Champion 201120 - 3650/4650W Dual Fuel Inverter Generator With Electric Start
The Champion 201120 is a compact dual fuel inverter generator with a rated wattage of 3,650 W and a starting wattage of 4,650 W. (Read full specs)
Page Content
Description
Zoom on the Champion 201120
The Champion 201120 replaced the 200994. It's a compact portable inverter generator especially useful 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 buffs looking to enhance their experience
The subsequent sections will explore in detail its power characteristics, the diverse outlets it provides, its overall portability, and the supplementary features it offers.
Power & Run Time
The dual-fuel technology of the Champion 201120 allows for an output of 120V and provides superb power and versatility. If gasoline-powered, the device provides a running wattage of 3,650W and a starting wattage of 4,650W. If propane-powered, it gives 3,285 rated watts and 4,650 starting watts. Moreover, the parallel capability (ParaLink (opens in a new tab) not included) allows for increasing of power output when paired with another similar or compatible unit, providing increased energy capacity and reliability for diverse needs.
Enjoying a noise rating of 61 dBA (just slightly more noisy than an office), this inverter generator offers the versatility of starting with either a conventional pull-start mechanism or a simple and elegant electric starter (battery included). Champion’s EZ Start Dial lets you intuitively start the engine with easy access to all the controls you need.
Regarding its running time, the 201120, with a 2.3 gallons fuel tank, can operate for up to 14 hours with a full gasoline tank (with fuel consumption estimated at around 0.16 gallons per hour). It also offers up to 21 hours (on a 20 lbs tank - propane consumption around 0.22 GPH) of operation when using propane.
The <3% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) of the 201120 ensures a clean sine wave output, providing a secure power source for your sensitive electronics through its AC outlets.
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 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.
Thanks to its TT-30R receptacle (TT stands for 'Travel Trailer'), this Champion generator is RV Ready.
Portability
As an inverter generator, the Champion 201120 showcases a closed design (L23.2 x W17.7 x H20.1 in), enhancing aesthetics and ensuring quieter operation compared to conventional, open frame models. The design follows the contemporary trends and is perfect for recreationally generating power.
The 201120 can be taken anywhere with you, thanks to its weight of 103 lbs. Additionally, its set of 2 wheels (⌀5") and its folding handle will allow for simple relovation of the generator once it's on the ground.
Features
One of the many 201120's features is the digital Intelligauge data center, included in its control panel, which conveniently provides information on the voltage, frequency, lifetime run hours and power output and thus, helps you monitor its activity and status.
In addition to this info, the device’s light indicator will display if the oil level is too low.
The fuel level of the inverter generator can be determined quickly, easily, and conveniently with the help of its built-in fuel gauge.
From a security standpoint, the generator is furnished with an overload protection (circuit breaker) and an automatic low oil shut-off, ensuring peace of mind during 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.
In addition to the traditional documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab) to help you get started promptly, the Champion 201120 also includes several accessories: oil, dual port USB adapter, funnel, tool kit and propane hose. An official storage cover is also available, as a separate purchase.
Product Video
The Champion 201120 versus other generators
The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Champion 201120 compare to inverter generators of similar power (between 3500 and 4500 W).
- At 103 lbs dry, the Champion 201120 is consistent with the standard weight profile for inverters ranging from 3500 to 4500 rated watts. If weight is your top priority, one of the champions in this power category is the WEN 56432iX, weighing just 52.9 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 value reduced noise levels, the Westinghouse iGen5000DF could be worth considering. It's one of the quietest generators in its power range, rated at 52 dBA.
- Autonomy-wise, with up to 14 hours on a full tank at a 25% load, the 201120 is on the low end when compared to other inverter generators of a similar power output. If prolonged run time is essential to your needs, you could consider the Champion 200977, which offers one of the highest autonomy among devices with similar power output, lasting 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. With a fuel consumption rate around 0.16 GPH (gallon per hour) at 25% load, this inverter generator is one of the most fuel-efficient models within the aforementioned wattage range.
Price comparison
As you can see from these interactive charts, when compared to other 3500-4500W dual fuel inverter generators, the Champion 201120 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
- Dual fuel
- CO Shield™ technology
- Several accessories included
- RV Ready
- Electric start
- Parallel capable
- Inverter
- Fuel efficient
- Decent weight (103 lbs)
- Acceptable noise (61 dBA)
- No remote start
- Relatively low run time
Features and Specifications
| Inverter | Yes |
|---|---|
| Parallel capable | Yes, cable not included |
| RV ready | Yes |
| Fuel | Dual Fuel (gasoline/propane) |
| Engine | 212 cc OHV 4-stroke |
| Starting system | Recoil, Electric |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| Voltage | AC: 120V 60 Hz, DC: 12V |
| Gasoline | Propane | |
|---|---|---|
| Running watts | 3,650 W | 3,285 W |
| Starting watts | 4,650 W | 4,650 W |
| Running amps | 30.4 amps | 27.4 amps |
| Peak amps | 38.8 amps | 38.8 amps |
| Run time @50% load | Unknown | Unknown |
| Run time @25% load | 14 h | 21 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 | Steel, 2.3 gal |
| Fuel gauge | Yes |
| Weight | 103 lbs |
|---|---|
| Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | 23.2 x 17.7 x 20.1 in |
| Noise (lower limit) | 61 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, propane hose, dual port USB adapter, and battery |
| Country of origin | Vietnam |
| UPC | 817198025728 |
We've taken extra care to research and verify each of the specifications above. That said, occasional mistakes or omissions are still possible. If you spot any missing or inaccurate information, feel free to suggest a correction so we can address it.
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 201120 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 | Electric fry pan | 1500 | 1500 |
| Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 | |
| Vacuum cleaner | 1075 | 1175 | |
| Game console | 150 | 150 | |
| Total | 2917 W | 3917 W | |
| For camping | RV AC (11,000 BTU) | 1010 | 1600 |
| RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
| Electric grill | 1650 | 1650 | |
| Set of 5 LED light bulbs | 55 | 55 | |
| Cell phone charger | 20 | 20 | |
| Total | 2915 W | 3505 W | |
| For work | Table saw | 1800 | 4500 |
| Bug zapper | 80 | 80 | |
| Total | 1880 W | 4580 W |
A couple questions, how is the switching from gasoline to propane, if gasoline is in the tank and a LPG tank is connected and turned on simultaneously, what happens? How do you run the carburetor dry for storage? The fuel and ignition are tied together so when the fuel is shut off the engine stops immediately leaving the bowl full. I purchased this generator and am disappointed these subjects were totally ignored by the manufacturer. Also, apparently no watt or amp gauge just led lights showing % load. (Asked November 18, 2021)
The unit will always try to run on propane first. If there's no propane, it will run on gasoline. To drain the tank and the carburetor, you may refer to the "long term storage" section of your owner's manual.
Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.





User Reviews
I would highly recommend this generator for a mechanically challenged user, the controls are extremely simple. Basically one knob controls everything. I honestly purchased this so my wife could fire it up if I wasn’t around but the lack of control and information is frustrating to me.
I’d rather have a separate manual choke and fuel valve starter and kill switch. If this integrated knob breaks your SOL.
I was also disappointed with the lack of any wattage/amperage meter.
On the positive side, I haven’t had any quality of materials or workmanship issues. It’s been 100% dependable and at a excellent price point.
My next portable will have separate controls and a amp monitor of some sort.
I’m also not sure how the switch between gas & propane is handled?
There’s also no way to shut off the gasoline fuel valve to run the carburetor dry because of that all in one switch, you have to open a drain on the carburetor.
But again, reliable!