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Champion 201185 - 3500/4250W Open Frame Inverter Generator With Remote Start

The Champion 201185 is a portable open frame inverter generator with a rated wattage of 3,500 W and a starting wattage of 4,250 W. (Read full specs)

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Picture of the Champion 201185
Price History
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Price history for the Champion 201185
Highest Price
$955.83
Lowest Price
$649.00
Current Price
$828.96

Description

Zoom on the Champion 201185

The Champion 201185 is the newer version of the 200953. It's a portable inverter generator especially useful for:

  • RV travellers who wish to upgrade their experience to another level
  • Occasional participants of outdoor events, competitions, concerts and festivals
  • DIYers who wish to improve their efficiency with tools
  • Homeowners who want to be sure of their ability to power their fridges, cooking tools, heating and lighting equipment during power failures
  • 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 Champion 201185 in use

The Champion 201185

Champion 201185 runs on gasoline, powered by a 224 cc OHV 4-stroke engine, delivering 120V, boasting a running wattage of 3,500W alongside a starting wattage of 4,250W. Furthermore, its parallel capability (ParaLink (opens in a new tab) not included) allows power output to increase when connected to another similar or compatible unit, ensuring expanded energy capacity and reliability for various applications.

Enjoying a noise rating of 64 dBA (just slightly more noisy than background music), this inverter generator offers the versatility of starting with either a simple traditional pull-start mechanism or a straightforward and intuitive electric starter (battery included). The 201185 can also be remotely started, offering further convenience (key fob included).

Equipped with a 4 gallons fuel tank, the 201185 ensures continuous operation for up to 22 hours with a full tank (fuel usage approximately 0.18 gallons per hour).

Sensitive electronics can be safely plugged in the AC outlets, as the 201185 produces a clean sine wave, with a <3% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD).

Outlets

The control panel provides the upcoming 3 AC outlets:

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

Furthermore, it has 1 DC outlet: there's a 12V 8A (cigarette lighter style) receptacle with which you may charge your batteries with ease. Since a dual port USB adapter is included with the unit, you will also be able to use the DC receptacle to conveniently charge electronics such as mobile phones and tablets.

Thanks to its TT-30R receptacle (TT meaning 'Travel Trailer'), this Champion generator is RV Ready, ready to power your recreational vehicle with ease.

Portability

Measuring L27.9 x W23.4 x H21.7 in, the classic open frame construction of the Champion 201185 provides stability while enabling convenient maintenance access to components and adequate air cooling. The generator is designed for ideal use outdoors and in rough environments.

Weighing 90 lbs, the 201185 is easily handled, ensuring it can go wherever your power needs are. Moreover, its wheel kit (⌀8") and its folding handle make it easy to shift the generator once it's on the ground.

Features

Panel of the Champion 201185

The 201185's control panel

A digital Intelligauge data center, one of the features of the 201185's control panel, gives you information on the voltage, power output, frequency and lifetime run hours, and thus, is helpful for the monitoring of its activity and status.

In addition to this info, the device's light indicator will illuminate to indicate if its oil levels are insufficient.

The built-in fuel gauge of the inverter generator ensures simple and quick gas level assessments.

From a security point of view, the generator is equipped with an overload protection (circuit breaker) and an automatic low oil shut-off, giving you a peace of mind during 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.

Along the basic documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), useful for starting the generator right away, the Champion 201185's package also includes these accessories: oil, key fob, dual port USB adapter and funnel.

The Champion 201185 versus other generators

The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Champion 201185 compare to inverter generators of similar power (between 3000 and 4000 W).

  • Having a dry weight of 90 lbs, the Champion 201185 belongs in the expected weight range for inverter generators which produce 3000 to 4000 rated watts. If weight is an important consideration for you, the Pulsar PGD40iSCO stands out as one of the top contenders in this power category, with a dry weight of 46 pounds.
  • When stacked up against other devices of similar running wattage, this inverter generator's lowest possible noise rating of 64 dBA places it in the louder category. 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 Westinghouse iGen4000DFc, whose lowest noise levels reach just 52 dBA.
  • The 201185 provides a higher run time than similarly powerful inverters, reaching up to 22 hours at 25% load. If autonomy is your priority, one of the devices of a similar power output with the highest run time is the Firman W03661OF, reaching up to 25 hours.
  • Run times are important, yet thanks to their dependence on the fuel capacity, they should be judged along with the fuel consumption of the device. Standing at an estimated 0.18 GPH (gallon per hour) at a 25% load, this inverter generator is somewhat average in this area compared to other devices, within the aforementioned wattage range. To prioritize fuel savings, we advise considering the Energizer eZV3500P, which stands out for its gasoline efficiency, consuming just 0.13 gallons per hour.

Price comparison

As you can see from these interactive charts, when compared to other 3000-4000W inverter generators, the Champion 201185 is on the cheap side of the price range.

It can therefore be a really good buy if you're looking to acquire a budget generator.

The bottom line

STRENGTHS:
  • Inexpensive
  • CO Shield™ technology
  • Several accessories included
  • RV Ready
  • Remote start
  • Parallel capable
  • Inverter
  • High run time
AVERAGE SPECS:
  • Decent weight (90 lbs)
  • Decent fuel efficiency
WEAKNESSES:
  • On the noisy side (64 dBA)

Do you own the Champion 201185 and agree (or disagree) with these strengths and weaknesses?

Let us know and write your own review.

Features and Specifications

General
InverterYes
Parallel capableYes, cable not included
RV readyYes
FuelGasoline
Engine224 cc OHV 4-stroke
Starting systemRecoil, Electric, Remote
Warranty3 years
Power
VoltageAC: 120V 60 Hz, DC: 12V
Running watts3,500 W
Starting watts4,250 W
Running amps29.2 amps
Peak amps35.4 amps
Run time @50% loadUnknown
Run time @25% load22 h
Features
GFCI outletsNo
Covered outletsYes
Automatic Voltage RegulationInverter
AC outlets
  • 1x Duplex 120V 20A (5-20R)
  • 1x 120V 30A (TT-30R)
DC outlets1x 12V 8A (cigarette lighter style)
Data centerPower output, lifetime run hours, voltage and frequency
IndicatorsLow oil
Fuel tankSteel, 4 gal
Fuel gaugeYes
Misc
Weight90 lbs
Approx. dimensions (L x W x H)27.9 x 23.4 x 21.7 in
Noise (lower limit)64 dBA
THD< 3%
ComplianceCARB, EPA, ANSI/PGMA G300-2023
SecurityLow oil and overload protection, CO monitoring
Spark arrestorYes
NeutralFloating
Accessories includedOil, funnel, key fob, dual port USB adapter, battery, and wheel kit
Country of originChina
UPC817198025919

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 201185 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.
ItemRunning WattsStarting Watts
At homeAC (10,000 BTU)15002200
Refrigerator (energy star)1921192
Vacuum cleaner10751175
Cell phone charger2020
Total2787 W3787 W
For campingRV AC (11,000 BTU)10101600
RV refrigerator180600
Microwave (1000 watts)15001500
Radio100100
Total2790 W3380 W
For workGrinder14002500
Demolition hammer12601260
Bug zapper8080
Total2740 W3840 W

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