WE ARE PROUD TO BE INDEPENDENT AND IN NO WAY ASSOCIATED WITH MANUFACTURERS. TO STAY UNBIASED, WE DO NOT ACCEPT FREE PRODUCTS. WE EARN FROM ADVERTISING FEES PAID BY BASS PRO SHOPS OR CABELA'S ON QUALIFYING PURCHASES.

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)

CompareShortlistShortlistedRemoved from shortlist 44

Picture of the Champion 201274
Set Price Alert
×
Notify me when the price drops
Set an alert for the Champion 201274 - Current lowest price: $579.99
Price History
×
Price history for the Champion 201274
Highest Price
$579.99
Lowest Price
$579.99
Current Price
$579.99

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 in use

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:

Duplex 120V 20A (5-20R)
120V 30A (TT-30R) receptacle

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

Panel of the Champion 201274

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).

  • With a dry weight of 83.8 lbs, the Champion 201274 falls within the expected weight range for inverter generators in the 3000 to 4000 rated wattage. If you are concerned by weight, one of the champions in the above-mentioned power range is the Pulsar PGD40iSCO, with a dry weight of just 46 pounds.
  • In comparison to generators with a similar running wattage, this inverter generator's lowest emitted noise of 64 dBA can be considered noisy. If you are concerned with noise, check out the Westinghouse iGen5000DF, which is one of the least noisy generators in its power range, with a noise rating of just 52 dBA.
  • At 25% load, the 201274 achieves one of the longer run times compared to inverters of similar power, sustaining operations for up to 22 hours. Concerning the run times, one of the several devices with a comparable output, offering the highest autonomy, is the Firman W03661OF, which is able to run for 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. Among devices of similar power, this inverter generator has one of the better fuel efficiency, with consumption rates of around 0.18 GPH (gallon per hour) at 25% load. If minimizing fuel usage is one of your key priorities, the Energizer eZV3500P is one of the most efficient devices with similar power output, with a gasoline consumption of only 0.13 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

STRENGTHS:
  • Inexpensive
  • CO Shield™ technology
  • Several accessories included
  • RV Ready
  • Parallel capable
  • Inverter
  • High run time
  • Fuel efficient
AVERAGE SPECS:
  • Decent weight (83.8 lbs)
WEAKNESSES:
  • 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

General
InverterYes
Parallel capableYes, cable not included
RV readyYes
FuelGasoline
Engine224 cc OHV 4-stroke
Starting systemRecoil
Warranty3 years
Power
VoltageAC: 120V 60 Hz, DC: 12V
Running watts3,500 W
Starting watts4,250 W
Running amps29.2 amps
Peak amps35.4 amps
Run time @50% loadUnknown
Run time @25% load22 h
Features
GFCI outletsNo
Covered outletsYes
Automatic Voltage RegulationInverter
AC outlets
  • 1x Duplex 120V 20A (5-20R)
  • 1x 120V 30A (TT-30R)
DC outlets1x 12V 8A (cigarette lighter style)
Data centerPower output, lifetime run hours, voltage and frequency
IndicatorsLow oil
Fuel tankSteel, 4 gal
Fuel gaugeYes
Misc
Weight83.8 lbs
Approx. dimensions (L x W x H)28.6 x 23.4 x 21.6 in
Noise (lower limit)64 dBA
THD< 3%
ComplianceEPA, ANSI/PGMA G300-2023
SecurityLow oil and overload protection, CO monitoring
Spark arrestorYes
NeutralFloating
Accessories includedOil, funnel, and wheel kit
Country of originVietnam
UPC817198026633

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.

Spec Improvement×

This form does not send us any personal data (not even your IP address)

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?
Examples of items that can be simultaneously powered.
The examples below are based on a maximum load of 80% and estimated wattages. For a more accurate estimation, use our generator size calculator.
ItemRunning WattsStarting Watts
At homeRefrigerator (energy star)1921192
Hair dryer18001900
Toaster oven800800
Total2792 W3792 W
For campingRadiant heater13001300
RV refrigerator180600
RV AC (11,000 BTU)10101600
Slow cooker270270
Cell phone charger2020
Total2780 W3370 W
For workGrinder14002500
Demolition hammer12601260
Bug zapper8080
Total2740 W3840 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.

Ask a question

Your name and email address will not be publicly published. We only need them to be able to answer you directly

We would love to know your opinion

Leave a review

Your total score

Generator Bible
Logo
Compare items
  • Total (0)
Compare

You can compare as many generators as you wish. However, for the best results, we recommend you to compare only 2 generators at a time.

0