Champion 201238 - 5000/6500W Inverter Generator

In a nutshell, the Champion 201238 is a portable inverter generator mostly geared towards:

• RV travellers wishing to enhance their freedom and nomad lifestyle
• Occasional participants of outdoor events, competitions, concerts and festivals
• Food truck owners who want to ensure that their business is fully self-contained and does not rely on potentially unreliable external power
• Homeowners who want to be able to use the most necessary devices in their household, even during a blackout
• Professionals in need of safely powering high-intensity work or lighting equipment

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 201238

The Champion 201238's engine, 223 cc OHV 4-stroke, fueled by gasoline, can deliver 120/240V. It provides a running wattage of 5,000W and reaches a peak wattage of 6,500W.

Operating with a noise level of 64 dBA (just slightly more noisy than a normal conversation), the inverter generator starts up 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.

Equipped with a 3.95 gallons fuel tank, the 201238 ensures continuous operation for up to 15 hours with a full tank (fuel usage approximately 0.26 gallons per hour).

As the 201238 produces a clean sine wave, with a <3% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD), sensitive electronics may be plugged in the AC outlets safely.

Outlets

The control panel provides the upcoming 6 AC outlets:

Moreover, it boasts 1 DC outlet: there's a 12V 8A (cigarette lighter style) receptacle enabling simple battery charging for added ease.

This Champion generator is RV Ready, as it features a TT-30R receptacle (TT stands for 'Travel Trailer'). In addition, as the 201238 holds a twist-lock L14-30R receptacle, it is transfer switch ready: you'll easily be able to connect it to your breaker box to power your home during a power outage.

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. This type of design is the most modern and convenient way to recreationally generate power.

While weighing 101.4 lbs, the generator is classified as 'portable,' indicating its mobility, albeit its heftiness may limit portability in specific situations. Despite the restricted maneuverability, its set of 2 wheels (⌀5.5") and its folding handle provides a solution, allowing for convenient shifting once the generator is positioned on the ground.

Features

The 201238's control panel

Embedded in the control panel of the 201238, a digital Intelligauge data center serves as a vital feature, offering comprehensive information on the voltage, lifetime run hours, frequency and power output to aid in monitoring activity and status.

In addition to this info, the device’s light indicator will display if the oil level is too low.

A built-in fuel gauge allows for a quick, easy and convenient check of the fuel level of the inverter generator.

Considering security aspects, the generator boasts an automatic low oil shut-off and an overload protection (circuit breaker), offering peace of mind throughout operation.

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.

With the basic documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), letting you start the generator quickly, the Champion 201238 also comes with several accessories, including: funnel, oil and tool kit.