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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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Price history for the Champion 201438
Highest Price
$1,299.99
Lowest Price
$1,169.99
Current Price
$1,299.99

Description

Zoom on the Champion 201438

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

  • Professionals who want to be able to deliver results, even during a power failure
  • Homeowners in need of an emergency backup power for their essentials

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 in use

The Champion 201438

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.

Enjoying a noise rating of 74 dBA (just slightly more noisy than a shower), this generator can be started thanks to a standard recoil pull-rope starting mechanism, but also to a practical and straightforward electric starter (battery included).

In terms of running time, the 201438, equipped with a 7.7 gallons fuel tank, is capable of running continuously for around 8 hours at 50% load on a full gasoline tank (with fuel consumption estimated at around 0.96 gallons per hour). When utilizing propane, it provides around 3 hours (on a 20 lbs tank - propane consumption around 1.57 GPH) of operation.

Due to the high THD (<20%) of the 201438, it is advised against using it for powering sensitive electronic devices.

Outlets

The control panel features the upcoming 6 AC outlets:

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

Since the 201438 bears a twist-lock L14-30R receptacle, it is transfer switch ready: it is easily connectible to a breaker box and can power your home in case of a power outage.

Portability

At L29 x W28.5 x H25.8 in, the standard open frame design of the Champion 201438 delivers stability alongside easy maintenance access to components and good air cooling. The device has been designed for tough environments and demanding outdoor use.

Despite its weight of 231 lbs, the generator is considered 'portable,' signifying its capability to be moved, albeit its heaviness may hinder easy transport. 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

Panel of the Champion 201438

The 201438's control panel

The control panel of the 201438 is equipped with an Intelligauge meter, displaying voltage, frequency, and lifetime hours information, aiding in monitoring its status and activity.

The generator includes a built-in fuel gauge, a quick, easy and convenient method of checking the device’s gas level.

Considering security aspects, the generator boasts an overload protection (circuit breaker) and an automatic low oil shut-off, offering peace of mind throughout 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.

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: funnel, propane hose, oil and natural gas hose with NPT adapter.

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).

  • At a dry weight of 231 pounds, the Champion 201438 is one of the heavier multi-fuel devices which can produce between 9500 and 10500 running watts. If weight is a key factor for your needs, the Westinghouse WGen9500TFc is noteworthy for being one of the top contenders in this power range, with a dry weight of 203.4 pounds.
  • This generator offers a rated noise level of 74 dBA, placing it among the most quiet alternatives in its type and power category.
  • 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 you wish to prioritize autonomy, the Pulsar G12KBN shines as one of the top contenders, offering one of the highest run times among generators with similar power output, totaling around 12 hours.
  • Run times are important, yet thanks to their dependence on the fuel capacity, they should be judged along with the fuel consumption of the device. This generator is not fuel-efficient compared to devices of similar output: its estimated fuel consumption stands at 0.96 GPH at a 50% load. If you are concerned with gasoline efficiency, having a fuel consumption of just 0.66 GPH, the Westinghouse WGen9500TFc EFI 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 expensive side of the price range.

While certainly not the cheapest of its kind, purchasing it would most likely also mean enjoying the reliability of a high-end product.

The bottom line

STRENGTHS:
  • Tri-fuel
  • CO Shield™ technology
  • Several accessories included
  • GFCI Outlets
  • Electric start
  • Quiet for its power (74 dBA)
WEAKNESSES:
  • On the expensive side
  • 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

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.

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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 sizing calculator.
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
Microwave (1000 watts)15001500
Electric fry pan15001500
Set of 5 LED light bulbs5555
Total7985 W8405 W
For workTable saw18004500
Air compressor (1 hp)16006100
Grinder14002500
Demolition hammer12601260
Disc sander12001200
Reciprocating saw730960
Total7990 W12490 W

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