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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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Description

Convenient and versatile power is yours in the Champion 4000-watt RV Ready portable generator with CO Shield®. Rely on the Champion 224cc engine and enjoy up to 14 hours of run time at 50% load with a dBA of 68. (source: Champion (opens in a new tab))

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

The Champion 201282 in use

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 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:

Duplex 120V 20A (5-20R)
120V 30A (TT-30R) receptacle
120/240V 30A (L14-30R) receptacle

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

Panel of the Champion 201282

The 201282's control panel

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

STRENGTHS:
  • Inexpensive
  • CO Shield™ technology
  • Several accessories included
  • RV Ready
  • High run time
  • Fuel efficient
AVERAGE SPECS:
  • Decent weight (106 lbs)
  • Acceptable noise (68 dBA)
WEAKNESSES:
  • No electric start

Do you own the Champion 201282 and agree (or disagree) with these strengths and weaknesses?

Let us know and write your own review.

Features and Specifications

General
InverterNo
Parallel capableNo
RV readyYes
FuelGasoline
Engine224 cc OHV 4-stroke
Starting systemRecoil
Warranty3 years
Power
VoltageAC: 120/240V 60 Hz
Running watts4,000 W
Starting watts5,000 W
Running amps (@120/240V)33.3/16.7 amps
Peak amps (@120/240V)41.7/20.8 amps
Run time @50% load14 h
Run time @25% loadUnknown
Features
GFCI outletsNo
Covered outletsYes
Automatic Voltage RegulationYes
AC outlets
  • 1x Duplex 120V 20A (5-20R)
  • 1x 120V 30A (TT-30R)
  • 1x 120/240V 30A (L14-30R)
DC outletsNo
Data centerVFT
IndicatorsNo
Fuel tankSteel, 4.7 gal
Fuel gaugeYes
Misc
Weight106 lbs
Approx. dimensions (L x W x H)23.2 x 18.3 x 20.2 in
Noise (lower limit)68 dBA
THD< 20%
ComplianceCARB, EPA, ANSI/PGMA G300-2023
SecurityLow oil, overload and Volt Guard™ surge protection, CO monitoring
Spark arrestorYes
NeutralFloating
Accessories includedOil and funnel
Country of originVietnam
UPC817198026718

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.

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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?
Examples of items that can be simultaneously powered.
The examples below are based on a maximum load of 80% and estimated wattages. For a more accurate estimation, use our generator sizer.
ItemRunning WattsStarting Watts
At homeSump pump (1/2 hp)10502150
Furnace fan (1/2 hp)8752350
Refrigerator (energy star)1921192
Vacuum cleaner10751175
Total3192 W4667 W
For campingRadiant heater13001300
RV refrigerator180600
Electric grill16501650
Set of 5 LED light bulbs5555
Total3185 W3605 W
For workTable saw18004500
Electric fence (25 miles)250250
Bug zapper8080
Total2130 W4830 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.

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Champion 201282
4.5 Total Score
2 reviews
Add your review
Price
3
Value
4.5
Quality
5
Performance
5.5

User Reviews

Most Recent Most Helpful Highest Rating Lowest Rating Add your review
  1. 2.15
    Price
    20
    Value
    60
    Quality
    50
    Performance
    40

    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

    + PROS:
    • Runs great made it through a whole winter does the 14 hours great on gas
    - CONS:
    • Recoil ain't that good the little springs that hold the throttle are very flimsy
    Helpful(0) Unhelpful(0)You have already voted this
  2. Avatar
    Talina Morelock January 18, 2023 at 6:57 pm
    2.4
    Price
    40
    Value
    30
    Quality
    50
    Performance
    70

    Manual doesn’t have a whole lot of info about the product

    + PROS:
    • Runs 14hrs on full tank of gas
    - CONS:
    • Can't get hours properly after 999
    Helpful(0) Unhelpful(0)You have already voted this

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