Champion 201318 - 3500/4500W Inverter Generator
The Champion 201318 is a compact inverter generator with a rated wattage of 3,500 W and a starting wattage of 4,500 W. (Read full specs)
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Ace Hardware | Price history for the Champion 201318 |
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| Highest Price $749.00 Lowest Price $629.10 Current Price $749.00 |
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Description
Zoom on the Champion 201318
In summary, the Champion 201318 is a compact portable inverter generator especially useful for:
- RV travellers who wish to upgrade their experience to another level
- People occasionally participating in sporting competitions, open-air performances and outdoor festivals
- Handcrafting enthusiasts who wish to work on-the-go
- Homeowners who want to be sure of their ability to power their fridges, cooking tools, heating and lighting equipment during power failures
- Camping and tailgating buffs looking to enhance their experience
The subsequent sections will explore in detail its power characteristics, the diverse outlets it provides, its overall portability, and the supplementary features it offers.
Power & Run Time
The Champion 201318
Champion 201318 runs on gasoline, powered by a 212 cc OHV 4-stroke engine, delivering 120V, boasting a running wattage of 3,500W alongside a starting wattage of 4,500W. In addition, as it is parallel capable (ParaLink (opens in a new tab) not included), this power can be increased when linked to another similar or compatible unit.
At a noise rating of 61 dBA (just slightly more noisy than an office), the inverter generator is started via a classic hand-operated recoil starting mechanism. Champion’s EZ Start Dial lets you intuitively start the engine with easy access to all the controls you need.
With a full tank, the 201318 can operate for up to 14 hours (fuel consumption around 0.16 GPH), thanks to its fuel capacity of 2.25 gallons.
Delicate electronics can be plugged in the AC outlets safely, as the 201318 generates a clean sine wave, reaching a <3% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD).
Outlets
The control panel provides the upcoming 3 AC outlets:
Moreover, it boasts 1 DC outlet: there's a 12V 8A (cigarette lighter style) receptacle making battery charging a breeze.
Featuring a TT-30R receptacle (TT for 'Travel Trailer'), this Champion generator is RV Ready, designed specifically for use with recreational vehicles.
Portability
The Champion 201318 is an inverter generator and features an encased design with the following dimensions: L23.2 x W17.7 x H20.1 in. This design enhances aesthetics and helps minimize noise levels, distinguishing it from conventional, open frame products. This type of design is the most modern and convenient way to recreationally generate power.
With a dry weight of 92.2 lbs, the 201318 can easily follow you wherever your power needs are. Moreover, once it’s on the ground, its set of 2 wheels (⌀5") and its folding handle will allow you to shift it without effort.
Features
The 201318's control panel
Monitoring of the 201318's status and activity is made possible by a digital Intelligauge data center, which provides information on the frequency, power output, lifetime run hours and voltage and is one of the features of its control panel.
In addition to this info, a light indicator shows you if the oil level is too low.
The built-in fuel gauge of the inverter generator ensures simple and quick gas level assessments.
Security-wise, this product benefits from an automatic low oil shut-off and an overload protection (circuit breaker), 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.
In addition to the traditional documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab) to help you get started promptly, the Champion 201318 also includes several accessories: oil, funnel and tool kit. The official storage cover and running cover are also available, as separate purchases.
Product Video
The Champion 201318 versus other generators
The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Champion 201318 compare to inverter generators of similar power (between 3000 and 4000 W).
- As its weight is 92.2 pounds, the Champion 201318 falls in the expected weight range of the inverters in the 3000-4000 rated wattage category. If weight matters to you, one of the champions in this power range is the Pulsar PGD40iSCO with only 46 pounds.
- Given its rated noise level of 61 dBA, this inverter generator aligns with the average expected noise rating for devices of similar type and power. If noise emissions are important to you, one of the least noisy generators of this power range is the Westinghouse iGen4000DFc with only 52 dBA.
- The 201318, falls within the average autonomy range compared to inverter generators of a roughly same power, with a run time of up to 14 hours at a 25% load and a full tank. If extended autonomy is what matters most to you, the Firman WH03662OF could be an excellent choice, offering one of the longest run times among units in its power category, reaching up to 25 hours.
- Autonomy holds its importance, however, it is largely dependent on the generator’s fuel capacity and so, it is nonsensible to discuss it without mentioning fuel efficiency as well. This inverter generator can be considered as fuel-efficient, due to its low estimated fuel consumption of only 0.16 GPH (gallon per hour) at 25% load, within the aforementioned wattage range. If fuel consumption is your top priority, we suggest to check out the Energizer eZV3500P, which has a fuel consumption of only 0.13 GPH and thus, is one of the most efficient devices in our database.
Price comparison
As you can see from these interactive charts, when compared to other 3000-4000W inverter generators, the Champion 201318 is on the average side of the price range.
Therefore, this generator nicely fits in the expected budget for this kind of product.
The bottom line
- In the expected price range
- CO Shield™ technology
- RV Ready
- Parallel capable
- Inverter
- Fuel efficient
- Decent weight (92.2 lbs)
- Acceptable noise (61 dBA)
- Decent run time
- No electric start
Do you own the Champion 201318 and agree (or disagree) with these strengths and weaknesses?
Let us know and write your own review.
Features and Specifications
| Inverter | Yes |
|---|---|
| Parallel capable | Yes, cable not included |
| RV ready | Yes |
| Fuel | Gasoline |
| Engine | 212 cc OHV 4-stroke |
| Starting system | Recoil |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| Voltage | AC: 120V 60 Hz, DC: 12V |
|---|---|
| Running watts | 3,500 W |
| Starting watts | 4,500 W |
| Running amps | 29.2 amps |
| Peak amps | 37.5 amps |
| Run time @50% load | Unknown |
| Run time @25% load | 14 h |
| GFCI outlets | No |
|---|---|
| Covered outlets | Yes |
| Automatic Voltage Regulation | Inverter |
| AC outlets |
|
| DC outlets | 1x 12V 8A (cigarette lighter style) |
| Data center | Power output, lifetime run hours, voltage and frequency |
| Indicators | Low oil |
| Fuel tank | Steel, 2.25 gal |
| Fuel gauge | Yes |
| Weight | 92.2 lbs |
|---|---|
| Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | 23.2 x 17.7 x 20.1 in |
| Noise (lower limit) | 61 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 | 817198027180 |
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 201318 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 | |
| Cell phone charger | 20 | 20 | |
| Total | 2780 W | 3370 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.
