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).

• With a weight of 58 lbs, the Champion 201285 sits in the heavier end of the spectrum among generators rated from 1000 to 2000 watts. Regarding dry weight, one of the champions in the same power range is the Pulsar PGD16iSCO, with a dry weight of only 24 lbs.
• When compared to other units producing a similar running wattage, this generator and its lowest emitted noise of 65 dBA stand out for being on the louder side. If you are concerned with noise, check out the Honda EU2200i, which is one of the least noisy generators in its power range, with a noise rating of just 48 dBA.
• Compared to devices of similar power, the 201285 stands out with one of the higher run times, lasting around 10 hours at 50% load. If runtime is a priority for you, the Pulsar PG2200R stands out as one of the generators with the longest run time in its power range, providing around 12 hours of continuous use.
• 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. This generator reaches an estimated fuel consumption of 0.15 GPH (gallon per hour) at a 50% load, making it average, for the previously mentioned wattage range. To prioritize fuel savings, we advise considering the Pulsar PGD16iSCO, which stands out for its gasoline efficiency, consuming just 0.09 gallons per hour.

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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