Champion 201274 - 3500/4250W Open Frame Inverter Generator
The Champion 201274 is a portable open frame inverter generator with a rated wattage of 3,500 W and a starting wattage of 4,250 W. (Read full specs)
Bass Pro Shops 
Cabela's 
Amazon Price history for the Champion 201274
Page Content
Description
Zoom on the Champion 201274
In a nutshell, the Champion 201274 is a portable inverter generator mostly geared towards:
- RV travellers who wish to upgrade their experience to another level
- Occasional participants of outdoor events, competitions, concerts and festivals
- Amateur DIY lovers
- Homeowners who want to be sure of their ability to power their fridges, cooking tools, heating and lighting equipment during power failures
- Camping and tailgating hobbyists looking for a portable power source
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 201274
Champion 201274 runs on gasoline, powered by a 224 cc OHV 4-stroke engine, delivering 120V, boasting a running wattage of 3,500W alongside a starting wattage of 4,250W. 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.
The inverter generator features a classic hand-operated recoil starting mechanism. It is rated for a noise of 64 dBA (just slightly more noisy than background music).
The 201274's fuel tank, boasting 4 gallons, allows it to operate for up to 22 hours with a full tank (with an estimated fuel consumption of 0.18 GPH).
The <3% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) of the 201274 ensures a clean sine wave output, providing a secure power source for your sensitive electronics through its AC outlets.
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 with which charging your batteries is made easy.
The inclusion of a TT-30R receptacle (TT for 'Travel Trailer') makes this Champion generator RV Ready, ideal for providing power to recreational vehicles.
Portability
Measuring L28.6 x W23.4 x H21.6 in, the classic open frame build of the Champion 201274 delivers stability and easy maintenance access to components, facilitating air circulation. The device has been designed for tough environments and demanding outdoor use.
The 201274's dry weight of 83.8 lbs lets you use its power anywhere needed. In addition, with its wheel kit (⌀8") and its folding handle, it may be shifted with ease, once placed on the floor.
Features
The 201274's control panel
Featuring a digital Intelligauge data center on its control panel, the 201274 offers you convenient access to essential information about the voltage, lifetime run hours, power output and frequency, facilitating effective monitoring of its activity and status.
In addition to this info, the device's light indicator will illuminate to indicate if its oil levels are insufficient.
The fuel level of the inverter generator can be determined quickly, easily, and conveniently with the help of its built-in fuel gauge.
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.
Alongside the standard documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab) for quick setup, the Champion 201274 is bundled with additional accessories: funnel and oil. The official storage cover and running cover are also available, as separate purchases.
Product Video
The Champion 201274 versus other generators
The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Champion 201274 compare to inverter generators of similar power (between 3000 and 4000 W).
- Weighing in at 83.8 lbs, the Champion 201274 fits within the expected weight range for inverters producing 3000 to 4000 rated watts. If weight is an important consideration for you, the Pulsar PGD40iSCO stands out as one of the top contenders in this power category, with a dry weight of 46 pounds.
- When compared to devices able to produce a similar running wattage, this inverter generator and its lowest emitted noise of 64 dBA is on the noisier side. If you wish to prioritize minimal noise, the Westinghouse iGen5000DF stands out as one of the quietest options among generators of similar power, with a rating of 52 dBA.
- The 201274 provides one of the highest run time among similarly powerful inverters, reaching up to 22 hours at 25% load.
- The run time is important, but also hugely depends on the capacity of the fuel tank and doesn't mean much if we don't talk about fuel consumption as well. This inverter generator has a better fuel efficiency than other units in the aforementioned output range, consuming approximately 0.18 GPH (gallon per hour) at 25% load. To prioritize fuel savings, we advise considering the Champion 201050, which stands out for its gasoline efficiency, consuming just 0.15 gallons per hour.
Price comparison
As you can see from these interactive charts, when compared to other 3000-4000W inverter generators, the Champion 201274 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
- High run time
- Fuel efficient
- Decent weight (83.8 lbs)
- No electric start
- On the noisy side (64 dBA)
Do you own the Champion 201274 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 | 3,500 W |
| Starting watts | 4,250 W |
| Running amps | 29.2 amps |
| Peak amps | 35.4 amps |
| Run time @50% load | Unknown |
| Run time @25% load | 22 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 | Steel, 4 gal |
| Fuel gauge | Yes |
| Weight | 83.8 lbs |
|---|---|
| Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | 28.6 x 23.4 x 21.6 in |
| Noise (lower limit) | 64 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, and wheel kit |
| Country of origin | Vietnam |
| UPC | 817198026633 |
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 201274 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 |
| Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 | |
| Washing machine | 900 | 1650 | |
| Game console | 150 | 150 | |
| Total | 2742 W | 4242 W | |
| For camping | RV AC (11,000 BTU) | 1010 | 1600 |
| RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
| Electric fry pan | 1500 | 1500 | |
| Radio | 100 | 100 | |
| Total | 2790 W | 3380 W | |
| For work | Grinder | 1400 | 2500 |
| Demolition hammer | 1260 | 1260 | |
| Bug zapper | 80 | 80 | |
| Total | 2740 W | 3840 W |
Does this model have a fuel shut off valve? (Asked February 16, 2023)
The unit has a fuel shut off valve that allows you to drain gasoline from the carburetor.
Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.
User Reviews
I purchased this Inverter for our Boonedocking in our RV. I runs everything in our RV. I turned on AC (High), turn on Microwave and then plugged in my Heat gun directly to the unit and it ran everything with no issues for 4 min. Then I started shutting things down. I also put the wheel kit on so I didn’t have to carry the unit once I pull it out of my truck. I have a 9000W Champion Gen and 2 other Champion products and all work great. Thats why I bought this unit. I would recommend this to anyone.