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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)

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Picture of the Champion 201255
Price History
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Price history for the Champion 201255
Highest Price
$699.00
Lowest Price
$699.00
Current Price
$699.00

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
  • People occasionally participating in outdoor fairs, festivals or events
  • Homeowners who want to be able to use the most necessary devices in their household, even during a blackout

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 201255 in use

The Champion 201255

Running on gasoline, the Champion 201255 operates with a 224 cc OHV 4-stroke engine, delivering 120V, with a running wattage of 4,000W and a peak wattage of 5,500W. In addition, the device is parallel capable (ParaLINK (opens in a new tab) not included) and thus, can be linked to a similar or compatible unit for added power.

Operating at a noise rating of 70 dBA (just as noisy as a vacuum cleaner), this inverter generator starts up with a simple traditional pull-start mechanism. Champion’s EZ Start Dial lets you intuitively start the engine with easy access to all the controls you need.

Thanks to its 2.9 gallons fuel tank, the 201255 can run continuously for up to 16 hours on a full tank (with an average fuel consumption of approximately 0.18 GPH).

As the 201255 produces a clean sine wave, with a <3% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD), sensitive electronics may be plugged in the AC outlets safely.

Outlets

The control panel provides the upcoming 3 AC outlets:

Duplex 120V 20A (5-20R)
120V 30A (TT-30R) receptacle

Moreover, it boasts 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

With dimensions of L21.3 x W17.9 x H17.9 in, the standard open frame design of the Champion 201255 provides stability and easy maintenance access to components, as well as good air circulation. This type of design is ideal for tough environments and heavy outdoor use.

As the 201255's weight is only 81.6 lbs, it can follow you and your power needs anywhere. Furthermore, the open frame of the generator aids in holding and moving it to a different location.

Features

Panel of the Champion 201255

The 201255's control panel

A digital Intelligauge data center, one of the features of the 201255's control panel, gives you information on the voltage, frequency, lifetime run hours and power output, and thus, is helpful for the monitoring of its activity and status.

In addition to this info, a light indicator on the device will notify you if its oil levels are insufficient.

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

Regarding security, the generator comes with an overload protection (circuit breaker) and an automatic low oil shut-off, providing peace of mind during 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.

While the standard documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), helpful for starting the device promptly, come with the Champion 201255, the following accessories are also included: funnel, oil and tool kit.

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).

  • When it comes to weight, the Champion 201255 tips the scales at just 81.6 pounds, making it one of the lighter inverter generators in the 3500 to 4500 rated wattage range. 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.
  • If compared to generators capable of producing a similar running wattage, this inverter generator with a lowest emitted noise of 70 dBA can be considered somewhat 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.
  • The 201255 provides up to 16 hours of runtime at a 25% load on a full tank, placing it within the average autonomy range among similar inverter generators. Furthermore, considering the run times, one of the generators which have a roughly same power output, with the highest autonomy, is the Firman WH03662OF, as it provides up to 25 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. With a fuel consumption rate around 0.18 GPH (gallon per hour) at 25% load, this inverter generator is one of the more fuel-efficient models within the aforementioned wattage range. If you wish to further improve in the area of fuel efficiency, the Champion 201319, which boasts with a gas consumption of only 0.16 GPH, may be the right generator for you.

Price comparison

As you can see from these interactive charts, when compared to other 3500-4500W inverter generators, the Champion 201255 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
  • CO Shield™ technology
  • RV Ready
  • Parallel capable
  • Inverter
  • Lightweight for its kind (81.6 lbs)
  • Fuel efficient
AVERAGE SPECS:
  • Decent run time
WEAKNESSES:
  • No electric start
  • On the noisy side (70 dBA)

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

General
InverterYes
Parallel capableYes, cable not included
RV readyYes
FuelGasoline
Engine224 cc OHV 4-stroke
Starting systemRecoil
Warranty3 years
Power
VoltageAC: 120V 60 Hz, DC: 12V
Running watts4,000 W
Starting watts5,500 W
Running amps33.3 amps
Peak amps45.8 amps
Run time @50% loadUnknown
Run time @25% load16 h
Features
GFCI outletsNo
Covered outletsYes
Automatic Voltage RegulationInverter
AC outlets
  • 1x Duplex 120V 20A (5-20R)
  • 1x 120V 30A (TT-30R)
DC outlets1x 12V 8A (cigarette lighter style)
Data centerPower output, lifetime run hours, voltage and frequency
IndicatorsLow oil
Fuel tank2.9 gal
Fuel gaugeYes
Misc
Weight81.6 lbs
Approx. dimensions (L x W x H)21.3 x 17.9 x 17.9 in
Noise (lower limit)70 dBA
THD< 3%
ComplianceCARB, EPA, ANSI/PGMA G300-2023
SecurityLow oil and overload protection, CO monitoring
Spark arrestorYes
NeutralFloating
Accessories includedOil, funnel, and tool kit
UPC817198027944

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 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?
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.
ItemRunning WattsStarting Watts
At homeRefrigerator (energy star)1921192
Hair dryer18001900
Vacuum cleaner10751175
Radio100100
Cell phone charger2020
Total3187 W4187 W
For campingRadiant heater13001300
RV refrigerator180600
Electric grill16501650
Set of 5 LED light bulbs5555
Total3185 W3605 W
For workTable saw18004500
Reciprocating saw730960
Drain cleaner250250
Total2780 W5480 W

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