The Champion 201282 is a compact open frame generator with a rated wattage of 4,000 W and a starting wattage of 5,000 W. (Read full specs)
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Description
Zoom on the Champion 201282
In summary, the Champion 201282 is a compact portable generator especially useful for:
- RV travellers who wish to upgrade their experience to another level
- People occasionally participating in sporting competitions, open-air performances and outdoor festivals
- Homeowners who want to be sure of their ability to power their fridges, cooking tools, heating and lighting equipment during power failures
Over the following sections, you'll uncover its power characteristics, the selection of outlets it offers, its overall portability, and the supplementary features it includes.
Power & Run Time
Featuring a 224 cc OHV 4-stroke engine, the Champion 201282 operates using gasoline, providing 120/240V, with a running wattage of 4,000W and a starting wattage of 5,000W.
With a noise rating of 68 dBA (less noisy than background music), the generator's starting mechanism is centered around a traditional recoil pull-start mechanism.
Featuring a 4.7 gallons fuel tank, the 201282 can provide power for around 14 hours at 50% load on a full tank (with fuel consumption averaging 0.34 gallons per hour).
Since the 201282 has a high THD (<20%), it is advisable to not use it for the powering of sensitive electronic devices.
Outlets
The control panel is equipped with the following 4 AC outlets:
With its TT-30R receptacle (TT standing for 'Travel Trailer'), this Champion generator is RV Ready, perfectly suited for powering recreational vehicles. In addition, since it boasts a twist-lock L14-30R receptacle, the 201282 is engineered to be transfer switch ready, ensuring easy integration with your breaker box to provide backup power to your home during outages.
Portability
At L23.2 x W18.3 x H20.2 in, the traditional open frame structure of the Champion 201282 ensures stability while facilitating convenient maintenance access to components and promoting air cooling. The featured design is ideal for the outdoors and all tough environments.
Despite its 106 lbs, the generator falls under the category of 'portable,' signifying its movability, although its weight may hinder easy portability. Thus, you may also want to consider purchasing its official wheel kit (opens in a new tab).
Features
The 201282's status and activity may be monitored conveniently via the control panel, as it features an Intelligauge meter, showing voltage, frequency, and lifetime hours metrics.
A built-in fuel gauge allows for a quick, easy and convenient check of the fuel level of the generator.
In terms of security, the generator features an automatic low oil shut-off and an overload protection (circuit breaker), ensuring peace of mind during its 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.
While the standard documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), helpful for starting the device promptly, come with the Champion 201282, the following accessories are also included: oil and funnel. The official storage cover and running cover are also available, as separate purchases.
Product Video
The Champion 201282 versus other generators
The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Champion 201282 compare to generators of similar power (between 3500 and 4500 W).
- At 106 lbs in dry weight, the Champion 201282 fits well within the typical weight bracket for generators producing 3500 to 4500 rated watts. If weight is a key factor for your needs, the Genmax GM4600iAEFIC is noteworthy for being one of the top contenders in this power range, with a dry weight of 58.4 pounds.
- The generator can be considered average in its noise for its power category, as it is rated at 68 dBA. If noise is a concern for you, you could consider the Westinghouse iGen5000DF, which is one of the least noisy generators in its power range, rated at 52 dBA.
- Among its devices with similar power, the 201282 offers one of the higher run times, running for around 14 hours at 50% load. Concerning the run times, one of the several devices with a comparable output, offering the highest autonomy, is the Predator 4375, which is able to run for around 16 hours.
- While the run time is an important parameter, it is dependent on the fuel tank's capacity and thus, doesn't say much on its own unless we consider fuel consumption as well. This generator, with an estimated fuel consumption of just 0.34 GPH (gallon per hour) at 50% load, is one of the more fuel-efficient generators, for the previously mentioned wattage range. If you're placing a high priority on fuel consumption, the Westinghouse iGen5000DF, with a low fuel consumption rate of 0.23 GPH, could be an option to consider.
Price comparison
As you can see from these interactive charts, when compared to other 3500-4500W generators, the Champion 201282 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
- CO Shield™ technology
- Several accessories included
- RV Ready
- High run time
- Fuel efficient
- Decent weight (106 lbs)
- Acceptable noise (68 dBA)
- No electric start
Features and Specifications
Inverter | No |
---|---|
Parallel capable | No |
RV ready | Yes |
Fuel | Gasoline |
Engine | 224 cc OHV 4-stroke |
Starting system | Recoil |
Warranty | 3 years |
Voltage | AC: 120/240V 60 Hz |
---|---|
Running watts | 4,000 W |
Starting watts | 5,000 W |
Running amps (@120/240V) | 33.3/16.7 amps |
Peak amps (@120/240V) | 41.7/20.8 amps |
Run time @50% load | 14 h |
Run time @25% load | Unknown |
GFCI outlets | No |
---|---|
Covered outlets | Yes |
Automatic Voltage Regulation | Yes |
AC outlets |
|
DC outlets | No |
Data center | VFT |
Indicators | No |
Fuel tank | Steel, 4.7 gal |
Fuel gauge | Yes |
Weight | 106 lbs |
---|---|
Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | 23.2 x 18.3 x 20.2 in |
Noise (lower limit) | 68 dBA |
THD | < 20% |
Compliance | CARB, EPA, ANSI/PGMA G300-2023 |
Security | Low oil, overload and Volt Guard™ surge protection, CO monitoring |
Spark arrestor | Yes |
Neutral | Floating |
Accessories included | Oil and funnel |
Country of origin | Vietnam |
UPC | 817198026718 |
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.
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 201282 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 | |
Vacuum cleaner | 1075 | 1175 | |
Total | 3192 W | 4667 W | |
For camping | Radiant heater | 1300 | 1300 |
RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
Electric grill | 1650 | 1650 | |
Set of 5 LED light bulbs | 55 | 55 | |
Total | 3185 W | 3605 W | |
For work | Table saw | 1800 | 4500 |
Electric fence (25 miles) | 250 | 250 | |
Bug zapper | 80 | 80 | |
Total | 2130 W | 4830 W |
Can you reset the running hours nine hit 999hrs and won't count any further (Asked January 18, 2023)
Not sure is this can be easily achieved. You should contact Champion to know more. There are chances they will tell you to replace the meter. Alternatively, you can consider a virabtion-activated hour meter.
Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.
User Reviews
Not bad of a generator recoil just went trying to get a hold of people for the warranty cover under a 3-year but it is so hard to get through to anybody I think the warranty should be a little easier for people to get to
Manual doesn’t have a whole lot of info about the product