WE ARE PROUD TO BE INDEPENDENT AND IN NO WAY ASSOCIATED WITH MANUFACTURERS. TO STAY UNBIASED, WE DO NOT ACCEPT FREE PRODUCTS. WE EARN FROM ADVERTISING FEES PAID BY BASS PRO SHOPS OR CABELA'S ON QUALIFYING PURCHASES.

Champion 201001 - 4000/5500W Inverter Generator

The Champion 201001 is a compact inverter generator with a rated wattage of 4,000 W and a starting wattage of 5,500 W.

CompareShortlistShortlistedRemoved from shortlist 199

Picture of the Champion 201001
Set Price Alert
×
Notify me when the price drops
Set an alert for the Champion 201001 - Current lowest price: 999.99

Description

The Champion Power Equipment 5500-Watt Wireless Remote Start Inverter Generator is ultra-quiet and ideal for camping, tailgating, powering items around the RV or providing backup for your essentials.

Zoom on the Champion 201001

In a nutshell, the Champion 201001 is a compact portable inverter generator mostly geared towards:

  • 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
  • Camping and tailgating hobbyists looking for a portable power source

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

The Champion 201001 in use

The Champion 201001

The Champion 201001's engine, 224 cc OHV 4-stroke, fueled by gasoline, can deliver 120V. It provides a running wattage of 4,000W and reaches a peak wattage of 5,500W. In addition, the device is parallel capable (ParaLink (opens in a new tab) not included) and thus, can be linked to a similar or compatible unit for added power.

The inverter generator is rated for a noise of 61 dBA (just slightly more noisy than an office). Its starting mechanisms include a simple traditional pull-start mechanism and a convenient and easy-to-use electric starter (battery included). For additional convenience, the 201001 may also be remotely started (key fob included).

Thanks to a fuel capacity of 3.7 gallons, the 201001 can operate for up to 20 hours with a full tank (fuel consumption around 0.19 GPH). 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 Distortion (THD).

Outlets

The control panel provides the upcoming 5 AC outlets:

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

It also sports 1 DC outlet: there's a 12V 10A (cigarette lighter style) receptacle with which charging your batteries is made easy. 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 201001's characteristic encased inverter generator design (L24.6 x W19 x H20.9 in), provides an esthetical advantage over any ordinary, open frame product. This modern design aims to provide an ideal power solution to recreational users.

While the generator is considered to be technically 'portable' (in the sense that you can move it), manually lifting and transporting it may be challenging, due to its high weight of 119 lbs. Nevertheless, thanks to its set of 2 wheels (⌀5.5") and its telecospic handle (a decent solution to its lack of maneuverability), the generator can be easily moved, once placed the ground.

Features

Panel of the Champion 201001

The 201001's control panel

The control panel of the 201001 includes a digital Intelligauge data center, which assists you in monitoring its status and activity, as it provides information on the lifetime run hours, power output and voltage. To offer you even more control and easy operation during nighttime, the panel is LED-lit.

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

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.

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: oil, key fob, funnel and dual port USB adapter. The official storage cover and running cover are also available, as separate purchases.

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 and therefore, can be used in forested areas.

Product Videos

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 inverter generators of similar power (between 3500 and 4500 W).

  • At a dry weight of 119 pounds, the Champion 201001 is one of the heavier inverters which can produce between 3500 and 4500 running watts. In terms of weight, one of the champions in their power range is the WEN GN400i, standing at just 66.1 lbs.
  • Because this inverter generator emits noise as low as 61 dBA, it can be considered to have a pretty average expected noise rating for a device of its power. For those who are looking for a less noisy device, we suggest the Westinghouse iGen4500DF. With just 52 dBA, it is one of the most quiet devices in this power range.
  • Thanks to an impressive running time of up to 20 hours at 25% load, the 201001 benefits from a higher run time than many inverter generators of a similar output. If autonomy is your priority, one of the devices of a similar power output with the highest run time is the Firman W03661OF, reaching 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 estimated fuel consumption of roughly 0.19 GPH (gallon per hour) at a 25% load, rendering it somewhat average compared to devices of a similar output. If not satisfied with the afore-mentioned fuel consumption, you may wish to check out the Champion 200988. With a fuel consumption of as little as 0.16 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 3500-4500W inverter 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

STRENGTHS:
  • In the expected price range
  • Illuminated control panel
  • Several accessories included
  • RV Ready
  • Remote start
  • Parallel capable
  • Fuel Fill Assist LED
  • Inverter
  • High run time
AVERAGE SPECS:
  • Acceptable noise (61 dBA)
  • Decent fuel efficiency
WEAKNESSES:
  • Not CARB-compliant
  • On the heavy side (119 lbs)

Do you own the Champion 201001 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, Electric, Remote
Warranty3 years
Power
VoltageAC: 120V 60 Hz, DC: 12V
Running watts4,000 W
Starting watts5,500 W
Running amps33.3 amps
Peak amps45.8 amps
Run time @50% loadUnknown
Run time @25% load20 h
Features
GFCI outletsNo
Covered outletsYes
Automatic Voltage RegulationInverter
AC outlets
  • 2x Duplex 120V 20A (5-20R)
  • 1x 120V 30A (TT-30R)
DC outlets1x 12V 10A (cigarette lighter style)
Data centerPower output, lifetime run hours and voltage
IndicatorsLow oil, overload and output ready
Fuel tank3.7 gal
Fuel gaugeNo
Misc
Weight119 lbs
Approx. dimensions (L x W x H)24.6 x 19 x 20.9 in
Noise (lower limit)61 dBA
THD< 3%
ComplianceEPA
SecurityLow oil and overload protection
Spark arrestorYes
NeutralFloating
Accessories includedOil, funnel, key fob, dual port USB adapter, and battery
Country of originChina
UPC817198024547

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×

This form does not send us any personal data (not even your IP address)

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?
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 homeDish washer15003000
Electric fry pan15001500
Refrigerator (energy star)1921192
Total3192 W4692 W
For campingRV AC (11,000 BTU)10101600
RV refrigerator180600
Hair dryer18001900
Mixer200200
Total3190 W3780 W
For workTable saw18004500
Reciprocating saw730960
Electric fence (25 miles)250250
Total2780 W5480 W
Where is the fuel gauge? (Asked April 16, 2023)

The unit does not feature a fuel gauge.

Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.

Ask a question

Your name and email address will not be publicly published. We only need them to be able to answer you directly

Champion 201001
9 Total Score
1 review
Add your review
Price
9
Value
9
Quality
9
Performance
9

User Reviews

  1. 4.5
    Price
    90
    Value
    90
    Quality
    90
    Performance
    90

    I’m very impressed with this generator. I’ve owned several different generators, and I would rate this one as the best! Quite, powerful, with great features.

    + PROS:
    • Powerful, quiet, great features.
    - CONS:
    • A bit heavy.
    Helpful(8) Unhelpful(2)You have already voted this

Leave a review

Your total score

Generator Bible
Logo
Compare items
  • Total (0)
Compare

You can compare as many generators as you wish. However, for the best results, we recommend you to compare only 2 generators at a time.

0