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 short, the Champion 201285 is a compact and lightweight portable generator adequately designed for:

• Tailgating and campground aficionados with the desire of enjoying power anywhere they go
• DIYers who wish to improve their efficiency with tools

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 201285

Champion 201285 runs on gasoline, powered by a 79 cc OHV 4-stroke engine, delivering 120V, boasting a running wattage of 1,200W alongside a starting wattage of 1,500W.

With a noise rating of 65 dBA (just slightly more noisy than an office), the generator's starting mechanism is centered around a manual recoil starter system.

With a fuel capacity of 1.46 gallon, the 201285 may run for around 10 hours at 50% load with a full tank (fuel consumption around 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 following 2 AC outlets:

Duplex 120V 20A (5-20R)

Portability

At L18.1 x W14.1 x H16.9 in, the Champion 201285 boasts a traditional open frame structure, ensuring stability and allowing for convenient maintenance access to components, promoting air circulation. The device has been designed for tough environments and demanding outdoor use.

Weighing 58 lbs, the 201285 is practical, ensuring it can follow you wherever power is required. Additionally, the open frame design of the generator ensures easy grabbing and shifting for relocation.

Features

The 201285's control panel

For convenient monitoring of its status and activity, the control panel of the 201285 includes an Intelligauge meter, providing voltage, frequency, and lifetime hours data.

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 overload protection (circuit breaker) and an automatic low oil shut-off, ensuring peace of mind during its use.

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.

With the basic documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), letting you start the generator quickly, the Champion 201285 also comes with several accessories, including: oil and funnel. 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 58 lbs, the Champion 201285 stands out as one of the heavier generators rated from 1000 to 2000 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.
• 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 noise level is one your key decisive factors, you may find the Honda EU2200i appealing. It's rated at 48 dBA, making it one of the quietest generators in its power range.
• 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 prolonged run time is essential to your needs, you could consider the Pulsar PG2200R, which offers one of the highest autonomy among devices with similar power output, lasting 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. This generator has an average fuel consumption among comparably powerful devices, as it reaches 0.15 GPH (gallon per hour) at a 50% load. If you are concerned with gasoline efficiency, having a fuel consumption of just 0.09 GPH, the Pulsar PGD16iSCO is a device you could look out for.

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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