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Champion 201181 - 3500/4375W Portable Generator With Remote Start

The Champion 201181 is a portable open frame generator with a rated wattage of 3,500 W and a starting wattage of 4,375 W. (Read full specs)

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Highest Price
$549.99
Lowest Price
$514.99
Current Price
$549.99

Description

Champion Power Equipment makes powering your life easier than ever with the 201181 3500-Watt RV Ready Portable Generator with CO Shield® and Wireless Remote Start. With enough power to start and run a 15,000 BTU RV air conditioner, you can also use this feature-packed generator to power the essentials in your home the next time there’s an outage. (source: Champion (opens in a new tab))

Zoom on the Champion 201181

In a nutshell, the Champion 201181 is a portable generator mostly geared towards:

  • RV travellers wishing to enhance their freedom and nomad lifestyle
  • People occasionally participating in sporting competitions, open-air performances and outdoor festivals
  • Handcrafting enthusiasts who wish to work on-the-go
  • Homeowners in need of an emergency backup power for their essentials

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 Champion 201181 in use

The Champion 201181

The Champion 201181's core is the 212 cc OHV 4-stroke engine, which runs on gasoline. With an output of 120V, it provides a running wattage of 3,500W and a peak wattage of 4,375W.

Featuring a noise rating of 68 dBA (less noisy than a normal conversation), the generator is equipped with both a standard recoil pull-rope starting mechanism and a practical and straightforward electric starter (battery included) for starting. Additionally, the 201181 features remote starting, offering users increased convenience (key fob included).

The 201181's fuel tank holds 4.7 gallons, ensuring uninterrupted operation for around 12 hours at 50% load with a full tank (fuel consumption approximately 0.39 GPH).

Since the 201181 has a high THD (<20%), it is advisable to not use it for the powering of sensitive electronic devices.

Outlets

The control panel provides the upcoming 4 AC outlets:

Duplex 120V 20A (5-20R)
120V 30A (TT-30R) receptacle
120V 30A (L5-30R) receptacle

With its TT-30R receptacle (TT as in 'Travel Trailer'), this Champion generator is RV Ready.

Portability

With a size of L24.8 x W23.6 x H23.1 in, the Champion 201181 features an open frame design, providing stability and simplified maintenance access to components, enhancing air circulation. The design is ideal for rough environments and demanding outdoor use.

Even though this device may be technically portable (as in movable), manipulation and transportation without special equipment can be a challenge, as it weighs 114.6 pounds. Despite the restricted maneuverability, its wheel kit (⌀8") and its folding handle provides a solution, allowing for convenient shifting once the generator is positioned on the ground.

Features

Panel of the Champion 201181

The 201181's control panel

The control panel of the 201181 includes an Intelligauge meter, offering voltage, frequency, and lifetime hours readings, helpful for the monitoring of its status and activity.

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

As for its security measures, the device features an automatic low oil shut-off and an overload protection (circuit breaker), letting you 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.

Apart from the typical documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), which lets you start it right away, the Champion 201181 also is packed along with the following accessories: key fob, oil and funnel.

Product Video

The Champion 201181 versus other generators

The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Champion 201181 compare to generators of similar power (between 3000 and 4000 W).

  • With a dry weight of 114.6 pounds, the Champion 201181 finds itself in the expected weight range for generators able to produce between 3000 and 4000 rated watts. If weight matters to you, one of the champions in this power range is the Pulsar PGD40iSCO with only 46 pounds.
  • Among the generators of a comparable running wattage, this generator with a lowest noise of 68 dBA can be judged as noisy. 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.
  • Given that the 201181 reaches an autonomy of around 12 hours with a full tank and at 50% load, it is placed within the average autonomy range of similarly powerful generators. If prolonged run time is essential to your needs, you could consider the Predator 4375, which offers one of the highest autonomy among devices with similar power output, lasting around 16 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. In fact, this generator is not one of the most fuel-efficient options in the aforementioned wattage range: its estimated gasoline consumption at 50% load is around 0.39 GPH. If minimizing fuel usage is one of your key priorities, the Pulsar PGD40iSCO is one of the most efficient devices with similar power output, with a gasoline consumption of only 0.22 gallons per hour.

Price comparison

As you can see from these interactive charts, when compared to other 3000-4000W generators, the Champion 201181 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
  • CO Shield™ technology
  • Several accessories included
  • RV Ready
  • Remote start
AVERAGE SPECS:
  • Decent weight (114.6 lbs)
  • Decent run time
WEAKNESSES:
  • On the noisy side (68 dBA)
  • Low fuel efficiency

Do you own the Champion 201181 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 readyYes
FuelGasoline
Engine212 cc OHV 4-stroke
Starting systemRecoil, Electric, Remote
Warranty3 years
Power
VoltageAC: 120V 60 Hz
Running watts3,500 W
Starting watts4,375 W
Running amps29.2 amps
Peak amps36.5 amps
Run time @50% load12 h
Run time @25% loadUnknown
Features
GFCI outletsNo
Covered outletsYes
Automatic Voltage RegulationYes
AC outlets
  • 1x Duplex 120V 20A (5-20R)
  • 1x 120V 30A (TT-30R)
  • 1x 120V 30A (L5-30R)
DC outletsNo
Data centerVFT
IndicatorsNo
Fuel tankSteel, 4.7 gal
Fuel gaugeYes
Misc
Weight114.6 lbs
Approx. dimensions (L x W x H)24.8 x 23.6 x 23.1 in
Noise (lower limit)68 dBA
THD< 20%
ComplianceCARB, EPA, ANSI/PGMA G300-2023
SecurityLow oil, overload and Volt Guard™ surge protection, CO monitoring
Spark arrestorYes
NeutralFloating
Accessories includedOil, funnel, key fob, battery, and wheel kit
UPC817198025964

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.

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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 201181 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 size calculator.
ItemRunning WattsStarting Watts
At homeRefrigerator (energy star)1921192
Hair dryer18001900
Toaster oven800800
Total2792 W3792 W
For campingRadiant heater13001300
RV refrigerator180600
RV AC (11,000 BTU)10101600
Slow cooker270270
Total2760 W3350 W
For workGrinder14002500
Demolition hammer12601260
Bug zapper8080
Total2740 W3840 W

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