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Description
Zoom on the Champion 100231
In a nutshell, the Champion 100231 is a portable generator mostly geared towards:
- RV travellers wishing to enhance their freedom and nomad lifestyle
- Occasional participants of outdoor events, competitions, concerts and festivals
- Food truck owners who do not wish to see their business interrupted under any circumstances
- Homeowners in need of an emergency backup power for their essentials
- Professionals who want to be able to deliver results, even during a power failure
In the following paragraphs, we shall explore the power characteristics, available outlets, portability, and any additional features of the device, along with its emission compliance information.
Power & Run Time
With its dual-fuel technology, the powerful and versatile Champion 100231 provides an output of 120/240V. While gasoline-powered, it gives a running wattage of 5,500W along with a peak wattage of 6,900W. While propane-powered, it provides 5,000 rated watts and 6,250 starting watts.
At a noise rating of 74 dBA (just slightly more noisy than a vacuum cleaner), the generator is started via a simple traditional pull-start mechanism.
The 100231, with a fuel capacity of 6 gallons, reaches a run time of around 9 hours at 50% load utilizing gasoline (fuel consumption around 0.67 GPH). Alternatively, it can reach a run time of around 6.5 hours (on a 20 lbs tank - propane consumption around 0.72 GPH) with propane.
The 100231 is unsuitable for the powering of sensitive electronic devices due to its high THD (<20%).
Outlets
The control panel features the upcoming 5 AC outlets:
Since the 100231 bears a twist-lock L14-30R receptacle, it is transfer switch ready: it is easily connectible to a breaker box and can power your home in case of a power outage.
Portability
The Champion 100231 has the following dimensions: L27 x W27.7 x H24.4 in. In combination with its conventional, open frame design, they provide support and allow the generator to be raised above ground level. The device has been designed for tough environments and demanding outdoor use.
Although this generator is technically considered 'portable' (in the sense that it can be moved), its 162.5 lbs make it incredibly difficult to manually lift and transport. However, this lack of maneuverability is compensated by its wheel kit (⌀8") and its folding handle, with which you can conveniently shift it, once it's on the ground.
Features
To help you monitor the 100231's status and activity, its control panel is equipped with an Intelligauge meter, which displays voltage, frequency and lifetime hours.
Security-wise, this product benefits from an automatic low oil shut-off and an overload protection (circuit breaker), which gives you a complete peace of mind when using it. Champion's built-in surge protector (Volt Guard™) safeguards your equipment and appliances against voltage spikes.
With the basic documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), letting you start the generator quickly, the Champion 100231 also comes with several accessories, including: propane hose and funnel.
Emissions
The Champion 100231 is EPA-approved and CARB-compliant. Therefore, its sale and purchase are permitted in all of the 50 states, including California.
Moreover, it features a spark arrestor, making it usable in forested areas.
Product Video
The Champion 100231 versus other generators
The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Champion 100231 compare to dual fuel generators of similar power (between 5000 and 6000 W).
- Having a dry weight of 162.5 lbs, the Champion 100231 belongs in the expected weight range for dual fuel generators which produce 5000 to 6000 rated watts. If weight is your top priority, one of the champions in this power category is the Genmax GM6000iED, weighing just 117.9 pounds.
- Among the generators of a comparable running wattage, this generator with a lowest noise of 74 dBA can be judged as noisy. For those who are looking for a less noisy device, we suggest the Pulsar PGDA70BiSCO. With just 62 dBA, it is one of the most quiet devices in this power range.
- Regarding its autonomy, the autonomy of the 100231, reaching around 9 hours at a 50% load, can be considered as low end, compared to other dual fuel products of a roughly equal output. Concerning the run times, one of the several devices with a comparable output, offering the highest autonomy, is the Firman H05751, which is able to run for around 12 hours.
- Run times are important, yet thanks to their dependence on the fuel capacity, they should be judged along with the fuel consumption of the device. This generator is not fuel efficient compared to devices of similar output: its estimated fuel consumption stands at 0.67 GPH at a 50% load. If you wish to further improve in the area of fuel efficiency, the Pulsar PGDA70BiSCO, which boasts with a gas consumption of only 0.42 GPH, may be the right generator for you.
Price comparison
As you can see from this interactive chart, when compared to other 5000-6000W dual fuel generators, the Champion 100231 is on the average side of the price range.
Therefore, this generator nicely fits in the expected budget for this kind of product.
The bottom line
- In the expected price range
- Dual Fuel
- Several accessories included
- GFCI Outlets
- Decent weight (162.5 lbs)
- No electric start
- On the noisy side (74 dBA)
- Relatively low run time
- Low fuel efficiency
Features and Specifications
Inverter | No |
---|---|
Parallel capable | No |
RV ready | No |
Fuel | Dual Fuel (gasoline/propane) |
Engine | 386 cc Champion 4-stroke |
Starting system | Recoil |
Warranty | 3 years |
Voltage | AC: 120/240V 60 Hz |
Gasoline | Propane | |
---|---|---|
Running watts | 5,500 W | 5,000 W |
Starting watts | 6,900 W | 6,250 W |
Running amps (@120/240V) | 45.8/22.9 amps | 41.7/20.8 amps |
Peak amps (@120/240V) | 57.5/28.8 amps | 52.1/26 amps |
Run time @50% load | 9 h | 6.5 h |
Run time @25% load | Unknown | Unknown |
GFCI outlets | Yes |
---|---|
Covered outlets | No |
Automatic Voltage Regulation | Yes |
AC outlets |
|
DC outlets | No |
Data center | VFT |
Indicators | No |
Fuel tank | Steel, 6 gal |
Fuel gauge | No |
Weight | 162.5 lbs |
---|---|
Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | 27 x 27.7 x 24.4 in |
Noise (lower limit) | 74 dBA |
THD | < 20% |
Compliance | CARB, EPA |
Security | Low oil, overload and Volt Guard™ surge protection |
Spark arrestor | Yes |
Neutral | Bonded to frame |
Accessories included | Funnel, propane hose, and wheel kit |
Country of origin | China |
UPC | 850878006198 |
Unlike many websites, we did our best to research each of the specs above. That being said, we are not immune to making the occasional mistake or omission. Should you notice any missing or incorrect values, don't hesitate to suggest improvements so we can address the issue.
About Champion Power Equipment
Founded in 2003, the Champion Power Equipment is a US based power equipment manufacturer. The relatively small company has made a name for itself both in the portable generator industry, but also the power equipment sector in general, with a particular focus on heavy duty equipment, such as log cutters, snow blowers, chipper shredders, etc. All of their products are engineered in the US. However, the company does not provide information on the origin of their components.
Warranty Information
The Champion 100231 is covered under a warranty for up to 3 years. This warranty may be limited and may not cover all parts of the generator.
For more information about the warranty of Champion generators, please consult Champion's warranty policies (opens in a new tab). Alternatively, you can also contact their Customer Support: 1-877-338-0999.
Questions & Answers
What can it power?
Item | Running Watts | Starting Watts | |
---|---|---|---|
At home | Electric fry pan | 1500 | 1500 |
AC (10,000 BTU) | 1500 | 2200 | |
Sump pump (1/2 hp) | 1050 | 2150 | |
Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 | |
Radio | 100 | 100 | |
Set of 5 LED light bulbs | 55 | 55 | |
Total | 4397 W | 5497 W | |
For camping | RV AC (11,000 BTU) | 1010 | 1600 |
RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
Hair dryer | 1800 | 1900 | |
Radiant heater | 1300 | 1300 | |
Radio | 100 | 100 | |
Total | 4390 W | 4980 W | |
For work | Table saw | 1800 | 4500 |
Grinder | 1400 | 2500 | |
Reciprocating saw | 730 | 960 | |
Electric fence (25 miles) | 250 | 250 | |
Total | 4180 W | 6880 W |
Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.
User Reviews
Purchased my 100231 6900 starting watt Generator this past weekend for outages in the future.. I bought it to take care of my Fridge, Freezer, Furnace and a few lights in the event of an outage.. put it all together and added fuel.. started on 2nd pull and run for 30 minutes.. will need to run for a few hours to break in properly under a load of a small heater running… let ya know how it does.. Thanks Champion..