Champion 201273 - 4000/5500W Dual Fuel Inverter Generator With Electric Start
The Champion 201273 is a compact 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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Amazon Price history for the Champion 201273
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Description
Zoom on the Champion 201273
To sum up, the Champion 201273 is a compact portable inverter generator tailored 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 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 201273
Delivering 120V, the Champion 201273 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. In addition, the parallel capability (ParaLink (opens in a new tab) not included) empowers increasing of power output when linked to another similar or compatible unit, ensuring expanded energy capacity and reliability for various applications.
At a noise rating of 61 dBA (just slightly more noisy than a normal conversation), this inverter generator can be started via a manual recoil starter system, or a practical and straightforward electric starter (battery included). Champion’s EZ Start Dial lets you intuitively start the engine with easy access to all the controls you need.
The running time of the 201273, with its 3.7 gallons fuel capacity, can reach up to 20 hours on a full tank of gasoline (fuel consumption around 0.19 GPH). With propane, it can reach up to 15 hours (on a 20 lbs tank - propane consumption around 0.31 GPH). Thanks to the Fuel Fill Assist LED, an ingenious LED located near the fuel cap, filling up the unit’s tank is highly facilitated in poor lighting conditions. The LED can illuminate the gasoline filling area simply by pushing a button.
As the 201273 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 features the following 5 AC outlets:
It also sports 1 DC outlet: there's a 12V 8A (cigarette lighter style) receptacle enabling simple battery charging for added ease.
This Champion generator is RV Ready, as it features a TT-30R receptacle (TT stands for 'Travel Trailer').
Portability
The Champion 201273 is an inverter generator and features an encased design with the following dimensions: L24.6 x W19 x H20.9 in. This design enhances aesthetics and helps minimize noise levels, distinguishing it from conventional, open frame products. This type of design is the most modern and convenient way to recreationally generate power.
Even at 121.5 lbs, the generator is categorized as 'portable,' suggesting its movability, although its weight may impede its portability. However, the lack of maneuverability can be offset with its set of 2 wheels (⌀5.5") and its folding handle, which allows for convenient shifting once the generator is placed on the ground.
Features
The 201273's control panel
Featuring a digital Intelligauge data center on its control panel, the 201273 offers you convenient access to essential information about the frequency, lifetime run hours, voltage and power output, facilitating effective monitoring of its activity and status. To offer you even more control and easy operation during nighttime, the panel is LED-lit.
In addition to this info, a light indicator shows you if the oil level is too low.
As for its security measures, the device features an automatic low oil shut-off and an overload protection (circuit breaker), letting you use it with a peace of mind.
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 201273, the following accessories are also included: funnel, oil and propane hose. The official storage cover and running cover are also available, as separate purchases.
Product Video
The Champion 201273 versus other generators
The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Champion 201273 compare to inverter generators of similar power (between 3500 and 4500 W).
- At a dry weight of 121.5 pounds, the Champion 201273 is one of the heavier inverters which can produce between 3500 and 4500 running watts. If you are concerned by weight, one of the champions in the above-mentioned power range is the WEN 56432iX, with a dry weight of just 52.9 pounds.
- This inverter generator has a somewhat average expected noise for its type and power range, rated at 61 dBA. If noise emissions are one of your priorities, you may want to take a look at the Westinghouse iGen5000DF. It's one of the quietest options among generators of similar power, rated at 52 dBA.
- The 201273 provides a higher run time than similarly powerful inverters, reaching up to 20 hours at 25% load. 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.
- Even though run times are undoubtedly important, they are dependent on the fuel capacity to a large extent. For a more wholesome picture, we must take into consideration the fuel consumption of the generator. With a fuel consumption rate around 0.19 GPH (gallon per hour) at 25% load, this inverter generator is one of the more fuel-efficient models within the aforementioned wattage range. If not satisfied with the afore-mentioned fuel consumption, you may wish to check out the Champion 201319. With a fuel consumption of as little as 0.16 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 3500-4500W dual fuel inverter generators, the Champion 201273 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
- Illuminated control panel
- CO Shield™ technology
- RV Ready
- Electric start
- Parallel capable
- Fuel Fill Assist LED
- Inverter
- High run time
- Fuel efficient
- Acceptable noise (61 dBA)
- No remote start
- On the heavy side (121.5 lbs)
Do you own the Champion 201273 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, Electric |
| 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 | 20 h | 15 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 | 3.7 gal |
| Fuel gauge | No |
| Weight | 121.5 lbs |
|---|---|
| Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | 24.6 x 19 x 20.9 in |
| Noise (lower limit) | 61 dBA |
| THD | < 3% |
| Compliance | EPA, ANSI/PGMA G300-2023 |
| Security | Low oil and overload protection, CO monitoring |
| Spark arrestor | Yes |
| Neutral | Floating |
| Accessories included | Oil, funnel, propane hose, and battery |
| Country of origin | China |
| UPC | 817198026626 |
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 201273 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 | AC (10,000 BTU) | 1500 | 2200 |
| Microwave (1000 watts) | 1500 | 1500 | |
| Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 | |
| Total | 3192 W | 4192 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.
User Reviews
Bought today because of the highest Watts of a good name brand. Only would like a 220 plug and 6000w+ so to at least be able to shut everything off so you could heat some hit water, get water from well etc. Can’t believe the only one out there is the Genwin I believe.
Feel a lot more comfortable knowing you have this bad boy incase it’s needed to keep the lights on.
I’ve owned and tested many brands. Champion is a very high quality generator and is assembled very well. Their customer service and parts is awesome! That alone sells a generator! I’m so impressed with this unit. So far it’s only available at Cabelas/Bass Pro. I highly recommend this unit if it fits what your looking for!
I purchased this from Bass Pro Shop. I ordered it on July 4 and it was delivered on July 6. Very fast shipping. Box was fully intact with no damage. Good Job FedEx. Price was inline with like generators of this watt and amperage. I followed the quick guide, connected the battery, added the oil and connected to my small 20 pound propane tank. Set the choke and hit the start for a few seconds. Turned it to run and hit the starter again and she fired right up. I tested the volts and amps and it does what they say it will. I did let her run with a small load that included an ac that cycled to give it a varying load per the break-in period. I changed my oil after the 5 hour run and did have some fine shavings. I have ordered a magnetic dipstick that I plan to install. I decided to run some 10w-30w synthetic oil. I am going to run it another 5 hours or so and change the oil again. Then she’ll be good to go. Probably don’t need to do this, but just something I want to do. Overall I am very pleased with this inverter generator. She is quiet, provides 30 amps and 3600 watts on propane and this is all I need. Hats off the Champion. I really think had Champion not made this exclusive with Bass Pro Shop and Cabelas they would have sold a lot more of them. If the 4500 watt peak and 3500 watt inverter generator isn’t enough check out this one. I did buy a cover for it and I have 2 – 40 pound tanks and a few smaller 20 pound tanks, so I am set. Just hope we don’t have any storms in the Gulf this year, but if we do I am feeling pretty ready.
It started right up on both gas and propane, of course after I added the oil. It is quiet and has not disappointed me yet. Only dislikes were that the pop up fueling light is powered by a 9v battery instead of off the main battery (one more to keep track of), no gas gauge, and poor sticker application ( a lot of bubbles ). I had it shipped to my local bass pro. Box was actually in good shape but heavy. Unit is 118lbs but in the box it is 140 lbs. Bass pro needs better information for there cs reps. My first order was cancelled buy BP a day later csr had no reason why or when they would be available again. Luckily I received a email from gen bible one night at 230am that it was now available, we placed our 2nd order at 330am. That one went through and was delivered to BP 5 days later.
I do recommend this model.