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