Champion 201279 - 4250/5300W Dual Fuel Generator
The Champion 201279 is a portable open frame dual fuel generator with a rated wattage of 4,250 W and a starting wattage of 5,300 W. (Read full specs)
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Amazon | Price history for the Champion 201279 |
|---|
| Highest Price $549.00 Lowest Price $549.00 Current Price $549.00 |
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Description
Zoom on the Champion 201279
In a few words, the Champion 201279 is a portable generator perfectly suited for:
- RV travellers who wish to upgrade their experience to another level
- Occasional participants of outdoor events, competitions, concerts and festivals
- Homeowners who want to be able to use the most necessary devices in their household, even during a blackout
The following sections will present you in detail its power characteristics, the different outlets it offers, its overall portability, and the extra features it benefits from.
Power & Run Time
The Champion 201279
The dual-fuel technology of the Champion 201279 allows for an output of 120V and provides superb power and versatility. If gasoline-powered, the device provides a running wattage of 4,250W and a starting wattage of 5,300W. If propane-powered, it gives 3,825 rated watts and 4,780 starting watts.
The generator features a simple traditional pull-start mechanism. It is rated for a noise of 68 dBA (less noisy than background music).
In terms of run time, the 201279, boasting a 4.7 gallons fuel tank, can run for around 14 hours at 50% load on a full tank of gasoline (with fuel consumption averaging 0.34 gallons per hour). Additionally, it provides around 10.5 hours (on a 20 lbs tank - propane consumption around 0.45 GPH) of operation with propane.
The 201279 is unsuitable for the powering of sensitive electronic devices due to its high THD (<20%).
Outlets
The control panel provides the upcoming 4 AC outlets:
Equipped with a TT-30R receptacle (TT representing 'Travel Trailer'), this Champion generator is RV Ready, ensuring compatibility with recreational vehicles.
Portability
Measuring L24.8 x W24.8 x H22.4 in, the classic open frame build of the Champion 201279 delivers stability and easy maintenance access to components, facilitating air circulation. The device has been designed for tough environments and demanding outdoor use.
Although this generator is technically considered 'portable' (in the sense that it can be moved), its 113.5 lbs make it incredibly difficult to manually lift and transport. Nevertheless, the restricted maneuverability is counteracted by its wheel kit (⌀8") and its folding handle, enabling easy shifting once the generator is set in place.
Features
The 201279's control panel
The 201279's control center features an Intelligauge meter, offering voltage, frequency, and lifetime hours readings to aid you with the monitoring of its status and activity.
With its built-in fuel gauge, the generator provides quick and convenient gas level checks.
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. Champion's built-in surge protector (Volt Guard™) safeguards your equipment and appliances against voltage spikes.
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.
Besides the classic documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab) to get you promptly started, the Champion 201279 also comes with some accessories: funnel, propane hose and oil are included.
Product Video
The Champion 201279 versus other generators
The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Champion 201279 compare to dual fuel generators of similar power (between 3500 and 4500 W).
- Weighing 113.5 lbs, the Champion 201279 is one of the heavier dual fuel generators within the 3500-4500 rated wattage bracket. if you wish to prioritize weight, the Pulsar PGX5250BiXCO is one of the top contenders in its power category, weighing only 64 pounds.
- Because this generator emits noise as low as 68 dBA, it can be considered to have a pretty average expected noise rating for a device of its power. 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.
- Thanks to an impressive running time of around 14 hours at 50% load, the 201279 benefits from a higher run time than many dual fuel generators of a similar output. If you consider autonomy on a single full tank as one of the deciding factors, one of the generators in the same power range that offers the highest run time is the Westinghouse iGen5000DF, with around 15 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. At a 50% load, the generator consumes an estimated 0.34 gallons of gasoline per hour, falling within the average consumption range of units with similar output. If you're placing a high priority on fuel consumption, the Westinghouse iGen5000DF, with a low fuel consumption rate of 0.23 GPH, could be an option to consider.
Price comparison
As you can see from these interactive charts, when compared to other 3500-4500W dual fuel generators, the Champion 201279 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
- Dual fuel
- CO Shield™ technology
- RV Ready
- High run time
- Acceptable noise (68 dBA)
- Decent fuel efficiency
- No electric start
- On the heavy side (113.5 lbs)
Do you own the Champion 201279 and agree (or disagree) with these strengths and weaknesses?
Let us know and write your own review.
Features and Specifications
| Inverter | No |
|---|---|
| Parallel capable | No |
| RV ready | Yes |
| Fuel | Dual Fuel (gasoline/propane) |
| Engine | 224 cc OHV 4-stroke |
| Starting system | Recoil |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| Voltage | AC: 120V 60 Hz |
| Gasoline | Propane | |
|---|---|---|
| Running watts | 4,250 W | 3,825 W |
| Starting watts | 5,300 W | 4,780 W |
| Running amps | 35.4 amps | 31.9 amps |
| Peak amps | 44.2 amps | 39.8 amps |
| Run time @50% load | 14 h | 10.5 h |
| Run time @25% load | Unknown | Unknown |
| GFCI outlets | No |
|---|---|
| Covered outlets | Yes |
| Automatic Voltage Regulation | Yes |
| AC outlets |
|
| DC outlets | No |
| Data center | VFT |
| Indicators | No |
| Fuel tank | Steel, 4.7 gal |
| Fuel gauge | Yes |
| Weight | 113.5 lbs |
|---|---|
| Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | 24.8 x 24.8 x 22.4 in |
| Noise (lower limit) | 68 dBA |
| THD | < 20% |
| Compliance | EPA, ANSI/PGMA G300-2023 |
| Security | Low oil, overload and Volt Guard™ surge protection, CO monitoring |
| Spark arrestor | Yes |
| Neutral | Floating |
| Accessories included | Oil, funnel, propane hose, and wheel kit |
| UPC | 817198026688 |
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 201279 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 | |
| Clothes iron | 1270 | 1270 | |
| Radio | 100 | 100 | |
| Total | 3362 W | 4362 W | |
| For camping | Radiant heater | 1300 | 1300 |
| RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
| Hair dryer | 1800 | 1900 | |
| Radio | 100 | 100 | |
| Total | 3380 W | 3800 W | |
| For work | Table saw | 1800 | 4500 |
| Reciprocating saw | 730 | 960 | |
| Total | 2530 W | 5230 W |
Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.
User Reviews
Flawless. I got 17.5 hours on gas.out of it.