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 a nutshell, the Champion 201438 is a powerful portable generator mostly geared towards:
- Professionals who want to be able to deliver results, even during a power failure
- Homeowners who want to be sure of their ability to power their fridges, cooking tools, heating and lighting equipment during power failures
The subsequent sections will explore in detail its power characteristics, the diverse outlets it provides, its overall portability, and the supplementary features it offers.
Power & Run Time
The Champion 201438 delivers 120/240V and boasts with a tri-fuel technology enabling it to utilize gasoline, propane, or natural gas. When powered by gasoline, it achieves a running wattage of 10,000W and a peak wattage of 12,500W. Upon using propane, it gains 9,000 rated watts and 11,250 peak watts. Its operation with natural gas provides 8,000W of rated wattage and 10,000W of starting wattage.
The generator features a standard recoil pull-rope starting mechanism and also a user-friendly and hassle-free electric starter (battery included). It is rated for a noise of 74 dBA (just slightly more noisy than a vacuum cleaner).
In terms of run time, the 201438, boasting a 7.7 gallons fuel tank, can run for around 8 hours at 50% load on a full tank of gasoline (with fuel consumption averaging 0.96 gallons per hour). Additionally, it provides around 3 hours (on a 20 lbs tank - propane consumption around 1.57 GPH) of operation with propane.
Considering its high Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) of less than 20%, it is not recommended to rely on the 201438 for powering sensitive electronic devices.
Outlets
The control panel includes the following 6 AC outlets:
With its twist-lock L14-30R receptacle, the 201438 is configured to be transfer switch ready, allowing straightforward connection to your breaker box to supply backup power to your home during outages.
Portability
With dimensions of L29 x W28.5 x H25.8 in, the standard open frame design of the Champion 201438 provides stability and easy maintenance access to components, as well as good air circulation. The design is ideal for rough environments and demanding outdoor use.
Since the generator weighs 231 lbs, it could be potentially be difficult to manually lift it and transport it, even though it is technically considered to 'be portable' (in the sense that it is movable). However, the constrained maneuverability is addressed with the assistance of its wheel kit (⌀9.5") and its folding handle, allowing for easy shifting once the generator is placed on the ground.
Features
Included in the control panel of the 201438 are an Intelligauge meter, which displays voltage, frequency and lifetime hours, essential for monitoring its status and activity.
Equipped with a built-in fuel gauge, the generator facilitates swift gas level checks.
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.
Along the basic documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), useful for starting the generator right away, the Champion 201438's package also includes these accessories: propane hose, oil, natural gas hose with NPT adapter and funnel.
Product Video
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).
- As its dry weight is 231 pounds, the Champion 201438 is one of the heavier of the multi-fuel products which can generate 9500 to 10500 running watts. if you wish to prioritize weight, the Westinghouse WGen9500TFc is one of the top contenders in its power category, weighing only 203.4 pounds.
- With noise emissions reaching as low as 74 dBA, this generator has a noise level typical for devices of its type and power category. If noise emissions are important to you, one of the least noisy generators of this power range is the Genmax GM12500iET with only 62 dBA.
- As far as autonomy is concerned, providing around 8 hours of runtime with a full tank at a 50% load, the 201438 falls into the low end in comparison with other multi-fuel devices of a comparable power output. For those prioritizing autonomy, the Pulsar G12KBN could be considered, as it offers one of the longest run times among generators with similar power output, reaching around 12 hours.
- Run time is crucial, but it heavily relies on the fuel tank's capacity. Thus, considering fuel efficiency alongside is essential. When it comes to fuel efficiency among generators with similar wattage, this generator lags behind, with a consumption rate of 0.96 GPH at a 50% load. If you wish to further improve in the area of fuel efficiency, the Westinghouse WGen9500TFc EFI, which boasts with a gas consumption of only 0.66 GPH, may be the right generator for you.
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
- In the expected price range
- Tri-fuel
- CO Shield™ technology
- Several accessories included
- GFCI Outlets
- Electric start
- Acceptable noise (74 dBA)
- No remote start
- On the heavy side (231 lbs)
- Relatively low run time
- Low fuel efficiency
Features and Specifications
| Inverter | No |
|---|---|
| Parallel capable | No |
| RV ready | No |
| Fuel | Tri-Fuel (gasoline/propane/natural gas) |
| Engine | 500 cc OHV 4-stroke |
| Starting system | Recoil, Electric |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| Voltage | AC: 120/240V 60 Hz |
| Gasoline | LPG | NG | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Running watts | 10,000 W | 9,000 W | 8,000 W |
| Starting watts | 12,500 W | 11,250 W | 10,000 W |
| Running amps (@120/240V) | 83.3/41.7 amps | 75/37.5 amps | 66.7/33.3 amps |
| Peak amps (@120/240V) | 104.2/52.1 amps | 93.8/46.9 amps | 83.3/41.7 amps |
| Run time @50% load | 8 h | 3 h | N/A |
| Run time @25% load | Unknown | Unknown | N/A |
| GFCI outlets | Yes |
|---|---|
| Covered outlets | Yes |
| Automatic Voltage Regulation | Yes |
| AC outlets |
|
| DC outlets | No |
| Data center | VFT |
| Indicators | No |
| Fuel tank | Steel, 7.7 gal |
| Fuel gauge | Yes |
| Weight | 231 lbs |
|---|---|
| Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | 29 x 28.5 x 25.8 in |
| Noise (lower limit) | 74 dBA |
| THD | < 20% |
| Compliance | EPA, ANSI/PGMA G300-2023 |
| Security | Low oil and overload protection, CO monitoring |
| Spark arrestor | Yes |
| Neutral | Bonded to frame |
| Accessories included | Oil, funnel, natural gas hose with NPT adapter, propane hose, battery, and wheel kit |
| Country of origin | Vietnam |
| UPC | 817198027913 |
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 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?
| Item | Running Watts | Starting Watts | |
|---|---|---|---|
| At home | Sump pump (1/2 hp) | 1050 | 2150 |
| Furnace fan (1/2 hp) | 875 | 2350 | |
| Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 | |
| Clothes dryer | 5400 | 6750 | |
| Blender | 400 | 850 | |
| Set of 5 LED light bulbs | 55 | 55 | |
| Total | 7972 W | 9447 W | |
| For camping | Radiant heater | 1300 | 1300 |
| RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
| Hair dryer | 1800 | 1900 | |
| Electric grill | 1650 | 1650 | |
| Microwave (1000 watts) | 1500 | 1500 | |
| Electric fry pan | 1500 | 1500 | |
| Set of 5 LED light bulbs | 55 | 55 | |
| Total | 7985 W | 8405 W | |
| For work | Table saw | 1800 | 4500 |
| Air compressor (1 hp) | 1600 | 6100 | |
| Grinder | 1400 | 2500 | |
| Demolition hammer | 1260 | 1260 | |
| Disc sander | 1200 | 1200 | |
| Reciprocating saw | 730 | 960 | |
| Total | 7990 W | 12490 W |
Is this generator compatible with the 30amp surge protected generlink, and if not due to the neutral begin bonded to the frame, is is possible to install a floating neutral lug to this generator? (Asked February 08, 2026)
Generlink compatibility should be asked directly to Generlink. To convert the neutral, you may want to refer to our article on neutral conversion, or to Champion Power Equipment's article (opens in a new tab).
Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.




