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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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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
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:
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
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
- Inexpensive
- Dual Fuel
- CO Shield™ technology
- Several accessories included
- RV Ready
- Parallel capable
- Inverter
- Lightweight for its kind (76 lbs)
- Fuel efficient
- Decent run time
- No electric start
- On the noisy side (64 dBA)
Features and Specifications
| Inverter | Yes |
|---|---|
| Parallel capable | Yes, cable not included |
| RV ready | Yes |
| Fuel | Dual Fuel (gasoline/propane) |
| Engine | 224 cc OHV 4-stroke |
| Starting system | Recoil |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| Voltage | AC: 120V 60 Hz, DC: 12V |
| Gasoline | Propane | |
|---|---|---|
| Running watts | 3,650 W | 3,285 W |
| Starting watts | 4,500 W | 4,500 W |
| Running amps | 30.4 amps | 27.4 amps |
| Peak amps | 37.5 amps | 37.5 amps |
| Run time @50% load | Unknown | Unknown |
| Run time @25% load | 17 h | 21 h |
| GFCI outlets | No |
|---|---|
| Covered outlets | Yes |
| Automatic Voltage Regulation | Inverter |
| AC outlets |
|
| DC outlets | 1x 12V 8A (cigarette lighter style) |
| Data center | Power output, lifetime run hours, voltage and frequency |
| Indicators | Low oil |
| Fuel tank | Steel, 2.9 gal |
| Fuel gauge | Yes |
| Weight | 76 lbs |
|---|---|
| Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | 21.3 x 18.1 x 18.1 in |
| Noise (lower limit) | 64 dBA |
| THD | < 3% |
| Compliance | CARB, EPA, ANSI/PGMA G300-2023 |
| Security | Low oil and overload protection, CO monitoring |
| Spark arrestor | Yes |
| Neutral | Floating |
| Accessories included | Oil, funnel, tool kit, propane hose, and dual port USB adapter |
| Country of origin | China |
| UPC | 817198024615 |
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 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?
| Item | Running Watts | Starting Watts | |
|---|---|---|---|
| At home | Microwave (1000 watts) | 1500 | 1500 |
| Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 | |
| Vacuum cleaner | 1075 | 1175 | |
| Game console | 150 | 150 | |
| Total | 2917 W | 3917 W | |
| For camping | RV AC (11,000 BTU) | 1010 | 1600 |
| RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
| Electric grill | 1650 | 1650 | |
| Set of 5 LED light bulbs | 55 | 55 | |
| Cell phone charger | 20 | 20 | |
| Total | 2915 W | 3505 W | |
| For work | Grinder | 1400 | 2500 |
| Demolition hammer | 1260 | 1260 | |
| Electric fence (25 miles) | 250 | 250 | |
| Total | 2910 W | 4010 W |
does the 200978 have an internally bonded neutral? (Asked November 16, 2024)
The unit has a floating neutral.
Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.
