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Champion 200978 - 3650/4500W Dual Fuel Open Frame Inverter Generator

The Champion 200978 is a compact open frame dual fuel inverter generator with a rated wattage of 3,650 W and a starting wattage of 4,500 W. (Read full specs)

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Highest Price
$725.23
Lowest Price
$638.55
Current Price
$638.55

Description

Zoom on the Champion 200978

In a few words, the Champion 200978 is a compact portable inverter generator perfectly suited for:

  • RV travellers looking for even more independence
  • People occasionally participating in sporting competitions, open-air performances and outdoor festivals
  • 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 buffs looking to enhance their experience

The subsequent sections will explore in detail its power characteristics, the diverse outlets it provides, its overall portability, and the supplementary features it offers.

Power & Run Time

The Champion 200978 in use

The Champion 200978

Thanks to its dual-fuel technology, the Champion 200978 provides a 120V output and offers both versatility and power. When utilizing gasoline, it delivers a running wattage of 3,650W and a starting wattage of 4,500W. Alternatively, when operating on propane, it provides 3,285 running watts and 4,500 starting watts. Moreover, the parallel capability (ParaLink (opens in a new tab) not included) enables power output to increase when paired with another similar or compatible unit, providing increased energy capacity and versatility for a wide range of needs.

With a noise rating of 64 dBA (just slightly more noisy than background music), the inverter generator's starting mechanism is centered around a simple traditional pull-start mechanism. Champion’s EZ Start Dial lets you intuitively start the engine with easy access to all the controls you need.

In terms of running time, the 200978, equipped with a 2.9 gallons fuel tank, is capable of running continuously for up to 17 hours on a full gasoline tank (with fuel consumption estimated at around 0.17 gallons per hour). When utilizing propane, it provides up to 21 hours (on a 20 lbs tank - propane consumption around 0.22 GPH) of operation.

Thanks to its low <3% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD), the 200978 produces a clean sine wave output, making it safe for your sensitive electronics when utilizing the AC outlets.

Outlets

The control panel features the upcoming 3 AC outlets:

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

Moreover, it comes equipped with 1 DC outlet: there's a 12V 8A (cigarette lighter style) receptacle allowing you to easily charge your batteries. 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.

The inclusion of a TT-30R receptacle (TT for 'Travel Trailer') makes this Champion generator RV Ready, ideal for providing power to recreational vehicles.

Portability

With dimensions of L21.3 x W18.1 x H18.1 in, the standard open frame design of the Champion 200978 provides stability and easy maintenance access to components, as well as good air circulation. The featured design is ideal for the outdoors and all tough environments.

With a dry weight of 76 lbs, the 200978 can easily follow you wherever your power needs are. Furthermore, thanks to its open frame, the generator is easily grabbed and moved to a new location.

It is also possible to purchase the official wheel kit (opens in a new tab) to help you transport the 200978 more easily.

Features

Panel of the Champion 200978

The 200978's control panel

Enhancing monitoring capabilities, the 200978 features a digital Intelligauge data center within its control panel, furnishing essential details on the power output, frequency, lifetime run hours and voltage for tracking activity and status.

In addition to this info, a light indicator serves to show you when its oil levels are insufficient.

The built-in fuel gauge of the inverter generator ensures simple and quick gas level assessments.

Considering security aspects, the generator boasts an overload protection (circuit breaker) and an automatic low oil shut-off, offering peace of mind throughout operation.

The unit also benefits from the CO Shield™ technology, which monitors accumulation of poisonous carbon monoxide (CO) gas produced by the engine's exhaust when the generator is running. If CO Shield™ detects elevated levels of CO gas, it automatically shuts off the engine and illuminates a red LED.

In addition to the traditional documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab) to help you get started promptly, the Champion 200978 also includes several accessories: tool kit, oil, funnel, propane hose and dual port USB adapter.

Product Video

The Champion 200978 versus other generators

The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Champion 200978 compare to inverter generators of similar power (between 3500 and 4500 W).

  • Concerning weight, the Champion 200978 weighs only just 76 pounds, distinguishing itself as one of the lighter inverter generators amidst the 3500 to 4500 rated wattage range. Regarding dry weight, one of the champions in the same power range is the Genmax GM4600iAEFIC, with a dry weight of only 58.4 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 important to you, one of the least noisy generators of this power range is the Westinghouse iGen5000DF with only 52 dBA.
  • As the 200978 offers up to 17 hours run time on a full tank at a 25% load, it falls within the average autonomy range among the inverter generators of a similar power. 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.
  • Though run time is a significant parameter, it's closely tied to the generator's fuel tank size. To get a comprehensive understanding, fuel efficiency must also be taken into account. This inverter generator is one of the more fuel-efficient models of the aforementioned output range, as its estimated fuel consumption reaches just 0.17 GPH (gallon per hour) at 25% load. If fuel consumption is your top priority, we suggest to check out the Champion 201319, which has a fuel consumption of only 0.16 GPH and thus, is one of the most efficient devices in our database.

Price comparison

As you can see from these interactive charts, when compared to other 3500-4500W dual fuel inverter generators, the Champion 200978 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
  • Dual Fuel
  • CO Shield™ technology
  • Several accessories included
  • RV Ready
  • Parallel capable
  • Inverter
  • Lightweight for its kind (76 lbs)
  • Fuel efficient
AVERAGE SPECS:
  • Decent run time
WEAKNESSES:
  • No electric start
  • On the noisy side (64 dBA)

Do you own the Champion 200978 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
FuelDual Fuel (gasoline/propane)
Engine224 cc OHV 4-stroke
Starting systemRecoil
Warranty3 years
VoltageAC: 120V 60 Hz, DC: 12V
Power
GasolinePropane
Running watts3,650 W3,285 W
Starting watts4,500 W4,500 W
Running amps30.4 amps27.4 amps
Peak amps37.5 amps37.5 amps
Run time @50% loadUnknownUnknown
Run time @25% load17 h21 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 centerPower output, lifetime run hours, voltage and frequency
IndicatorsLow oil
Fuel tankSteel, 2.9 gal
Fuel gaugeYes
Misc
Weight76 lbs
Approx. dimensions (L x W x H)21.3 x 18.1 x 18.1 in
Noise (lower limit)64 dBA
THD< 3%
ComplianceCARB, EPA, ANSI/PGMA G300-2023
SecurityLow oil and overload protection, CO monitoring
Spark arrestorYes
NeutralFloating
Accessories includedOil, funnel, tool kit, propane hose, and dual port USB adapter
Country of originChina
UPC817198024615

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.

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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 200978 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
Washing machine9001650
Cell phone charger2020
Total2912 W3912 W
For campingRadiant heater13001300
RV refrigerator180600
RV AC (11,000 BTU)10101600
Blender400850
Cell phone charger2020
Total2910 W3500 W
For workGrinder14002500
Demolition hammer12601260
Electric fence (25 miles)250250
Total2910 W4010 W

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