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 a nutshell, the Champion 201318 is a compact portable inverter generator mostly geared towards:
- RV travellers looking for even more independence
- People occasionally participating in outdoor fairs, festivals or events
- Amateur DIY lovers
- Homeowners in need of an emergency backup power for their essentials
- Tailgating and campground aficionados with the desire of enjoying power anywhere they go
In the following paragraphs, we shall explore the power characteristics, available outlets, portability, and any additional features of the device.
Power & Run Time
Running on gasoline, the Champion 201318 operates with a 212 cc OHV 4-stroke engine, delivering 120V, with a running wattage of 3,500W and a peak wattage of 4,500W. In addition, the parallel capability (ParaLink (opens in a new tab) not included) empowers increasing of power output when linked to another similar or compatible unit, ensuring expanded energy capacity and reliability for various applications.
With a noise rating of 61 dBA (just slightly more noisy than background music), the inverter generator features a manual recoil starter system. Champion’s EZ Start Dial lets you intuitively start the engine with easy access to all the controls you need.
With its 2.25 gallons fuel tank, the 201318 can operate for up to 14 hours when fully fueled (with fuel usage averaging around 0.16 GPH).
The <3% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) of the 201318 ensures a clean sine wave output, providing a secure power source for your sensitive electronics through its AC outlets.
Outlets
The control panel features 3 AC outlets as follows:
Moreover, it comes equipped with 1 DC outlet: there's a 12V 8A (cigarette lighter style) receptacle enabling simple battery charging for added ease.
This Champion generator is RV Ready, thanks to its TT-30R receptacle (TT stands for 'Travel Trailer').
Portability
With an inverter generator design, the Champion 201318 features a closed construction (L23.2 x W17.7 x H20.1 in), enhancing aesthetics and ensuring reduced noise levels, offering a distinct advantage over standard, open frame generators. 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. Furthermore, with its set of 2 wheels (⌀5") and its folding handle, you can easily relocate the generator once it's set up.
Features
To help you monitor the 201318's status and activity, its control panel is equipped with a digital Intelligauge data center, giving you information on the lifetime run hours, frequency, power output and voltage.
In addition to this info, a light indicator shows you if its oil levels are insufficient.
Benefiting from its built-in fuel gauge, the inverter generator allows for easy and immediate gas level inspections.
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.
While the standard documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), helpful for starting the device promptly, come with the Champion 201318, the following accessories are also included: funnel, tool kit and oil. 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).
- At 92.2 lbs in dry weight, the Champion 201318 fits well within the typical weight bracket for inverter generators producing 3000 to 4000 rated watts. if you wish to prioritize weight, the Pulsar PGD40iSCO is one of the top contenders in its power category, weighing only 46 pounds.
- With noise emissions rated as low as 61 dBA, this inverter generator falls within the typical noise range expected for devices of similar type and power. If noise level is one your key decisive factors, you may find the Westinghouse iGen4500DF appealing. It's rated at 52 dBA, making it one of the quietest generators in its power range.
- Offering up to 14 hours of running time on a full tank at 25% load, the 201318 is within the average autonomy range of similarly powerful inverter generators. 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 Firman W03661OF, with up to 25 hours.
- Run time is a key metric, but it's dependent on the generator's fuel tank capacity. Therefore, discussing fuel efficiency is necessary for a complete understanding. Among devices of similar power, this inverter generator has one of the better fuel efficiency, with consumption rates of around 0.16 GPH (gallon per hour) at 25% load. To prioritize fuel savings, we advise considering the Energizer eZV3500P, which stands out for its gasoline efficiency, consuming just 0.13 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
- Several accessories included
- 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 |
Unlike many websites, we did our best to research each of the specs above. That being said, we are not immune to making the occasional mistake or omission. Should you notice any missing or incorrect values, don't hesitate to suggest improvements so we can address the issue.
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 | Electric fry pan | 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 |
Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.