Champion 201317 - 1850/2500W Inverter Generator
The Champion 201317 is a quiet, compact and lightweight inverter generator with a rated wattage of 1,850 W and a starting wattage of 2,500 W. (Read full specs)
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Description
Champion's 2500-watt inverter generator features CO Shield® carbon monoxide auto shutoff system and is one of the lightest in the industry, making portable power easier than ever.
Zoom on the Champion 201317
In short, the Champion 201317 is a quiet, compact and lightweight portable inverter generator adequately designed for:
- Camping and tailgating buffs looking to enhance their experience
- Amateur DIY lovers
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 201317's core is the 80 cc OHV 4-stroke engine, which runs on gasoline. With an output of 120V, it provides a running wattage of 1,850W and a peak wattage of 2,500W. Furthermore, the parallel capability (ParaLink (opens in a new tab) not included) offers the advantage of doubling power output when connected to another similar or compatible unit, delivering expanded energy capacity and flexibility for various applications.
The inverter generator features a standard recoil pull-rope starting mechanism. It is rated for a noise of 53 dBA (just slightly more noisy than a conversation at home). Champion’s EZ Start Dial lets you intuitively start the engine with easy access to all the controls you need.
The 201317's fuel tank, boasting 1.05 gallon, allows it to operate for up to 11.5 hours with a full tank (with an estimated fuel consumption of 0.09 GPH).
With a <3% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD), the 201317 delivers a clean sine wave, essential for safeguarding your delicate electronics when plugged into its AC outlets.
Outlets
The control panel includes the following 2 AC outlets:
In addition, it provides 1 DC outlet: there's a 12V 8A (cigarette lighter style) receptacle offering a convenient battery charging option.
Portability
As an inverter generator, the Champion 201317 showcases a closed design (L17.6 x W12.6 x H18.1 in), enhancing aesthetics and ensuring quieter operation compared to conventional, open frame models. This modern design aims to provide an ideal power solution to recreational users.
With a weight of only 39.7 lbs, the 201317 is deisgned to be a lightweight and easily portable generator. The device can be easily moved by just one person and thus, its power may be enjoyed on-the-go. Its handle (molded in the case) makes carrying it a simple task, further enhancing its convenience.
Features
Included in the control panel of the 201317, a digital Intelligauge data center assists in tracking its status and activity by providing details on the lifetime run hours, voltage, frequency and power output.
In addition to this info, several light indicators serve to show you when the generator is on overload, the generator is ready and the oil level is too low.
A built-in fuel gauge allows for a quick, easy and convenient check of the fuel level of the inverter generator.
Security-wise, this product benefits from an overload protection (circuit breaker) and an automatic low oil shut-off, which gives you a complete peace of mind when using it.
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.
Apart from the typical documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), which lets you start it right away, the Champion 201317 also is packed along with the following accessories: funnel, tool kit and oil. The official storage cover and running cover are also available, as separate purchases.
Product Video
The Champion 201317 versus other generators
The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Champion 201317 compare to inverter generators of similar power (between 1500 and 2500 W).
- As for its weight, the Champion 201317 weighs only 39.7 pounds, making it one of the lighter inverter generators in the 1500-2500 rated wattage category. If you are concerned by weight, one of the champions in the above-mentioned power range is the Genmax GM2000i, with a dry weight of just 34.2 pounds.
- This inverter generator offers a rated noise level of 53 dBA, placing it among the quieter alternatives in its type and power category. If you wish to prioritize minimal noise, the Honda EU2200i stands out as one of the quietest options among generators of similar power, with a rating of 48 dBA.
- Since the 201317 boasts with a run time of up to 11.5 hours at 25% load, it can be safely judged as a device of a higher run time than most inverter generators of a comparable output. If runtime is a priority for you, the DuroMax XP2300iH stands out as one of the generators with the longest run time in its power range, providing up to 13 hours of continuous use.
- Run time is crucial, but it heavily relies on the fuel tank's capacity. Thus, considering fuel efficiency alongside is essential. This inverter generator has a better fuel efficiency than other units in the aforementioned output range, consuming approximately 0.09 GPH (gallon per hour) at 25% load. If minimizing fuel usage is one of your key priorities, the Westinghouse iGen2800c is one of the most efficient devices with similar power output, with a gasoline consumption of only 0.08 gallons per hour.
Price comparison
As you can see from these interactive charts, when compared to other 1500-2500W inverter generators, the Champion 201317 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
- CO Shield™ technology
- Parallel capable
- Inverter
- Lightweight (39.7 lbs)
- Quiet for its power (53 dBA)
- High run time
- Fuel efficient
The Champion 201317 doesn't have any notably low specs.
Features and Specifications
| Inverter | Yes |
|---|---|
| Parallel capable | Yes, cable not included |
| RV ready | No |
| Fuel | Gasoline |
| Engine | 80 cc OHV 4-stroke |
| Starting system | Recoil |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| Voltage | AC: 120V 60 Hz, DC: 12V |
|---|---|
| Running watts | 1,850 W |
| Starting watts | 2,500 W |
| Running amps | 15.4 amps |
| Peak amps | 20.8 amps |
| Run time @50% load | Unknown |
| Run time @25% load | 11.5 h |
| GFCI outlets | No |
|---|---|
| Covered outlets | Yes |
| Automatic Voltage Regulation | Inverter |
| AC outlets | 1x Duplex 120V 20A (5-20R) |
| DC outlets | 1x 12V 8A (cigarette lighter style) |
| Data center | Power output, lifetime run hours, voltage and frequency |
| Indicators | Low oil, overload and output ready |
| Fuel tank | 1.05 gal |
| Fuel gauge | Yes |
| Weight | 39.7 lbs |
|---|---|
| Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | 17.6 x 12.6 x 18.1 in |
| Noise (lower limit) | 53 dBA |
| THD | < 3% |
| Compliance | EPA, ANSI/PGMA G300-2023 |
| Security | Low oil and overload protection, CO monitoring |
| Spark arrestor | Yes |
| Neutral | Floating |
| Accessories included | Oil, funnel, and tool kit |
| UPC | 817198027173 |
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 201317 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 |
| Clothes iron | 1270 | 1270 | |
| Total | 1462 W | 2462 W | |
| For camping | RV AC (11,000 BTU) | 1010 | 1600 |
| RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
| Slow cooker | 270 | 270 | |
| Total | 1460 W | 2050 W | |
| For work | Demolition hammer | 1260 | 1260 |
| Bug zapper | 80 | 80 | |
| Total | 1340 W | 1340 W |
Can I use the 50 amp rv outlet on the parallel kit with two 2500 watt champion inverter generator? (Asked June 30, 2020)
Absolutely, you just won't be able to draw 50 amp out of it.
Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.





User Reviews
I agree with all the observations and specs. There is a fuel valve as part of the on/off switch. I discovered you can run the carb completely empty if you turn the off knob in the off position direction, just shy of it shutting off. It will run until the carb runs empty and stop. Then turn it the rest of the way off. I prefer to run the fuel out as it leaves virtually no residue to gum up the carb. If you are putting it in deep storage like a year or more, I would drain the fuel from the tank, siphon etc, then run the tank and carb dry in normal run mode to get all the fuel out of the tank lines and carb. Fuel stabilizer is also a must, especially if you want to leave fuel in the tank for ready use in emergency. It’s a great generator for the price.
This 2500w Champion runs my 13.5k RV AC without an issue. It is noticeably lighter than other generators of a similar size.