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
To sum up, the Champion 201318 is a compact portable inverter generator tailored for:
- RV travellers wishing to enhance their freedom and nomad lifestyle
- People occasionally participating in sporting competitions, open-air performances and outdoor festivals
- Handcrafting enthusiasts who wish to work on-the-go
- Homeowners in need of an emergency backup power for their essentials
- 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
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. Moreover, the parallel capability (ParaLink (opens in a new tab) not included) allows for increasing of power output when paired with another similar or compatible unit, providing increased energy capacity and reliability for diverse needs.
With a noise rating of 61 dBA (just slightly more noisy than background music), the inverter generator features a standard recoil pull-rope 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.
The 201318 generates a clean sine wave with <3% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD), ensuring minimal electrical noise and fluctuations. This feature makes it ideal for powering sensitive electronics, providing stable and reliable AC power through the outlets.
Outlets
The control panel provides the upcoming 3 AC outlets:
Furthermore, it has 1 DC outlet: there's a 12V 8A (cigarette lighter style) receptacle making battery charging a breeze.
Thanks to its TT-30R receptacle (TT meaning 'Travel Trailer'), this Champion generator is RV Ready, ready to power your recreational vehicle with ease.
Portability
The Champion 201318's characteristic encased inverter generator design (L23.2 x W17.7 x H20.1 in) provides an aesthetic advantage and contributes to quieter operation compared to any ordinary, open frame product. The featured design follows the latest trends and is ideal for easy and recreational use.
With a dry weight of 92.2 lbs, the 201318 is manageable, ensuring it can accompany you wherever you need power. 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
Embedded in the control panel of the 201318, a digital Intelligauge data center serves as a vital feature, offering comprehensive information on the voltage, power output, frequency and lifetime run hours to aid in monitoring activity and status.
In addition to this info, the device's light indicator will illuminate to indicate if its oil levels are insufficient.
Thanks to its built-in fuel gauge, the inverter generator allows you to quickly, conveniently, and easily check the gas level at a glance.
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.
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).
- With a dry weight of 92.2 pounds, the Champion 201318 finds itself in the expected weight range for inverter generators able to produce between 3000 and 4000 rated watts. In terms of weight, one of the champions in their power range is the Pulsar PGD40iSCO, standing at just 46 lbs.
- At 61 dBA, this inverter generator's noise rating is in line with the expected average for devices within its type and power category. If you value reduced noise levels, the Westinghouse iGen5000DF could be worth considering. It's one of the quietest generators in its power range, rated at 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 concerned with autonomy, one of the products of a comparable power output, which offers the highest run time, is the Champion 200977, boasting with up to 22 hours.
- Even though run times are undoubtedly important, they are dependent on the fuel capacity to a large extent. For a more wholesome picture, we must take into consideration the fuel consumption of the generator. This inverter generator has a better fuel efficiency than other units in the aforementioned output range, consuming approximately 0.16 GPH (gallon per hour) at 25% load. If minimizing fuel usage is one of your key priorities, the Champion 201050 is one of the most efficient devices with similar power output, with a gasoline consumption of only 0.15 gallons per hour.
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 | 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 |
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