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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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Description
Zoom on the Champion 201296
In a nutshell, the Champion 201296 is a compact portable generator mostly geared towards:
- RV travellers wishing to enhance their freedom and nomad lifestyle
- People occasionally participating in sporting competitions, open-air performances and outdoor festivals
- Amateur DIY lovers
- Homeowners who want to be sure of their ability to power their fridges, cooking tools, heating and lighting equipment during power failures
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.
Operating with a noise level of 68 dBA (less noisy than a normal conversation), the generator starts up via a standard recoil pull-rope starting mechanism.
As for its running time, the 201296, along with its 4.7 gallons fuel capacity, can run for around 14 hours at 50% load with a full tank filled with gasoline (fuel consumption around 0.34 GPH). If propane is used, it can operate for around 10.5 hours (on a 20 lbs tank - propane consumption around 0.45 GPH).
As the 201296 exhibits a THD of less than 20%, which is high, it is best avoided for powering sensitive electronic devices.
Outlets
The control panel provides the upcoming 4 AC outlets:
Equipped with a TT-30R receptacle (TT representing 'Travel Trailer'), this Champion generator is RV Ready, ensuring compatibility with recreational vehicles.
Portability
With dimensions of L23.4 x W19.7 x H19.8 in, the traditional open frame design of the Champion 201296 ensures stability while allowing easy maintenance access to components and promoting effective air cooling. The generator is designed for ideal use outdoors and in rough environments.
Since the generator weighs 104.7 lbs, it will be incredibly difficult to manually lift it and transport it, even though it is technically considered to 'be portable' (in the sense that it is movable). 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 control panel of the 201296 is equipped with an Intelligauge meter, which displays voltage, frequency and lifetime hours, aiding in monitoring its status and activity.
The inclusion of a built-in fuel gauge in the generator streamlines gas level checks for quick and convenient assessments.
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.
While the standard documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), helpful for starting the device promptly, come with the Champion 201296, the following accessories are also included: 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).
- As its dry weight is 104.7 pounds, the Champion 201296 is one of the heavier of the dual fuel products which can generate 3000 to 4000 running watts. If weight is your top priority, one of the champions in this power category is the Champion 201531, weighing just 51.8 pounds.
- At 68 dBA, this generator's noise rating is in line with the expected average for devices within its type and power category. If noise is a concern for you, you could consider the Westinghouse iGen5000DF, which is one of the least noisy generators in its power range, rated at 52 dBA.
- Since the 201296 boasts with a run time of around 14 hours at 50% load, it can be safely judged as a device of a higher run time than most dual fuel generators of a comparable output. If you wish to prioritize autonomy, the Westinghouse iGen5000DF shines as one of the top contenders, offering one of the highest run times among generators with similar power output, totaling around 15 hours.
- While the run time is an important parameter, it is dependent on the fuel tank's capacity and thus, doesn't say much on its own unless we consider fuel consumption as well. This generator has an average fuel consumption among comparably powerful devices, as it reaches 0.34 GPH (gallon per hour) at a 50% load. If you wish to further improve in the area of fuel efficiency, the Westinghouse iGen5000DF, which boasts with a gas consumption of only 0.23 GPH, may be the right generator for you.
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
- Several accessories included
- RV Ready
- High run time
- Acceptable noise (68 dBA)
- Decent fuel efficiency
- No electric start
- On the heavy side (104.7 lbs)
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 |
Unlike many websites, we did our best to research each of the specs above. That being said, we are not immune to making the occasional mistake or omission. Should you notice any missing or incorrect values, don't hesitate to suggest improvements so we can address the issue.
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 | AC (10,000 BTU) | 1500 | 2200 |
| Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 | |
| Vacuum cleaner | 1075 | 1175 | |
| Total | 2767 W | 3767 W | |
| For camping | RV AC (11,000 BTU) | 1010 | 1600 |
| RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
| Microwave (1000 watts) | 1500 | 1500 | |
| Radio | 100 | 100 | |
| Total | 2790 W | 3380 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.
