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)
Farm & Fleet 
Amazon Price history for the Champion 201185
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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 looking for even more independence
- Occasional participants of outdoor events, competitions, concerts and festivals
- DIYers who wish to improve their efficiency with tools
- Homeowners in need of an emergency backup power for their essentials
- Camping and tailgating buffs looking to enhance their experience
In the forthcoming sections, you'll delve into its power characteristics, the various outlets it offers, its overall portability, and the additional features it boasts.
Power & Run Time
The Champion 201185
Featuring a 224 cc OHV 4-stroke engine, the Champion 201185 operates using gasoline, providing 120V, with a running wattage of 3,500W and a starting wattage of 4,250W. In addition, the parallel capability (ParaLink (opens in a new tab) not included) empowers increasing of power output when linked to another similar or compatible unit, ensuring expanded energy capacity and reliability for various applications.
At a noise rating of 64 dBA (just slightly more noisy than an office), this inverter generator can be started via a simple traditional pull-start mechanism, or an intuitive and practical electric starter (battery included). Furthermore, for added convenience, the 201185 offers remote starting capabilities (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).
Featuring a <3% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD), the 201185 delivers a clean sine wave, guaranteeing the safety of your sensitive electronics plugged into its AC outlets.
Outlets
The control panel features 3 AC outlets as follows:
Furthermore, it has 1 DC outlet: there's a 12V 8A (cigarette lighter style) receptacle offering a convenient battery charging option. 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 stands for 'Travel Trailer'), this Champion generator is RV Ready.
Portability
With a size of L27.9 x W23.4 x H21.7 in, the Champion 201185 features an open frame design, providing stability and simplified maintenance access to components, enhancing air circulation. The featured design is ideal for the outdoors and all tough environments.
With a dry weight of 90 lbs, the 201185 is convenient, ensuring it can be taken wherever power is needed. 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
The 201185's control panel is equipped with a digital Intelligauge data center, furnishing detailed information on the power output, frequency, voltage and lifetime run hours for you to easily track its activity and status.
In addition to this info, a light indicator on the device will notify you if its oil levels are insufficient.
The inverter generator allows for a quick, easy and convenient assessment of its gas level, as it is equipped with a built-in fuel gauge.
From a security standpoint, the generator is furnished with an overload protection (circuit breaker) and an automatic low oil shut-off, ensuring peace of mind during operation.
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 201185 also includes several accessories: oil, key fob, funnel and dual port USB adapter.
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).
- At 90 lbs in dry weight, the Champion 201185 fits well within the typical weight bracket for inverter generators producing 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.
- In comparison to generators with a similar running wattage, this inverter generator's lowest emitted noise of 64 dBA can be considered noisy. If you wish to prioritize minimal noise, the Westinghouse iGen5000DF stands out as one of the quietest options among generators of similar power, with a rating of 52 dBA.
- As the 201185 features an autonomy of up to 22 hours at 25% load, it has one of the highest run times in comparison to the other inverter generators of its power range.
- While run time is vital, it hinges on the fuel capacity. To grasp the full picture, we must also factor in fuel efficiency. This inverter generator, with an estimated fuel consumption of just 0.18 GPH (gallon per hour) at 25% load, is one of the more fuel-efficient generators, for the previously mentioned 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 | Microwave (1000 watts) | 1500 | 1500 |
| Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 | |
| Vacuum cleaner | 1075 | 1175 | |
| Cell phone charger | 20 | 20 | |
| Total | 2787 W | 3787 W | |
| For camping | RV AC (11,000 BTU) | 1010 | 1600 |
| RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
| Electric fry pan | 1500 | 1500 | |
| Radio | 100 | 100 | |
| Total | 2790 W | 3380 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.
