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Description
Zoom on the Champion 201001
In summary, the Champion 201001 is a compact portable inverter generator especially useful for:
- RV travellers wishing to enhance their freedom and nomad lifestyle
- Occasional participants of outdoor events, competitions, concerts and festivals
- Homeowners who want to be able to use the most necessary devices in their household, even during a blackout
- Tailgating and campground aficionados with the desire of enjoying power anywhere they go
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 201001
The Champion 201001's design includes a gasoline-fueled 224 cc OHV 4-stroke engine. With a 120V output, it gives a running wattage of 4000W and also a peak wattage of 5500W. 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.
At a noise rating of 61 dBA (just slightly more noisy than an office), this inverter generator can be started via a simple traditional pull-start mechanism, or a convenient and easy-to-use electric starter (battery included). For additional convenience, the 201001 may also be remotely started (key fob included).
The 201001 can operate for up to 20 hours with a full tank (fuel consumption around 0.19 GPH), due to its fuel capacity of 3.7 gallons. Thanks to the Fuel Fill Assist LED, an ingenious LED located near the fuel cap, filling up the unit’s tank is highly facilitated in poor lighting conditions. The LED can illuminate the gasoline filling area simply by pushing a button.
Delicate electronics can be plugged in an AC outlets safely, as the 201001 generates a clean sine wave, reaching a <3% Total Harmonic Disruption (THD).
Outlets
The control panel includes the following 5 AC outlets:
In addition, it provides 1 DC outlet: there's a 12V 10A (cigarette lighter style) receptacle allowing you to easily charge your batteries.
This Champion generator is RV Ready, thanks to its TT-30R receptacle (TT stands for 'Travel Trailer').
Portability
The Champion 201001 is an inverter generator and has an encased design of the following dimensions: L24.6 x W19 x H20.9 in. Thus, it is more aesthetical than conventional, open frame products. This type of design is the most modern and convenient way to recreationally generate power.
Although this generator is technically considered 'portable' (in the sense that it can be moved), its 119 lbs make it incredibly difficult to manually lift and transport. However, this lack of maneuverability is compensated by its set of 2 wheels (⌀5.5") and its folding handle, with which you can conveniently shift it, once it's on the ground.
Features
The 201001's control panel
A digital Intelligauge data center, one of the features of the 201001's control panel, gives you information on the lifetime run hours, voltage and power output, and thus, is helpful for the monitoring of its activity and status. To offer you even more control and easy operation during night time, the panel is LED-lit.
In addition to this info, the device’s light indicators will display if the generator is ready, its oil levels are insufficient and the generator is overloaded.
From a security point of view, the generator is equipped with an automatic low oil shut-off and an overload protection (circuit breaker), giving you a peace of mind during use.
Apart from the typical documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), which lets you start it right away, the Champion 201001 also is packed along with the following accessories: key fob, oil, funnel and dual port USB adapter.
Emissions
The Champion 201001 is EPA approved, but NOT CARB-compliant. Thus, it cannot be purchased or sold in California.
However, it features a spark arrestor, which makes it suitable for use in forested areas.
The Champion 201001 versus other generators
The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Champion 201001 compare to generators of similar power (between 3500 and 4500 W).
- As its weight is 119 pounds, the Champion 201001 falls in the expected weight range of the devices in the 3500-4500 rated wattage category. If weight matters to you, one of the champions in this power range is the WEN GN400i with only 66.1 pounds.
- Since this inverter generator is rated for a lowest possible noise of 61 dBA, it can be considered as one of the more quiet of the products generating similar power. If noise emissions are important to you, one of the least noisy generators of this power range is the Cummins Onan P4500i with only 52 dBA.
- With a run time of up to 20 hours at 25% load, the 201001 has one of the higher run times, compared to its similarly powerful peers. Furthermore, considering the run times, one of the generators which have a roughly same power output, with the highest autonomy, is the Champion 200954, as it provides up to 22 hours.
- While the run time is an important parameter, it is dependent on the fuel tank’s capacity and thus, doesn’t say much on its own unless we consider fuel consumption as well. Standing at an estimated 0.19 GPH (gallon per hour) at a 25% load, this inverter generator is somewhat average in this area compared to other devices, within the aforementioned wattage range. If fuel consumption is your top priority, we suggest to check out the Westinghouse iGen4200, which has a fuel consumption of only 0.14 GPH and thus, is one of the most efficient devices in our database.
Price comparison
As you can see from this interactive chart, when compared to other 3500-4500W generators, the Champion 201001 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
- Illuminated control panel
- Several accessories included
- RV Ready
- Remote start
- Parallel capable
- Fuel Fill Assist LED
- Inverter
- Quiet for its power (61 dBA)
- High run time
- Decent weight (119 lbs)
- Decent fuel efficiency
- Not CARB-compliant
Features and Specifications
| Inverter | Yes |
|---|---|
| Portable | Yes |
| Parallel capable | Yes, cable not included |
| RV ready | Yes |
| Fuel | Gasoline |
| Engine | 224 cc OHV 4-stroke |
| Starting system | Recoil, Electric, Remote |
| Voltage | AC: 120V 60 Hz, DC: 12V |
|---|---|
| Running watts | 4000 W |
| Starting watts | 5500 W |
| Running amps | 33.3 amps |
| Peak amps | 45.8 amps |
| Run time @50% load | Unknown |
| Run time @25% load | 20 h |
| GFCI outlets | No |
|---|---|
| Covered outlets | Yes |
| Automatic Voltage Regulation | Inverter |
| AC outlets |
|
| DC outlets | 1x 12V 10A (cigarette lighter style) |
| Data center | Power output, lifetime run hours and voltage |
| Indicators | Low oil, overload and output ready |
| Fuel tank | 3.7 gal |
| Fuel gauge | No |
| Weight | 119 lbs |
|---|---|
| Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | 24.6 x 19 x 20.9 in |
| Noise (lower limit) | 61 dBA |
| THD | < 3% |
| Emissions | EPA |
| Security | Low oil and overload protection |
| Spark arrestor | Yes |
| Neutral | Floating |
| Accessories included | Oil, funnel, key fob, dual port USB adapter, and battery |
| Warranty | 3 years |
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 201001 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 | AC (10,000 BTU) | 1500 | 2200 |
| Microwave (1000 watts) | 1500 | 1500 | |
| Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 | |
| Total | 3192 W | 4192 W | |
| For camping | RV AC (11,000 BTU) | 1010 | 1600 |
| RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
| Hair dryer | 1800 | 1900 | |
| Mixer | 200 | 200 | |
| Total | 3190 W | 3780 W | |
| For work | Table saw | 1800 | 4500 |
| Reciprocating saw | 730 | 960 | |
| Drain cleaner | 250 | 250 | |
| Total | 2780 W | 5480 W |
Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.
