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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Description
Zoom on the Champion 201318
In summary, the Champion 201318 is a compact portable inverter generator especially useful for:
- RV travellers looking for even more independence
- People occasionally participating in outdoor fairs, festivals or events
- DIYers who wish to improve their efficiency with tools
- Homeowners who want to be able to use the most necessary devices in their household, even during a blackout
- Camping and tailgating hobbyists looking for a portable power source
The following sections will present you in detail its power characteristics, the different outlets it offers, its overall portability, and the extra features it benefits from.
Power & Run Time
With a 212 cc OHV 4-stroke engine, the Champion 201318 operates on gasoline, providing 120V, with a running wattage of 3,500W and a starting wattage of 4,500W. Furthermore, its parallel capability (ParaLink (opens in a new tab) not included) allows power output to increase when connected to another similar or compatible unit, ensuring expanded energy capacity and reliability for various applications.
Enjoying a noise rating of 61 dBA (just slightly more noisy than a normal conversation), this inverter generator gets running thanks to a traditional recoil pull-start mechanism. Champion’s EZ Start Dial lets you intuitively start the engine with easy access to all the controls you need.
The 201318's fuel tank, with a capacity of 2.25 gallons, supports uninterrupted operation for up to 14 hours when fully fueled (fuel consumption at an estimated 0.16 gallons per hour).
Thanks to its low <3% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD), the 201318 produces a clean sine wave output, making it safe for your sensitive electronics when utilizing the AC outlets.
Outlets
The control panel includes the following 3 AC outlets:
It also sports 1 DC outlet: there's a 12V 8A (cigarette lighter style) receptacle enabling simple battery charging for added ease.
With its TT-30R receptacle (TT standing for 'Travel Trailer'), this Champion generator is RV Ready, perfectly suited for powering recreational vehicles.
Portability
As the Champion 201318 is an inverter generator, its encased design (L23.2 x W17.7 x H20.1 in) offers more aesthetics than a conventional, open frame product. This modern design aims to provide an ideal power solution to recreational users.
The 92.2 lbs of the 201318's dry weight enables you to use it anywhere you will ever need. Moreover, its set of 2 wheels (⌀5") and its folding handle facilitate movement of the generator once it's on the ground.
Features
The control panel of the 201318 includes a digital Intelligauge data center, which assists you in monitoring its status and activity, as it provides information on the frequency, power output, lifetime run hours and voltage.
In addition to this info, when the oil level is too low, you will be informed by the featured light indicator.
Thanks to its built-in fuel gauge, the inverter generator allows you to quickly, conveniently, and easily check the gas level at a glance.
In terms of security, the generator features an automatic low oil shut-off and an overload protection (circuit breaker), ensuring peace of mind during its 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.
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: funnel, oil 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. Regarding dry weight, one of the champions in the same power range is the Pulsar PGD40iSCO, with a dry weight of only 46 lbs.
- The inverter generator can be considered average in its noise for its type and power category, as it is rated at 61 dBA. If you wish to prioritize minimal noise, the Westinghouse iGen5000DF stands out as one of the quietest options among generators of similar power, with a rating of 52 dBA.
- With up to 14 hours of runtime at a 25% load on a full tank, the 201318 is in line with the average autonomy range for inverter generators of comparable power. If you consider autonomy on a single full tank as one of the deciding factors, one of the generators in the same power range that offers the highest run time is the Champion 200977, with up to 22 hours.
- Run time is crucial, but it heavily relies on the fuel tank's capacity. Thus, considering fuel efficiency alongside is essential. This inverter generator, with an estimated fuel consumption of just 0.16 GPH (gallon per hour) at 25% load, is one of the more fuel-efficient generators, for the previously mentioned wattage range. If you are concerned with gasoline efficiency, having a fuel consumption of just 0.15 GPH, the Champion 201050 is a device you could look out for.
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
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 | Microwave (1000 watts) | 1500 | 1500 |
| Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 | |
| Vacuum cleaner | 1075 | 1175 | |
| Cell phone charger | 20 | 20 | |
| Total | 2787 W | 3787 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 |
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