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Description
Zoom on the Champion 201003
In a nutshell, the Champion 201003 is a compact portable inverter generator mostly geared towards:
- RV travellers who wish to upgrade their experience to another level
- People occasionally participating in outdoor fairs, festivals or events
- 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
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 201003
The dual-fuel technology of the Champion 201003 allows for an output of 120V and provides superb power and versatility. If gasoline-powered, the device provides a running wattage of 4,000W and a starting wattage of 5,500W. If propane-powered, it gives 3,600 rated watts and 5,500 starting watts. 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 features a simple traditional pull-start mechanism and also a convenient and easy-to-use electric starter (battery included). It is rated for a noise of 61 dBA (just slightly more noisy than an office). Champion’s EZ Start Dial lets you intuitively start the engine with easy access to all the controls you need.
With a fuel capacity of 3.7 gallons, the 201003 can operate for up to 20 hours using gasoline (fuel consumption around 0.19 GPH), or for up to 15 hours (on a 20 lbs tank - propane consumption around 0.31 GPH) using propane. 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.
As the 201003 produces a clean sine wave, with a <3% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD), sensitive electronics may be plugged in the AC outlets safely.
Outlets
The control panel features the following 3 AC outlets:
Furthermore, it has 1 DC outlet: there's a 12V 8A (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
Thanks to its closed inverter generator design (L24.6 x W19 x H20.9 in), the Champion 201003, is more esthetical than a typical, open frame generator. The design follows the contemporary trends and is perfect for recreationally generating power.
Although this generator is technically considered 'portable' (in the sense that it can be moved), its 118 lbs make it incredibly difficult to manually lift and transport. However, its challenging mobility is solved by its set of 2 wheels (⌀5.5") and its telecospic handle, which will ease its displacement, once it is on the floor.
Features
The 201003's control panel
Monitoring of the 201003's status and activity is made possible by a digital Intelligauge data center, which provides information on the voltage, lifetime run hours and power output and is one of the features of its control panel. To offer you even more control and easy operation during nighttime, the panel is LED-lit.
In addition to this info, some light indicators allow you to instantly see if the generator is overloaded, its oil levels are insufficient and the generator is ready.
As for its security measures, the device features an overload protection (circuit breaker) and an automatic low oil shut-off, letting you use it with a peace of mind.
While the standard documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), helpful for starting the device promptly, come with the Champion 201003, the following accessories are also included: propane hose, funnel, dual port USB adapter and oil. The official storage cover and running cover are also available, as separate purchases.
Emissions
The Champion 201003 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.
Product Videos
The Champion 201003 versus other generators
The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Champion 201003 compare to inverter generators of similar power (between 3500 and 4500 W).
- As its dry weight is 118 pounds, the Champion 201003 is one of the heavier of the inverters which can generate 3500 to 4500 running watts. If weight is your top priority, one of the champions in this power category is the WEN GN400i, weighing just 66.1 pounds.
- Since the inverter generator's noise is rated at 61 dBA, it has the roughly average expected noise for a device of similar type and power. If you are concerned with noise, check out the Westinghouse iGen4500DF, which is one of the least noisy generators in its power range, with a noise rating of just 52 dBA.
- Thanks to an impressive running time of up to 20 hours at 25% load, the 201003 benefits from a higher run time than many inverter generators of a similar output. If you consider autonomy on a single full tank as one of the deciding factors, one of the generators in the same power range that offers the highest run time is the Firman W03661OF, with up to 25 hours.
- Even though run times are undoubtedly important, they are dependent on the fuel capacity to a large extent. For a more wholesome picture, we must take into consideration the fuel consumption of the generator. This inverter generator has an average fuel consumption among comparably powerful devices, as it reaches 0.19 GPH (gallon per hour) at a 25% load. 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 dual fuel inverter generators, the Champion 201003 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
- Electric start
- Parallel capable
- Fuel Fill Assist LED
- Dual Fuel
- Inverter
- High run time
- Acceptable noise (61 dBA)
- Decent fuel efficiency
- No remote start
- Not CARB-compliant
- On the heavy side (118 lbs)
Features and Specifications
| Inverter | Yes |
|---|---|
| Portable | Yes |
| Parallel capable | Yes, cable not included |
| RV ready | Yes |
| Fuel | Dual Fuel (gasoline/propane) |
| Engine | 224 cc OHV 4-stroke |
| Starting system | Recoil, Electric |
| Voltage | AC: 120V 60 Hz, DC: 12V |
| Gasoline | Propane | |
|---|---|---|
| Running watts | 4,000 W | 3,600 W |
| Starting watts | 5,500 W | 5,500 W |
| Running amps | 33.3 amps | 30 amps |
| Peak amps | 45.8 amps | 45.8 amps |
| Run time @50% load | Unknown | Unknown |
| Run time @25% load | 20 h | 15 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 and voltage |
| Indicators | Low oil, overload and output ready |
| Fuel tank | 3.7 gal |
| Fuel gauge | No |
| Weight | 118 lbs |
|---|---|
| Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | 24.6 x 19 x 20.9 in |
| Noise (lower limit) | 61 dBA |
| THD | < 3% |
| Compliance | EPA |
| Security | Low oil and overload protection |
| Spark arrestor | Yes |
| Neutral | Floating |
| Accessories included | Oil, funnel, propane hose, 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 201003 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 | Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 |
| Hair dryer | 1800 | 1900 | |
| Vacuum cleaner | 1075 | 1175 | |
| Radio | 100 | 100 | |
| Cell phone charger | 20 | 20 | |
| Total | 3187 W | 4187 W | |
| For camping | Radiant heater | 1300 | 1300 |
| RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
| Electric grill | 1650 | 1650 | |
| Set of 5 LED light bulbs | 55 | 55 | |
| Total | 3185 W | 3605 W | |
| For work | Table saw | 1800 | 4500 |
| Reciprocating saw | 730 | 960 | |
| Electric fence (25 miles) | 250 | 250 | |
| Total | 2780 W | 5480 W |
Is it possible to add a wireless remote kit (Asked May 12, 2021)
Unfortunately, there are no official remote start kits for this unit.
Description says there is a fuel gage, review says not. Which is correct? (Asked May 30, 2021)
It must be a misunderstanding, since the description does not mention a fuel gauge.
Does this generator have a provision to shut off fuel to keep the carburetor dry when not in use? (Asked July 14, 2021)
The EZ start dial can be turned to the "gasoline valve OFF" position to let the generator run until there's no more fuel in the carburetor.
Is there usb ports (Asked September 29, 2022)
The unit does not feature USB ports. However, it comes with a USB adapter that can be plugged into its 12V DC automotive outlet.
Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.
User Reviews
I’ve owned and tested many brands. Champion is a very high quality generator and is assembled very well. Their customer service and parts is awesome! That alone sells a generator! I’m so impressed with this unit. So far it’s only available at Cabelas/Bass Pro. I highly recommend this unit if it fits what your looking for!
I purchased this from Bass Pro Shop. I ordered it on July 4 and it was delivered on July 6. Very fast shipping. Box was fully intact with no damage. Good Job FedEx. Price was inline with like generators of this watt and amperage. I followed the quick guide, connected the battery, added the oil and connected to my small 20 pound propane tank. Set the choke and hit the start for a few seconds. Turned it to run and hit the starter again and she fired right up. I tested the volts and amps and it does what they say it will. I did let her run with a small load that included an ac that cycled to give it a varying load per the break-in period. I changed my oil after the 5 hour run and did have some fine shavings. I have ordered a magnetic dipstick that I plan to install. I decided to run some 10w-30w synthetic oil. I am going to run it another 5 hours or so and change the oil again. Then she’ll be good to go. Probably don’t need to do this, but just something I want to do. Overall I am very pleased with this inverter generator. She is quiet, provides 30 amps and 3600 watts on propane and this is all I need. Hats off the Champion. I really think had Champion not made this exclusive with Bass Pro Shop and Cabelas they would have sold a lot more of them. If the 4500 watt peak and 3500 watt inverter generator isn’t enough check out this one. I did buy a cover for it and I have 2 – 40 pound tanks and a few smaller 20 pound tanks, so I am set. Just hope we don’t have any storms in the Gulf this year, but if we do I am feeling pretty ready.
It started right up on both gas and propane, of course after I added the oil. It is quiet and has not disappointed me yet. Only dislikes were that the pop up fueling light is powered by a 9v battery instead of off the main battery (one more to keep track of), no gas gauge, and poor sticker application ( a lot of bubbles ). I had it shipped to my local bass pro. Box was actually in good shape but heavy. Unit is 118lbs but in the box it is 140 lbs. Bass pro needs better information for there cs reps. My first order was cancelled buy BP a day later csr had no reason why or when they would be available again. Luckily I received a email from gen bible one night at 230am that it was now available, we placed our 2nd order at 330am. That one went through and was delivered to BP 5 days later.
I do recommend this model.