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Champion 201241 - 13500/16875W Tri Fuel Generator With Electric Start

The Champion 201241 is a powerful open frame tri-fuel generator with a rated wattage of 13,500 W and a starting wattage of 16,875 W. (Read full specs)

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Champion 201241
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Price history for the Champion 201241

Lowest price $2,859
Highest price $2,999.99
Current price $2,859

Description

Zoom on the Champion 201241

In summary, the Champion 201241 is a powerful portable generator especially useful for:

  • Professionals in need of safely powering high-intensity work or lighting equipment
  • Homeowners in need of an emergency backup power for their essentials

The following sections will present you in detail its power characteristics, the different outlets it offers, its overall portability, and the extra features it benefits from.

Power & Run Time

The Champion 201241 in use

The Champion 201241

The Champion 201241 delivers 120/240V and features a tri-fuel technology, granting it the capability to utilize gasoline, propane, or natural gas. When utilizing gasoline, it achieves a running wattage of 13,500W and a peak wattage of 16,875W. Upon switching to propane, it benefits from 12,000 rated watts and 15,000 peak watts. Transitioning to natural gas operation provides 11,000W of rated wattage and 13,750W of starting wattage.

With a noise rating of 79 dBA (less noisy than a shower), the generator features a convenient and efficient electric starter (battery included).

The 201241, with a fuel capacity of 11 gallons, reaches a run time of around 8 hours at 50% load utilizing gasoline (fuel consumption around 1.38 GPH). Alternatively, it can reach a run time of around 3 hours (on a 20 lbs tank - propane consumption around 1.57 GPH) with propane.

The 201241 is unsuitable for the powering of sensitive electronic devices due to its high THD (<20%).

Outlets

The control panel features 7 AC outlets as follows:

Two Duplexes 120V 20A (5-20R) GFCI
120V 30A (L5-30R) receptacle
120/240V 30A (L14-30R) receptacle
120/240V 50A (14-50R) receptacle

Despite not meeting the 'RV Ready' criteria, this Champion generator grants the advantage of simple RV compatibility via its L5-30R receptacle, enabling you to conveniently power your RV by using an L5-30P to TT-30R adaptor. Besides, thanks to its twist-lock L14-30R receptacle, the 201241 is transfer switch ready, facilitating easy hookup to your breaker box to provide backup power for your home during blackouts.

Portability

At L32.7 x W33.7 x H33 in, the standard open frame design of the Champion 201241 delivers stability alongside easy maintenance access to components and good air cooling. The generator is designed for outdoor use and demanding environments.

Since the generator weighs 361 lbs, it could be potentially be difficult to manually lift it and transport it, even though it is technically considered to 'be portable' (in the sense that it is movable). Nevertheless, the restricted maneuverability is counteracted by its wheel kit (⌀12") and its folding handle, enabling easy shifting once the generator is set in place.

A lift hook located on the top of the frame offers an additional safety feature while facilitating the transport, loading and unloading of the generator.

Features

Panel of the Champion 201241

The 201241's control panel

Enhancing monitoring capabilities, the 201241 features a digital Intelligauge data center within its control panel, furnishing essential details on the lifetime run hours, frequency, power output and voltage for tracking activity and status.

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

As for its security measures, the device features an overload protection (circuit breaker) and an automatic low oil shut-off, letting you use it with a peace of mind. Champion's built-in surge protector (Volt Guard™) safeguards your equipment and appliances against voltage spikes.

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.

While the standard documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), helpful for starting the device promptly, come with the Champion 201241, the following accessories are also included: natural gas hose with NPT adapter, propane hose, funnel and oil.

Product Video

The Champion 201241 versus other generators

The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Champion 201241 compare to multi-fuel generators of similar power (between 10000 and 14000 W).

  • With a weight of 361 lbs, the Champion 201241 sits in the heavier end of the spectrum among multi-fuel generators rated from 10000 to 14000 watts. If you are concerned by weight, one of the champions in the above-mentioned power range is the Genmax GM12000XiT, with a dry weight of just 194 pounds.
  • When stacked up against other devices of similar running wattage, this generator's lowest possible noise rating of 79 dBA places it in the louder category. If noise emissions are one of your priorities, you may want to take a look at the Genmax GM13500iETC. It's one of the quietest options among generators of similar power, rated at 62 dBA.
  • Regarding its autonomy, the autonomy of the 201241, reaching around 8 hours at a 50% load, can be considered as low end, compared to other multi-fuel products of a roughly equal output. If autonomy is your priority, one of the devices of a similar power output with the highest run time is the WEN TF1450X, reaching around 12 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 generator is not fuel-efficient compared to devices of similar output: its estimated fuel consumption stands at 1.38 GPH at a 50% load. If not satisfied with the afore-mentioned fuel consumption, you may wish to check out the WEN TF1450X. With a fuel consumption of as little as 0.68 GPH, it is one of the most efficient generators currently on the market.

Price comparison

As you can see from these interactive charts, when compared to other 10000-14000W multi-fuel generators, the Champion 201241 is on the average side of the price range.

Therefore, this generator nicely fits in the expected budget for this kind of product.

The bottom line

STRENGTHS:
  • In the expected price range
  • Tri-fuel
  • CO Shield™ technology
  • Several accessories included
  • GFCI Outlets
  • 4 different AC outlet types
  • Electric start
WEAKNESSES:
  • No recoil back-up
  • No remote start
  • On the heavy side (361 lbs)
  • On the noisy side (79 dBA)
  • Relatively low run time
  • Low fuel efficiency

Do you own the Champion 201241 and agree (or disagree) with these strengths and weaknesses?

Let us know and write your own review.

Features and Specifications

General
InverterNo
Parallel capableNo
RV readyNo
FuelTri-Fuel (gasoline/propane/natural gas)
Engine739 cc OHV V-Twin
Starting systemElectric
Warranty3 years
VoltageAC: 120/240V 60 Hz
Power
GasolineLPGNG
Running watts13,500 W12,000 W11,000 W
Starting watts16,875 W15,000 W13,750 W
Running amps (@120/240V)112.5/56.3 amps100/50 amps91.7/45.8 amps
Peak amps (@120/240V)140.6/70.3 amps125/62.5 amps114.6/57.3 amps
Run time @50% load8 h3 hN/A
Run time @25% loadUnknownUnknownN/A
Features
GFCI outletsYes
Covered outletsYes
Automatic Voltage RegulationYes
AC outlets
  • 2x Duplex 120V 20A (5-20R) GFCI
  • 1x 120V 30A (L5-30R)
  • 1x 120/240V 30A (L14-30R)
  • 1x 120/240V 50A (14-50R)
DC outletsNo
Data centerPower output, lifetime run hours, voltage and frequency
IndicatorsNo
Fuel tank11 gal
Fuel gaugeYes
Misc
Weight361 lbs
Approx. dimensions (L x W x H)32.7 x 33.7 x 33 in
Noise (lower limit)79 dBA
THD< 20%
ComplianceEPA, ANSI/PGMA G300-2023
SecurityLow oil, overload and Volt Guard™ surge protection, CO monitoring
Spark arrestorYes
NeutralBonded to frame
Accessories includedOil, funnel, natural gas hose with NPT adapter, propane hose, battery, and wheel kit
Country of originVietnam
UPC817198026473

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 201241 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 wattage calculator.
Item Running Watts Starting Watts
At home Electric fry pan 1500 1500
AC (10,000 BTU) 1500 2200
Dish washer 1500 3000
Microwave (1000 watts) 1500 1500
Sump pump (1/2 hp) 1050 2150
Refrigerator (energy star) 192 1192
Electric range 2100 2100
Clothes iron 1270 1270
Security system 180 180
Total 10792 W 12292 W
For work Electric welder 9000 9000
Air compressor (1 hp) 1600 6100
Bug zapper 80 80
Total 10680 W 15180 W

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