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Champion 201161 - 12000/15000W Tri Fuel Generator

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.

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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. (source: Champion (opens in a new tab))

Zoom on the Champion 201161

In a nutshell, the Champion 201161 is a powerful portable generator mostly geared towards:

  • Professionals who want to ensure that a power failure will not prevent them from working
  • Homeowners in need of an emergency backup power for their essentials

In the following paragraphs, we shall explore the power characteristics, available outlets, portability, and any additional features of the device, along with its emission compliance information.

Power & Run Time

The Champion 201161 in use

The Champion 201161

The Champion 201161 delivers 120/240V and benefits from a tri-fuel technology that allows it to run on gasoline, propane, or natural gas. When gasoline-powered, it enjoys a running wattage of 12,000W and a peak wattage of 15,000W. When propane-powered, it benefits from 11,000 rated watts and 13,750 peak watts. Its natural gas operation offers 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).

As for its running time, the 201161, along with its 11 gallons fuel capacity, can run for around 9 hours at 50% load with a full tank filled with gasoline (fuel consumption around 1.22 GPH). If propane is used, it can operate for around 3.5 hours (on a 20 lbs tank - propane consumption around 1.34 GPH).

The powering of sensitive electronic devices with the 201161 is not recommended due to its high THD (<20%).

Outlets

The control panel features the following 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 though this Champion generator isn't quite RV Ready, its L5-30R receptacle allows an easy RV connection via an L5-30P to TT-30R adaptor. Besides, because the 201161 is equipped with a twist-lock L14-30R receptacle, it is transfer switch ready: it can power your home during a power outage, as it can be easily connected to your breaker box to power your household.

Portability

The dimensions of the Champion 201161, which are L32.7 x W33.7 x H33.1 in, and its typical, open frame design provides stability and enables the generator to be raised above ground level. This type of design is ideal for tough environments and heavy outdoor use.

Although this generator is technically considered 'portable' (in the sense that it can be moved), its 331 lbs make it incredibly difficult to manually lift and transport. Still, once it is on the ground, its wheel kit (⌀12") and its folding handle can easily solve the issue of low mobility and allow for easy relocation of the device.

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

Panel of the Champion 201161

The 201161's control panel

One of the many 201161's features is the Intelligauge data center, included in its control panel, which conveniently provides information on the frequency, voltage, power output and lifetime run hours and thus, helps you monitor its activity and status.

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

As for its security measures, the device features an overload protection (circuit breaker) and an automatic low oil shut-off, letting you use it with a peace of mind.

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.

Along the basic documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), useful for starting the generator right away, the Champion 201161's package also includes these accessories: funnel, propane hose, oil and natural gas hose with NPT adapter.

Emissions

The Champion 201161 is EPA approved, but NOT CARB-compliant. Thus, it cannot be purchased or sold in California.

However, it features a spark arrestor and thus, may be used in forested areas.

In addition, the unit meets the ANSI/PGMA G300-2018 safety and performance requirements.

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 generators of similar power (between 10000 and 14000 W).

  • A weight of 331 lbs makes the Champion 201161 one of the heavier devices in the 10000-14000 rated wattage range. In terms of weight, one of the champions in their power range is the A-iPower SUA13000EFI, standing at just 218 lbs.
  • As this generator has its lowest possible noise of 78 dBA, it should be considered noisier compared to its peers of a comparable running wattage. If noise emissions are one of your priorities, you may be interested in the A-iPower SUA13000EFI, one of the least noisy generators similarly powerful as this one, rated for 69 dBA.
  • The 201161, offering a run time of around 9 hours with a full tank at a 50% load, falls within the average autonomy range when compared to its peers. 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 Powerhorse 13000ES, with around 15 hours.
  • Even though run times are undoubtedly important, they are dependent on the fuel capacity to a large extent. For a more wholesome picture, we must take into consideration the fuel consumption of the generator. This generator is not fuel efficient compared to devices of similar output: its estimated fuel consumption stands at 1.22 GPH at a 50% load. If you wish to acquire one of the most gasoline efficient products of this power range, the A-iPower SUA13000EFI, with a fuel consumption of 0.78 GPH could be in your good books.

Price comparison

As you can see from this interactive chart, when compared to other 10000-14000W generators, the Champion 201161 is on the expensive side of the price range.

While certainly not the cheapest of its kind, purchasing it would most likely also mean enjoying the reliability of a high-end product.

The bottom line

STRENGTHS:
  • CO Shield™ technology
  • Several accessories included
  • GFCI Outlets
  • Electric start
  • Tri-fuel
AVERAGE SPECS:
  • Decent run time
WEAKNESSES:
  • On the expensive side
  • No recoil back-up
  • No remote start
  • Not CARB-compliant
  • On the heavy side (331 lbs)
  • On the noisy side (78 dBA)
  • 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 G300-2018
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

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 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 generator sizer.
ItemRunning WattsStarting Watts
At homeDish washer15003000
AC (10,000 BTU)15002200
Microwave (1000 watts)15001500
Electric fry pan15001500
Sump pump (1/2 hp)10502150
Refrigerator (energy star)1921192
Electric range21002100
Satelite receiver250250
Total9592 W11092 W
For workElectric welder90009000
Drain cleaner250250
Electric fence (25 miles)250250
Bug zapper8080
Total9580 W9580 W

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