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The Champion 201238 is a portable inverter generator with a rated wattage of 5,000 W and a starting wattage of 6,500 W. (Read full specs)
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Description
Zoom on the Champion 201238
To sum up, the Champion 201238 is a portable inverter generator tailored for:
- RV travellers who wish to upgrade their experience to another level
- Occasional participants of outdoor events, competitions, concerts and festivals
- Food van owners who know that just a short power outage could lose them hundreds of dollars
- Homeowners who want to be sure of their ability to power their fridges, cooking tools, heating and lighting equipment during power failures
- Tailgating and campground aficionados with the desire of enjoying power anywhere they go
- Professionals in need of safely powering high-intensity work or lighting equipment
The subsequent sections will explore in detail its power characteristics, the diverse outlets it provides, its overall portability, and the supplementary features it offers.
Power & Run Time
The Champion 201238
The Champion 201238's design includes a gasoline-fueled 223 cc OHV 4-stroke engine. With a 120/240V output, it gives a running wattage of 5,000W and also a peak wattage of 6,500W.
At a noise rating of 64 dBA (just slightly more noisy than a normal conversation), the inverter generator is started via a standard recoil pull-rope starting mechanism. Champion’s EZ Start Dial lets you intuitively start the engine with easy access to all the controls you need.
The 201238 can operate for up to 15 hours with a full tank (fuel consumption around 0.26 GPH), due to its fuel capacity of 3.95 gallons.
Sensitive electronics can be safely plugged in the AC outlets, as the 201238 produces a clean sine wave, with a <3% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD).
Outlets
The control panel features the following 6 AC outlets:
Moreover, it comes equipped with 1 DC outlet: there's a 12V 8A (cigarette lighter style) receptacle allowing you to easily charge your batteries.
With its TT-30R receptacle (TT as in 'Travel Trailer'), this Champion generator is RV Ready. In addition, since it boasts a twist-lock L14-30R receptacle, the 201238 is engineered to be transfer switch ready, ensuring easy integration with your breaker box to provide backup power to your home during outages.
Portability
As the Champion 201238 is an inverter generator, its encased design (L25 x W19.5 x H23.2 in) offers more aesthetics than a conventional, open frame product. The featured design follows the latest trends and is ideal for easy and recreational use.
Though weighing 101.4 lbs, the generator remains classified as 'portable,' indicating its capability to be moved, though its weight could pose transport challenges. Nevertheless, it can still be moved quite conveniently with the help of its set of 2 wheels (⌀5.5") and its folding handle, once it is placed on the ground.
Features
The 201238's control panel
With a digital Intelligauge data center integrated into its control panel, the 201238 provides real-time insights into the voltage, lifetime run hours, power output and frequency, enabling easy monitoring of its status and activity.
In addition to this info, a light indicator on the device will notify you if the oil level is too low.
Featuring a built-in fuel gauge, the inverter generator offers quick, convenient, and easy gas level checks at a glance.
From a security standpoint, the product offers an automatic low oil shut-off and an overload protection (circuit breaker), allowing you to use it with a peace of mind.
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.
Alongside the standard documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab) for quick setup, the Champion 201238 is bundled with additional accessories: tool kit, funnel and oil.
Product Video
The Champion 201238 versus other generators
The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Champion 201238 compare to inverter generators of similar power (between 4500 and 5500 W).
- As far as its dry weight is concerned, the Champion 201238 weighs just 101.4 pounds and thus, it is one of the lighter 4500 to 5500 rated wattage inverter generators. If weight matters to you, one of the champions in this power range is the WEN DF680iX with only 94.8 pounds.
- The inverter generator can be considered average in its noise for its type and power category, as it is rated at 64 dBA. If you’d prefer a less noisy device, one of the most quiet devices, which share the same power range with this one, is the Honda EU7000iS, whose lowest noise levels reach just 52 dBA.
- The 201238 provides up to 15 hours of runtime at a 25% load on a full tank, placing it within the average autonomy range among similar inverter generators. If extended autonomy is what matters most to you, the Champion 201532 could be an excellent choice, offering one of the longest run times among units in its power category, reaching up to 18 hours.
- While the run time is an important parameter, it is dependent on the fuel tank's capacity and thus, doesn't say much on its own unless we consider fuel consumption as well. This inverter generator has a better fuel efficiency than other units in the aforementioned output range, consuming approximately 0.26 GPH (gallon per hour) at 25% load. If you wish to get a unit of similar power, but with one of the best fuel efficiency, you could consider the DuroMax XP7000iH, which has an impressively low fuel consumption of 0.19 GPH.
Price comparison
As you can see from these interactive charts, when compared to other 4500-5500W inverter generators, the Champion 201238 is on the cheap side of the price range.
It can therefore be a really good buy if you're looking to acquire a budget generator.
The bottom line
- Inexpensive
- CO Shield™ technology
- Several accessories included
- GFCI Outlets
- RV Ready
- Inverter
- Lightweight for its kind (101.4 lbs)
- Fuel efficient
- Acceptable noise (64 dBA)
- Decent run time
- No electric start
- No parallel ports
Features and Specifications
| Inverter | Yes |
|---|---|
| Parallel capable | No |
| RV ready | Yes |
| Fuel | Gasoline |
| Engine | 223 cc OHV 4-stroke |
| Starting system | Recoil |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| Voltage | AC: 120/240V 60 Hz, DC: 12V |
|---|---|
| Running watts | 5,000 W |
| Starting watts | 6,500 W |
| Running amps (@120/240V) | 41.7/20.8 amps |
| Peak amps (@120/240V) | 54.2/27.1 amps |
| Run time @50% load | Unknown |
| Run time @25% load | 15 h |
| GFCI outlets | Yes |
|---|---|
| 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 | 3.95 gal |
| Fuel gauge | Yes |
| Weight | 101.4 lbs |
|---|---|
| Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | 25 x 19.5 x 23.2 in |
| Noise (lower limit) | 64 dBA |
| THD | < 3% |
| Compliance | EPA, ANSI/PGMA G300-2023 |
| Security | Low oil and overload protection, CO monitoring |
| Spark arrestor | Yes |
| Neutral | Bonded to frame |
| Accessories included | Oil, funnel, and tool kit |
| Country of origin | China |
| UPC | 817198027753 |
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 201238 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 | Dish washer | 1500 | 3000 |
| Microwave (1000 watts) | 1500 | 1500 | |
| Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 | |
| Toaster oven | 800 | 800 | |
| Total | 3992 W | 5492 W | |
| For camping | RV AC (11,000 BTU) | 1010 | 1600 |
| RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
| Hair dryer | 1800 | 1900 | |
| Toaster oven | 800 | 800 | |
| Mixer | 200 | 200 | |
| Total | 3990 W | 4580 W | |
| For work | Table saw | 1800 | 4500 |
| Grinder | 1400 | 2500 | |
| Drain cleaner | 250 | 250 | |
| Electric fence (25 miles) | 250 | 250 | |
| Bug zapper | 80 | 80 | |
| Total | 3780 W | 6480 W |
Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.
