicle like an ATV or UTV and another object, such as a tree stump. Winches are often used when a motorized vehicle becomes stuck on uneven terrain, allowing the driver to pull themselves out of a tight spot. But winches can also be used to move large objects, help someone else who has become stuck, or even hoist something up high.

If you enjoy off-roading activities, with a winch, you can go farther and further, knowing you can get yourself out of any situation.

What’s Best for Your Outings – Galvanized Steel or Synthetic Rope?

The two types of rope material used in winches are galvanized steel and synthetic rope. 

• Galvanized Steel: This kind of rope is tougher and sturdier than synthetic rope, making it better suited for heavy-duty applications. It’s less affected by abrasion, making it more durable. Plus, it may last longer overall compared to synthetic rope.
• Synthetic Rope: Synthetic ropes are lighter and easier to handle due to their smaller diameter. They also require less energy to operate since there’s less weight involved, making them ideal for installations where space is limited. Plus, synthetic ropes won’t corrode and are often safer than traditional steel wire rope since the risk of injury is lower due to its softer surface.

When selecting a rope for your winching needs, consider factors such as the kind of environment you’re likely to encounter, the size of the load you’ll be hauling, and the length of the rope needed. 

What Size Winch Will Fit My Vehicle?

Before purchasing your winch, you must determine what size will work best for your vehicle.

 Here are some key points to keep in mind:

• Consider the power of your engine — if your vehicle has low torque and power output, a larger winch isn’t necessarily the best choice. Instead, opt for a lighter model that’s specifically designed for your make and model.
• Look at the drawbar rating on your vehicle — this number indicates the maximum pulling power of your vehicle in pounds per square inch (psi). Make sure you find a winch with a drawbar rating that matches or exceeds this number.
• Measure the mounting area of your vehicle — you want to make sure the winch you choose fits snugly in the designated area. If it’s too big or too small, it won’t work properly.

By matching the specs of your vehicle to the ones listed on the winch product page, you’ll ensure that you find a model that’s suitable for your application.

Accessorizing 

Once you’ve selected the correct winch for your vehicle, you may need to purchase additional accessories to facilitate installation. These include mounting kits and cable extensions which increase flexibility during open-road operations. At Champion Power Equipment, we offer complete winch kits so you have everything you need, plus we offer accessories like wireless remote kits, mini-rocker switch kits, and rigging kits. Make sure you check for compatibility before buying accessories to prevent damage and voiding warranties. 

How to – First-Time Installation

When installing a winch onto your vehicle, it’s important to take time and follow the instructions correctly—the stakes are higher than simply messing up a few screws here and there. To ensure everything goes smoothly, remember to:

• Tighten bolts evenly and securely.
• Apply appropriate lubricant to ensure parts are moving freely.
• Test the system once installed and inspect it regularly to identify potential issues.

If all of these steps sound like a lot to manage, fear not — we offer how-to videos if you feel the need for extra guidance. 

Ready to Winch? Do’s and Don’ts

Now it’s time to brush up on safety regulations. Here are some “do’s and don’ts” when working with a winch:

• Do: Wear protective gear, including gloves, glasses, and long sleeves.
• Don’t: Stand directly behind the winch when operating it.
• Do: Use multiple anchoring points, such as trees and solid rocks, rather than attaching directly to the ground.
• Don’t: Overload the winch, as doing so could result in serious injury or death.
• Do: Monitor the tension continuously while using it and adjust as necessary.
• Don’t: Pull sharp objects toward the winch, as they may cut through the rope.

Following these rules can help keep you safe while using a winch, while also preventing damage to property and the environment.

Whether you’re looking to get yourself or others out of a sticky situation, or just want to make sure you’re covered no matter what happens, investing in a Champion winch can be a great way to prepare for whatever you expect to face on your next ride. By taking the time to understand the different types of rope and sizes available, you’ll be able to pick the perfect Champion winch and accessories for your vehicle. And by following simple safety tips, you’ll get all the benefits of winching while minimizing the risks. Have fun and stay safe out there!

Spring is just around the corner. Spring brings sunshine and flowers, but it also brings thunderstorms. Severe thunderstorms often bring power outages. 

It can be tough when the power goes out unexpectedly, but with a little preparation, you can handle it like a pro. One essential tool to have on hand is a portable generator, but don’t wait until the storm hits to check if it’s ready to go. Here’s how to be sure your generator is ready for action just in case that spring shower turns into a thunderstorm. 

First things first, if you haven’t used your generator in a while, it’s important to make sure it was stored properly. Check your owner’s manual for the correct way to store it during periods of disuse. If you stored it correctly, great! You’re one step ahead. If not, don’t worry. Take some time now to drain all the fuel and clean the carburetor before using it safely. Your owner’s manual will give you all the details you need to do this the right way. 

Once your generator is ready for action, take it outside and add fresh fuel. Make sure not to overfill the tank to allow for fuel expansion. 

Next, check for any fuel leaks by turning off the engine switch, turning on the fuel valve, waiting five minutes, and checking for leaks around the carburetor and air filter. If you find a leak, disassemble and clean or replace the carburetor. Again – check your handy owner’s manual for the how-to’s. 

Now that you’ve dealt with any pesky leaks, here’s what to do next. 

1. Turn the fuel valve off and check the oil level using a dipstick. 
2. Add fresh oil if necessary. 
3. Finally, inspect the air filter for any obstructions like bugs or cobwebs. Remove any obstructions and clean or replace the air filter according to the owner’s manual.

Whatever weather is headed your way, you’re ready now! Fresh fuel, no leaks, fresh oil, clean air filter, and your generator is ready to go. With your portable generator prepared, you can rest easy knowing that if a thunderstorm or power outage hits, you’ll have backup power to rely on. 

So be prepared and enjoy peace of mind during any emergency!

This time of year is the perfect time to make sure you’re prepared for the year ahead. You still have some time on your hands while you wait for spring, and as you think about the upcoming year, there are lots of fun and potentially some not-so-fun things to anticipate. 

One way to be well prepared for whatever the future holds is to invest in a portable generator. 

Here are some situations a portable generator handles with ease. 

1. Power Outages – Whether it’s due to a storm, natural disaster, or just a simple blackout, a portable generator provides a reliable source of backup power. Keep your essential appliances and electronics running smoothly, no matter what. 
2. Outdoor Adventures – If you’re an outdoors enthusiast, a portable generator is a must-have item for your camping, tailgating, or hunting trips. With a generator, you’ll have access to power whenever and wherever you need it.
3. Home Renovations – Renovating your home can be a hassle, especially when it comes to powering your tools and equipment. A portable generator provides a convenient solution, allowing you to complete your projects without interruption.
4. Job Sites – For contractors, a portable generator is an indispensable tool. It provides a reliable source of power, no matter where your job site is located.
5. Emergency Preparedness – Emergencies can happen at any time, so it’s important to be prepared. A portable generator provides peace of mind, knowing you have a reliable source of power if the need arises.

Portable generators come in different sizes, they run on either gasoline or propane (duel fuel generators run on either), and they don’t need to be installed. Decisions, decisions…Are you unsure of how big or small to go? By using our portable generator selector tool, you’ll be provided with the best results to match your powering needs.

With a portable generator, you’ll never have to worry about losing power again. Whether you’re at home or away, you’ll have peace of mind knowing you have a source of power you can rely on. Investing in a portable generator is a smart decision and with its compact size, ease of use, and versatility, it’s a must-have item for anyone preparing for the year ahead. 

So why wait? Get your portable generator today and start enjoying all the benefits it has to offer!

Freshly fallen snow is beautiful. Children get excited about sledding, snowmen, snowball fights, and snow angels. And how about enjoying a warm drink in front of a blazing fireplace while gazing outside at the winter wonderland that used to be your driveway? Sounds lovely, right? 

Unless your idea of fun is removing waist-high snow from your driveway with a shovel, give that shovel and your back a well-deserved rest, and get a snow blower. A snow blower can help you clear your driveway after a snow storm in record time, and it could be a lifesaver if you need to leave your home during an emergency. If you already own a snowblower, don’t forget to get it serviced so it will be ready to go when you need it. 

Here’s a quick guide to snowblower features so you’ll know which snowblower is the best fit for you. 

• Power Turn Steering: You’ve heard of power steering but what about power turn steering? What happens when you get to the end of your snowy driveway and need to turn around and head back up your driveway to keep clearing snow? You can either put your back and shoulder into it and push or rely on power turn steering technology. Your snow blower senses the direction you’re trying to turn and automatically engages the drive system to help you. Whether you’re making a U-turn at the end of your driveway or path or attempting to maneuver around an obstacle, all it takes is a slight push to the left or right and your snow blower will make that turn a piece of cake.  
• Headlights: Lights on a snowblower may sound a little extra until you’ve tried to clear your driveway on a dark, frigid morning. Not only are LED lights convenient when it’s dark outside, but they also ensure your safety. You’ll be able to make your presence known to passing vehicles, see when you get close to the curb, plus you’ll have ample time to stop and remove any obstacles ahead like that bike left on the driveway the night before. A snowblower equipped with LED lights frees you up to safely clear your driveway any time, whether or not the sun is shining. 
• Heated Hand Grips: This may sound pretty luxurious at first, but when you’ve been outside in the cold and wet clearing snow for an hour, keeping your hands warm is essential. Ever heard anyone complain about their hands being too warm while they were blowing snow? Neither have we. When your hands are warm, you have more energy and focus to concentrate on getting the job done. 
• Dash-Mounted Chute Control: When you use a snow blower, the snow is pushed into a high-speed impeller that propels it out of a chute. The chute control directs which way you blow the snow. At the end of every path, you have to change chute direction. When the wind changes direction, you need to adjust the chute again. No one wants to stop their snow blower just to turn a crank that controls the chute direction. Making small adjustments are important, though, because you don’t want to throw your snow into the street or back onto your cleared sidewalks or driveway. A snow blower equipped with a dash-mounted chute control means you stay in control of where you want all that snow to go. Having the chute controls within easy reach means you can decide where to safely send that snow without being slowed down every time you need to change direction. Small conveniences like this speed up the job so you can get on with your day. 

Choose a snow blower with features like these that make your life easier and you’ll be able to safely and quickly get your snow cleared away so you can get back to that blazing fireplace and warm drink. 

Winter Storm Prep 101

A winter power outage that only lasts an hour or two is inconvenient, but when the lights go out, no one knows when they’ll come back on. For peace of mind now as cold weather sets in, prepare for winter storms ahead of time to avoid the inconvenience of a short-term outage but especially to protect your family from the dangerous results of an extended outage.

No power means no heat, and if you’re surrounded by heavy snow, blizzard conditions, and icy roads, getting out of the house might not be an option for a few days. Here are five things you can do to prepare for severe winter weather.  

1. Prepare an emergency kit

If you live in an area where ice storms frequently cause power outages, make sure you have a first aid kit, medications, a portable phone charger, batteries, flashlights, extra blankets, and a battery-powered radio, as well as a three-day supply of water and non-perishable food for your family and your pets. If someone in your family relies on prescription medications, keep them filled. It’s also smart to keep your gas tank full and have extra propane or gasoline on hand to fuel your portable generator. Don’t have a generator yet? Read on. 

2. Purchase a generator

Nothing’s more important than the health and safety of your family. When the power goes out due to a winter storm, will your family be safe and warm? If you don’t already have one, purchasing a generator you can rely on should be a top priority.

There are two main types of generators for winter storm preparation: portable generators and home standby generators. 

A portable generator is great if you only want to back up a few essentials. Portable generators come in different sizes, they run on either gasoline or propane (duel fuel generators run on either), and they don’t need to be installed. 

If you’d like to power more than just the essentials, or even your whole home, you may want to have a standby generator installed. Standbys never need refueling since they’re connected to your propane or natural gas system. Your home standby generator starts automatically when the power goes out and returns to standby when power is restored, ensuring warmth and safety for your family during a winter storm power outage. If you want to learn more about the difference between home standby generators and portable generators, this resource will help.

3. Prepare your home

To prevent expensive damage from burst water pipes, insulate pipes in exposed areas, and when the temperature drops, let water drip from faucets served by uninsulated outdoor pipes. Keep the warmth in and the cold out by installing storm windows or insulating your windows from the inside with plastic, or pick up an insulation kit at your local hardware store. Check around your doors for air leaks and add weatherstripping where needed. Test your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors to make sure they’re backed up by fresh batteries so they’ll work during an outage. Trim any tree branches that could be a danger to your home if they fell, and make sure your roof and shingles are in top condition so they can withstand heavy snow and strong winds.

4. Prepare your yard

Mulch your gardens to protect plants that you don’t want to freeze. Follow recommendations from a local nursery about the best way to preserve your plants. Store or cover outdoor items that could be damaged during a winter storm. No matter how bad the weather is outside, it’s never an option to run your portable generator or inverter inside. The best way to protect your investment is with a Champion Storm Shield generator cover. The cover withstands winds up to 70 mph, snow loads up to 18 inches, and rain up to 12 inches a day so you can run your generator with confidence in severe weather.

5. Purchase a snow blower

Unless your idea of fun is removing waist-high snow from your driveway with a shovel, buy a snow blower. A snow blower can help you clear your driveway after a snowstorm in record time, and it could be a lifesaver if you need to leave your home during an emergency. If you already own one, get it serviced each fall so it will be ready to go when you need it. Be sure you check your local news to see if the roads are clear so you don’t put yourself or others at risk by venturing out when it’s not safe. 

Prepare your vehicle with things you might need in case you get stranded in a storm when you’re out. Here’s your car emergency kit checklist: blankets, water, chains, jumper cables, ice scrapers, maps, bottled water, coats, hats, gloves, boots, non-perishable snacks, and a first aid kit. The pros recommend keeping sand or cat litter on hand to give your tires better traction on snow or ice in case you get stuck.

Take care of your winter storm prep now and face the unknowns of winter weather with confidence. 

Our lives depend on power. When a power outage occurs, we not only experience a huge interruption to the natural flow of life, we feel vulnerable and out of control.

Short power outages aren’t usually a big deal, but the longer an outage continues, the more at risk you begin to feel. Food in your freezer and fridge begins to thaw. Your home may become dangerously cold or unbearably hot. If you or your loved ones rely on devices powered by electricity or medication that requires refrigeration, a power outage can be life-threatening.

Peace of Mind 24/7

Now’s the time to get prepared so you can ensure the safety and security of your loved ones and your home during a power outage. Portable generators are perfect for tailgating, powering your RV, or backing up a few essential items in your home. However, your portable generator doesn’t turn on automatically for you when the power goes out. Guess what does? A home standby generator! 

If your home experiences a power outage, a home standby generator can step in immediately, usually within about 10 to 15 seconds. You and your family may not even notice that an outage has occurred. HSBs are fully automated to start as soon as power loss is detected. When power is restored, your home standby unit will turn off after about 30 seconds and will need 3 to 5 minutes to cool down. 

If you want to know beyond a shadow of a doubt that your family’s needs can be met during a power outage, a home standby generator keeps watch over your home, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

Talk about peace of mind, right?

Permanent Installation

Home standby generators, or HSBs, also known as permanent or stationary generators, are permanently installed in your yard. Your HSB connects directly to your home’s electrical system and runs on your home’s fuel supply, either natural gas or propane. 

Before you choose a home standby generator, you need to understand the needs of your home and calculate the overall cost and long-term savings. Get equipped now with all the information you need so you can protect your family and your home with a new HSB. 

Understand the needs of your home

A HSB is a long-term investment, so make sure you choose one that’s the right size to meet your needs. Don’t overspend on a larger generator if a smaller one can meet the power needs of your home. Think through what items in your house you’d like to power during an outage. Do you only want to keep the essentials going, or do you want whole-house power? 

A generator’s output tells you how much power it delivers to your home. Most manufacturers have user-friendly tools on their websites to help you choose the best HSB for your needs. Start here with our Home Standby Generator Calculator or ask a dealer or an electrician to make a size recommendation for you.  

You need to know: 

• The square footage of your home
• The size of your air conditioner in tons (Here’s how to find that information.) 
• The electrical service size of your home (Here’s how to find it.) 

Calculate the overall cost and long-term savings

The first thing you need to understand is the difference between the cost of the unit and the cost of ownership. Consider the money you’ll save long-term by purchasing an HSB. Remember, unlike a portable generator, an HSB must be professionally installed, so your purchase includes the HSB unit plus the cost of installation. 

On natural gas, a home standby generator can run almost indefinitely, and when connected to an appropriately sized propane tank, it can provide power for up to a week. If your power is out for a week or more, an HSB may actually pay for itself during one power outage!

An article like this one by Consumer Reports provides HSB ratings by brand. 

• Compare the generator output to the purchase cost.
• Compare the sound levels when the HSB is actually in use.
• Take note of the length of the manufacturer’s warranty and what is covered. Parts are usually the most expensive item on a repair bill, so learn what parts are covered and how long the coverage lasts.
• Are there items you will need that are not included? For example, you may need a cold weather kit in your area to aid startup in the winter. 
• Your HSB will need annual service appointments and periodic replacement of spark plugs, oil, filters, and starting batteries.

Now it’s time to find a local dealer. Make sure the dealer you choose can service your new HSB and perform warranty repairs. 

Installation Pro Tip: The total cost may be lower if your electric meter and gas meter are located on the same side of the house. Costs may be higher if they’re on opposite sides of the house. HSBs can’t be installed within 5 feet of a window, door, vent, or other openings to keep exhaust gas from entering your home.

An entire job quote can include: 

• Delivery of your unit and preparation of the ground for installation
• Landscape modifications if necessary
• Connection to your home’s electrical system using an automatic transfer switch (ATS)
• Connection to your home’s fuel system of natural gas or propane 
• All connections completed to code with permitting as required
• Battery installation and cold weather kit (if needed) installation
• Start up and instruction on the operation and use of your home standby
• Clean up of installation site and removal of all debris
• Warranty registration of your HSB with the manufacturer
• (Don’t forget to ask for all the related product and warranty documentation, plus the dealer contact information.)

Buying a home standby generator means if there’s a power outage, you and your family will be confident and in control. No more unexpected disruptions. No more inconvenience. No more worries about the health and safety of your family. 

Imagine the peace of mind your new home standby generator will provide.

Chilly Weather Prep: The No-Nonsense Guide to Log Splitters

Winter is on its way and unless you’re a polar bear or a penguin, you want to stay warm when it’s chilly. One tried and true way to stay warm is by building a fire, whether you want to gather around a fire pit, a campfire, or a fireplace. 

To build a fire, you need firewood. Using an axe or a saw is one way to chop your firewood, but if you’re serious about stocking up on firewood and saving your back at the same time, a log splitter is the way to go. Once you start using it, you won’t know what you ever did without it. 

Using a log splitter will save you time and energy so you can devote extra time to be productive in other areas or just unwind and relax with friends and family around that fire. You might also save money on your heating bill if you have a nice stockpile of firewood to heat up your home. 

A log splitter is portable and easy to store and doesn’t make a big mess aside from a few wood chips, so you won’t have to devote hours before and after you use it.  

When you’re ready to choose a log splitter, it might be tempting to get overwhelmed with all the choices, but there’s no need for that. 

Log splitters are available in different tonnages. Tonnage is the amount of force a log splitter will exert as it splits a log. So, in order to know how much force you need, you need a general idea of how wide your wood is going to be in diameter, what kind of wood you’re going to be splitting, and whether that wood will be green or dry. 

Wood Width

Consider the largest diameter of wood you plan to split and keep that in mind first. Think about the trees on your property. Even if you only split 6” thick pine logs now, is it possible that you might split 12” or even 18” thick logs in the future? If so, you might want to plan ahead and buy a splitter with more power now so you don’t end up with a tool that can’t do what you need it to later on.

Wood Type

You can check out this cool resource that illustrates the hardness of various wood species, but basically, the harder the wood, the more tonnage you’re going to need. 

Green or Dry Wood 

You also need to know if your wood will be green or dry. Green wood is freshly cut, has a high moisture content, and is a slightly green or yellow color. Dry wood is seasoned, has lost most of its moisture, and is a faded brown or gray color. 

Green wood is difficult to split and takes more tonnage to split effectively. The moisture in the wood will evaporate with time making the wood more brittle and easier to split. If your plan involves splitting green wood, you will need to have a more powerful log splitter and exercise some patience.

How Much Do You Need?

One last thing to consider is the volume of wood you want to split. If you only want enough for a few cozy nights by the fire, you’ll need less tonnage than if you want to split enough wood to warm your home for the rest of the season. 

Features

Now that you know what size log splitter to buy, what features should you look for? 

Horizontal to Vertical 

One awesome feature to consider is the ability to convert your log splitter from horizontal to vertical. If your log splitter is horizontal, you have to lift the log onto the splitter. But – if you’re dealing with an exceptionally large, heavy log, you might want to convert it to vertical so you don’t have to lift the log to place it on the machine. A vertical setup helps you avoid the struggle to lift a large, heavy log onto your log splitter.

Portability

Do you want to take your log splitter to go? If so, you need to make sure it’s portable and easily towable with DOT-approved wheels, a ball hitch coupler, and an extended tongue in case you want to tow it behind your ATV or UTV. 

Storage Options

We get that you’re not going to want to store your log splitter in the living room, but in case your garage or shed is full and you need to store your log splitter outside, never fear. Protective covers are available that will shield your log splitter from the elements and keep it safe, clean, and dry so it’s ready to work when you are.