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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Bass Pro Shops 
Cabela's 
Amazon | Price history for the Champion 201273 | |
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| Latest updates:
Since: March 18, 2024 |
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Description
Zoom on the Champion 201273
In summary, the Champion 201273 is a compact portable inverter generator especially useful 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 sure of their ability to power their fridges, cooking tools, heating and lighting equipment during power failures
- Tailgating and campground aficionados with the desire of enjoying power anywhere they go
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 201273
The dual-fuel technology of the Champion 201273 allows for an output of 120V and provides superb power and versatility. If gasoline-powered, the device provides a running wattage of 4,000W and a starting wattage of 5,500W. If propane-powered, it gives 3,600 rated watts and 5,500 starting watts. Furthermore, its parallel capability (ParaLink (opens in a new tab) not included) allows power output to increase when connected 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 background music), this inverter generator provides the choice between a conventional pull-start mechanism or an easy-to-use and reliable electric starter (battery included) for starting. Champion’s EZ Start Dial lets you intuitively start the engine with easy access to all the controls you need.
Regarding its running time, the 201273, with a 3.7 gallons fuel capacity, can operate for up to 20 hours with a full tank of gasoline (fuel consumption around 0.19 GPH). When using propane, it can run for 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.
The 201273 generates a clean sine wave: providing <3% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD), delicate electronics can be plugged in its AC outlets safely.
Outlets
The control panel features the upcoming 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.
Thanks to its TT-30R receptacle (TT stands for 'Travel Trailer'), this Champion generator is RV Ready, making it ideal for powering recreational vehicles.
Portability
As an inverter generator, the Champion 201273 showcases a closed design (L24.6 x W19 x H20.9 in), enhancing aesthetics and ensuring quieter operation compared to conventional, open frame models. The design follows the contemporary trends and is perfect for recreationally generating power.
With a weight of 121.5 lbs, the generator is still labeled as 'portable,' denoting its ability to be moved, although its heaviness might restrict easy portability. Nonetheless, the limited maneuverability is compensated for by utilizing its set of 2 wheels (⌀5.5") and its folding handle, which facilitates shifting once the generator is set on the ground.
Features
The 201273's control panel
The 201273's control panel is equipped with a digital Intelligauge data center, furnishing detailed information on the frequency, lifetime run hours, power output and voltage for you to easily track 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 allows you to instantly see if the oil level is too low.
Security-wise, this product benefits from an automatic low oil shut-off and an overload protection (circuit breaker), 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.
Besides the classic documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab) to get you promptly started, the Champion 201273 also comes with some accessories: funnel, propane hose and oil are included. 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).
- With a weight of 121.5 lbs, the Champion 201273 sits in the heavier end of the spectrum among inverter generators rated from 3500 to 4500 watts. If weight is an important consideration for you, the Genmax GM4600iAEFIC stands out as one of the top contenders in this power category, with a dry weight of 58.4 pounds.
- The inverter generator can be considered average in its noise for its type and power category, as it is rated at 61 dBA. For those who are looking for a less noisy device, we suggest the Westinghouse iGen4500DF. With just 52 dBA, it is one of the most quiet devices in this power range.
- Compared to inverters of similar power, the 201273 stands out with one of the higher run times, lasting up to 20 hours at 25% load. For those prioritizing autonomy, the Firman W03661OF could be considered, as it offers one of the longest run times among generators with similar power output, reaching up to 25 hours.
- Run time is a key metric, but it's dependent on the generator's fuel tank capacity. Therefore, discussing fuel efficiency is necessary for a complete understanding. This inverter generator, with an estimated fuel consumption of just 0.19 GPH (gallon per hour) at 25% load, is one of the more fuel-efficient generators, for the previously mentioned wattage range. If you are concerned with gasoline efficiency, having a fuel consumption of just 0.16 GPH, the Champion 201319 is a device you could look out for.
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 expensive side of the price range.
While certainly not the cheapest of its kind, purchasing it would most likely also mean enjoying the reliability of a high-end product.
The bottom line
- Dual Fuel
- Illuminated control panel
- CO Shield™ technology
- Several accessories included
- RV Ready
- Electric start
- Parallel capable
- Fuel Fill Assist LED
- Inverter
- High run time
- Fuel efficient
- Acceptable noise (61 dBA)
- On the expensive side
- No remote start
- On the heavy side (121.5 lbs)
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 |
Unlike many websites, we did our best to research each of the specs above. That being said, we are not immune to making the occasional mistake or omission. Should you notice any missing or incorrect values, don't hesitate to suggest improvements so we can address the issue.
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 | 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 | |
| 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.