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Champion 201049 - 3650/4500W Open Frame Inverter Generator

The Champion 201049 is a compact open frame inverter generator with a rated wattage of 3,650 W and a starting wattage of 4,500 W.

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Price History
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Price history for the Champion 201049
Latest updates:
  • $449.88 - September 22, 2023
  • $699.00 - September 8, 2023
Data source: farmandfleet.com
Since: September 8, 2023
  • Highest Price: $699.00 - September 8, 2023
  • Lowest Price: $449.88 - September 22, 2023

Description

The Champion Power Equipment 201049 4500-Watt Open Frame Inverter Generator is one of the most advanced products on the market. (source: Champion (opens in a new tab))

Zoom on the Champion 201049

In a nutshell, the Champion 201049 is a compact portable inverter generator mostly geared towards:

  • 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 hobbyists looking for a portable power source

In the sections ahead, the power characteristics, availability of various outlets, the portability, and any additional features of the device shall be discussed, including its emission compliance information.

Power & Run Time

The Champion 201049 in use

The Champion 201049

The Champion 201049 houses a 224 cc OHV 4-stroke engine, which provides 120V, consumes gasoline and delivers a running wattage of 3,650W along with a peak wattage of 4,500W. 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.

Enjoying a noise rating of 64 dBA (just slightly more noisy than background music), this inverter generator gets running thanks to a conventional pull-start mechanism. Champion’s EZ Start Dial lets you intuitively start the engine with easy access to all the controls you need.

The fuel capacity of 2.9 gallons allows the 201049 to operate for up to 17 hours with a full tank (fuel consumption around 0.17 GPH).

Delicate electronics can be plugged in an AC outlets safely, as the 201049 generates a clean sine wave, reaching a <3% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD).

Outlets

The control panel features the upcoming 3 AC outlets:

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

It also sports 1 DC outlet: there's a 12V 8A (cigarette lighter style) receptacle allowing you to easily charge your batteries. 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.

With its TT-30R receptacle (TT as in 'Travel Trailer'), this Champion generator is RV Ready.

Portability

The dimensions of the Champion 201049, which are L20.9 x W18.3 x H19.4 in, and its typical, open frame design provides stability and enables the generator to be raised above ground level. The generator is designed for ideal use outdoors and in rough environments.

The 75 lbs of the 201049's dry weight enables you to use it anywhere you will ever need. Moreover, grabbing and moving this product is made even easier by its open frame design.

The official wheel kit (opens in a new tab) can be bought separately, if you need additional help in transporting the 201049.

Features

Panel of the Champion 201049

The 201049's control panel

One of the many 201049's features is the Intelligauge data center, included in its control panel, which conveniently provides information on the lifetime run hours, power output, frequency and voltage and thus, helps you monitor its activity and status.

In addition to this info, a light indicator shows you if the oil level is too low.

The inverter generator includes a built-in fuel gauge, a quick, easy and convenient method of checking the device’s gas level.

Security-wise, this product benefits from an overload protection (circuit breaker) and an automatic low oil shut-off, which gives you a complete peace of mind when using it.

The unit also benefits from the CO Shield™ technology, which monitors accumulation of poisonous carbon monoxide (CO) gas produced by the engine's exhaust when the generator is running. If CO Shield™ detects elevated levels of CO gas, it automatically shuts off the engine and illuminates a red LED.

With the basic documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), letting you start the generator quickly, the Champion 201049 also comes with several accessories, including: funnel, dual port USB adapter, oil and tool kit.

Emissions

The Champion 201049 is EPA-approved and CARB-compliant. It can therefore be sold and purchased in all 50 states, including California.

Moreover, it features a spark arrestor, so it is adequate for use in forested areas.

The unit also meets the ANSI/PGMA G300-2018 safety and performance requirements.

Product Video

The Champion 201049 versus other generators

The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Champion 201049 compare to inverter generators of similar power (between 3500 and 4500 W).

  • Regarding its weight, the Champion 201049 only weighs in at 75 pounds, which means it's one of the lighter inverter generators in the 3500-4500 rated wattage range. If you are concerned by weight, one of the champions in the above-mentioned power range is the WEN GN400i, with a dry weight of just 66.1 pounds.
  • As this inverter generator has its lowest possible noise of 64 dBA, it should be considered noisier compared to its peers of a comparable running wattage. 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.
  • Offering up to 17 hours of running time on a full tank at 25% load, the 201049 is within the average autonomy range of similarly powerful inverter generators. 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. With an estimated gasoline consumption of 0.17 GPH (gallon per hour) at 25% load, this inverter generator is among the more fuel efficient of the products in the above-mentioned wattage range. If fuel consumption is your top priority, we suggest to check out the Champion 200988, which has a fuel consumption of only 0.16 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 inverter generators, the Champion 201049 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

STRENGTHS:
  • Inexpensive
  • CO Shield™ technology
  • Several accessories included
  • RV Ready
  • Parallel capable
  • Inverter
  • Lightweight for its kind (75 lbs)
  • Fuel efficient
AVERAGE SPECS:
  • Decent run time
WEAKNESSES:
  • No electric start
  • On the noisy side (64 dBA)

Do you own the Champion 201049 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
Warranty3 years
Power
VoltageAC: 120V 60 Hz, DC: 12V
Running watts3,650 W
Starting watts4,500 W
Running amps30.4 amps
Peak amps37.5 amps
Run time @50% loadUnknown
Run time @25% load17 h
Features
GFCI outletsNo
Covered outletsYes
Automatic Voltage RegulationInverter
AC outlets
  • 1x Duplex 120V 20A (5-20R)
  • 1x 120V 30A (TT-30R)
DC outlets1x 12V 8A (cigarette lighter style)
Data centerPower output, lifetime run hours, voltage and frequency
IndicatorsLow oil
Fuel tank2.9 gal
Fuel gaugeYes
Misc
Weight75 lbs
Approx. dimensions (L x W x H)20.9 x 18.3 x 19.4 in
Noise (lower limit)64 dBA
THD< 3%
ComplianceCARB, EPA, ANSI/PGMA G300-2018
SecurityLow oil and overload protection, CO monitoring
Spark arrestorYes
NeutralFloating
Accessories includedOil, funnel, tool kit, and dual port USB adapter
Country of originChina
UPC817198024462

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×

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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 201049 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 wattage calculator.
ItemRunning WattsStarting Watts
At homeAC (10,000 BTU)15002200
Refrigerator (energy star)1921192
Vacuum cleaner10751175
Game console150150
Total2917 W3917 W
For campingRV AC (11,000 BTU)10101600
RV refrigerator180600
Electric grill16501650
Set of 5 LED light bulbs5555
Cell phone charger2020
Total2915 W3505 W
For workGrinder14002500
Demolition hammer12601260
Electric fence (25 miles)250250
Total2910 W4010 W

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