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. (Read full specs)
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Amazon | Price history for the Champion 201049 |
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| Highest Price $769.99 Lowest Price $549.00 Current Price $641.27 |
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Description
Zoom on the Champion 201049
In short, the Champion 201049 is a compact portable inverter generator adequately designed for:
- RV travellers looking for even more independence
- People occasionally participating in sporting competitions, open-air performances and outdoor 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 upcoming sections, you'll discover its power characteristics, the array of outlets it presents, its overall portability, and the additional features it possesses.
Power & Run Time
The Champion 201049
Champion 201049 is equipped with a 224 cc OHV 4-stroke engine, running on gasoline and providing 120V, boasting a running wattage of 3,650W alongside a starting wattage of 4,500W. Additionally, the parallel capability (ParaLink (opens in a new tab) not included) facilitates increasing of power output when linked to another similar or compatible unit, offering enhanced energy capacity and reliability for diverse requirements.
Operating at a noise rating of 64 dBA (just slightly more noisy than background music), this inverter generator starts up with a standard recoil pull-rope starting mechanism. Champion’s EZ Start Dial lets you intuitively start the engine with easy access to all the controls you need.
With its 2.9 gallons fuel tank, the 201049 can operate for up to 17 hours when fully fueled (with fuel usage averaging around 0.17 GPH).
The 201049 generates a clean sine wave with <3% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD), ensuring minimal electrical noise and fluctuations. This feature makes it ideal for powering sensitive electronics, providing stable and reliable AC power through the outlets.
Outlets
The control panel includes the following 3 AC outlets:
Moreover, it comes equipped with 1 DC outlet: there's a 12V 8A (cigarette lighter style) receptacle providing easy battery charging capabilities. Thanks to the included dual port USB adapter, you can conveniently use the DC receptacle to charge electronics such as mobile phones and tablets.
With its TT-30R receptacle (TT standing for 'Travel Trailer'), this Champion generator is RV Ready, perfectly suited for powering recreational vehicles.
Portability
With dimensions of L20.9 x W18.3 x H19.4 in, the traditional open frame design of the Champion 201049 ensures stability while allowing easy maintenance access to components and promoting effective air cooling. The device has been designed for tough environments and demanding outdoor use.
The 201049 can be taken anywhere with you, thanks to its weight of 75 lbs. Furthermore, thanks to its open frame, the generator is easily grabbed and moved to a new location.
You may also want to invest in the official wheel kit (opens in a new tab), which assists in transporting the 201049 more easily.
Features
The 201049's control panel
The control panel of the 201049 includes a digital Intelligauge data center, which assists you in monitoring its status and activity, as it provides information on the power output, lifetime run hours, voltage and frequency.
In addition to this info, a light indicator on the device will notify you if the oil level is too low.
The inclusion of a built-in fuel gauge in the inverter generator streamlines gas level checks for quick and convenient assessments.
Considering security aspects, the generator boasts an automatic low oil shut-off and an overload protection (circuit breaker), offering peace of mind throughout operation.
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.
Beyond the standard documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab) to assist with setup, the Champion 201049 ships with supplementary accessories: dual port USB adapter, oil, funnel and tool kit.
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).
- As far as its dry weight is concerned, the Champion 201049 weighs just 75 pounds and thus, it is one of the lighter 3500 to 4500 rated wattage inverter generators. If you are concerned by weight, one of the champions in the above-mentioned power range is the Genmax GM4600iAEFIC, with a dry weight of just 58.4 pounds.
- When comparing it to devices with a similar running wattage, this inverter generator's lowest noise level of 64 dBA puts it alongside the noisier units. If noise emissions are one of your priorities, you may want to take a look at the Westinghouse iGen5000DF. It's one of the quietest options among generators of similar power, rated at 52 dBA.
- With a runtime of up to 17 hours under a 25% load on a full tank, the 201049 falls within the average autonomy range among the inverter generators of a similar power. 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.
- While the run time is an important parameter, it is dependent on the fuel tank's capacity and thus, doesn't say much on its own unless we consider fuel consumption as well. Among generators of similar power, this inverter generator stands out with a better fuel efficiency than most, with consumption rates around 0.17 GPH (gallon per hour) at 25% load. If minimizing fuel usage is one of your key priorities, the Champion 201319 is one of the most efficient devices with similar power output, with a gasoline consumption of only 0.16 gallons per hour.
Price comparison
As you can see from these interactive charts, 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
- Inexpensive
- CO Shield™ technology
- Several accessories included
- RV Ready
- Parallel capable
- Inverter
- Lightweight for its kind (75 lbs)
- Fuel efficient
- Decent run time
- No electric start
- On the noisy side (64 dBA)
Features and Specifications
| Inverter | Yes |
|---|---|
| Parallel capable | Yes, cable not included |
| RV ready | Yes |
| Fuel | Gasoline |
| Engine | 224 cc OHV 4-stroke |
| Starting system | Recoil |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| Voltage | AC: 120V 60 Hz, DC: 12V |
|---|---|
| Running watts | 3,650 W |
| Starting watts | 4,500 W |
| Running amps | 30.4 amps |
| Peak amps | 37.5 amps |
| Run time @50% load | Unknown |
| Run time @25% load | 17 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, voltage and frequency |
| Indicators | Low oil |
| Fuel tank | 2.9 gal |
| Fuel gauge | Yes |
| Weight | 75 lbs |
|---|---|
| Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | 20.9 x 18.3 x 19.4 in |
| Noise (lower limit) | 64 dBA |
| THD | < 3% |
| Compliance | CARB, EPA, ANSI/PGMA G300-2023 |
| Security | Low oil and overload protection, CO monitoring |
| Spark arrestor | Yes |
| Neutral | Floating |
| Accessories included | Oil, funnel, tool kit, and dual port USB adapter |
| Country of origin | China |
| UPC | 817198024462 |
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 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?
| Item | Running Watts | Starting Watts | |
|---|---|---|---|
| At home | Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 |
| Hair dryer | 1800 | 1900 | |
| Washing machine | 900 | 1650 | |
| Cell phone charger | 20 | 20 | |
| Total | 2912 W | 3912 W | |
| For camping | Radiant heater | 1300 | 1300 |
| RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
| RV AC (11,000 BTU) | 1010 | 1600 | |
| Blender | 400 | 850 | |
| Cell phone charger | 20 | 20 | |
| Total | 2910 W | 3500 W | |
| For work | Grinder | 1400 | 2500 |
| Demolition hammer | 1260 | 1260 | |
| Drain cleaner | 250 | 250 | |
| Total | 2910 W | 4010 W |
Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.
User Reviews
For the price I don’t think you can do much better. Mine started first pull and performs as described. It’s not too heavy, around 75#. A wheel kit is easy to install should you have to move it around much. Fairly quiet but better on grass or foam rubber. Will run almost a day on a tank of fuel if the load isn’t too high. I ran a freezer, refrigerator, fan and lighting at barely above idle (other than appliance start up surge). Nice to have a fuel gauge and sealed control panel in case it starts raining. Small oil capacity is a bit concerning, but I suppose as long as it’s kept clean and up to level, it should be ok. I recommend running some Seafoam mixed in with the gasoline through the carb and then draining the carb / running it out of fuel before storage. 5 stars!!
It has been a good generator for me, just didn’t last long enough. I use it as a back up to my solar system so it may run a week straight depending on weather. Easy to change oil but needs a bigger oil capacity in my opinion.