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Champion 201161 - 12000/15000W Tri Fuel Generator With Electric Start

The Champion 201161 is a powerful open frame tri-fuel generator with a rated wattage of 12,000 W and a starting wattage of 15,000 W. (Read full specs)

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Price history for the Champion 201161

Current price is in the high range.
Lowest price $1,980.58
Highest price $2,899.99
Current price $2,899.99

Description

The Champion Power Equipment 201161 MKE 12000 Tri-Fuel Portable Generator with CO Shield® 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 201161

In a few words, the Champion 201161 is a powerful portable generator perfectly suited for:

  • Professionals who want to ensure that a power failure will not prevent them from working
  • 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.

Power & Run Time

The Champion 201161 in use

The Champion 201161

The Champion 201161 delivers 120/240V and is equipped with a tri-fuel technology, enabling it to operate on gasoline, propane, or natural gas. When powered by gasoline, it achieves a running wattage of 12,000W and a peak wattage of 15,000W. Switching to propane provides 11,000 rated watts and 13,750 peak watts, while natural gas operation delivers 10,000W of rated wattage and 12,500W of starting wattage.

At a noise rating of 78 dBA (less noisy than a dishwasher), the generator is started via a convenient and easy-to-use electric starter (battery included).

With a fuel capacity of 11 gallons, the 201161 can operate for around 9 hours at 50% load using gasoline (fuel consumption around 1.22 GPH), or for around 3.5 hours (on a 20 lbs tank - propane consumption around 1.34 GPH) using propane.

As the 201161 exhibits a THD of less than 20%, which is high, it is best avoided for powering sensitive electronic devices.

Outlets

The control panel features the upcoming 7 AC outlets:

Two Duplexes 120V 20A (5-20R) GFCI
120V 30A (L5-30R) receptacle
120/240V 30A (L14-30R) receptacle
120/240V 50A (14-50R) receptacle

Even if this Champion generator isn't quite RV Ready, it still allows for an easy RV connection via an L5-30P to TT-30R adaptor, thanks to its L5-30R receptacle. Besides, thanks to its twist-lock L14-30R receptacle, the 201161 is transfer switch ready, facilitating easy hookup to your breaker box to provide backup power for your home during blackouts.

Portability

With its L32.7 x W33.7 x H33.1 in dimensions, the open frame structure of the Champion 201161 provides stability, simplified maintenance access to components, and better air cooling than enclosed units. This type of design is ideal for tough environments and heavy outdoor use.

While weighing 331 lbs, the generator is classified as 'portable,' indicating its mobility, albeit its heftiness may limit portability in specific situations. However, the lack of maneuverability can be offset with its wheel kit (⌀12") and its folding handle, which allows for convenient shifting once the generator is placed on the ground.

The generator comes with an additional safety feature, a lift hook on the top of its frame, which is helpful during its transport, loading and unloading.

Features

Panel of the Champion 201161

The 201161's control panel

Designed with a digital Intelligauge data center, the control panel of the 201161 grants you access to crucial data on the power output, frequency, lifetime run hours and voltage, ensuring practical monitoring of its status and activity.

With its built-in fuel gauge, the generator provides quick and convenient gas level checks.

In terms of security, the generator features an overload protection (circuit breaker) and an automatic low oil shut-off, ensuring peace of mind during its use.

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 201161 also includes several accessories: natural gas hose with NPT adapter, propane hose, funnel and oil.

Product Video

The Champion 201161 versus other generators

The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Champion 201161 compare to multi-fuel generators of similar power (between 10000 and 14000 W).

  • Considering its dry weight of 331 pounds, the Champion 201161 is one of the heavier multi-fuel generators producing between 10000 and 14000 running watts. Regarding dry weight, one of the champions in the same power range is the Genmax GM12000XiT, with a dry weight of only 194 lbs.
  • Because this generator emits noise as low as 78 dBA, it can be considered to have a pretty average expected noise rating for a device of its power. If you'd like a less noisy alternative, the Genmax GM13500iETC is a strong contender. It boasts a noise rating of 62 dBA, placing it among the quietest generators in its power category.
  • The 201161 provides around 9 hours of runtime at a 50% load on a full tank, placing it within the average autonomy range among similar multi-fuel generators. Furthermore, considering the run times, one of the generators which have a roughly same power output, with the highest autonomy, is the WEN TF1450X, as it provides around 12 hours.
  • While run time is vital, it hinges on the fuel capacity. To grasp the full picture, we must also factor in fuel efficiency. 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 gasoline efficiency is at the top of your list, you may want to have a look at the WEN TF1450X, which has great fuel efficiency, with a gas consumption of only 0.68 gallons per hour.

Price comparison

As you can see from these interactive charts, when compared to other 10000-14000W multi-fuel generators, the Champion 201161 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

STRENGTHS:
  • In the expected price range
  • Tri-fuel
  • CO Shield™ technology
  • Several accessories included
  • GFCI Outlets
  • 4 different AC outlet types
  • Electric start
AVERAGE SPECS:
  • Acceptable noise (78 dBA)
  • Decent run time
WEAKNESSES:
  • No recoil back-up
  • No remote start
  • On the heavy side (331 lbs)
  • Low fuel efficiency

Do you own the Champion 201161 and agree (or disagree) with these strengths and weaknesses?

Let us know and write your own review.

Features and Specifications

General
InverterNo
Parallel capableNo
RV readyNo
FuelTri-Fuel (gasoline/propane/natural gas)
Engine717 cc OHV V-Twin
Starting systemElectric
Warranty3 years
VoltageAC: 120/240V 60 Hz
Power
GasolineLPGNG
Running watts12,000 W11,000 W10,000 W
Starting watts15,000 W13,750 W12,500 W
Running amps (@120/240V)100/50 amps91.7/45.8 amps83.3/41.7 amps
Peak amps (@120/240V)125/62.5 amps114.6/57.3 amps104.2/52.1 amps
Run time @50% load9 h3.5 hN/A
Run time @25% loadUnknownUnknownN/A
Features
GFCI outletsYes
Covered outletsYes
Automatic Voltage RegulationYes
AC outlets
  • 2x Duplex 120V 20A (5-20R) GFCI
  • 1x 120V 30A (L5-30R)
  • 1x 120/240V 30A (L14-30R)
  • 1x 120/240V 50A (14-50R)
DC outletsNo
Data centerPower output, lifetime run hours, voltage and frequency
IndicatorsNo
Fuel tankSteel, 11 gal
Fuel gaugeYes
Misc
Weight331 lbs
Approx. dimensions (L x W x H)32.7 x 33.7 x 33.1 in
Noise (lower limit)78 dBA
THD< 20%
ComplianceEPA, ANSI/PGMA G300-2023
SecurityLow oil and overload protection, CO monitoring
Spark arrestorYes
NeutralBonded to frame
Accessories includedOil, funnel, natural gas hose with NPT adapter, propane hose, battery, and wheel kit
Country of originChina
UPC817198025773

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.

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 201161 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.
Item Running Watts Starting Watts
At home Dish washer 1500 3000
AC (10,000 BTU) 1500 2200
Microwave (1000 watts) 1500 1500
Electric fry pan 1500 1500
Sump pump (1/2 hp) 1050 2150
Refrigerator (energy star) 192 1192
Electric range 2100 2100
Satelite receiver 250 250
Total 9592 W 11092 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

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