Champion 201285 - 1200/1500W Portable Generator

The Champion 201285 is a compact and lightweight open frame generator with a rated wattage of 1,200 W and a starting wattage of 1,500 W. (Read full specs)

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Zoom on the Champion 201285

In summary, the Champion 201285 is a compact and lightweight portable generator especially useful for:

• Camping and tailgating buffs looking to enhance their experience
• Amateur DIY lovers

In the forthcoming sections, you'll delve into its power characteristics, the various outlets it offers, its overall portability, and the additional features it boasts.

Power & Run Time

The Champion 201285

With a 79 cc OHV 4-stroke engine, the Champion 201285 operates on gasoline, providing 120V, with a running wattage of 1,200W and a starting wattage of 1,500W.

Featuring a noise rating of 65 dBA (just slightly more noisy than a normal conversation), the generator utilizes a simple traditional pull-start mechanism for ignition.

Thanks to its 1.46 gallon fuel tank, the 201285 can run continuously for around 10 hours at 50% load on a full tank (with an average fuel consumption of approximately 0.15 GPH).

Since the 201285 has a high THD (<20%), it is advisable to not use it for the powering of sensitive electronic devices.

Outlets

The control panel features the upcoming 2 AC outlets:

Duplex 120V 20A (5-20R)

Portability

With dimensions of L18.1 x W14.1 x H16.9 in, the standard open frame design of the Champion 201285 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.

The 201285's dry weight of 58 lbs lets you use its power anywhere needed. Moreover, the open frame structure of this generator makes it easy to grab and relocate.

Features

The 201285's control panel

The 201285's status and activity may be monitored conveniently via the control panel, as it features an Intelligauge meter, displaying voltage, frequency, and lifetime hours information.

Equipped with a built-in fuel gauge, the generator facilitates swift gas level checks.

From a security standpoint, the generator is furnished with an overload protection (circuit breaker) and an automatic low oil shut-off, ensuring peace of mind during operation.

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.

Along the basic documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), useful for starting the generator right away, the Champion 201285's package also includes these accessories: funnel and oil. The official storage cover and running cover are also available, as separate purchases.

Product Video

The Champion 201285 versus other generators

The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Champion 201285 compare to generators of similar power (between 1000 and 2000 W).

• At a dry weight of 58 pounds, the Champion 201285 is one of the heavier devices which can produce between 1000 and 2000 running watts. If weight is a key factor for your needs, the Pulsar PGD16iSCO is noteworthy for being one of the top contenders in this power range, with a dry weight of 24 pounds.
• In comparison to generators with a similar running wattage, this generator's lowest emitted noise of 65 dBA can be considered noisy. If noise emissions are one of your priorities, you may want to take a look at the Honda EU2200i. It's one of the quietest options among generators of similar power, rated at 48 dBA.
• The 201285 provides a higher run time than similarly powerful devices, reaching around 10 hours at 50% load. If autonomy is your priority, one of the devices of a similar power output with the highest run time is the Pulsar PG2200R, reaching around 12 hours.
• Run time is a key metric, but it's dependent on the generator's fuel capacity. Therefore, discussing fuel efficiency is necessary to get the full picture. The generator burns fuel at a rate of around 0.15 GPH when running at a 50% load, which is consistent with the average fuel usage of models of comparable power output. If you wish to get a unit of similar power, but with one of the best fuel efficiency, you could consider the Pulsar PGD16iSCO, which has an impressively low fuel consumption of 0.09 GPH.

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 201285 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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