Champion 201282 - 4000/5000W Portable Generator

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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Zoom on the Champion 201282

In a nutshell, the Champion 201282 is a compact portable generator mostly geared towards:

• RV travellers looking for even more independence
• People occasionally participating in outdoor fairs, festivals or events
• Homeowners who want to be sure of their ability to power their fridges, cooking tools, heating and lighting equipment during power failures

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 201282

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 an office), the generator's starting mechanism is centered around a manual recoil starter system.

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).

The 201282 is unsuitable for the powering of sensitive electronic devices due to its high THD (<20%).

Outlets

The control panel includes the following 4 AC outlets:

Duplex 120V 20A (5-20R)

120V 30A (TT-30R) receptacle

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

Featuring a TT-30R receptacle (TT for 'Travel Trailer'), this Champion generator is RV Ready, designed specifically for use with recreational vehicles. In addition, the 201282's twist-lock L14-30R receptacle makes it transfer switch ready, enabling hassle-free connection to your breaker box for powering your home during outages.

Portability

At L23.2 x W18.3 x H20.2 in, the standard open frame design of the Champion 201282 delivers stability alongside easy maintenance access to components and good air cooling. The generator is designed for ideal use outdoors and in rough environments.

While weighing 106 lbs, the generator is classified as 'portable,' indicating its mobility, albeit its heftiness may limit portability in specific situations. Opting for the official wheel kit (opens in a new tab) as an additional purchase can greatly enhance the generator's mobility.

Features

The 201282's control panel

To help you monitor the 201282's status and activity, its control panel is equipped with an Intelligauge meter, displaying voltage, frequency, and lifetime hours information.

The fuel level of the generator can be determined quickly, easily, and conveniently with the help of its built-in fuel gauge.

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.

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: funnel and oil. 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 a weight of 106 pounds, the Champion 201282 places in the expected weight range of the generators in the 3500-4500 rated wattage range. If weight is an important consideration for you, the WEN 56432iX stands out as one of the top contenders in this power category, with a dry weight of 52.9 pounds.
• This generator has a somewhat average expected noise for its power range, rated at 68 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 Westinghouse iGen5000DF, whose lowest noise levels reach just 52 dBA.
• Compared to devices of similar power, the 201282 stands out with one of the higher run times, lasting around 14 hours at 50% load. If runtime is a priority for you, the NorthStar c5500 stands out as one of the generators with the longest run time in its power range, providing around 15.1 hours of continuous use.
• Run time is crucial, but it heavily relies on the fuel tank's capacity. Thus, considering fuel efficiency alongside is essential. When operating at 50% load, the generator's fuel consumption is estimated at 0.34 GPH, placing it within the average range of gasoline usage among similarly powerful devices. If not satisfied with the afore-mentioned fuel consumption, you may wish to check out the Westinghouse iGen5000DF. With a fuel consumption of as little as 0.23 GPH, it is one of the most efficient generators currently on the market.

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 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

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