Champion 201254 - 4000/5500W Dual Fuel Open Frame Inverter Generator
The Champion 201254 is a compact open frame dual fuel inverter generator with a rated wattage of 4,000 W and a starting wattage of 5,500 W. (Read full specs)
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| Price history for the Champion 201254 |
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Highest Price
$839.99
Lowest Price
$799.00
Current Price
$799.00
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Description
Zoom on the Champion 201254
In a few words, the Champion 201254 is a compact portable inverter generator perfectly suited for:
- RV travellers who wish to upgrade their experience to another level
- People occasionally participating in sporting competitions, open-air performances and outdoor festivals
- Homeowners who want to be sure of their ability to power their fridges, cooking tools, heating and lighting equipment during power failures
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 201254
Delivering 120V, the Champion 201254 is enhanced by dual-fuel technology, providing power and versatility. Running on gasoline, it boasts a running wattage of 4,000W and a starting wattage of 5,500W. Alternatively, when propane-powered, it delivers 3,600 running watts and 5,500 starting watts. Furthermore, its parallel capability (ParaLINK (opens in a new tab) not included) allows for increasing of power output when connected to another similar or compatible unit, ensuring expanded energy capacity and reliability for various applications.
Enjoying a noise rating of 70 dBA (just as noisy as a dishwasher), this inverter generator gets running thanks to a traditional recoil pull-start mechanism. 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 2.9 gallons, the 201254 can operate for up to 16 hours using gasoline (fuel consumption around 0.18 GPH), or for up to 13 hours (on a 20 lbs tank - propane consumption around 0.36 GPH) using propane.
With a <3% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD), the 201254 delivers a clean sine wave—essential for safeguarding your delicate electronics when plugged into its AC outlets.
Outlets
The control panel features the following 3 AC outlets:
Moreover, it presents 1 DC outlet: there's a 12V 8A (cigarette lighter style) receptacle offering a convenient battery charging option.
The inclusion of a TT-30R receptacle (TT for 'Travel Trailer') makes this Champion generator RV Ready, ideal for providing power to recreational vehicles.
Portability
Measuring L21.3 x W17.9 x H17.9 in, the classic open frame construction of the Champion 201254 provides stability while enabling convenient maintenance access to components and adequate air cooling. The generator is designed for ideal use outdoors and in rough environments.
The 84.7 lbs of the 201254's dry weight enables you to use it anywhere you will ever need. Additionally, the generator’s mobility is enhanced by its open frame design, as it can be easily grabbed and shifted.
Features
The 201254's control panel
For easy status and activity monitoring of the 201254, its control panel integrates a digital Intelligauge data center, offering insights into the voltage, lifetime run hours, power output and frequency.
In addition to this info, a light indicator shows you if its oil levels are insufficient.
The inclusion of a built-in fuel gauge in the inverter generator streamlines gas level checks for quick and convenient assessments.
Security-wise, this product benefits from an overload protection (circuit breaker) and an automatic low oil shut-off, which gives you a complete peace of mind when using it.
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.
Alongside the standard documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab) for quick setup, the Champion 201254 is bundled with additional accessories: oil, propane hose and funnel.
Product Video
The Champion 201254 versus other generators
The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Champion 201254 compare to inverter generators of similar power (between 3500 and 4500 W).
- Weight-wise, the Champion 201254 has only 84.7 lbs, which renders it one of the lighter inverter generators which produce 3500 to 4500 rated watts. Regarding dry weight, one of the champions in the same power range is the WEN 56432iX, with a dry weight of only 52.9 lbs.
- This inverter generator, with its lowest possible noise rated at 70 dBA falls into the more noisy category, compared to other devices of a similar running wattage. If noise emissions are important to you, one of the least noisy generators of this power range is the Westinghouse iGen5000DF with only 52 dBA.
- With a runtime of up to 16 hours under a 25% load on a full tank, the 201254 falls within the average autonomy range among the inverter generators of a similar power. If concerned with autonomy, one of the products of a comparable power output, which offers the highest run time, is the Firman WH03662OF, boasting with up to 25 hours.
- Run time is crucial, but it heavily relies on the fuel tank's capacity. Thus, considering fuel efficiency alongside is essential. This inverter generator can be considered as fuel-efficient, due to its low estimated fuel consumption of only 0.18 GPH (gallon per hour) at 25% load, within the aforementioned wattage range. If you're placing a high priority on fuel consumption, the Champion 201319, with a low fuel consumption rate of 0.16 GPH, could be an option to consider.
Price comparison
As you can see from these interactive charts, when compared to other 3500-4500W dual fuel inverter generators, the Champion 201254 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
- In the expected price range
- Dual fuel
- CO Shield™ technology
- RV Ready
- Parallel capable
- Inverter
- Lightweight for its kind (84.7 lbs)
- Fuel efficient
- Decent run time
- No electric start
- On the noisy side (70 dBA)
Do you own the Champion 201254 and agree (or disagree) with these strengths and weaknesses?
Let us know and write your own review.
Features and Specifications
| Inverter | Yes |
|---|---|
| Parallel capable | Yes, cable not included |
| RV ready | Yes |
| Fuel | Dual Fuel (gasoline/propane) |
| Engine | 224 cc OHV 4-stroke |
| Starting system | Recoil |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| Voltage | AC: 120V 60 Hz, DC: 12V |
| Gasoline | Propane | |
|---|---|---|
| Running watts | 4,000 W | 3,600 W |
| Starting watts | 5,500 W | 5,500 W |
| Running amps | 33.3 amps | 30 amps |
| Peak amps | 45.8 amps | 45.8 amps |
| Run time @50% load | Unknown | Unknown |
| Run time @25% load | 16 h | 13 h |
| GFCI outlets | No |
|---|---|
| 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 | Low oil |
| Fuel tank | 2.9 gal |
| Fuel gauge | Yes |
| Weight | 84.7 lbs |
|---|---|
| Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | 21.3 x 17.9 x 17.9 in |
| Noise (lower limit) | 70 dBA |
| THD | < 3% |
| Compliance | CARB, EPA, ANSI/PGMA G300-2023 |
| Security | Low oil and overload protection, CO monitoring |
| Spark arrestor | Yes |
| Neutral | Floating |
| Accessories included | Oil, funnel, and propane hose |
| UPC | 817198027951 |
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 201254 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 | Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 |
| Hair dryer | 1800 | 1900 | |
| Vacuum cleaner | 1075 | 1175 | |
| Radio | 100 | 100 | |
| Cell phone charger | 20 | 20 | |
| Total | 3187 W | 4187 W | |
| For camping | Radiant heater | 1300 | 1300 |
| RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
| Electric grill | 1650 | 1650 | |
| Set of 5 LED light bulbs | 55 | 55 | |
| Total | 3185 W | 3605 W | |
| For work | Table saw | 1800 | 4500 |
| Reciprocating saw | 730 | 960 | |
| Drain cleaner | 250 | 250 | |
| Total | 2780 W | 5480 W |
Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.
