Champion 201255 - 4000/5500W Open Frame Inverter Generator
The Champion 201255 is a compact open frame inverter generator with a rated wattage of 4,000 W and a starting wattage of 5,500 W. (Read full specs)
Amazon 
Sam's Club 
Acme Tools 
Tractor Supply 
Northern Tool Price history for the Champion 201255
Page Content
Description
Zoom on the Champion 201255
In summary, the Champion 201255 is a compact portable inverter generator especially useful for:
- RV travellers wishing to enhance their freedom and nomad lifestyle
- 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 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 201255
Featuring a 224 cc OHV 4-stroke engine, the Champion 201255 operates using gasoline, providing 120V, with a running wattage of 4,000W and a starting wattage of 5,500W. Moreover, the parallel capability (ParaLINK (opens in a new tab) not included) enables power output to increase when paired with another similar or compatible unit, providing increased energy capacity and versatility for a wide range of needs.
With a noise rating of 70 dBA (just as noisy as a vacuum cleaner), the inverter generator features 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.
With its 2.9 gallons fuel tank, the 201255 can operate for up to 13 hours when fully fueled (with fuel usage averaging around 0.22 GPH).
Sensitive electronics can be safely plugged in the AC outlets, as the 201255 produces a clean sine wave, with a <3% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD).
Outlets
The control panel features 3 AC outlets as follows:
Furthermore, it has 1 DC outlet: there's a 12V 8A (cigarette lighter style) receptacle offering a convenient battery charging option.
With its TT-30R receptacle (TT standing for 'Travel Trailer'), this Champion generator is RV Ready, perfectly suited for powering recreational vehicles.
Portability
At L21.3 x W17.9 x H17.9 in, the standard open frame design of the Champion 201255 delivers stability alongside easy maintenance access to components and good air cooling. The device has been designed for tough environments and demanding outdoor use.
The 201255's dry weight of 81.6 lbs lets you use its power anywhere needed. Furthermore, the open frame of the generator aids in holding and moving it to a different location.
Features
The 201255's control panel
The control panel of the 201255 includes a digital Intelligauge data center, which assists you in monitoring its status and activity, as it provides information on the power output, frequency, lifetime run hours and voltage.
In addition to this info, a light indicator allows you to instantly see if the oil level is too low.
The built-in fuel gauge of the inverter generator ensures simple and quick gas level assessments.
From a security point of view, the generator is equipped with an automatic low oil shut-off and an overload protection (circuit breaker), giving you a peace of mind during 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 201255 also is packed along with the following accessories: funnel, tool kit and oil.
The Champion 201255 versus other generators
The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Champion 201255 compare to inverter generators of similar power (between 3500 and 4500 W).
- Weight-wise, the Champion 201255 has only 81.6 lbs, which renders it one of the lighter inverter generators which produce 3500 to 4500 rated watts. If weight is an important consideration for you, the WEN 56432iX stands out as one of the top contenders in this power category, with a dry weight of 52.9 pounds.
- When stacked up against other devices of similar running wattage, this inverter generator's lowest possible noise rating of 70 dBA places it in the louder category. If you'd like a less noisy alternative, the Westinghouse iGen5000DF is a strong contender. It boasts a noise rating of 52 dBA, placing it among the quietest generators in its power category.
- Regarding its autonomy, the autonomy of the 201255, reaching up to 13 hours at a 25% load, can be considered as low end, compared to other inverters of a roughly equal output. If runtime is a priority for you, the Champion 200977 stands out as one of the generators with the longest run time in its power range, providing up to 22 hours of continuous use.
- Autonomy holds its importance, however, it is largely dependent on the generator’s fuel capacity and so, it is nonsensible to discuss it without mentioning fuel efficiency as well. This inverter generator has an estimated fuel consumption of roughly 0.22 GPH (gallon per hour) at a 25% load, rendering it somewhat average compared to devices of a similar output. If you wish to acquire one of the most gasoline efficient products of this power range, the Champion 201319, with a fuel consumption of 0.16 GPH could be in your good books.
Price comparison
As you can see from these interactive charts, when compared to other 3500-4500W inverter generators, the Champion 201255 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
- Inexpensive
- CO Shield™ technology
- RV Ready
- Parallel capable
- Inverter
- Lightweight for its kind (81.6 lbs)
- Decent fuel efficiency
- No electric start
- On the noisy side (70 dBA)
- Relatively low run time
Do you own the Champion 201255 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 | Gasoline |
| Engine | 224 cc OHV 4-stroke |
| Starting system | Recoil |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| Voltage | AC: 120V 60 Hz, DC: 12V |
|---|---|
| Running watts | 4,000 W |
| Starting watts | 5,500 W |
| Running amps | 33.3 amps |
| Peak amps | 45.8 amps |
| Run time @50% load | Unknown |
| Run time @25% load | 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 | 81.6 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 tool kit |
| UPC | 817198027944 |
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 201255 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 | Dish washer | 1500 | 3000 |
| AC (10,000 BTU) | 1500 | 2200 | |
| 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.
