Champion 201160 - 12000/15000W Portable Generator With Electric Start
The Champion 201160 is a powerful open frame generator with a rated wattage of 12,000 W and a starting wattage of 15,000 W. (Read full specs)
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Description
The Champion Power Equipment 201160 MKE 12000 Portable Generator is designed with your safety and convenience in mind. Owning this rugged 12,000-watt generator means the next time there’s an outage, the power in your house stays on.
Zoom on the Champion 201160
In a nutshell, the Champion 201160 is a powerful portable generator mostly geared towards professionals in need of safely powering high-intensity work or lighting equipment.
Over the following sections, you'll uncover its power characteristics, the selection of outlets it offers, its overall portability, and the supplementary features it includes.
Power & Run Time
Featuring a 717 cc V-Twin engine, the Champion 201160 operates using gasoline, providing 120/240V, with a running wattage of 12,000W and a starting wattage of 15,000W.
The generator features a no-fuss and convenient electric starter (battery included). It is rated for a noise of 78 dBA (less noisy than a dishwasher).
With a fuel capacity of 11 gallons, the 201160 can run for around 9 hours at 50% load when the tank is full (fuel consumption is approximately 1.22 gallons per hour).
Since the 201160 has a high THD (<20%), it is advisable to not use it for the powering of sensitive electronic devices.
Outlets
The control panel features 7 AC outlets as follows:
Despite not having the 'RV Ready' status, this Champion generator provides the benefit of convenient RV compatibility through its L5-30R receptacle, enabling you to easily power your RV using an L5-30P to TT-30R adaptor. Besides, with its twist-lock L14-30R receptacle, the 201160 is configured to be transfer switch ready, allowing straightforward connection to your breaker box to supply backup power to your home during outages.
Portability
Measuring L33 x W33.7 x H33.1 in, the classic open frame build of the Champion 201160 delivers stability and easy maintenance access to components, facilitating air circulation. This type of design is ideal for tough environments and heavy outdoor use.
While the generator is considered to be technically 'portable' (in the sense that you can move it), manually lifting and transporting it may be challenging, due to its high weight of 328.7 lbs. Nevertheless, thanks to its wheel kit (⌀12") and its folding handle (a decent solution to its lack of maneuverability), the generator can be easily moved, once placed the ground.
In addition, the device is equipped with a lift hook on the top of its frame, which provides extra safety during the loading, unloading and transport of the generator.
Features
Included in the control panel of the 201160, a digital Intelligauge data center assists in tracking its status and activity by providing details on the lifetime run hours, voltage, power output and frequency.
Benefiting from its built-in fuel gauge, the generator allows for easy and immediate gas level inspections.
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.
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.
While the standard documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), helpful for starting the device promptly, come with the Champion 201160, the following accessories are also included: funnel and oil.
Product Video
The Champion 201160 versus other generators
The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Champion 201160 compare to generators of similar power (between 10000 and 14000 W).
- Considering its dry weight of 328.7 pounds, the Champion 201160 is one of the heavier generators producing between 10000 and 14000 running watts. If weight matters to you, one of the champions in this power range is the DuroStar DS13000MX with only 209 pounds.
- Since the generator's noise is rated at 78 dBA, it has the roughly average expected noise for a device of similar 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 Genmax GM13500iETC, whose lowest noise levels reach just 62 dBA.
- Offering around 9 hours of running time on a full tank at 50% load, the 201160 is within the average autonomy range of similarly powerful generators. If you consider autonomy on a single full tank as one of the deciding factors, one of the generators in the same power range that offers the highest run time is the WEN TF1450X, with around 12 hours.
- While run time matters, it's heavily influenced by the fuel tank's capacity. Hence, it's important to consider fuel efficiency alongside. This generator doesn't excel in fuel efficiency when compared to others of its kind: it consumes approximately 1.22 GPH at a 50% load. If not satisfied with the afore-mentioned fuel consumption, you may wish to check out the WEN TF1450X. With a fuel consumption of as little as 0.68 GPH, it is one of the most efficient generators currently on the market.
Price comparison
As you can see from these interactive charts, when compared to other 10000-14000W generators, the Champion 201160 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
- CO Shield™ technology
- GFCI Outlets
- 4 different AC outlet types
- Electric start
- Acceptable noise (78 dBA)
- Decent run time
- No recoil back-up
- No remote start
- On the heavy side (328.7 lbs)
- Low fuel efficiency
Features and Specifications
| Inverter | No |
|---|---|
| Parallel capable | No |
| RV ready | No |
| Fuel | Gasoline |
| Engine | 717 cc V-Twin |
| Starting system | Electric |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| Voltage | AC: 120/240V 60 Hz |
|---|---|
| Running watts | 12,000 W |
| Starting watts | 15,000 W |
| Running amps (@120/240V) | 100/50 amps |
| Peak amps (@120/240V) | 125/62.5 amps |
| Run time @50% load | 9 h |
| Run time @25% load | Unknown |
| GFCI outlets | Yes |
|---|---|
| Covered outlets | Yes |
| Automatic Voltage Regulation | Yes |
| AC outlets |
|
| DC outlets | No |
| Data center | Power output, lifetime run hours, voltage and frequency |
| Indicators | No |
| Fuel tank | Steel, 11 gal |
| Fuel gauge | Yes |
| Weight | 328.7 lbs |
|---|---|
| Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | 33 x 33.7 x 33.1 in |
| Noise (lower limit) | 78 dBA |
| THD | < 20% |
| Compliance | EPA, ANSI/PGMA G300-2023 |
| Security | Low oil, overload and Volt Guard™ surge protection, CO monitoring |
| Spark arrestor | Yes |
| Neutral | Bonded to frame |
| Accessories included | Oil, funnel, battery, and wheel kit |
| Country of origin | China |
| Series | Milwaukee |
| UPC | 817198025766 |
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 201160 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 | Sump pump (1/2 hp) | 1050 | 2150 |
| Furnace fan (1/2 hp) | 875 | 2350 | |
| Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 | |
| Clothes dryer | 5400 | 6750 | |
| Hair dryer | 1800 | 1900 | |
| Slow cooker | 270 | 270 | |
| Total | 9587 W | 11062 W | |
| For work | Electric welder | 9000 | 9000 |
| Drain cleaner | 250 | 250 | |
| Electric fence (25 miles) | 250 | 250 | |
| Bug zapper | 80 | 80 | |
| Total | 9580 W | 9580 W |
Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.



