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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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Picture of the Champion 201239
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Price history for the Champion 201239

Current price is in the mid range.
Lowest price $809.99
Highest price $999
Current price $909
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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 looking for even more independence
  • 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 in need of an emergency backup power for their essentials
  • 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 201239 in use

The Champion 201239

The Champion 201239 houses a 302 cc OHV 4-stroke engine, which provides 120/240V, consumes gasoline and delivers a running wattage of 5,500W along with a peak wattage of 7,250W.

The inverter generator features a manual recoil starter system. It is rated for a noise of 69 dBA (less noisy than background music). Champion’s EZ Start Dial lets you intuitively start the engine with easy access to all the controls you need.

The 201239's fuel tank, with a capacity of 4.71 gallons, supports uninterrupted operation for up to 15 hours when fully fueled (fuel consumption at an estimated 0.31 gallons per hour).

The <3% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) of the 201239 ensures a clean sine wave output, providing a secure power source for your sensitive electronics through its AC outlets.

Outlets

The control panel is equipped with the following 6 AC outlets:

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

Furthermore, it has 1 DC outlet: there's a 12V 8A (cigarette lighter style) receptacle with which charging your batteries is made easy. Since a dual port USB adapter is included with the unit, you will also be able to use the DC receptacle to conveniently charge electronics such as mobile phones and tablets.

This Champion generator is RV Ready, thanks to its TT-30R receptacle (TT stands for 'Travel Trailer'). In addition, equipped with a twist-lock L14-30R receptacle, the 201239 is engineered to be transfer switch ready, enabling simple hookup to your breaker box to provide backup power for your home during blackouts.

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.

As the generator's weight is 111.6 pounds, manually moving it or transporting it may be challenging, despite the fact that it is technically considered 'portable' (movable). Nevertheless, the restricted maneuverability is counteracted by its set of wheels (⌀8") and its folding handle, enabling easy shifting once the generator is set in place.

Features

Panel of the Champion 201239

The 201239's control panel

With a digital Intelligauge data center integrated into its control panel, the 201239 provides real-time insights into the lifetime run hours, frequency, power output and voltage, enabling easy monitoring of its status and activity.

Benefiting from its built-in fuel gauge, the inverter generator allows for easy and immediate gas level inspections.

In terms of security, the generator features an overload protection (circuit breaker) and an automatic low oil shut-off, ensuring peace of mind during its 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.

Apart from the typical documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), which lets you start it right away, the Champion 201239 also is packed along with the following accessories: oil, funnel and dual port USB adapter.

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).

  • Weight-wise, the Champion 201239 has only 111.6 lbs, which renders it one of the lighter inverter generators which produce 5000 to 6000 rated watts. If weight matters to you, one of the champions in this power range is the Pulsar PGX60BiSRCO with only 93.5 pounds.
  • This inverter generator, with its lowest possible noise rated at 69 dBA falls into the more noisy category, compared to other devices of a similar running wattage. If noise emissions are one of your priorities, you may want to take a look at the Honda EU7000iS. It's one of the quietest options among generators of similar power, rated at 52 dBA.
  • At 25% load, the 201239 boasts a higher run time than most similarly powerful inverters, reaching up to 15 hours. If run time is one of your main concerns, the Champion 201532 could be worth looking at. It boasts one of the highest run times among units of comparable power, lasting up to 18 hours.
  • The run time is important, but also hugely depends on the capacity of the fuel tank and doesn't mean much if we don't talk about fuel consumption as well. 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. To prioritize fuel savings, we advise considering the DuroMax XP7000iHT, which stands out for its gasoline efficiency, consuming just 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

STRENGTHS:
  • Inexpensive
  • CO Shield™ technology
  • GFCI Outlets
  • RV Ready
  • Inverter
  • Lightweight for its kind (111.6 lbs)
  • High run time
WEAKNESSES:
  • No electric start
  • No parallel ports
  • On the noisy side (69 dBA)
  • Low fuel efficiency

Do you own the Champion 201239 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
Engine302 cc OHV 4-stroke
Starting systemRecoil
Warranty3 years
Power
VoltageAC: 120/240V 60 Hz, DC: 12V
Running watts5,500 W
Starting watts7,250 W
Running amps (@120/240V)45.8/22.9 amps
Peak amps (@120/240V)60.4/30.2 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
IndicatorsNo
Fuel tank4.71 gal
Fuel gaugeYes
Misc
Weight111.6 lbs
Approx. dimensions (L x W x H)26.2 x 24.9 x 21.8 in
Noise (lower limit)69 dBA
THD< 3%
ComplianceEPA, ANSI/PGMA G300-2023
SecurityLow oil and overload protection, CO monitoring
Spark arrestorYes
NeutralBonded to frame
Accessories includedOil, funnel, dual port USB adapter, and wheel kit
Country of originVietnam
UPC817198026510

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 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?
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 size calculator.
Item Running Watts Starting Watts
At home Microwave (1000 watts) 1500 1500
Dish washer 1500 3000
Sump pump (1/2 hp) 1050 2150
Refrigerator (energy star) 192 1192
LED TV 150 150
Total 4392 W 5892 W
For camping RV AC (11,000 BTU) 1010 1600
RV refrigerator 180 600
Hair dryer 1800 1900
Radiant heater 1300 1300
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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