The Champion 201223 is a portable open frame tri-fuel generator with a rated wattage of 4,000 W and a starting wattage of 5,000 W. (Read full specs)
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Description
Zoom on the Champion 201223
In summary, the Champion 201223 is a portable generator especially useful for:
- RV travellers wishing to enhance their freedom and nomad lifestyle
- Occasional participants of outdoor events, competitions, concerts and festivals
- Homeowners who want to be able to use the most necessary devices in their household, even during a blackout
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 201223 delivers 120V and boasts with a tri-fuel technology enabling it to utilize gasoline, propane, or natural gas. When powered by gasoline, it achieves a running wattage of 4,000W and a peak wattage of 5,000W. Upon using propane, it gains 3,600 rated watts and 4,500 peak watts. Its operation with natural gas provides 3,240W of rated wattage and 4,050W of starting wattage.
The generator, rated for a noise of 68 dBA (less noisy than a normal conversation), provides flexibility in starting, offering both a manual recoil starter system and a simple and elegant electric starter (battery included).
In terms of running time, the 201223, equipped with a 5 gallons fuel tank, is capable of running continuously for around 14 hours at 50% load on a full gasoline tank (with fuel consumption estimated at around 0.36 gallons per hour). When utilizing propane, it provides around 10.5 hours (on a 20 lbs tank - propane consumption around 0.45 GPH) of operation.
The quite high THD (<20%) of the 201223 makes it unsuitable for powering sensitive electronic devices.
Outlets
The control panel features the upcoming 4 AC outlets:
This Champion generator is RV Ready, as it features a TT-30R receptacle (TT stands for 'Travel Trailer').
Portability
At L24.6 x W25 x H22.2 in, the traditional open frame structure of the Champion 201223 ensures stability while facilitating convenient maintenance access to components and promoting air cooling. The featured design is ideal for the outdoors and all tough environments.
While weighing 128 lbs, the generator is classified as 'portable,' indicating its mobility, albeit its heftiness may limit portability in specific situations. Nevertheless, thanks to its wheel kit (⌀8") and its folding handle (a decent solution to its lack of maneuverability), the generator can be easily moved, once placed the ground.
Features
The control panel of the 201223 is equipped with an Intelligauge meter, offering voltage, frequency, and lifetime hours readings, aiding in monitoring its status and activity.
The fuel level of the generator can be determined quickly, easily, and conveniently with the help of its built-in fuel gauge.
As far as security is concerned, the generator comes with an automatic low oil shut-off and an overload protection (circuit breaker), providing 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.
Besides the classic documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab) to get you promptly started, the Champion 201223 also comes with some accessories: natural gas hose with NPT adapter, oil, propane hose and funnel are included.
Product Video
The Champion 201223 versus other generators
The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Champion 201223 compare to multi-fuel generators of similar power (between 3500 and 4500 W).
- Weighing 128 lbs, the Champion 201223 is one of the heavier multi-fuel generators within the 3500-4500 rated wattage bracket. If you are concerned by weight, one of the champions in the above-mentioned power range is the WEN DF402iX, with a dry weight of just 66.1 pounds.
- As this generator can emit noise as low as 68 dBA, it finds itself in the average expected noise for this kind of power. If noise emissions are one of your priorities, you may want to take a look at the Westinghouse iGen5000DF. It's one of the quietest options among generators of similar power, rated at 52 dBA.
- Thanks to an impressive running time of around 14 hours at 50% load, the 201223 benefits from a higher run time than many multi-fuel generators of a similar output. If extended autonomy is what matters most to you, the Westinghouse iGen5000DF could be an excellent choice, offering one of the longest run times among units in its power category, reaching around 15 hours.
- Run time is crucial, but it heavily relies on the fuel tank's capacity. Thus, considering fuel efficiency alongside is essential. With a fuel usage of about 0.36 GPH at a 50% load, this generator falls within the typical gasoline consumption range observed in comparably powerful products. If minimizing fuel usage is one of your key priorities, the Westinghouse iGen5000DF is one of the most efficient devices with similar power output, with a gasoline consumption of only 0.23 gallons per hour.
Price comparison
As you can see from these interactive charts, when compared to other 3500-4500W multi-fuel generators, the Champion 201223 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
- Tri-fuel
- CO Shield™ technology
- Several accessories included
- RV Ready
- Electric start
- High run time
- Acceptable noise (68 dBA)
- Decent fuel efficiency
- No remote start
- On the heavy side (128 lbs)
Features and Specifications
Inverter | No |
---|---|
Parallel capable | No |
RV ready | Yes |
Fuel | Tri-Fuel (gasoline/propane/natural gas) |
Engine | 224 cc OHV 4-stroke |
Starting system | Recoil, Electric |
Warranty | 3 years |
Voltage | AC: 120V 60 Hz |
Gasoline | LPG | NG | |
---|---|---|---|
Running watts | 4,000 W | 3,600 W | 3,240 W |
Starting watts | 5,000 W | 4,500 W | 4,050 W |
Running amps | 33.3 amps | 30 amps | 27 amps |
Peak amps | 41.7 amps | 37.5 amps | 33.8 amps |
Run time @50% load | 14 h | 10.5 h | N/A |
Run time @25% load | Unknown | Unknown | N/A |
GFCI outlets | No |
---|---|
Covered outlets | Yes |
Automatic Voltage Regulation | Yes |
AC outlets |
|
DC outlets | No |
Data center | VFT |
Indicators | No |
Fuel tank | 5 gal |
Fuel gauge | Yes |
Weight | 128 lbs |
---|---|
Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | 24.6 x 25 x 22.2 in |
Noise (lower limit) | 68 dBA |
THD | < 20% |
Compliance | EPA, ANSI/PGMA G300-2023 |
Security | Low oil and overload protection, CO monitoring |
Spark arrestor | Yes |
Neutral | Floating |
Accessories included | Oil, funnel, natural gas hose with NPT adapter, propane hose, battery, and wheel kit |
Country of origin | China |
UPC | 817198026312 |
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.
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 201223 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 | AC (10,000 BTU) | 1500 | 2200 |
Electric fry pan | 1500 | 1500 | |
Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 | |
Total | 3192 W | 4192 W | |
For camping | RV AC (11,000 BTU) | 1010 | 1600 |
RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
Hair dryer | 1800 | 1900 | |
Mixer | 200 | 200 | |
Total | 3190 W | 3780 W | |
For work | Table saw | 1800 | 4500 |
Electric fence (25 miles) | 250 | 250 | |
Bug zapper | 80 | 80 | |
Total | 2130 W | 4830 W |
What would best to use the 30amp plugs for if no rv? (Asked December 15, 2024)
In combination with an adapter, the TT-30R plug could be used to power other 120V appliances that require high current. However, such appliances are quite rare in a typical home setup. Examples might include large window air conditioners, compact electric dryers, or certain portable heaters. Always ensure the appliance is compatible with the plug and circuit capacity.
Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.