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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Ace Hardware | Price history for the Champion 201281 |
|---|
| Highest Price $1,099.99 Lowest Price $939.99 Current Price $999.99 |
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Description
Zoom on the Champion 201281
In summary, the Champion 201281 is a portable generator especially useful for:
- Food truck owners who do not wish to see their business interrupted under any circumstances
- 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 following paragraphs, we shall explore the power characteristics, available outlets, portability, and any additional features of the device.
Power & Run Time
The Champion 201281
With its dual-fuel technology, the Champion 201281 delivers 120/240V, and offers power and flexibility. Running on gasoline, it boasts a running wattage of 7,500W and a peak wattage of 9,375W. When powered by propane, it delivers 6,750 running watts and 8,400 peak watts.
Enjoying a noise rating of 74 dBA (just slightly more noisy than a dishwasher), this generator can be started thanks to a simple traditional pull-start mechanism, but also to an intuitive and practical electric starter (battery included).
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 is equipped with the following 6 AC outlets:
While not classified as 'RV Ready,' this Champion generator can still provides the advantage of RV connection via its L5-30R receptacle, ensuring power supply to your RV with an L5-30P to TT-30R adaptor. Besides, with its twist-lock L14-30R receptacle, the 201281 is configured to be transfer switch ready, allowing straightforward connection to your breaker box to supply backup power to your home during outages.
Portability
At L28.8 x W27.7 x H26.1 in, the Champion 201281 boasts a traditional open frame structure, ensuring stability and allowing for convenient maintenance access to components, promoting air circulation. The design is ideal for rough environments and demanding outdoor use.
While technically classified as 'portable' due to its ability to be moved, the 205 lbs of this generator may make manual lifting and transportation somewhat difficult. Still, once it is on the ground, its wheel kit (⌀9.5") and its folding handle can easily solve the issue of low mobility and allow for easy relocation of the device.
Features
The 201281's control panel
With a digital Intelligauge data center integrated into its control panel, the 201281 provides real-time insights into the power output, lifetime run hours, frequency and voltage, enabling easy monitoring of its status and activity.
The inclusion of a built-in fuel gauge in the generator streamlines gas level checks for quick and convenient assessments.
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.
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: funnel, oil and propane hose.
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).
- Since the generator weighs in at a dry weight of 205 lbs, the Champion 201281 belongs in the expected weight range for dual fuel devices which can produce between 7000 and 8000 rated watts. Weight-conscious users may find the Sportsman GEN85KIDF appealing, as it is one of the top contenders in this power range, weighing just 133 pounds.
- With noise emissions rated as low as 74 dBA, this generator falls within the typical noise range expected for devices of similar type and power. 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.
- The 201281, falls within the average autonomy range compared to dual fuel generators of a roughly same power, with a run time of around 10 hours at a 50% load and a full tank. If runtime is a priority for you, the Firman H07553 stands out as one of the generators with the longest run time in its power range, providing around 12 hours of continuous use.
- While run time is vital, it hinges on the fuel capacity. To grasp the full picture, we must also factor in fuel efficiency. This generator is rather wasteful, compared to other devices within the aforementioned output range, when it comes to gasoline consumption, as it reaches roughly 0.77 GPH at a 50% load. If you wish to further improve in the area of fuel efficiency, the Cummins Onan P9500df, which boasts with a gas consumption of only 0.6 GPH, may be the right generator for you.
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 | Sump pump (1/2 hp) | 1050 | 2150 |
| Furnace fan (1/2 hp) | 875 | 2350 | |
| Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 | |
| Electric range | 2100 | 2100 | |
| Electric grill | 1650 | 1650 | |
| Radio | 100 | 100 | |
| Total | 5967 W | 7442 W | |
| For camping | Radiant heater | 1300 | 1300 |
| RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
| Hair dryer | 1800 | 1900 | |
| Electric grill | 1650 | 1650 | |
| RV AC (11,000 BTU) | 1010 | 1600 | |
| 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.
