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)

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• 100814

  Gas

• 201281

  Dual fuel

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:

Two Duplexes 120V 20A (5-20R) GFCI

120V 30A (L5-30R) receptacle

120/240V 30A (L14-30R) receptacle

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).

• At 205 lbs dry, the Champion 201281 is consistent with the standard weight profile for dual fuel devices ranging from 7000 to 8000 rated watts. Regarding dry weight, one of the champions in the same power range is the Sportsman GEN85KIDF, with a dry weight of only 133 lbs.
• Because this generator emits noise as low as 74 dBA, it can be considered to have a pretty average expected noise rating for a device of its power. If noise emissions are one of your priorities, you may want to take a look at the DuroMax XP9500iH. It's one of the quietest options among generators of similar power, rated at 61 dBA.
• At a 50% load, the 201281 offers around 10 hours of runtime on a full tank, placing it within the average autonomy range among dual fuel generators of similar power level. If run time is one of your main concerns, the Firman H07553 could be worth looking at. It boasts one of the highest run times among units of comparable power, lasting around 12 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. Compared to its peers, this generator is not exactly fuel-efficient, compared to similarly powerful devices, with an estimated fuel consumption of 0.77 GPH at a 50% load. If you wish to get a unit of similar power, but with one of the best fuel efficiency, you could consider the Cummins Onan P9500df, which has an impressively low fuel consumption of 0.6 GPH.

Price comparison

The bottom line

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

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