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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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
- Occasional participants of outdoor events, competitions, concerts and festivals
- Homeowners who want to be able to use the most necessary devices in their household, even during a blackout
The subsequent sections will explore in detail its power characteristics, the diverse outlets it provides, its overall portability, and the supplementary features it offers.
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. Additionally, the parallel capability (ParaLINK (opens in a new tab) not included) facilitates increasing of power output when linked to another similar or compatible unit, offering enhanced energy capacity and reliability for diverse requirements.
Enjoying a noise rating of 70 dBA (just as noisy as a vacuum cleaner), this inverter generator gets running thanks to a classic hand-operated recoil starting mechanism. Champion’s EZ Start Dial lets you intuitively start the engine with easy access to all the controls you need.
The 201254, with a fuel capacity of 2.9 gallons, reaches a run time of up to 13 hours utilizing gasoline (fuel consumption around 0.22 GPH). Alternatively, it can reach a run time of up to 16 hours (on a 20 lbs tank - propane consumption around 0.29 GPH) with propane.
The 201254 produces a clean sine wave: thanks to a <3% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD), your sensitive electronics can be safely plugged in the AC outlets.
Outlets
The control panel provides the upcoming 3 AC outlets:
Additionally, it offers 1 DC outlet: there's a 12V 8A (cigarette lighter style) receptacle providing easy battery charging capabilities.
Equipped with a TT-30R receptacle (TT representing 'Travel Trailer'), this Champion generator is RV Ready, ensuring compatibility with recreational vehicles.
Portability
At L21.3 x W17.9 x H17.9 in, the Champion 201254 boasts a traditional open frame structure, ensuring stability and allowing for convenient maintenance access to components, promoting air circulation. The device has been designed for tough environments and demanding outdoor use.
As the 201254's weight is only 84.7 lbs, it can follow you and your power needs anywhere. In addition, it is even easier to grab and move the generator around thanks to its open frame design.
Features
The 201254's control panel
With a digital Intelligauge data center integrated into its control panel, the 201254 provides real-time insights into the power output, frequency, lifetime run hours and voltage, enabling easy monitoring of its status and activity.
In addition to this info, a light indicator on the device will signal if the oil level is too low.
The fuel level of the inverter generator can be determined quickly, easily, and conveniently with the help of its built-in fuel gauge.
Considering security aspects, the generator boasts an overload protection (circuit breaker) and an automatic low oil shut-off, offering peace of mind throughout operation.
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 201254 also is packed along with the following accessories: propane hose, funnel and oil.
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).
- In terms of its dry weight, the Champion 201254 stands at only 84.7 lbs, meaning that is one of the lighter inverters of the 3500-4500 rated wattage category 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.
- Among the generators of a comparable running wattage, this inverter generator with a lowest noise of 70 dBA can be judged as noisy. 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.
- Concerning its runtime, the 201254 provides up to 13 hours at a 25% load, indicating that it falls on the lower side compared to other generators of its type and power range. If concerned with autonomy, one of the products of a comparable power output, which offers the highest run time, is the Champion 200977, boasting with up to 22 hours.
- Run time is a key metric, but it's dependent on the generator's fuel capacity. Therefore, discussing fuel efficiency is necessary to get the full picture. At a 25% load, the inverter generator consumes an estimated 0.22 gallons of gasoline per hour, falling within the average consumption range of units with similar output. 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)
- Decent fuel efficiency
- No electric start
- On the noisy side (70 dBA)
- Relatively low run time
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 | 13 h | 16 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 | Electric fry pan | 1500 | 1500 |
| Dish washer | 1500 | 3000 | |
| Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 | |
| Total | 3192 W | 4692 W | |
| For camping | RV AC (11,000 BTU) | 1010 | 1600 |
| RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
| Hair dryer | 1800 | 1900 | |
| Mixer | 200 | 200 | |
| Total | 3190 W | 3780 W | |
| For work | Table saw | 1800 | 4500 |
| Reciprocating saw | 730 | 960 | |
| Electric fence (25 miles) | 250 | 250 | |
| Total | 2780 W | 5480 W |
Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.
