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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Farm & Fleet
| Price history for the Champion 201185 |
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Highest Price
$799.99
Lowest Price
$799.99
Current Price
$799.99
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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 wishing to enhance their freedom and nomad lifestyle
- People occasionally participating in sporting competitions, open-air performances and outdoor festivals
- Amateur DIY lovers
- 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 hobbyists looking for a portable power source
In the upcoming sections, you'll discover its power characteristics, the array of outlets it presents, its overall portability, and the additional features it possesses.
Power & Run Time
The Champion 201185
The Champion 201185's engine, 224 cc OHV 4-stroke, fueled by gasoline, can deliver 120V. It provides a running wattage of 3,500W and reaches a peak wattage of 4,250W. In addition, the device is parallel capable (ParaLink (opens in a new tab) not included) and thus, can be linked to a similar or compatible unit for added power.
Operating with a noise rating of 64 dBA (just slightly more noisy than background music), this inverter generator offers two starting options: a standard recoil pull-rope starting mechanism and an intuitive and practical electric starter (battery included). In addition, the 201185 also supports remote starting, enhancing user convenience (key fob included).
Thanks to a fuel capacity of 4 gallons, the 201185 can operate for up to 22 hours with a full tank (fuel consumption around 0.18 GPH).
As the 201185 produces a clean sine wave, with a <3% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD), sensitive electronics may be plugged in the AC outlets safely.
Outlets
The control panel features the following 3 AC outlets:
Furthermore, it has 1 DC outlet: there's a 12V 8A (cigarette lighter style) receptacle providing easy battery charging capabilities. The unit also includes a dual port USB adapter, providing the capability to conveniently charge electronics like mobile phones and tablets using the DC receptacle.
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
With dimensions of L27.9 x W23.4 x H21.7 in, the traditional open frame design of the Champion 201185 ensures stability while allowing easy maintenance access to components and promoting effective air cooling. This type of design is ideal for tough environments and heavy outdoor use.
Weighing 90 lbs, the 201185 is practical, ensuring it can follow you wherever power is required. Furthermore, with its wheel kit (⌀8") and its folding handle, you can easily relocate the generator once it's set up.
Features
The 201185's control panel
Featuring a digital Intelligauge data center on its control panel, the 201185 offers you convenient access to essential information about the frequency, power output, lifetime run hours and voltage, facilitating effective monitoring of its activity and status.
In addition to this info, the device’s light indicator will display if its oil levels are insufficient.
Equipped with a built-in fuel gauge, the inverter generator facilitates swift gas level checks.
Security-wise, this product benefits from an automatic low oil shut-off and an overload protection (circuit breaker), which gives you a complete peace of mind when using it.
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 201185 also is packed along with the following accessories: funnel, dual port USB adapter, oil and key fob.
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).
- Since the generator weighs in at a dry weight of 90 lbs, the Champion 201185 belongs in the expected weight range for inverters which can produce between 3000 and 4000 rated watts. If you are concerned by weight, one of the champions in the above-mentioned power range is the Pulsar PGD40iSCO, with a dry weight of just 46 pounds.
- Among the generators of a comparable running wattage, this inverter generator with a lowest noise of 64 dBA can be judged as noisy. 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 iGen5000DF, whose lowest noise levels reach just 52 dBA.
- As the 201185 features an autonomy of up to 22 hours at 25% load, it has a higher run time than an average generator of its type and power range. If extended autonomy is what matters most to you, the Firman WH03662OF could be an excellent choice, offering one of the longest run times among units in its power category, reaching up to 25 hours.
- Autonomy holds its importance, however, it is largely dependent on the generator’s fuel capacity and so, it is nonsensible to discuss it without mentioning fuel efficiency as well. With a fuel consumption rate around 0.18 GPH (gallon per hour) at 25% load, this inverter generator is one of the more fuel-efficient models within the aforementioned wattage range. If not satisfied with the afore-mentioned fuel consumption, you may wish to check out the Champion 201050. With a fuel consumption of as little as 0.15 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 3000-4000W inverter generators, the Champion 201185 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
- Several accessories included
- RV Ready
- Remote start
- Parallel capable
- Inverter
- High run time
- Fuel efficient
- Decent weight (90 lbs)
- 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
| Inverter | Yes |
|---|---|
| Parallel capable | Yes, cable not included |
| RV ready | Yes |
| Fuel | Gasoline |
| Engine | 224 cc OHV 4-stroke |
| Starting system | Recoil, Electric, Remote |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| Voltage | AC: 120V 60 Hz, DC: 12V |
|---|---|
| Running watts | 3,500 W |
| Starting watts | 4,250 W |
| Running amps | 29.2 amps |
| Peak amps | 35.4 amps |
| Run time @50% load | Unknown |
| Run time @25% load | 22 h |
| GFCI outlets | No |
|---|---|
| Covered outlets | Yes |
| Automatic Voltage Regulation | Inverter |
| AC outlets |
|
| DC outlets | 1x 12V 8A (cigarette lighter style) |
| Data center | Power output, lifetime run hours, voltage and frequency |
| Indicators | Low oil |
| Fuel tank | Steel, 4 gal |
| Fuel gauge | Yes |
| Weight | 90 lbs |
|---|---|
| Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | 27.9 x 23.4 x 21.7 in |
| Noise (lower limit) | 64 dBA |
| THD | < 3% |
| Compliance | CARB, EPA, ANSI/PGMA G300-2023 |
| Security | Low oil and overload protection, CO monitoring |
| Spark arrestor | Yes |
| Neutral | Floating |
| Accessories included | Oil, funnel, key fob, dual port USB adapter, battery, and wheel kit |
| Country of origin | China |
| UPC | 817198025919 |
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 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?
| Item | Running Watts | Starting Watts | |
|---|---|---|---|
| At home | Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 |
| Hair dryer | 1800 | 1900 | |
| Toaster oven | 800 | 800 | |
| Total | 2792 W | 3792 W | |
| For camping | Radiant heater | 1300 | 1300 |
| RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
| RV AC (11,000 BTU) | 1010 | 1600 | |
| Slow cooker | 270 | 270 | |
| Cell phone charger | 20 | 20 | |
| Total | 2780 W | 3370 W | |
| For work | Grinder | 1400 | 2500 |
| Demolition hammer | 1260 | 1260 | |
| Bug zapper | 80 | 80 | |
| Total | 2740 W | 3840 W |
Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.
