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)
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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
- People occasionally participating in sporting competitions, open-air performances and outdoor festivals
- DIYers who wish to improve their efficiency with tools
- 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
Over the following sections, you'll uncover its power characteristics, the selection of outlets it offers, its overall portability, and the supplementary features it includes.
Power & Run Time
The Champion 201274
The Champion 201274 houses a 224 cc OHV 4-stroke engine, which provides 120V, consumes gasoline and delivers a running wattage of 3,500W along with a peak wattage of 4,250W. Moreover, the parallel capability (ParaLink (opens in a new tab) not included) enables increasing of power output when paired with another similar or compatible unit, providing increased energy capacity and versatility for a wide range of needs.
Rated for 64 dBA (just slightly more noisy than an office), the inverter generator's starting mechanism relies on a traditional recoil pull-start mechanism.
With a fuel capacity of 4 gallons, the 201274 may run for up to 22 hours with a full tank (fuel consumption around 0.18 GPH).
The 201274 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 following 3 AC outlets:
Additionally, it features 1 DC outlet: there's a 12V 8A (cigarette lighter style) receptacle offering a convenient battery charging option.
This Champion generator is RV Ready, as it features a TT-30R receptacle (TT stands for 'Travel Trailer').
Portability
Measuring L28.6 x W23.4 x H21.6 in, the Champion 201274 showcases a classic open frame layout, guaranteeing stability and simple maintenance access to components, while facilitating air circulation. The generator is designed for ideal use outdoors and in rough environments.
With a dry weight of 83.8 lbs, the 201274 is manageable, ensuring it can accompany you wherever you need power. 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
With a digital Intelligauge data center integrated into its control panel, the 201274 provides real-time insights into the power output, frequency, lifetime run hours and voltage, enabling easy monitoring of its status and activity.
In addition to this info, a light indicator on the device will notify you if the oil level is too low.
The fuel level of the inverter generator can be determined quickly, easily, and conveniently with the help of its built-in fuel gauge.
As far as security is concerned, the generator comes with an overload protection (circuit breaker) and an automatic low oil shut-off, providing 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.
In addition to the traditional documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab) to help you get started promptly, the Champion 201274 also includes several accessories: oil and funnel. 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).
- At a weight of 83.8 pounds, the Champion 201274 places in the expected weight range of the inverter generators in the 3000-4000 rated wattage range. If you are mindful of weight, the Pulsar PGD40iSCO is among the top contenders in this power range, with a dry weight of 46 pounds.
- Among the generators of a comparable running wattage, this inverter generator with a lowest noise of 64 dBA can be judged as noisy. If noise emissions are one of your priorities, you may want to take a look at the Westinghouse iGen4500DF. It's one of the quietest options among generators of similar power, rated at 52 dBA.
- The 201274 provides a higher run time than similarly powerful inverters, reaching up to 22 hours at 25% load. If wyou wish to prioritize autonomy, the Firman W03661OF shines as one of the top contenders, offering one of the highest run times among generators with similar power output, totaling up to 25 hours.
- While the run time is an important parameter, it is dependent on the fuel tank's capacity and thus, doesn't say much on its own unless we consider fuel consumption as well. This inverter generator, with an estimated fuel consumption of just 0.18 GPH (gallon per hour) at 25% load, is one of the more fuel-efficient generators, for the previously mentioned wattage range. If not satisfied with the afore-mentioned fuel consumption, you may wish to check out the Energizer eZV3500P. With a fuel consumption of as little as 0.13 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 3000-4000W inverter generators, the Champion 201274 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
- CO Shield™ technology
- Several accessories included
- RV Ready
- Parallel capable
- Inverter
- High run time
- Fuel efficient
- Decent weight (83.8 lbs)
- No electric start
- On the noisy side (64 dBA)
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 |
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 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 | Microwave (1000 watts) | 1500 | 1500 |
| Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 | |
| Vacuum cleaner | 1075 | 1175 | |
| Cell phone charger | 20 | 20 | |
| Total | 2787 W | 3787 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.
