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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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

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:

Duplex 120V 20A (5-20R)

120V 30A (L5-30R) receptacle

120V 30A (TT-30R) receptacle

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

The 201223's control panel

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. In terms of weight, one of the champions in their power range is the Pulsar PGX5250BiXCO, standing at just 64 lbs.
• With noise emissions rated as low as 68 dBA, this generator falls within the typical noise range expected for devices of similar type and power. If you value reduced noise levels, the Westinghouse iGen5000DF could be worth considering. It's one of the quietest generators in its power range, rated at 52 dBA.
• At 50% load, the 201223 boasts a higher run time than most similarly powerful multi-fuel products, reaching around 14 hours. If you wish to prioritize autonomy, the Westinghouse iGen5000DF shines as one of the top contenders, offering one of the highest run times among generators with similar power output, totaling around 15 hours.
• Though run time is a significant parameter, it's closely tied to the generator's fuel tank size. To get a comprehensive understanding, fuel efficiency must also be taken into account. This generator reaches an estimated fuel consumption of 0.36 GPH (gallon per hour) at a 50% load, making it average, for the previously mentioned wattage range. If you're placing a high priority on fuel consumption, the Westinghouse iGen5000DF, with a low fuel consumption rate of 0.23 GPH, could be an option to consider.

Price comparison

The bottom line

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

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