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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

In short, the Champion 201279 is a portable generator adequately designed for:

  • RV travellers wishing to enhance their freedom and nomad lifestyle
  • People occasionally participating in outdoor fairs, festivals or events
  • Homeowners who want to be able to use the most necessary devices in their household, even during a blackout

In the following paragraphs, we shall explore the power characteristics, available outlets, portability, and any additional features of the device.

Power & Run Time

The Champion 201279 in use

The Champion 201279

With its dual-fuel technology, the powerful and versatile Champion 201279 provides an output of 120V. While gasoline-powered, it gives a running wattage of 4,250W along with a peak wattage of 5,300W. While propane-powered, it provides 3,825 rated watts and 4,780 starting watts.

With a noise rating of 68 dBA (less noisy than background music), the generator features a conventional pull-start mechanism.

Concerning its running time, the 201279, featuring a 4.7 gallons fuel tank, can continuously run for around 14 hours at 50% load with a full gasoline tank (consuming fuel at approximately 0.34 gallons per hour). Alternatively, when utilizing propane, it offers around 10.5 hours (on a 20 lbs tank - propane consumption around 0.45 GPH) of runtime.

As the 201279 exhibits a THD of less than 20%, which is high, it is best avoided for powering sensitive electronic devices.

Outlets

The control panel features 4 AC outlets as follows:

Duplex 120V 20A (5-20R)
120V 30A (L5-30R) receptacle
120V 30A (TT-30R) receptacle

Featuring a TT-30R receptacle (TT for 'Travel Trailer'), this Champion generator is RV Ready, designed specifically for use 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 generator is designed for ideal use outdoors and in rough environments.

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. 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

Panel of the Champion 201279

The 201279's control panel

The control panel of the 201279 includes an Intelligauge meter, offering voltage, frequency, and lifetime hours readings, helpful for the monitoring of its status and activity.

Thanks to its built-in fuel gauge, the generator allows you to quickly, conveniently, and easily check the gas level at a glance.

Considering security aspects, the generator boasts an overload protection (circuit breaker) and an automatic low oil shut-off, offering peace of mind throughout 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.

Alongside the standard documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab) for quick setup, the Champion 201279 is bundled with additional accessories: propane hose, funnel and oil.

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 in at 113.5 lbs, the Champion 201279 is one of the heavier dual fuel generators available in the 3500-4500 rated wattage segment. Regarding dry weight, one of the champions in the same power range is the WEN DF402iX, with a dry weight of only 66.1 lbs.
  • 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.
  • With a run time of around 14 hours at 50% load, the 201279 has one of the higher run times, compared to its similarly powerful peers. If run time is one of your main concerns, the Westinghouse iGen5000DF could be worth looking at. It boasts one of the highest run times among units of comparable power, lasting around 15 hours.
  • The run time is important, but also hugely depends on the capacity of the fuel tank and doesn't mean much if we don't talk about fuel consumption as well. As this generator uses an estimated 0.34 GPH (gallon per hour) at a 50% load, it finds itself in the average gasoline consumption range of similar products. If fuel consumption is your top priority, we suggest to check out the Westinghouse iGen5000DF, which has a fuel consumption of only 0.23 GPH and thus, is one of the most efficient devices in our database.

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 average side of the price range.

Therefore, this generator nicely fits in the expected budget for this kind of product.

The bottom line

STRENGTHS:
  • In the expected price range
  • Dual fuel
  • CO Shield™ technology
  • Several accessories included
  • RV Ready
  • High run time
AVERAGE SPECS:
  • Acceptable noise (68 dBA)
  • Decent fuel efficiency
WEAKNESSES:
  • 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

General
InverterNo
Parallel capableNo
RV readyYes
FuelDual Fuel (gasoline/propane)
Engine224 cc OHV 4-stroke
Starting systemRecoil
Warranty3 years
VoltageAC: 120V 60 Hz
Power
GasolinePropane
Running watts4,250 W3,825 W
Starting watts5,300 W4,780 W
Running amps35.4 amps31.9 amps
Peak amps44.2 amps39.8 amps
Run time @50% load14 h10.5 h
Run time @25% loadUnknownUnknown
Features
GFCI outletsNo
Covered outletsYes
Automatic Voltage RegulationYes
AC outlets
  • 1x Duplex 120V 20A (5-20R)
  • 1x 120V 30A (L5-30R)
  • 1x 120V 30A (TT-30R)
DC outletsNo
Data centerVFT
IndicatorsNo
Fuel tankSteel, 4.7 gal
Fuel gaugeYes
Misc
Weight113.5 lbs
Approx. dimensions (L x W x H)24.8 x 24.8 x 22.4 in
Noise (lower limit)68 dBA
THD< 20%
ComplianceEPA, ANSI/PGMA G300-2023
SecurityLow oil, overload and Volt Guard™ surge protection, CO monitoring
Spark arrestorYes
NeutralFloating
Accessories includedOil, funnel, propane hose, and wheel kit
UPC817198026688

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.

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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?
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 homeElectric fry pan15001500
Microwave (1000 watts)15001500
Refrigerator (energy star)1921192
Security system180180
Total3372 W4372 W
For campingRV AC (11,000 BTU)10101600
RV refrigerator180600
Hair dryer18001900
Blender400850
Total3390 W3980 W
For workTable saw18004500
Reciprocating saw730960
Total2530 W5230 W

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