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Champion 201438 - 10000/12500W Tri Fuel Generator With Electric Start

The Champion 201438 is a powerful open frame tri-fuel generator with a rated wattage of 10,000 W and a starting wattage of 12,500 W. (Read full specs)

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Description

Zoom on the Champion 201438

In short, the Champion 201438 is a powerful portable generator adequately designed for:

  • Professionals in need of safely powering high-intensity work or lighting equipment
  • Homeowners in need of an emergency backup power for their essentials

In the following paragraphs, we shall explore the power characteristics, available outlets, portability, and any additional features of the device.

Power & Run Time

The Champion 201438 in use

The Champion 201438

The Champion 201438 delivers 120/240V and features a tri-fuel technology, granting it the capability to utilize gasoline, propane, or natural gas. When utilizing gasoline, it achieves a running wattage of 10,000W and a peak wattage of 12,500W. Upon switching to propane, it benefits from 9,000 rated watts and 11,250 peak watts. Transitioning to natural gas operation provides 8,000W of rated wattage and 10,000W of starting wattage.

At a noise rating of 74 dBA (just slightly more noisy than a dishwasher), this generator can be started via a traditional recoil pull-start mechanism, or a hassle-free and practical electric starter (battery included).

The 201438, with a fuel capacity of 7.7 gallons, reaches a run time of around 8 hours at 50% load utilizing gasoline (fuel consumption around 0.96 GPH). Alternatively, it can reach a run time of around 3 hours (on a 20 lbs tank - propane consumption around 1.57 GPH) with propane.

As the 201438 has a high THD (<20%), it is not recommended to use it to power sensitive electronic devices.

Outlets

The control panel features the following 6 AC outlets:

Two Duplexes 120V 20A (5-20R) GFCI
120/240V 30A (L14-30R) receptacle
120/240V 50A (14-50R) receptacle

Since it features a twist-lock L14-30R receptacle, the 201438 is tailored to be transfer switch ready, making it easy to connect it to your breaker box for home power support during outages.

Portability

At L29 x W28.5 x H25.8 in, the Champion 201438 boasts a traditional open frame structure, ensuring stability and allowing for convenient maintenance access to components, promoting air circulation. The design is ideal for rough environments and demanding outdoor use.

Despite its 231 lbs, the generator falls under the category of 'portable,' signifying its movability, although its weight may hinder easy portability. However, the lack of maneuverability can be offset with its wheel kit (⌀9.5") and its folding handle, which allows for convenient shifting once the generator is placed on the ground.

Features

Panel of the Champion 201438

The 201438's control panel

Included in the control panel of the 201438 are an Intelligauge meter, displaying voltage, frequency, and lifetime hours information, essential for monitoring its status and activity.

The fuel level of the generator can be determined quickly, easily, and conveniently with the help of its built-in fuel gauge.

From a security standpoint, the generator is furnished with an overload protection (circuit breaker) and an automatic low oil shut-off, ensuring peace of mind during operation.

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.

Alongside the standard documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab) for quick setup, the Champion 201438 is bundled with additional accessories: oil, natural gas hose with NPT adapter, propane hose and funnel.

The Champion 201438 versus other generators

The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Champion 201438 compare to multi-fuel generators of similar power (between 9500 and 10500 W).

  • With a weight of 231 lbs, the Champion 201438 is notably on the heavier side among multi-fuel generators in the 9500-10500 rated wattage range. Weight-conscious users may find the Westinghouse WGen9500TFc appealing, as it is one of the top contenders in this power range, weighing just 203.4 pounds.
  • Delivering a rated noise output as low as 74 dBA, this generator places itself as one of the most quiet among the units of similar type and power.
  • Regarding its autonomy, the autonomy of the 201438, reaching around 8 hours at a 50% load, can be considered as low end, compared to other multi-fuel products of a roughly equal output. If prolonged run time is essential to your needs, you could consider the Predator 13000, which offers one of the highest autonomy among devices with similar power output, lasting around 12.1 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. In fact, this generator is not one of the most fuel-efficient options in the aforementioned wattage range: its estimated gasoline consumption at 50% load is around 0.96 GPH. If you are concerned with gasoline efficiency, having a fuel consumption of just 0.67 GPH, the Pulsar G12KBN is a device you could look out for.

Price comparison

As you can see from these interactive charts, when compared to other 9500-10500W multi-fuel generators, the Champion 201438 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

STRENGTHS:
  • In the expected price range
  • Tri-fuel
  • CO Shield™ technology
  • Several accessories included
  • GFCI Outlets
  • Electric start
  • Quiet for its power (74 dBA)
WEAKNESSES:
  • No remote start
  • On the heavy side (231 lbs)
  • Relatively low run time
  • Low fuel efficiency

Do you own the Champion 201438 and agree (or disagree) with these strengths and weaknesses?

Let us know and write your own review.

Features and Specifications

General
InverterNo
Parallel capableNo
RV readyNo
FuelTri-Fuel (gasoline/propane/natural gas)
Engine500 cc OHV 4-stroke
Starting systemRecoil, Electric
Warranty3 years
VoltageAC: 120/240V 60 Hz
Power
GasolineLPGNG
Running watts10,000 W9,000 W8,000 W
Starting watts12,500 W11,250 W10,000 W
Running amps (@120/240V)83.3/41.7 amps75/37.5 amps66.7/33.3 amps
Peak amps (@120/240V)104.2/52.1 amps93.8/46.9 amps83.3/41.7 amps
Run time @50% load8 h3 hN/A
Run time @25% loadUnknownUnknownN/A
Features
GFCI outletsYes
Covered outletsYes
Automatic Voltage RegulationYes
AC outlets
  • 2x Duplex 120V 20A (5-20R) GFCI
  • 1x 120/240V 30A (L14-30R)
  • 1x 120/240V 50A (14-50R)
DC outletsNo
Data centerVFT
IndicatorsNo
Fuel tankSteel, 7.7 gal
Fuel gaugeYes
Misc
Weight231 lbs
Approx. dimensions (L x W x H)29 x 28.5 x 25.8 in
Noise (lower limit)74 dBA
THD< 20%
ComplianceEPA, ANSI/PGMA G300-2023
SecurityLow oil and overload protection, CO monitoring
Spark arrestorYes
NeutralBonded to frame
Accessories includedOil, funnel, natural gas hose with NPT adapter, propane hose, battery, and wheel kit
Country of originVietnam
UPC817198027913

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.

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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 201438 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?
Examples of items that can be simultaneously powered.
The examples below are based on a maximum load of 80% and estimated wattages. For a more accurate estimation, use our generator sizer.
ItemRunning WattsStarting Watts
At homeSump pump (1/2 hp)10502150
Furnace fan (1/2 hp)8752350
Refrigerator (energy star)1921192
Clothes dryer54006750
Blender400850
Set of 5 LED light bulbs5555
Total7972 W9447 W
For campingRadiant heater13001300
RV refrigerator180600
Hair dryer18001900
Electric grill16501650
Electric fry pan15001500
Microwave (1000 watts)15001500
Set of 5 LED light bulbs5555
Total7985 W8405 W
For workTable saw18004500
Air compressor (1 hp)16006100
Grinder14002500
Demolition hammer12601260
Pressure washer (1 hp)12003600
Reciprocating saw730960
Total7990 W12490 W

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