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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Description
Zoom on the Champion 201279
To sum up, the Champion 201279 is a portable generator tailored for:
- RV travellers who wish to upgrade their experience to another level
- People occasionally participating in outdoor fairs, festivals or events
- Homeowners who want to be sure of their ability to power their fridges, cooking tools, heating and lighting equipment during power failures
The subsequent sections will explore in detail its power characteristics, the diverse outlets it provides, its overall portability, and the supplementary features it offers.
Power & Run Time
The Champion 201279
Delivering 120V, the Champion 201279 is enhanced by dual-fuel technology, providing power and versatility. Running on gasoline, it boasts a running wattage of 4,250W and a starting wattage of 5,300W. Alternatively, when propane-powered, it delivers 3,825 running watts and 4,780 starting watts.
The generator is rated for a noise of 68 dBA (less noisy than an office). Its starting mechanism is based on a standard recoil pull-rope starting mechanism.
Regarding its running time, the 201279, with a 4.7 gallons fuel capacity, can operate for around 14 hours at 50% load with a full tank of gasoline (fuel consumption around 0.34 GPH). When using propane, it can run for around 10.5 hours (on a 20 lbs tank - propane consumption around 0.45 GPH).
Given the 201279's high Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) of less than 20%, it is advisable to avoid using it to power sensitive electronic devices.
Outlets
The control panel features the following 4 AC outlets:
Thanks to its TT-30R receptacle (TT meaning 'Travel Trailer'), this Champion generator is RV Ready, ready to power your recreational vehicle with ease.
Portability
At L24.8 x W24.8 x H22.4 in, the Champion 201279 boasts a traditional open frame structure, ensuring stability and allowing for convenient maintenance access to components, promoting air circulation. This type of design is ideal for tough environments and heavy outdoor use.
Even though this device may be technically portable (as in movable), manipulation and transportation without special equipment can be a challenge, as it weighs 113.5 pounds. Still, once it is on the ground, its wheel kit (⌀8") and its folding handle can easily solve the issue of low mobility and allow for easy relocation of the device.
Features
The 201279's control panel
Included in the control panel of the 201279 are an Intelligauge meter, displaying voltage, frequency, and lifetime hours information, essential for monitoring its status and activity.
Featuring a built-in fuel gauge, the generator offers quick, convenient, and easy gas level checks at a glance.
From a security standpoint, the generator is furnished with an overload protection (circuit breaker) and an automatic low oil shut-off, ensuring peace of mind during operation. 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.
Apart from the typical documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), which lets you start it right away, the Champion 201279 also is packed along with the following accessories: oil, propane hose and funnel.
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).
- Considering its dry weight of 113.5 pounds, the Champion 201279 is one of the heavier dual fuel generators producing between 3500 and 4500 running watts. If weight is a key factor for your needs, the Pulsar PGX5250BiXCO is noteworthy for being one of the top contenders in this power range, with a dry weight of 64 pounds.
- Given its rated noise level of 68 dBA, this generator aligns with the average expected noise rating for devices of similar type and power. 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.
- Compared to dual fuel devices of similar power, the 201279 stands out with one of the higher run times, lasting around 14 hours at 50% load. 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.
- Run times are important, yet thanks to their dependence on the fuel capacity, they should be judged along with the fuel consumption of the device. Standing at an estimated 0.34 GPH (gallon per hour) at a 50% load, this generator is somewhat average in this area compared to other devices, within the aforementioned wattage range. If you wish to further improve in the area of fuel efficiency, the Westinghouse iGen5000DF, which boasts with a gas consumption of only 0.23 GPH, may be the right generator for you.
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 | Dish washer | 1500 | 3000 |
| AC (10,000 BTU) | 1500 | 2200 | |
| Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 | |
| Security system | 180 | 180 | |
| Total | 3372 W | 4872 W | |
| For camping | RV AC (11,000 BTU) | 1010 | 1600 |
| RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
| Hair dryer | 1800 | 1900 | |
| Blender | 400 | 850 | |
| Total | 3390 W | 3980 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.