Champion 201320 - 3650/4500W Open Frame Inverter Generator
The Champion 201320 is a compact open frame inverter generator with a rated wattage of 3,650 W and a starting wattage of 4,500 W. (Read full specs)
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Description
Zoom on the Champion 201320
In a nutshell, the Champion 201320 is a compact portable inverter generator mostly geared towards:
- RV travellers looking for even more independence
- Occasional participants of outdoor events, competitions, concerts and festivals
- Homeowners who want to be sure of their ability to power their fridges, cooking tools, heating and lighting equipment during power failures
- Tailgating and campground aficionados with the desire of enjoying power anywhere they go
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
Running on gasoline, the Champion 201320 operates with a 224 cc OHV 4-stroke engine, delivering 120V, with a running wattage of 3,650W and a peak 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.
Operating at a noise rating of 64 dBA (just slightly more noisy than a normal conversation), this inverter generator starts up with a classic hand-operated recoil starting mechanism.
Featuring a 4.02 gallons fuel tank, the 201320 can provide power for up to 22 hours on a full tank (with fuel consumption averaging 0.18 gallons per hour).
The 201320 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:
Additionally, it features 1 DC outlet: there's a 12V 8A (cigarette lighter style) receptacle offering a convenient battery charging option. Since a dual port USB adapter is also included with the unit, you will be able to use the DC receptacle to conveniently charge electronics such as mobile phones and tablets.
This Champion generator is RV Ready, as it features a TT-30R receptacle (TT stands for 'Travel Trailer').
Portability
At L20.9 x W18.3 x H19.4 in, the standard open frame design of the Champion 201320 delivers stability alongside easy maintenance access to components and good air cooling. The featured design is ideal for the outdoors and all tough environments.
At 78 lbs, the 201320 is easily managed, ensuring it can be brought along wherever you need power. In addition, it is even easier to grab and move the generator around thanks to its open frame design.
The official wheel kit (opens in a new tab) can be bought separately, if you need additional help in transporting the 201320.
Features
One of the many 201320's features is the digital Intelligauge data center, included in its control panel, which conveniently provides information on the lifetime run hours, frequency, voltage and power output and thus, helps you monitor its activity and status.
In addition to this info, light indicators on the device will notify you if the generator is overloaded and the oil level is too low.
The inclusion of a built-in fuel gauge in the inverter generator streamlines gas level checks for quick and convenient assessments.
From a security standpoint, the product offers an automatic low oil shut-off and an overload protection (circuit breaker), allowing you to use it with a peace of mind.
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.
Beyond the standard documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab) to assist with setup, the Champion 201320 ships with supplementary accessories: oil, dual port USB adapter and funnel.
Product Video
The Champion 201320 versus other generators
The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Champion 201320 compare to inverter generators of similar power (between 3500 and 4500 W).
- As for its weight, the Champion 201320 weighs only 78 pounds, making it one of the lighter inverter generators in the 3500-4500 rated wattage category. If you are concerned by weight, one of the champions in the above-mentioned power range is the WEN 56432iX, with a dry weight of just 52.9 pounds.
- When stacked up against other devices of similar running wattage, this inverter generator's lowest possible noise rating of 64 dBA places it in the louder category. If you'd like a less noisy alternative, the Westinghouse iGen5000DF is a strong contender. It boasts a noise rating of 52 dBA, placing it among the quietest generators in its power category.
- Since the 201320 boasts with a run time of up to 22 hours at 25% load, it can be safely judged as a device of a higher run time than most inverter generators of a comparable output. 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.
- 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. With an estimated gasoline consumption of 0.18 GPH (gallon per hour) at 25% load, this inverter generator is among the more fuel-efficient of the products in the above-mentioned wattage range. If you wish to further improve in the area of fuel efficiency, the Champion 201319, which boasts with a gas consumption of only 0.16 GPH, may be the right generator for you.
Price comparison
As you can see from these interactive charts, when compared to other 3500-4500W inverter generators, the Champion 201320 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
- RV Ready
- Parallel capable
- Inverter
- Lightweight for its kind (78 lbs)
- High run time
- Fuel efficient
- No electric start
- On the noisy side (64 dBA)
Features and Specifications
| Inverter | Yes |
|---|---|
| Parallel capable | Yes, cable not included |
| RV ready | Yes |
| Fuel | Gasoline |
| Engine | 224 cc OHV 4-stroke |
| Starting system | Recoil |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| Voltage | AC: 120V 60 Hz, DC: 12V |
|---|---|
| Running watts | 3,650 W |
| Starting watts | 4,500 W |
| Running amps | 30.4 amps |
| Peak amps | 37.5 amps |
| Run time @50% load | Unknown |
| Run time @25% load | 22 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 and overload |
| Fuel tank | Steel, 4.02 gal |
| Fuel gauge | Yes |
| Weight | 78 lbs |
|---|---|
| Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | 20.9 x 18.3 x 19.4 in |
| Noise (lower limit) | 64 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 dual port USB adapter |
| UPC | 817198027036 |
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 201320 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 | |
| Washing machine | 900 | 1650 | |
| Cell phone charger | 20 | 20 | |
| Total | 2912 W | 3912 W | |
| For camping | Radiant heater | 1300 | 1300 |
| RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
| RV AC (11,000 BTU) | 1010 | 1600 | |
| Blender | 400 | 850 | |
| Cell phone charger | 20 | 20 | |
| Total | 2910 W | 3500 W | |
| For work | Grinder | 1400 | 2500 |
| Demolition hammer | 1260 | 1260 | |
| Drain cleaner | 250 | 250 | |
| Total | 2910 W | 4010 W |
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User Reviews
For the price I don’t think you can do much better. Mine started first pull and performs as described. It’s not too heavy, around 75#. A wheel kit is easy to install should you have to move it around much. Fairly quiet but better on grass or foam rubber. Will run almost a day on a tank of fuel if the load isn’t too high. I ran a freezer, refrigerator, fan and lighting at barely above idle (other than appliance start up surge). Nice to have a fuel gauge and sealed control panel in case it starts raining. Small oil capacity is a bit concerning, but I suppose as long as it’s kept clean and up to level, it should be ok. I recommend running some Seafoam mixed in with the gasoline through the carb and then draining the carb / running it out of fuel before storage. 5 stars!!
It has been a good generator for me, just didn’t last long enough. I use it as a back up to my solar system so it may run a week straight depending on weather. Easy to change oil but needs a bigger oil capacity in my opinion.