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)
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Amazon | Price history for the Champion 201274 |
|---|
| Highest Price $599.99 Lowest Price $579.99 Current Price $599.99 |
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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. In terms of weight, one of the champions in their power range is the Pulsar PGD40iSCO, standing at just 46 lbs.
- When comparing it to devices with a similar running wattage, this inverter generator's lowest noise level of 64 dBA puts it alongside the noisier units. If you’d prefer a less noisy device, one of the most quiet devices, which share the same power range with this one, is the Westinghouse iGen4000DFc, whose lowest noise levels reach just 52 dBA.
- As the 201274 features an autonomy of up to 22 hours at 25% load, it has a higher run time than an average generator of its type and power range. If run time is one of your main concerns, the Firman W03661OF could be worth looking at. It boasts one of the highest run times among units of comparable power, lasting up to 25 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. This inverter generator has an estimated fuel consumption of roughly 0.18 GPH (gallon per hour) at a 25% load, rendering it somewhat average compared to devices of a similar output. If you wish to further improve in the area of fuel efficiency, the Energizer eZV3500P, which boasts with a gas consumption of only 0.13 GPH, may be the right generator for you.
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
- Several accessories included
- RV Ready
- Parallel capable
- Inverter
- High run time
- Decent weight (83.8 lbs)
- Decent fuel efficiency
- 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 | |
| Microwave (1000 watts) | 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.
