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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)

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Champion 201238

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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 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 in use

The Champion 201238

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:

Two Duplexes 120V 20A (5-20R) GFCI
120V 30A (TT-30R) receptacle
120/240V 30A (L14-30R) receptacle

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

Panel of the Champion 201238

The 201238's control panel

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

STRENGTHS:
  • CO Shield™ technology
  • GFCI Outlets
  • RV Ready
  • Inverter
  • Lightweight for its kind (101.4 lbs)
  • Fuel efficient
AVERAGE SPECS:
  • Acceptable noise (64 dBA)
  • Decent run time
WEAKNESSES:
  • No electric start
  • No parallel ports

Do you own the Champion 201238 and agree (or disagree) with these strengths and weaknesses?

Let us know and write your own review.

Features and Specifications

General
InverterYes
Parallel capableNo
RV readyYes
FuelGasoline
Engine223 cc OHV 4-stroke
Starting systemRecoil
Warranty3 years
Power
VoltageAC: 120/240V 60 Hz, DC: 12V
Running watts5,000 W
Starting watts6,500 W
Running amps (@120/240V)41.7/20.8 amps
Peak amps (@120/240V)54.2/27.1 amps
Run time @50% loadUnknown
Run time @25% load15 h
Features
GFCI outletsYes
Covered outletsYes
Automatic Voltage RegulationInverter
AC outlets
  • 2x Duplex 120V 20A (5-20R) GFCI
  • 1x 120V 30A (TT-30R)
  • 1x 120/240V 30A (L14-30R)
DC outlets1x 12V 8A (cigarette lighter style)
Data centerPower output, lifetime run hours, voltage and frequency
IndicatorsLow oil
Fuel tankPlastic, 3.95 gal
Fuel gaugeYes
Misc
Weight101.4 lbs
Approx. dimensions (L x W x H)25 x 19.5 x 23.2 in
Noise (lower limit)64 dBA
THD< 3%
ComplianceEPA, ANSI/PGMA G300-2023
SecurityLow oil and overload protection, CO monitoring
Spark arrestorYes
NeutralBonded to frame
Accessories includedOil, funnel, and tool kit
Country of originChina
UPC817198027753

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.

Spec Improvement×

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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?
Examples of items that can be simultaneously powered.
The examples below are based on a maximum load of 80% and estimated wattages. For a more accurate estimation, use our generator sizing calculator.
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

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