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 a few words, the Champion 201223 is a portable generator perfectly suited for:
- RV travellers wishing to enhance their freedom and nomad lifestyle
- People occasionally participating in outdoor fairs, festivals or events
- Homeowners who want to be sure of their ability to power their fridges, cooking tools, heating and lighting equipment during power failures
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 201223 delivers 120V and benefits from a tri-fuel technology that allows it to run on gasoline, propane, or natural gas. When gasoline-powered, it enjoys a running wattage of 4,000W and a peak wattage of 5,000W. When propane-powered, it benefits from 3,600 rated watts and 4,500 peak watts. Its natural gas operation offers 3,240W of rated wattage and 4,050W of starting wattage.
Operating with a noise rating of 68 dBA (less noisy than background music), this generator offers two starting options: a standard recoil pull-rope starting mechanism and an intuitive and practical electric starter (battery included).
In terms of its run time capability, the 201223, furnished with a 5 gallons fuel tank, can maintain operations for around 14 hours at 50% load on a full tank of gasoline (with fuel consumption averaging 0.36 gallons per hour). It also provides around 10.5 hours (on a 20 lbs tank - propane consumption around 0.45 GPH) of operation with propane.
Given the 201223's high Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) of less than 20%, it is advisable to avoid using it to power sensitive electronic devices.
Outlets
The control panel is equipped with the following 4 AC outlets:
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 a size of L24.6 x W25 x H22.2 in, the Champion 201223 features an open frame design, providing stability and simplified maintenance access to components, enhancing air circulation. This type of design is ideal for tough environments and heavy outdoor use.
Despite its weight of 128 lbs, the generator is considered 'portable,' signifying its capability to be moved, albeit its heaviness may hinder easy transport. Still, once it is on the ground, its wheel kit (⌀8") and its folding handle can easily solve the issue of low mobility and allow for easy relocation of the device.
Features
To facilitate status and activity monitoring, an Intelligauge meter, providing voltage, frequency, and lifetime hours data are embedded in the control panel of the 201223.
A built-in fuel gauge allows for a quick, easy and convenient check of the fuel level of the generator.
As far as security is concerned, the generator can be used with a peace of mind, as it features an overload protection (circuit breaker) and an automatic low oil shut-off.
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: propane hose, funnel, natural gas hose with NPT adapter and oil 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).
- At a dry weight of 128 pounds, the Champion 201223 is one of the heaviest multi-fuel devices which can produce between 3500 and 4500 running watts. Regarding dry weight, one of the champions in the same power range is the Pulsar PGX5250BiXCO, with a dry weight of only 64 lbs.
- At 68 dBA, this generator's noise rating is in line with the expected average for devices within its type and power category. 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.
- With a run time of around 14 hours at 50% load, the 201223 has one of the higher run times, compared to its similarly powerful peers. If concerned with autonomy, one of the products of a comparable power output, which offers the highest run time, is the Westinghouse iGen5000DF, boasting with around 15 hours.
- While run time is vital, it hinges on the fuel capacity. To grasp the full picture, we must also factor in fuel efficiency. This generator has an average fuel consumption among comparably powerful devices, as it reaches 0.36 GPH (gallon per hour) at a 50% load. If you wish to acquire one of the most gasoline efficient products of this power range, the Westinghouse iGen5000DF, with a fuel consumption of 0.23 GPH could be in your good books.
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 | Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 |
| Hair dryer | 1800 | 1900 | |
| Vacuum cleaner | 1075 | 1175 | |
| Radio | 100 | 100 | |
| Total | 3167 W | 4167 W | |
| For camping | Radiant heater | 1300 | 1300 |
| RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
| Electric grill | 1650 | 1650 | |
| Set of 5 LED light bulbs | 55 | 55 | |
| Total | 3185 W | 3605 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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