Champion 201239 - 5500/7250W Open Frame Inverter Generator
The Champion 201239 is a portable open frame inverter generator with a rated wattage of 5,500 W and a starting wattage of 7,250 W. (Read full specs)
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Description
Zoom on the Champion 201239
In short, the Champion 201239 is a portable inverter generator adequately designed for:
- RV travellers wishing to enhance their freedom and nomad lifestyle
- People occasionally participating in outdoor fairs, festivals or events
- Food truck owners who do not wish to see their business interrupted under any circumstances
- Homeowners who want to be able to use the most necessary devices in their household, even during a blackout
- Professionals who want to be able to deliver results, even during a power failure
In the following paragraphs, we shall explore the power characteristics, available outlets, portability, and any additional features of the device.
Power & Run Time
With a 302 cc OHV 4-stroke engine, the Champion 201239 operates on gasoline, providing 120/240V, with a running wattage of 5,500W and a starting wattage of 7,250W.
The inverter generator features a classic hand-operated recoil starting mechanism. It is rated for a noise of 69 dBA (less noisy than a normal conversation). Champion’s EZ Start Dial lets you intuitively start the engine with easy access to all the controls you need.
With a fuel capacity of 4.71 gallons, the 201239 can run for up to 15 hours when the tank is full (fuel consumption is approximately 0.31 gallons per hour).
The 201239 generates a clean sine wave: providing <3% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD), delicate electronics can be plugged in its AC outlets safely.
Outlets
The control panel includes the following 6 AC outlets:
Moreover, it comes equipped with 1 DC outlet: there's a 12V 8A (cigarette lighter style) receptacle making battery charging a breeze. With the unit, you will also find a dual port USB adapter, allowing for the convenient charging of electronics like mobile phones and tablets using the DC receptacle.
With its TT-30R receptacle (TT as in 'Travel Trailer'), this Champion generator is RV Ready. In addition, because the 201239 is equipped with a twist-lock L14-30R receptacle, it is transfer switch ready: it can power your home during a power outage, as it can be easily connected to your breaker box to power your household.
Portability
At L26.2 x W24.9 x H21.8 in, the Champion 201239 boasts a traditional open frame structure, ensuring stability and allowing for convenient maintenance access to components, promoting air circulation. This type of design is ideal for tough environments and heavy outdoor use.
While technically classified as 'portable' due to its ability to be moved, the 111.6 lbs of this generator may make manual lifting and transportation somewhat difficult. Nevertheless, thanks to its set of wheels (⌀8") and its folding handle (a decent solution to its lack of maneuverability), the generator can be easily moved, once placed the ground.
Features
Designed with a digital Intelligauge data center, the control panel of the 201239 grants you access to crucial data on the frequency, lifetime run hours, power output and voltage, ensuring practical monitoring of its status and activity.
The fuel level of the inverter generator can be determined quickly, easily, and conveniently with the help of its built-in fuel gauge.
From a security standpoint, the product offers an overload protection (circuit breaker) and an automatic low oil shut-off, 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.
In addition to the traditional documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab) to help you get started promptly, the Champion 201239 also includes several accessories: funnel, dual port USB adapter and oil.
Product Video
The Champion 201239 versus other generators
The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Champion 201239 compare to inverter generators of similar power (between 5000 and 6000 W).
- As far as its dry weight is concerned, the Champion 201239 weighs just 111.6 pounds and thus, it is one of the lighter 5000 to 6000 rated wattage inverter generators. If you are mindful of weight, the Pulsar PGX60BiSRCO is among the top contenders in this power range, with a dry weight of 93.5 pounds.
- When compared to other units producing a similar running wattage, this inverter generator and its lowest emitted noise of 69 dBA stand out for being on the louder side. If noise emissions are one of your priorities, you may be interested in the Honda EU7000iS, one of the least noisy generators similarly powerful as this one, rated for 52 dBA.
- At 25% load, the 201239 achieves one of the longer run times compared to inverters of similar power, sustaining operations for up to 15 hours. If autonomy is your priority, one of the devices of a similar power output with the highest run time is the Champion 201532, reaching up to 18 hours.
- Run times are important, yet thanks to their dependence on the fuel capacity, they should be judged along with the fuel consumption of the device. This inverter generator is somewhat less fuel-efficient than devices of comparable output: its estimated fuel consumption reaches 0.31 GPH at a 25% load. If minimizing fuel usage is one of your key priorities, the DuroMax XP7000iHT is one of the most efficient devices with similar power output, with a gasoline consumption of only 0.19 gallons per hour.
Price comparison
As you can see from these interactive charts, when compared to other 5000-6000W inverter generators, the Champion 201239 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
- GFCI Outlets
- RV Ready
- Inverter
- Lightweight for its kind (111.6 lbs)
- High run time
- No electric start
- No parallel ports
- On the noisy side (69 dBA)
- Low fuel efficiency
Features and Specifications
| Inverter | Yes |
|---|---|
| Parallel capable | No |
| RV ready | Yes |
| Fuel | Gasoline |
| Engine | 302 cc OHV 4-stroke |
| Starting system | Recoil |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| Voltage | AC: 120/240V 60 Hz, DC: 12V |
|---|---|
| Running watts | 5,500 W |
| Starting watts | 7,250 W |
| Running amps (@120/240V) | 45.8/22.9 amps |
| Peak amps (@120/240V) | 60.4/30.2 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 | No |
| Fuel tank | 4.71 gal |
| Fuel gauge | Yes |
| Weight | 111.6 lbs |
|---|---|
| Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | 26.2 x 24.9 x 21.8 in |
| Noise (lower limit) | 69 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, dual port USB adapter, and wheel kit |
| Country of origin | Vietnam |
| UPC | 817198026510 |
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 201239 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 | Sump pump (1/2 hp) | 1050 | 2150 |
| Furnace fan (1/2 hp) | 875 | 2350 | |
| Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 | |
| Electric range | 2100 | 2100 | |
| Security system | 180 | 180 | |
| Total | 4397 W | 5872 W | |
| For camping | Radiant heater | 1300 | 1300 |
| RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
| Hair dryer | 1800 | 1900 | |
| RV AC (11,000 BTU) | 1010 | 1600 | |
| Radio | 100 | 100 | |
| Total | 4390 W | 4980 W | |
| For work | Table saw | 1800 | 4500 |
| Grinder | 1400 | 2500 | |
| Belt sander | 1150 | 2400 | |
| Total | 4350 W | 7050 W |
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