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Description
Zoom on the Champion 201003
In summary, the Champion 201003 is a compact portable inverter generator especially useful for:
- RV travellers looking for even more independence
- People occasionally participating in outdoor fairs, festivals or events
- 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 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
Thanks to its dual-fuel technology, the Champion 201003 delivers 120V and offers power and versatility. When gasoline-powered, it benefits from a running wattage of 4000W and a peak wattage of 5500W. When propane-powered, it has 3600 rated watts and 5500 peak watts. In addition, as it is parallel capable (ParaLink (opens in a new tab) not included), this power can be doubled when linked to another similar or compatible unit.
Enjoying a noise rating of 61 dBA (just slightly more noisy than background music), this inverter generator can be started thanks to a conventional pull-start mechanism, but also to a convenient and easy-to-use electric starter (battery included). Champion’s EZ Start Dial lets you intuitively start the engine with easy access to all the controls you need.
The 201003, with a fuel capacity of 3.7 gallons, reaches a run time of up to 20 hours utilizing gasoline (fuel consumption around 0.19 GPH). Alternatively, it can reach a run time of up to 15 hours (on a 20 lbs tank - propane consumption around 0.31 GPH) with 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.
Delicate electronics can be plugged in an AC outlets safely, as the 201003 generates a clean sine wave, reaching a <3% Total Harmonic Disruption (THD).
Outlets
The control panel provides the upcoming 3 AC outlets:
In addition, it provides 1 DC outlet: there's a 12V 8A (cigarette lighter style) receptacle with which you may charge your batteries with ease.
This Champion generator is RV Ready, thanks to its TT-30R receptacle (TT stands for 'Travel Trailer').
Portability
Since the Champion 201003 is an inverter generator, its closed design (L24.6 x W19 x H20.9 in) has an esthetical advantage over conventional, open frame devices. This modern design aims to provide an ideal power solution to recreational users.
As the generator's weight is 118 pounds, manually moving it or transporting it may be challenging, despite the fact that it is technically considered 'portable' (movable). Nevertheless, it can still be moved quite conveniently with the help of its set of 2 wheels (⌀5.5") and its telecospic handle, once it is placed on the ground.
Features
The 201003's control panel
The control panel of the 201003 includes a digital Intelligauge data center, which assists you in monitoring its status and activity, as it provides information on the power output, voltage and lifetime run hours. To offer you even more control and easy operation during night time, the panel is LED-lit.
In addition to this info, several light indicators serve to show you when the generator is ready, its oil levels are insufficient and the generator is overloaded.
As far as security is concerned, the generator can be used with a peace of mind, as it features an overload protection (circuit breaker) and an automatic low oil shut-off.
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: oil, funnel, propane hose and dual port USB adapter. The official storage cover and storm 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 and thus, may be used in forested areas.
Product Video
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 generators of similar power (between 3500 and 4500 W).
- With a dry weight of 118 pounds, the Champion 201003 finds itself in the expected weight range for generators able to produce between 3500 and 4500 rated watts. Regarding dry weight, one of the champions in the same power range is the WEN GN400i, with a dry weight of only 66.1 lbs.
- 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 you are concerned with noise, check out the Cummins Onan P4500i, which is one of the least noisy generators in its power range, with a noise rating of just 52 dBA.
- The 201003 provides a higher run time than similarly powerful devices, reaching up to 20 hours at 25% load. 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.
- The run time is important, but also hugely depends on the capacity of the fuel tank and doesn't mean much if we don't talk about fuel consumption as well. This inverter generator reaches an estimated fuel consumption of 0.19 GPH (gallon per hour) at a 25% load, making it average, for the previously mentioned wattage range. If you wish to further improve in the area of fuel efficiency, the Westinghouse iGen4200, which boasts with a gas consumption of only 0.14 GPH, may be the right generator for you.
Price comparison
As you can see from this interactive chart, when compared to other 3500-4500W 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
- Quiet for its power (61 dBA)
- High run time
- Decent weight (118 lbs)
- Decent fuel efficiency
- No remote start
- Not CARB-compliant
Features and Specifications
| Inverter | Yes |
|---|---|
| Portable | Yes |
| Parallel capable | Yes, cable not included |
| RV ready | Yes |
| Fuel | Dual Fuel (gasoline/propane) |
| Engine | 244 cc OHV 4-stroke |
| Starting system | Recoil, Electric |
| Voltage | AC: 120V 60 Hz, DC: 12V |
| Gasoline | Propane | |
|---|---|---|
| Running watts | 4000 W | 3600 W |
| Starting watts | 5500 W | 5500 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% |
| Emissions | 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 | 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 | |
| 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.
Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.
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.