Champion 201238 - 5000/6500W Inverter Generator
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)
This unit might be hard to find. For your convenience, we gathered the following alternatives with similar specs:
Page Content
Description
Zoom on the Champion 201238
To sum up, the Champion 201238 is a portable inverter generator tailored for:
- RV travellers wishing to enhance their freedom and nomad lifestyle
- Occasional participants of outdoor events, competitions, concerts and festivals
- Food truck owners who do not wish to see their business interrupted under any circumstances
- Homeowners who want to be sure of their ability to power their fridges, cooking tools, heating and lighting equipment during power failures
- Professionals who want to be able to deliver results, even during a power failure
Over the following sections, you'll uncover its power characteristics, the selection of outlets it offers, its overall portability, and the supplementary features it includes.
Power & Run Time
The Champion 201238's core is the 223 cc OHV 4-stroke engine, which runs on gasoline. With an output of 120/240V, it provides a running wattage of 5,000W and a peak wattage of 6,500W.
With a noise rating of 64 dBA (just slightly more noisy than background music), the inverter generator's ignition is facilitated by a manual recoil starter system. Champion’s EZ Start Dial lets you intuitively start the engine with easy access to all the controls you need.
The 201238 boasts a fuel tank capable of holding 3.95 gallons, allowing it to run continuously for up to 15 hours (with fuel usage averaging around 0.26 gallons per hour).
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 provides the upcoming 6 AC outlets:
It also sports 1 DC outlet: there's a 12V 8A (cigarette lighter style) receptacle offering a convenient battery charging option.
This Champion generator is RV Ready, thanks to its TT-30R receptacle (TT stands for 'Travel Trailer'). In addition, as it features a twist-lock L14-30R receptacle, the 201238 is transfer switch ready: in case of a power outage, you will be easily able to connect it to a breaker box and power your household.
Portability
With an inverter generator design, the Champion 201238 features a closed construction (L25 x W19.5 x H23.2 in), enhancing aesthetics and ensuring reduced noise levels, offering a distinct advantage over standard, open frame generators. The design follows the contemporary trends and is perfect for recreationally generating power.
Weighing 101.4 lbs, the 201238 is practical, ensuring it can follow you wherever power is required. Additionally, its set of 2 wheels (⌀5.5") and its folding handle will allow for simple relovation of the generator once it's on the ground.
Features
Designed with a digital Intelligauge data center, the control panel of the 201238 grants you access to crucial data on the voltage, power output, frequency and lifetime run hours, ensuring practical monitoring of its status and activity.
In addition to this info, when the oil level is too low, you will be informed by the featured light indicator.
Thanks to its built-in fuel gauge, the inverter generator allows you to quickly, conveniently, and easily check the gas level at a glance.
As far as security is concerned, the generator comes with an overload protection (circuit breaker) and an automatic low oil shut-off, 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.
Beyond the standard documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab) to assist with setup, the Champion 201238 ships with supplementary 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).
- Concerning weight, the Champion 201238 weighs only just 101.4 pounds, distinguishing itself as one of the lighter inverter generators amidst the 4500 to 5500 rated wattage range. If weight matters to you, one of the champions in this power range is the Pulsar PGX60BiSRCO with only 93.5 pounds.
- Given its rated noise level of 64 dBA, this inverter generator aligns with the average expected noise rating for devices of similar type and power. For those who are looking for a less noisy device, we suggest the Honda EU7000iS. With just 52 dBA, it is one of the most quiet devices in this power range.
- At a 25% load, the 201238's up to 15 hours of runtime on a full tank fall within the average autonomy range for similarly powerful inverter generators. If autonomy is your priority, one of the devices of a similar power output with the highest run time is the Champion 201535, reaching up to 18 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 consumption rate around 0.26 GPH (gallon per hour) at 25% load, this inverter generator is one of the more fuel-efficient models within the aforementioned wattage range. If you're placing a high priority on fuel consumption, the DuroMax XP7000iHT, with a low fuel consumption rate of 0.19 GPH, could be an option to consider.
The bottom line
- CO Shield™ technology
- 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 | Plastic, 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 |
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 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 | Microwave (1000 watts) | 1500 | 1500 |
| Electric fry pan | 1500 | 1500 | |
| Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 | |
| Toaster oven | 800 | 800 | |
| Total | 3992 W | 4992 W | |
| For camping | RV AC (11,000 BTU) | 1010 | 1600 |
| RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
| Hair dryer | 1800 | 1900 | |
| Water heater (10 gallons) | 1000 | 2000 | |
| Total | 3990 W | 4990 W | |
| For work | Table saw | 1800 | 4500 |
| Grinder | 1400 | 2500 | |
| Electric fence (25 miles) | 250 | 250 | |
| Drain cleaner | 250 | 250 | |
| Bug zapper | 80 | 80 | |
| Total | 3780 W | 6480 W |
Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.



