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Description
Zoom on the Champion 201042
In a nutshell, the Champion 201042 is a portable generator mostly geared towards:
- RV travellers who wish to upgrade their experience to another level
- 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
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 201042
The dual-fuel technology of the Champion 201042 allows for an output of 120V and provides superb power and versatility. If gasoline-powered, the device provides a running wattage of 3550W and a starting wattage of 4450W. If propane-powered, it gives 3200 rated watts and 4000 starting watts.
Enjoying a noise rating of 68 dBA (less noisy than background music), this generator gets running thanks to a simple traditional pull-start mechanism.
The 201042, with a fuel capacity of 4.7 gallons, reaches a run time of around 14 hours at 50% load utilizing gasoline (fuel consumption around 0.34 GPH). Alternatively, it can reach a run time of around 10.5 hours (on a 20 lbs tank - propane consumption around 0.45 GPH) with propane.
The powering of sensitive electronic devices with the 201042 is not recommended due to its relatively high THD (<20%).
Outlets
The control panel features the following 4 AC outlets:
This Champion generator is RV Ready, as it features a TT-30R receptacle (TT stands for 'Travel Trailer').
Portability
The Champion 201042 has a conventional, open frame design, of the following dimensions: L24.8 x W24.8 x H22.4 in, which offers support and allows it to be raised above ground level. The featured design is ideal for the outdoors and all tough environments.
Even though this device may be technically portable (as in movable), manipulation and transportation without special equipment can be a challenge, as it weighs 112.4 pounds. Nevertheless, thanks to its wheel kit (⌀8") and its folding handle (a decent solution to its lack of maneuverability), the generator can be easily moved, once placed the ground.
Features
The 201042's control panel
The control panel of the 201042 includes an Intelligauge meter, which displays voltage, frequency and lifetime hours, helpful for the monitoring of its status and activity.
The generator includes a built-in fuel gauge, a quick, easy and convenient method of checking the device’s gas level.
From a security standpoint, the product offers an overload protection (circuit breaker) and an automatic low oil shut-off, allowing you to use it with a peace of mind. Champion's built-in surge protector (Volt Guard™) safeguards your equipment and appliances against voltage spikes.
Apart from the typical documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), which lets you start it right away, the Champion 201042 also is packed along with the following accessories: propane hose, cover, funnel and oil.
Emissions
The Champion 201042 is EPA-approved and CARB-compliant. Therefore, its sale and purchase are permitted in all of the 50 states, including California.
Moreover, it features a spark arrestor, which makes it suitable for use in forested areas.
The Champion 201042 versus other generators
The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Champion 201042 compare to dual fuel generators of similar power (between 3500 and 4500 W).
- As its weight is 112.4 pounds, the Champion 201042 falls in the expected weight range of the dual fuel devices in the 3500-4500 rated wattage category. If you are concerned by weight, one of the champions in the above-mentioned power range is the WEN DF402iX, with a dry weight of just 66.1 pounds.
- As this generator can emit noise as low as 68 dBA, it finds itself in the average expected noise for this kind of power. If you’d prefer a less noisy device, one of the most quiet devices, which share the same power range with this one, is the Westinghouse iGen4500DF, whose lowest noise levels reach just 52 dBA.
- With a run time of around 14 hours at 50% load, the 201042 has one of the higher run times, compared to its similarly powerful peers. Concerning the run times, one of the several devices with a comparable output, offering the highest autonomy, is the Westinghouse iGen4500DF, which is able to run for around 15 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 generator can be considered as fuel efficient, due to its low estimated fuel consumption of only 0.34 GPH (gallon per hour) at 50% load, within the aforementioned wattage range. If you wish to acquire one of the most gasoline efficient products of this power range, the Westinghouse iGen4500DF, with a fuel consumption of 0.23 GPH could be in your good books.
Price comparison
As you can see from this interactive chart, when compared to other 3500-4500W dual fuel generators, the Champion 201042 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
- Several accessories included
- RV Ready
- Dual Fuel
- High run time
- Fuel efficient
- Decent weight (112.4 lbs)
- Acceptable noise (68 dBA)
- No electric start
Features and Specifications
| Inverter | No |
|---|---|
| Portable | Yes |
| Parallel capable | No |
| RV ready | Yes |
| Fuel | Dual Fuel (gasoline/propane) |
| Engine | 224 cc OHV 4-stroke |
| Starting system | Recoil |
| Voltage | AC: 120V 60 Hz |
| Gasoline | Propane | |
|---|---|---|
| Running watts | 3550 W | 3200 W |
| Starting watts | 4450 W | 4000 W |
| Running amps | 29.6 amps | 26.7 amps |
| Peak amps | 37.1 amps | 33.3 amps |
| Run time @50% load | 14 h | 10.5 h |
| Run time @25% load | Unknown | Unknown |
| GFCI outlets | No |
|---|---|
| Covered outlets | Yes |
| Automatic Voltage Regulation | Yes |
| AC outlets |
|
| DC outlets | No |
| Data center | VFT |
| Indicators | No |
| Fuel tank | Steel, 4.7 gal |
| Fuel gauge | Yes |
| Weight | 112.4 lbs |
|---|---|
| Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | 24.8 x 24.8 x 22.4 in |
| Noise (lower limit) | 68 dBA |
| THD | < 20% |
| Compliance | CARB, EPA |
| Security | Low oil, overload and Volt Guard™ surge protection |
| Spark arrestor | Yes |
| Neutral | Floating |
| Accessories included | Oil, funnel, propane hose, cover, and wheel kit |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| UPC | 817198024691 |
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 201042 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 | |
| Freezer | 810 | 1750 | |
| Total | 2802 W | 3802 W | |
| For camping | Radiant heater | 1300 | 1300 |
| RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
| RV AC (11,000 BTU) | 1010 | 1600 | |
| Slow cooker | 270 | 270 | |
| Set of 5 LED light bulbs | 55 | 55 | |
| Total | 2815 W | 3405 W | |
| For work | Grinder | 1400 | 2500 |
| Demolition hammer | 1260 | 1260 | |
| Bug zapper | 80 | 80 | |
| Total | 2740 W | 3840 W |
Is it recommended for use above 3000' altitude? (Asked October 17, 2021)
To operate above 3000 ft, the carburetor will need to be rejetted. Jet part number is 16161-Z151610-00A8 between 3000 and 6000 ft, and 16161-Z151410-00A2 between 6000 and 8000 ft. These jets can be obtained by contacting Champion Power Equipment. We recommend also reading our article on generator operation in high altitudes.
Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.
User Reviews
Easy to start, Handel and wheells to pull, also came with necessary attachments to use propane, even came with the start up oil.