Champion 201281 - 7500/9375W Dual Fuel Generator With Electric Start

In a few words, the Champion 201281 is a portable generator perfectly suited for:

• Food truck owners who want to ensure that their business is fully self-contained and does not rely on potentially unreliable external power
• Homeowners who want to be sure of their ability to power their fridges, cooking tools, heating and lighting equipment during power failures
• Professionals who want to be able to deliver results, even during a power failure

In the forthcoming sections, you'll delve into its power characteristics, the various outlets it offers, its overall portability, and the additional features it boasts.

Power & Run Time

The Champion 201281

Featuring dual-fuel technology, the Champion 201281 provides 120/240V, and offers both power and versatility. Running on gasoline, it delivers a running wattage of 7,500W and a starting wattage of 9,375W. When propane-powered, it offers 6,750 running watts and 8,400 starting watts.

The generator features a conventional pull-start mechanism and also an easy-to-use and reliable electric starter (battery included). It is rated for a noise of 74 dBA (just slightly more noisy than a vacuum cleaner).

Regarding its running time, the 201281, with a 7.7 gallons fuel tank, can operate for around 10 hours at 50% load with a full gasoline tank (with fuel consumption estimated at around 0.77 gallons per hour). It also offers around 5.5 hours (on a 20 lbs tank - propane consumption around 0.85 GPH) of operation when using propane.

Considering its high Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) of less than 20%, it is not recommended to rely on the 201281 for powering sensitive electronic devices.

Outlets

The control panel includes 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, as it features a twist-lock L14-30R receptacle, the 201281 is transfer switch ready: in case of a power outage, you will be easily able to connect it to a breaker box and power your household.

Portability

Measuring L28.8 x W27.7 x H26.1 in, the classic open frame build of the Champion 201281 delivers stability and easy maintenance access to components, facilitating air circulation. The featured design is ideal for the outdoors and all tough environments.

Despite its weight of 205 lbs, the generator is still considered 'portable,' meaning it is movable, although its heftiness may restrict portability in certain environments or require additional considerations for transportation and setup. Nevertheless, thanks to its wheel kit (⌀9.5") and its folding handle (a decent solution to its lack of maneuverability), the generator can be easily moved, once placed 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 voltage, power output, lifetime run hours and frequency.

A built-in fuel gauge allows for a quick, easy and convenient check of the fuel level of the generator.

As far as security is concerned, the generator comes with an overload protection (circuit breaker) and an automatic low oil shut-off, providing peace of mind during use. 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.

Beyond the standard documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab) to assist with setup, the Champion 201281 ships with supplementary accessories: oil, funnel and propane hose.