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 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:
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
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
- In the expected price range
- Tri-fuel
- CO Shield™ technology
- Several accessories included
- GFCI Outlets
- Electric start
- Quiet for its power (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 |
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.
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 | |
Electric fry pan | 1500 | 1500 | |
Microwave (1000 watts) | 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 | |
Pressure washer (1 hp) | 1200 | 3600 | |
Reciprocating saw | 730 | 960 | |
Total | 7990 W | 12490 W |
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