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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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Price history for the Champion 201239
Highest Price
$999.00
Lowest Price
$809.99
Current Price
$909.00

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

The Champion 201239 in use

The Champion 201239

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:

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

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

Panel of the Champion 201239

The 201239's control panel

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

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.

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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 sizing calculator.
ItemRunning WattsStarting Watts
At homeSump pump (1/2 hp)10502150
Furnace fan (1/2 hp)8752350
Refrigerator (energy star)1921192
Electric range21002100
Security system180180
Total4397 W5872 W
For campingRadiant heater13001300
RV refrigerator180600
Hair dryer18001900
RV AC (11,000 BTU)10101600
Radio100100
Total4390 W4980 W
For workTable saw18004500
Grinder14002500
Belt sander11502400
Total4350 W7050 W

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