Champion 201223 - 4000/5000W Tri Fuel Generator With Electric Start
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 short, the Champion 201223 is a portable generator adequately designed for:
- RV travellers who wish to upgrade their experience to another level
- People occasionally participating in sporting competitions, open-air performances and outdoor festivals
- Homeowners who want to be sure of their ability to power their fridges, cooking tools, heating and lighting equipment during power failures
In the sections ahead, the power characteristics, availability of various outlets, the portability, and any additional features of the device shall be discussed.
Power & Run Time
The Champion 201223 delivers 120V and features a tri-fuel technology, granting it the capability to utilize gasoline, propane, or natural gas. When utilizing gasoline, it achieves a running wattage of 4,000W and a peak wattage of 5,000W. Upon switching to propane, it benefits from 3,600 rated watts and 4,500 peak watts. Transitioning to natural gas operation provides 3,240W of rated wattage and 4,050W of starting wattage.
With a noise rating of 68 dBA (less noisy than a normal conversation), the generator features a conventional pull-start mechanism, but also a straightforward and intuitive electric starter (battery included).
Regarding its running time, the 201223, with a 5 gallons fuel tank, can operate for around 14 hours at 50% load with a full gasoline tank (with fuel consumption estimated at around 0.36 gallons per hour). It also offers around 10.5 hours (on a 20 lbs tank - propane consumption around 0.45 GPH) of operation when using propane.
Considering its high Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) of less than 20%, it is not recommended to rely on the 201223 for powering sensitive electronic devices.
Outlets
The control panel features the following 4 AC outlets:
With its TT-30R receptacle (TT as in 'Travel Trailer'), this Champion generator is RV Ready.
Portability
Measuring L24.6 x W25 x H22.2 in, the classic open frame construction of the Champion 201223 provides stability while enabling convenient maintenance access to components and adequate air cooling. The featured design is ideal for the outdoors and all tough environments.
Though weighing 128 lbs, the generator remains classified as 'portable,' indicating its capability to be moved, though its weight could pose transport challenges. Nonetheless, the limited maneuverability is compensated for by utilizing its wheel kit (⌀8") and its folding handle, which facilitates shifting once the generator is set on the ground.
Features
For convenient monitoring of its status and activity, the control panel of the 201223 includes an Intelligauge meter, showing voltage, frequency, and lifetime hours metrics.
A built-in fuel gauge allows for a quick, easy and convenient check of the fuel level of the generator.
In terms of security, the generator features an automatic low oil shut-off and an overload protection (circuit breaker), ensuring peace of mind during its 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.
Apart from the typical documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), which lets you start it right away, the Champion 201223 also is packed along with the following accessories: funnel, oil, natural gas hose with NPT adapter and propane hose.
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).
- With a weight of 128 lbs, the Champion 201223 sits in the heavier end of the spectrum among multi-fuel generators rated from 3500 to 4500 watts. If weight is your top priority, one of the champions in this power category is the Pulsar PGX5250BiXCO, weighing just 64 pounds.
- The generator's noise output, rated at 68 dBA, falls within the average range expected for devices in its type and power range. 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.
- Among its multi-fuel devices with similar power, the 201223 offers one of the higher run times, running for around 14 hours at 50% load. If prolonged run time is essential to your needs, you could consider the Westinghouse iGen5000DF, which offers one of the highest autonomy among devices with similar power output, lasting around 15 hours.
- While run time matters, it's heavily influenced by the fuel tank's capacity. Hence, it's important to consider fuel efficiency alongside. With an estimated fuel consumption of 0.36 GPH at a 50% load, this generator aligns with the average gasoline usage range of comparable products. If fuel consumption is your top priority, we suggest to check out the Westinghouse iGen5000DF, which has a fuel consumption of only 0.23 GPH and thus, is one of the most efficient devices in our database.
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 |
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 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 |
| Microwave (1000 watts) | 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.
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