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Champion 200954 - 3500/4250W Open Frame Inverter Generator

The Champion 200954 is a compact open frame inverter generator with a rated wattage of 3,500 W and a starting wattage of 4,250 W.

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Description

Champion’s RV Ready Open Frame Inverter is 50% quieter and 20% lighter than a traditional 4250-watt generator. (source: Champion (opens in a new tab))

Zoom on the Champion 200954

In a nutshell, the Champion 200954 is a compact portable inverter generator mostly geared towards:

  • RV travellers looking for even more independence
  • Occasional participants of outdoor events, competitions, concerts and festivals
  • Amateur DIY lovers
  • Homeowners who want to be sure of their ability to power their fridges, cooking tools, heating and lighting equipment during power failures
  • Camping and tailgating hobbyists looking for a portable power source

The following sections will present you in detail its power characteristics, the different outlets it offers, its overall portability, the extra features it benefits from, and any relevant emission compliance details.

Power & Run Time

The Champion 200954 in use

The Champion 200954

The Champion 200954 houses a 224 cc OHV 4-stroke engine, which provides 120V, consumes gasoline and delivers a running wattage of 3,500W along with a peak wattage of 4,250W. Additionally, as the generator is parallel capable (ParaLink (opens in a new tab) not included), it can be linked to a second unit for more power.

With a noise rating of 64 dBA (just slightly more noisy than a normal conversation), the inverter generator features a simple traditional pull-start mechanism.

With a fuel capacity of 4 gallons, the 200954 may run for up to 22 hours with a full tank (fuel consumption around 0.18 GPH).

Sensitive electronics can be safely plugged in the AC outlets, as the 200954 produces a clean sine wave, with a <3% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD).

Outlets

The control panel features the upcoming 3 AC outlets:

Duplex 120V 20A (5-20R)
120V 30A (TT-30R) receptacle

It also sports 1 DC outlet: there's a 12V 8A (cigarette lighter style) receptacle with which you may charge your batteries with ease. Since a dual port USB adapter is included with the unit, you will also be able to use the DC receptacle to conveniently charge electronics such as mobile phones and tablets.

This Champion generator is RV Ready, thanks to its TT-30R receptacle (TT stands for 'Travel Trailer').

Portability

The Champion 200954 has a conventional, open frame design, of the following dimensions: L20.9 x W18.3 x H19.4 in, which offers support and allows it to be raised above ground level. The design is ideal for rough environments and demanding outdoor use.

The 75 lbs of the 200954's dry weight enables you to use it anywhere you will ever need. Moreover, its open frame design makes it incredibly easy to grab the frame in order to change its location.

It is also possible to purchase the official wheel kit (opens in a new tab) to help you transport the 200954 more easily.

Features

Panel of the Champion 200954

The 200954's control panel

The control panel of the 200954 includes an Intelligauge meter showing you voltage, frequency and lifetime hours, helpful for the monitoring of its status and activity.

In addition to this info, the device’s light indicators will display if the generator is overloaded, the generator is ready and its oil levels are insufficient.

The inverter generator allows for a quick, easy and convenient assessment of its gas level, as it is equipped with a built-in fuel gauge.

As far as security is concerned, the generator can be used with a peace of mind, as it features an automatic low oil shut-off and an overload protection (circuit breaker).

While the standard documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), helpful for starting the device promptly, come with the Champion 200954, the following accessories are also included: funnel, oil and dual port USB adapter. The official storage cover and running cover are also available, as separate purchases.

Emissions

The Champion 200954 is EPA-approved and CARB-compliant. It can therefore be sold and purchased in all 50 states, including California.

Moreover, it features a spark arrestor, so it is adequate for use in forested areas.

Product Video

The Champion 200954 versus other generators

The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Champion 200954 compare to inverter generators of similar power (between 3000 and 4000 W).

  • Regarding its weight, the Champion 200954 only weighs in at 75 pounds, which means it's one of the lighter inverter generators in the 3000-4000 rated wattage range. Regarding dry weight, one of the champions in the same power range is the Pulsar PGD40iSCO, with a dry weight of only 46 lbs.
  • If compared to generators capable of producing a similar running wattage, this inverter generator with a lowest emitted noise of 64 dBA can be considered somewhat noisy. If noise emissions are one of your priorities, you may be interested in the Westinghouse iGen4500DF, one of the least noisy generators similarly powerful as this one, rated for 52 dBA.
  • Since the 200954 boasts with a run time of up to 22 hours at 25% load, it can be safely judged as a device of a higher run time than most inverter generators of a comparable output. Furthermore, considering the run times, one of the generators which have a roughly same power output, with the highest autonomy, is the Firman W03661OF, as it provides up to 25 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 inverter generator has an average fuel consumption among comparably powerful devices, as it reaches 0.18 GPH (gallon per hour) at a 25% load. If not satisfied with the afore-mentioned fuel consumption, you may wish to check out the Energizer eZV3500P. With a fuel consumption of as little as 0.13 GPH, it is one of the most efficient generators currently on the market.

Price comparison

As you can see from this interactive chart, when compared to other 3000-4000W inverter generators, the Champion 200954 is on the cheap side of the price range.

It can therefore be a really good buy if you're looking to acquire a budget generator.

The bottom line

STRENGTHS:
  • Inexpensive
  • Several accessories included
  • RV Ready
  • Parallel capable
  • Inverter
  • Lightweight for its kind (75 lbs)
  • High run time
AVERAGE SPECS:
  • Decent fuel efficiency
WEAKNESSES:
  • No electric start
  • On the noisy side (64 dBA)

Do you own the Champion 200954 and agree (or disagree) with these strengths and weaknesses?

Let us know and write your own review.

Features and Specifications

General
InverterYes
Parallel capableYes, cable not included
RV readyYes
FuelGasoline
Engine224 cc OHV 4-stroke
Starting systemRecoil
Warranty3 years
Power
VoltageAC: 120V 60 Hz, DC: 12V
Running watts3,500 W
Starting watts4,250 W
Running amps29.2 amps
Peak amps35.4 amps
Run time @50% loadUnknown
Run time @25% load22 h
Features
GFCI outletsNo
Covered outletsYes
Automatic Voltage RegulationInverter
AC outlets
  • 1x Duplex 120V 20A (5-20R)
  • 1x 120V 30A (TT-30R)
DC outlets1x 12V 8A (cigarette lighter style)
Data centerVFT
IndicatorsLow oil, overload and output ready
Fuel tank4 gal
Fuel gaugeYes
Misc
Weight75 lbs
Approx. dimensions (L x W x H)20.9 x 18.3 x 19.4 in
Noise (lower limit)64 dBA
THD< 3%
ComplianceCARB, EPA
SecurityLow oil and overload protection
Spark arrestorYes
NeutralFloating
Accessories includedOil, funnel, and dual port USB adapter
UPC817198024134

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.

Spec Improvement×

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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 200954 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?
Examples of items that can be simultaneously powered.
The examples below are based on a maximum load of 80% and estimated wattages. For a more accurate estimation, use our generator sizing calculator.
ItemRunning WattsStarting Watts
At homeRefrigerator (energy star)1921192
Hair dryer18001900
Toaster oven800800
Total2792 W3792 W
For campingRadiant heater13001300
RV refrigerator180600
RV AC (11,000 BTU)10101600
Slow cooker270270
Cell phone charger2020
Total2780 W3370 W
For workGrinder14002500
Demolition hammer12601260
Bug zapper8080
Total2740 W3840 W

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Champion 200954
9.5 Total Score
1 review
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User Reviews

  1. 4.75
    Price
    100
    Value
    90
    Quality
    90
    Performance
    100

    I purchased this Inverter for our Boonedocking in our RV. I runs everything in our RV. I turned on AC (High), turn on Microwave and then plugged in my Heat gun directly to the unit and it ran everything with no issues for 4 min. Then I started shutting things down. I also put the wheel kit on so I didn’t have to carry the unit once I pull it out of my truck. I have a 9000W Champion Gen and 2 other Champion products and all work great. Thats why I bought this unit. I would recommend this to anyone.

    + PROS:
    • Reliable, Run Time, Cost and Service
    - CONS:
    • "Weight", only because I'm in my 60's and getting it in the back of my pickup is a little difficult.
    Helpful(2) Unhelpful(0)You have already voted this

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