Champion 201281 - 7500/9375W Dual Fuel Generator With Electric Start
The Champion 201281 is a portable open frame dual fuel generator with a rated wattage of 7,500 W and a starting wattage of 9,375 W. (Read full specs)
Amazon 
Farm & Fleet 
Acme Tools 
Walmart 
Ace Hardware Price history for the Champion 201281
Page Content
Description
Zoom on the Champion 201281
In short, the Champion 201281 is a portable generator adequately designed for:
- Food van owners who know that just a short power outage could lose them hundreds of dollars
- Homeowners in need of an emergency backup power for their essentials
- Professionals who want to be able to deliver results, even during a power failure
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 201281
The dual-fuel technology of the Champion 201281 allows for an output of 120/240V and provides superb power and versatility. If gasoline-powered, the device provides a running wattage of 7,500W and a starting wattage of 9,375W. If propane-powered, it gives 6,750 rated watts and 8,400 starting watts.
The generator, rated for a noise of 74 dBA (just slightly more noisy than a vacuum cleaner), provides flexibility in starting, offering both a standard recoil pull-rope starting mechanism and a user-friendly and efficient electric starter (battery included).
Regarding its running time, the 201281, with a 7.7 gallons fuel capacity, can operate for around 10 hours at 50% load with a full tank of gasoline (fuel consumption around 0.77 GPH). When using propane, it can run for around 5.5 hours (on a 20 lbs tank - propane consumption around 0.85 GPH).
The 201281 is unsuitable for the powering of sensitive electronic devices due to its high THD (<20%).
Outlets
The control panel is equipped with the following 6 AC outlets:
While this Champion generator is not RV Ready, its L5-30R receptacle can be used for a simple RV connection with an L5-30P to TT-30R adaptor. Besides, since it boasts a twist-lock L14-30R receptacle, the 201281 is engineered to be transfer switch ready, ensuring easy integration with your breaker box to provide backup power to your home during outages.
Portability
With dimensions of L28.8 x W27.7 x H26.1 in, the traditional open frame design of the Champion 201281 ensures stability while allowing easy maintenance access to components and promoting effective air cooling. This type of design is ideal for tough environments and heavy outdoor use.
As the generator's weight is 205 pounds, manually moving it or transporting it may be challenging, despite the fact that it is technically considered 'portable' (movable). However, the limited maneuverability is remedied with its wheel kit (⌀9.5") and its folding handle, facilitating convenient shifting once the generator is positioned on the ground.
Features
The 201281's control panel
For easy status and activity monitoring of the 201281, its control panel integrates a digital Intelligauge data center, offering insights into the lifetime run hours, power output, voltage and frequency.
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 automatic low oil shut-off and an overload protection (circuit breaker), 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 standard documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab) to facilitate setup, the Champion 201281 features extra accessories: oil, propane hose and funnel.
Product Video
The Champion 201281 versus other generators
The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Champion 201281 compare to dual fuel generators of similar power (between 7000 and 8000 W).
- As its weight is 205 pounds, the Champion 201281 falls in the expected weight range of the dual fuel devices in the 7000-8000 rated wattage category. Regarding dry weight, one of the champions in the same power range is the Sportsman GEN85KIDF, with a dry weight of only 133 lbs.
- This generator has a somewhat average expected noise for its type and power range, rated at 74 dBA. If you’d prefer a less noisy device, one of the most quiet devices, which share the same power range with this one, is the DuroMax XP9500iH, whose lowest noise levels reach just 61 dBA.
- With a runtime of around 10 hours under a 50% load on a full tank, the 201281 falls within the average autonomy range among the dual fuel generators of a similar power. 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 Firman H07553, with around 12 hours.
- Run time is crucial, but it heavily relies on the fuel tank's capacity. Thus, considering fuel efficiency alongside is essential. In terms of fuel efficiency within its wattage range, this generator falls short: it consumes approximately 0.77 GPH at a 50% load. To prioritize fuel savings, we advise considering the Cummins Onan P9500df, which stands out for its gasoline efficiency, consuming just 0.6 gallons per hour.
Price comparison
As you can see from these interactive charts, when compared to other 7000-8000W dual fuel generators, the Champion 201281 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
- GFCI Outlets
- Electric start
- Decent weight (205 lbs)
- Acceptable noise (74 dBA)
- Decent run time
- No 50-amp output
- No remote start
- Low fuel efficiency
Do you own the Champion 201281 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 | No |
| Fuel | Dual Fuel (gasoline/propane) |
| Engine | 439 cc OHV 4-stroke |
| Starting system | Recoil, Electric |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| Voltage | AC: 120/240V 60 Hz |
| Gasoline | Propane | |
|---|---|---|
| Running watts | 7,500 W | 6,750 W |
| Starting watts | 9,375 W | 8,400 W |
| Running amps (@120/240V) | 62.5/31.3 amps | 56.3/28.1 amps |
| Peak amps (@120/240V) | 78.1/39.1 amps | 70/35 amps |
| Run time @50% load | 10 h | 5.5 h |
| Run time @25% load | Unknown | Unknown |
| GFCI outlets | Yes |
|---|---|
| Covered outlets | Yes |
| Automatic Voltage Regulation | Yes |
| AC outlets |
|
| DC outlets | No |
| Data center | Power output, lifetime run hours, voltage and frequency |
| Indicators | No |
| Fuel tank | Steel, 7.7 gal |
| Fuel gauge | Yes |
| Weight | 205 lbs |
|---|---|
| Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | 28.8 x 27.7 x 26.1 in |
| Noise (lower limit) | 74 dBA |
| THD | < 20% |
| Compliance | EPA, ANSI/PGMA G300-2023 |
| Security | Low oil, overload and Volt Guard™ surge protection, CO monitoring |
| Spark arrestor | Yes |
| Neutral | Bonded to frame |
| Accessories included | Oil, funnel, propane hose, battery, and wheel kit |
| Other model numbers | 201277 |
| UPC | 817198026701 |
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 201281 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 | AC (10,000 BTU) | 1500 | 2200 |
| Microwave (1000 watts) | 1500 | 1500 | |
| Electric fry pan | 1500 | 1500 | |
| Sump pump (1/2 hp) | 1050 | 2150 | |
| Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 | |
| Satelite receiver | 250 | 250 | |
| Total | 5992 W | 7092 W | |
| For camping | RV AC (11,000 BTU) | 1010 | 1600 |
| RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
| Hair dryer | 1800 | 1900 | |
| Electric grill | 1650 | 1650 | |
| Radiant heater | 1300 | 1300 | |
| Set of 5 LED light bulbs | 55 | 55 | |
| Total | 5995 W | 6585 W | |
| For work | Table saw | 1800 | 4500 |
| Air compressor (1 hp) | 1600 | 6100 | |
| Grinder | 1400 | 2500 | |
| Total | 4800 W | 9300 W |
Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.
