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 $449.98 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 looking for even more independence
- People occasionally participating in outdoor fairs, festivals or events
- Handcrafting enthusiasts who wish to work on-the-go
- Homeowners in need of an emergency backup power for their essentials
- Camping and tailgating hobbyists looking for a portable power source
In the sections ahead, the power characteristics, availability of various outlets, the portability, and any additional features of the device shall be discussed.
Power & Run Time
The Champion 201274
The Champion 201274's core is the 224 cc OHV 4-stroke engine, which runs on gasoline. With an output of 120V, it provides a running wattage of 3,500W and a peak wattage of 4,250W. Furthermore, its parallel capability (ParaLink (opens in a new tab) not included) allows for increasing of power output when connected to another similar or compatible unit, ensuring expanded energy capacity and reliability for various applications.
Enjoying a noise rating of 64 dBA (just slightly more noisy than a normal conversation), this inverter generator gets running thanks to a simple traditional pull-start mechanism.
Featuring a 4 gallons fuel tank, the 201274 provides continuous power for up to 22 hours on a full tank (fuel consumption around 0.18 GPH).
The 201274 generates a clean sine wave with <3% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD), ensuring minimal electrical noise and fluctuations. This feature makes it ideal for powering sensitive electronics, providing stable and reliable AC power through the outlets.
Outlets
The control panel includes the following 3 AC outlets:
Additionally, it offers 1 DC outlet: there's a 12V 8A (cigarette lighter style) receptacle making battery charging a breeze.
With its TT-30R receptacle (TT as in 'Travel Trailer'), this Champion generator is RV Ready.
Portability
Measuring L28.6 x W23.4 x H21.6 in, the classic open frame construction of the Champion 201274 provides stability while enabling convenient maintenance access to components and adequate air cooling. This type of design is ideal for tough environments and heavy outdoor use.
With a dry weight of 83.8 lbs, the 201274 can easily follow you wherever your power needs are. Additionally, it can be easily moved with the help of its wheel kit (⌀8") and its folding handle, once it is on the ground.
Features
The 201274's control panel
Enhancing monitoring capabilities, the 201274 features a digital Intelligauge data center within its control panel, furnishing essential details on the voltage, power output, lifetime run hours and frequency for tracking activity and status.
In addition to this info, when the oil level is too low, you will be informed by the featured light indicator.
Benefiting from its built-in fuel gauge, the inverter generator allows for easy and immediate gas level inspections.
From a security standpoint, the product offers an automatic low oil shut-off and an overload protection (circuit breaker), allowing you to 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.
Beyond the standard documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab) to assist with setup, the Champion 201274 ships with supplementary 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).
- With a dry weight of 83.8 lbs, the Champion 201274 sits comfortably within the expected weight range for inverters generating 3000 to 4000 rated watts. If weight is your top priority, one of the champions in this power category is the Pulsar PGD40iSCO, weighing 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 noise emissions are important to you, one of the least noisy generators of this power range is the Westinghouse iGen5000DF with only 52 dBA.
- Since the 201274 boasts with a run time of up to 22 hours at 25% load, it can be safely judged as a device of a higher run time than most inverter generators of a comparable output. Concerning the run times, one of the several devices with a comparable output, offering the highest autonomy, is the Firman WH03662OF, which is able to run for 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 is one of the more fuel-efficient models of the aforementioned output range, as its estimated fuel consumption reaches just 0.18 GPH (gallon per hour) at 25% load. If gasoline efficiency is at the top of your list, you may want to have a look at the Champion 201050, which has great fuel efficiency, with a gas consumption of only 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 | Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 |
| Hair dryer | 1800 | 1900 | |
| Toaster oven | 800 | 800 | |
| Total | 2792 W | 3792 W | |
| For camping | Radiant heater | 1300 | 1300 |
| RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
| RV AC (11,000 BTU) | 1010 | 1600 | |
| Slow cooker | 270 | 270 | |
| Cell phone charger | 20 | 20 | |
| Total | 2780 W | 3370 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.