Champion 201284 - 8000/10000W Dual Fuel Generator With Electric Start
The Champion 201284 is a portable open frame dual fuel generator with a rated wattage of 8,000 W and a starting wattage of 10,000 W. (Read full specs)
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Amazon Price history for the Champion 201284
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Description
Zoom on the Champion 201284
In a few words, the Champion 201284 is a portable generator perfectly suited for:
- Food van owners who know that just a short power outage could lose them hundreds of dollars
- Homeowners who want to be able to use the most necessary devices in their household, even during a blackout
- Professionals who want to ensure that a power failure will not prevent them from working
- RV travellers looking for even more independence
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 201284
With its dual-fuel technology, the powerful and versatile Champion 201284 provides an output of 120/240V. While gasoline-powered, it gives a running wattage of 8,000W along with a peak wattage of 10,000W. While propane-powered, it provides 7,200 rated watts and 9,000 starting watts.
Enjoying a noise rating of 74 dBA (just slightly more noisy than a shower), this generator can be started thanks to a conventional pull-start mechanism, but also to a straightforward and intuitive electric starter (battery included).
With a fuel capacity of 7.7 gallons, the 201284 can operate for around 10 hours at 50% load using gasoline (fuel consumption around 0.77 GPH), or for around 5 hours (on a 20 lbs tank - propane consumption around 0.94 GPH) using propane.
Due to the high THD (<20%) of the 201284, it is advised against using it for powering sensitive electronic devices.
Outlets
The control panel includes the following 6 AC outlets:
If you own an RV with a 50-amp service, you can consider this Champion unit as RV-ready, as it features a 14-50R outlet. In addition, thanks to its twist-lock L14-30R receptacle, the 201284 is transfer switch ready, facilitating easy hookup to your breaker box to provide backup power for your home during blackouts.
Portability
With dimensions of L28.7 x W28.5 x H25.8 in, the standard open frame design of the Champion 201284 provides stability and easy maintenance access to components, as well as good air circulation. The design is ideal for rough environments and demanding outdoor use.
Since the generator weighs 208 lbs, it could be potentially be difficult to manually lift it and transport it, even though it is technically considered to 'be portable' (in the sense that it is movable). Nonetheless, the limited maneuverability is compensated for by utilizing its wheel kit (⌀9.5") and its folding handle, which facilitates shifting once the generator is set on the ground.
Features
The 201284's control panel
The control panel of the 201284 is equipped with an Intelligauge meter, displaying voltage, frequency, and lifetime hours information, aiding in monitoring its status and activity.
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 product offers an automatic low oil shut-off and an overload protection (circuit breaker), allowing you to use it with a peace of mind. 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.
Apart from the standard documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab) to facilitate setup, the Champion 201284 features extra accessories: oil, propane hose and funnel. The official storage cover and running cover are also available, as separate purchases.
Product Video
The Champion 201284 versus other generators
The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Champion 201284 compare to dual fuel generators of similar power (between 7500 and 8500 W).
- Weighing in at 208 lbs, the Champion 201284 fits within the expected weight range for dual fuel devices producing 7500 to 8500 rated watts. If you are concerned by weight, one of the champions in the above-mentioned power range is the Pulsar PGL9000BCO, with a dry weight of just 149 pounds.
- Because this generator emits noise as low as 74 dBA, it can be considered to have a pretty average expected noise rating for a device of its power. If you are concerned with noise, check out the DuroMax XP9500iH, which is one of the least noisy generators in its power range, with a noise rating of just 61 dBA.
- With a runtime of around 10 hours under a 50% load on a full tank, the 201284 falls within the average autonomy range among the dual fuel generators of a similar power. If extended autonomy is what matters most to you, the Firman H07553 could be an excellent choice, offering one of the longest run times among units in its power category, reaching around 12 hours.
- Run time is crucial, but it heavily relies on the fuel tank's capacity. Thus, considering fuel efficiency alongside is essential. In terms of fuel efficiency within its wattage range, this generator falls short: it consumes approximately 0.77 GPH at a 50% load. If minimizing fuel usage is one of your key priorities, the Powerhorse s10500id is one of the most efficient devices with similar power output, with a gasoline consumption of only 0.59 gallons per hour.
Price comparison
As you can see from these interactive charts, when compared to other 7500-8500W dual fuel generators, the Champion 201284 is on the average side of the price range.
Therefore, this generator nicely fits in the expected budget for this kind of product.
The bottom line
- In the expected price range
- Dual fuel
- CO Shield™ technology
- GFCI Outlets
- Electric start
- Decent weight (208 lbs)
- Acceptable noise (74 dBA)
- Decent run time
- No remote start
- Low fuel efficiency
Do you own the Champion 201284 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 | 458 cc OHV 4-stroke |
| Starting system | Recoil, Electric |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| Voltage | AC: 120/240V 60 Hz |
| Gasoline | Propane | |
|---|---|---|
| Running watts | 8,000 W | 7,200 W |
| Starting watts | 10,000 W | 9,000 W |
| Running amps (@120/240V) | 66.7/33.3 amps | 60/30 amps |
| Peak amps (@120/240V) | 83.3/41.7 amps | 75/37.5 amps |
| Run time @50% load | 10 h | 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 | VFT |
| Indicators | No |
| Fuel tank | Steel, 7.7 gal |
| Fuel gauge | Yes |
| Weight | 208 lbs |
|---|---|
| Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | 28.7 x 28.5 x 25.8 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 |
| UPC | 817198026732 |
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 201284 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 | Electric fry pan | 1500 | 1500 |
| AC (10,000 BTU) | 1500 | 2200 | |
| Dish washer | 1500 | 3000 | |
| Microwave (1000 watts) | 1500 | 1500 | |
| Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 | |
| Security system | 180 | 180 | |
| Total | 6372 W | 7872 W | |
| For camping | RV AC (11,000 BTU) | 1010 | 1600 |
| RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
| Hair dryer | 1800 | 1900 | |
| Electric grill | 1650 | 1650 | |
| Microwave (1000 watts) | 1500 | 1500 | |
| Satelite receiver | 250 | 250 | |
| Total | 6390 W | 6980 W | |
| For work | Table saw | 1800 | 4500 |
| Air compressor (1 hp) | 1600 | 6100 | |
| Grinder | 1400 | 2500 | |
| Paint sprayer | 600 | 600 | |
| Bug zapper | 80 | 80 | |
| Total | 5480 W | 9980 W |
Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.
User Reviews
we .just got it. we are happy with the generator. started right up, was really easy to put together
I had to use my generator for the first time last night. It started running around 3:30 pm and ran until 7:00 pm when power was restored – on less than a half tank of gas. It ran with no problems at all. I really liked the way I could tell when power was restored because the lights flickered. I then turned all the breakers off and turned off the generator. Turned breakers back on and sure enough, power was restored. I would recommend this generator! Best investment for living in the country.
Good generator like the propane option noise is not an issue being located far away from people. Weight is not a problem either since its stationary. Electric start is awesome since I can’t pull start anymore. Can’t seem to get this thing to run more than 2 hours with out shutting down don’t plan on anything from tech support or tractor supply nobody wants to know anything.
This unit is not ready to go from the store. Does not describe why there is no power from the unit after it is started in the manual or the control panel. Very frustrating and still having problems.
For the price great investment. Just if it could be a bit less noisy.
Powers up the RV both AC unites with no problem along with the other appliances.
my Generator is a valuable assets during ice storm light,refrigerator ,heat.
I had to get a generator after not having electricity for 2 days and being fed up. I don’t know anything about them but there are 4 people living here and I knew I needed something with some wattage. SO grabbed this one as the price was pretty good for how big and powerful it was. I thought for sure I was going to have to make a bunch of phone calls and get help getting up and running not being very mechanically inclined. I was up and going in seconds once I got it put together (which was much easier than expected) and filled it up with gas. It performed beautifully and man do I feel better about having one as we lose power here 3 to 5 times a year.
Bought this unit as an upgrade from a smaller unit that I use around the ranch. After this past winter 4 day freeze with no power or water I decided to get a bigger unit to power my whole house. This model has excellent power and it’s quick to start. I use propane so I don’t have to bleed the carburetor and so far so good. Champion makes a great product.