Champion 201296 - 3500/4375W Dual Fuel Generator
The Champion 201296 is a compact open frame dual fuel generator with a rated wattage of 3,500 W and a starting wattage of 4,375 W. (Read full specs)
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Ace Hardware | Price history for the Champion 201296 |
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| Highest Price $549.00 Lowest Price $461.58 Current Price $549.00 |
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Description
Zoom on the Champion 201296
In short, the Champion 201296 is a compact portable generator adequately designed for:
- RV travellers wishing to enhance their freedom and nomad lifestyle
- Occasional participants of outdoor events, competitions, concerts and festivals
- Amateur DIY lovers
- Homeowners in need of an emergency backup power for their essentials
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 201296
Thanks to its dual-fuel technology, the Champion 201296 delivers 120V and offers power and versatility. When gasoline-powered, it benefits from a running wattage of 3,500W and a peak wattage of 4,375W. When propane-powered, it has 3,150 rated watts and 3,950 peak watts.
Rated for 68 dBA (less noisy than an office), the generator's starting mechanism relies on a conventional pull-start mechanism.
In terms of its run time capability, the 201296, furnished with a 4.7 gallons fuel tank, can maintain operations for around 14 hours at 50% load on a full tank of gasoline (with fuel consumption averaging 0.34 gallons per hour). It also provides around 10.5 hours (on a 20 lbs tank - propane consumption around 0.45 GPH) of operation with propane.
Considering its high Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) of less than 20%, it is not recommended to rely on the 201296 for powering sensitive electronic devices.
Outlets
The control panel includes the following 4 AC outlets:
With its TT-30R receptacle (TT as in 'Travel Trailer'), this Champion generator is RV Ready.
Portability
Measuring L23.4 x W19.7 x H19.8 in, the classic open frame construction of the Champion 201296 provides stability while enabling convenient maintenance access to components and adequate air cooling. The device has been designed for tough environments and demanding outdoor use.
Even though this device may be technically portable (as in movable), manipulation and transportation without special equipment can be a challenge, as it weighs 104.7 pounds. Investing in the official wheel kit (opens in a new tab) could be a wise choice to enhance the generator's mobility.
Features
The 201296's control panel
The 201296's status and activity may be monitored conveniently via the control panel, as it features an Intelligauge meter, providing voltage, frequency, and lifetime hours data.
Thanks to its built-in fuel gauge, the generator allows you to quickly, conveniently, and easily check the gas level at a glance.
As far as security is concerned, the generator can be used with a peace of mind, as it features an overload protection (circuit breaker) and an automatic low oil shut-off. 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.
In addition to the traditional documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab) to help you get started promptly, the Champion 201296 also includes several accessories: funnel, oil and propane hose.
Product Video
The Champion 201296 versus other generators
The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Champion 201296 compare to dual fuel generators of similar power (between 3000 and 4000 W).
- At 104.7 lbs, the Champion 201296 stands out as one of the heavier dual fuel generators rated from 3000 to 4000 watts. if you wish to prioritize weight, the Champion 201050 is one of the top contenders in its power category, weighing only 51.8 pounds.
- This generator has a somewhat average expected noise for its type and power range, rated at 68 dBA. If noise emissions are one of your priorities, you may be interested in the Westinghouse iGen4000DFc, one of the least noisy generators similarly powerful as this one, rated for 52 dBA.
- Thanks to an impressive running time of around 14 hours at 50% load, the 201296 benefits from a higher run time than many dual fuel generators of a similar output. Concerning the run times, one of the several devices with a comparable output, offering the highest autonomy, is the Westinghouse iGen5000DF, which is able to run for around 15 hours.
- Run time is crucial, but it heavily relies on the fuel tank's capacity. Thus, considering fuel efficiency alongside is essential. As this generator uses an estimated 0.34 GPH (gallon per hour) at a 50% load, it finds itself in the average gasoline consumption range of similar products. If gasoline efficiency is at the top of your list, you may want to have a look at the Westinghouse iGen5000DF, which has great fuel efficiency, with a gas consumption of only 0.23 gallons per hour.
Price comparison
As you can see from these interactive charts, when compared to other 3000-4000W dual fuel generators, the Champion 201296 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
- Inexpensive
- Dual fuel
- CO Shield™ technology
- RV Ready
- High run time
- Acceptable noise (68 dBA)
- Decent fuel efficiency
- No electric start
- On the heavy side (104.7 lbs)
Do you own the Champion 201296 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 | Yes |
| Fuel | Dual Fuel (gasoline/propane) |
| Engine | 208 cc OHV 4-stroke |
| Starting system | Recoil |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| Voltage | AC: 120V 60 Hz |
| Gasoline | Propane | |
|---|---|---|
| Running watts | 3,500 W | 3,150 W |
| Starting watts | 4,375 W | 3,950 W |
| Running amps | 29.2 amps | 26.3 amps |
| Peak amps | 36.5 amps | 32.9 amps |
| Run time @50% load | 14 h | 10.5 h |
| Run time @25% load | Unknown | Unknown |
| GFCI outlets | No |
|---|---|
| Covered outlets | Yes |
| Automatic Voltage Regulation | Yes |
| AC outlets |
|
| DC outlets | No |
| Data center | VFT |
| Indicators | No |
| Fuel tank | Steel, 4.7 gal |
| Fuel gauge | Yes |
| Weight | 104.7 lbs |
|---|---|
| Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | 23.4 x 19.7 x 19.8 in |
| Noise (lower limit) | 68 dBA |
| THD | < 20% |
| Compliance | EPA, ANSI/PGMA G300-2023 |
| Security | Low oil, overload and Volt Guard™ surge protection, CO monitoring |
| Spark arrestor | Yes |
| Neutral | Floating |
| Accessories included | Oil, funnel, and propane hose |
| Country of origin | Vietnam |
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 201296 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 | Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 |
| Hair dryer | 1800 | 1900 | |
| Toaster oven | 800 | 800 | |
| Total | 2792 W | 3792 W | |
| For camping | Radiant heater | 1300 | 1300 |
| RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
| RV AC (11,000 BTU) | 1010 | 1600 | |
| Slow cooker | 270 | 270 | |
| Total | 2760 W | 3350 W | |
| For work | Grinder | 1400 | 2500 |
| Demolition hammer | 1260 | 1260 | |
| Bug zapper | 80 | 80 | |
| Total | 2740 W | 3840 W |
Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.
