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)
Page Content
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
To sum up, the Champion 201317 is a quiet, compact and lightweight portable inverter generator tailored for:
- Camping and tailgating hobbyists looking for a portable power source
- Handcrafting enthusiasts who wish to work on-the-go
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, its parallel capability (ParaLink (opens in a new tab) not included) allows for doubling of power output when connected to another similar or compatible unit, ensuring expanded energy capacity and reliability for various applications.
At a noise rating of 53 dBA (just slightly more noisy than a quiet suburb), the inverter generator is started via a conventional pull-start mechanism. Champion’s EZ Start Dial lets you intuitively start the engine with easy access to all the controls you need.
Thanks to a fuel capacity of 1.05 gallon, the 201317 can operate for up to 11.5 hours with a full tank (fuel consumption around 0.09 GPH).
Sensitive electronics can be safely plugged in the AC outlets, as the 201317 produces a clean sine wave, with a <3% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD).
Outlets
The control panel features the following 2 AC outlets:
Moreover, it presents 1 DC outlet: there's a 12V 8A (cigarette lighter style) receptacle offering a convenient battery charging option.
Portability
Thanks to its closed inverter generator design (L17.6 x W12.6 x H18.1 in), the Champion 201317 not only offers superior aesthetics but also operates with reduced noise levels compared to a typical, open frame generator. This type of design is the most modern and convenient way to recreationally generate power.
The 201317 is a lightweight, portable generator, as it only weighs 39.7 lbs. The device can be easily moved by just one person and thus, its power may be enjoyed on-the-go. With its handle (molded in the case), carrying it becomes a breeze, adding to its convenience.
Features
One of the many 201317's features is the digital Intelligauge data center, included in its control panel, which conveniently provides information on the lifetime run hours, power output, voltage and frequency and thus, helps you monitor its activity and status.
In addition to this info, light indicators on the device will notify you if its oil levels are insufficient, the generator is ready and the generator is overloaded.
The inverter generator includes a built-in fuel gauge, a quick, easy and convenient method of checking the device’s gas level.
From a security point of view, the generator is equipped with an automatic low oil shut-off and an overload protection (circuit breaker), giving you a peace of mind during 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.
Besides the classic documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab) to get you promptly started, the Champion 201317 also comes with some accessories: funnel, tool kit and oil are included. 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).
- Considering its weight, the Champion 201317 registers at a modest 39.7 pounds, placing it among the lighter inverter generators in the 1500 to 2500 rated wattage selection. In terms of weight, one of the champions in their power range is the Genmax GM2000i, standing at just 34.2 lbs.
- With a noise rating as low as 53 dBA, this inverter generator is among the quieter options available in its type and power range. If noise is a concern for you, you could consider the Honda EU2200i, which is one of the least noisy generators in its power range, rated at 48 dBA.
- Among its inverters with similar power, the 201317 offers one of the higher run times, running for up to 11.5 hours at 25% load. If prolonged run time is essential to your needs, you could consider the DuroMax XP2300iH, which offers one of the highest autonomy among devices with similar power output, lasting up to 13 hours.
- While run time matters, it's heavily influenced by the fuel tank's capacity. Hence, it's important to consider fuel efficiency alongside. At an estimated fuel consumption of 0.09 GPH (gallon per hour) at 25% load, this inverter generator is a rather fuel-efficient one within its wattage category. If minimizing fuel usage is one of your key priorities, the DuroMax XP2300iH 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 | Radiant heater | 1300 | 1300 |
| Game console | 150 | 150 | |
| Cell phone charger | 20 | 20 | |
| Total | 1470 W | 1470 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.