Champion 201489 - 3500/4375W Portable Generator With Remote Start
The Champion 201489 is a portable open frame generator with a rated wattage of 3,500 W and a starting wattage of 4,375 W. (Read full specs)
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Description
Champion Power Equipment makes powering your life easier than ever with the 201489 3500-Watt RV Ready Portable Generator with CO Shield® and Wireless Remote Start. With enough power to start and run a 15,000 BTU RV air conditioner, you can also use this feature-packed generator to power the essentials in your home the next time there’s an outage.
Zoom on the Champion 201489
In short, the Champion 201489 is a portable generator adequately designed for:
- RV travellers wishing to enhance their freedom and nomad lifestyle
- People occasionally participating in sporting competitions, open-air performances and outdoor festivals
- DIYers who wish to improve their efficiency with tools
- Homeowners who want to be able to use the most necessary devices in their household, even during a blackout
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 201489
With a 212 cc OHV 4-stroke engine, the Champion 201489 operates on gasoline, providing 120V, with a running wattage of 3,500W and a starting wattage of 4,375W.
Enjoying a noise rating of 68 dBA (less noisy than a normal conversation), this generator can be started thanks to a classic hand-operated recoil starting mechanism, but also to a convenient and easy-to-use electric starter (battery included). The 201489 can also be remotely started, offering further convenience (key fob included).
With its 4.7 gallons fuel tank, the 201489 can operate for around 12 hours at 50% load when fully fueled (with fuel usage averaging around 0.39 GPH).
The powering of sensitive electronic devices with the 201489 is not recommended due to its high THD (<20%).
Outlets
The control panel provides the upcoming 4 AC outlets:
The inclusion of a TT-30R receptacle (TT for 'Travel Trailer') makes this Champion generator RV Ready, ideal for providing power to recreational vehicles.
Portability
With dimensions of L24.8 x W23.6 x H22.4 in, the standard open frame design of the Champion 201489 provides stability and easy maintenance access to components, as well as good air circulation. The featured design is ideal for the outdoors and all tough environments.
Even though this device may be technically portable (as in movable), manipulation and transportation without special equipment can be a challenge, as it weighs 116 pounds. Nevertheless, the restricted maneuverability is counteracted by its wheel kit (⌀8") and its folding handle, enabling easy shifting once the generator is set in place.
Features
The 201489's control panel
The control panel of the 201489 is equipped with an Intelligauge meter, providing voltage, frequency, and lifetime hours data, aiding in monitoring its status and activity.
A built-in fuel gauge allows for a quick, easy and convenient check of the fuel level of the generator.
As far as security is concerned, the generator can be used with a peace of mind, as it features an automatic low oil shut-off and an overload protection (circuit breaker). Champion's built-in surge protector (Volt Guard™) safeguards your equipment and appliances against voltage spikes.
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.
Beyond the standard documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab) to assist with setup, the Champion 201489 ships with supplementary accessories: funnel, key fob and oil.
Product Video
The Champion 201489 versus other generators
The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Champion 201489 compare to generators of similar power (between 3000 and 4000 W).
- At 116 lbs in dry weight, the Champion 201489 fits well within the typical weight bracket for generators producing 3000 to 4000 rated watts. Weight-conscious users may find the Pulsar PGD40iSCO appealing, as it is one of the top contenders in this power range, weighing just 46 pounds.
- The generator's noise output, rated at 68 dBA, falls within the average range expected for devices in its power range. If you'd like a less noisy alternative, the Westinghouse iGen5000DF is a strong contender. It boasts a noise rating of 52 dBA, placing it among the quietest generators in its power category.
- The 201489 provides around 12 hours of runtime at a 50% load on a full tank, placing it within the average autonomy range among similar generators. If extended autonomy is what matters most to you, the Firman W03663OF could be an excellent choice, offering one of the longest run times among units in its power category, reaching around 18 hours.
- While run time is vital, it hinges on the fuel capacity. To grasp the full picture, we must also factor in fuel efficiency. 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 0.39 GPH. If gasoline efficiency is at the top of your list, you may want to have a look at the Pulsar PGD40iSCO, which has great fuel efficiency, with a gas consumption of only 0.22 gallons per hour.
Price comparison
As you can see from these interactive charts, when compared to other 3000-4000W generators, the Champion 201489 is on the cheap side of the price range.
It can therefore be a really good buy if you're looking to acquire a budget generator.
The bottom line
- Inexpensive
- CO Shield™ technology
- RV Ready
- Remote start
- Decent weight (116 lbs)
- Acceptable noise (68 dBA)
- Decent run time
- Low fuel efficiency
Do you own the Champion 201489 and agree (or disagree) with these strengths and weaknesses?
Let us know and write your own review.
Features and Specifications
| Inverter | No |
|---|---|
| Parallel capable | No |
| RV ready | Yes |
| Fuel | Gasoline |
| Engine | 212 cc OHV 4-stroke |
| Starting system | Recoil, Electric, Remote |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| Voltage | AC: 120V 60 Hz |
|---|---|
| Running watts | 3,500 W |
| Starting watts | 4,375 W |
| Running amps | 29.2 amps |
| Peak amps | 36.5 amps |
| Run time @50% load | 12 h |
| Run time @25% load | Unknown |
| GFCI outlets | No |
|---|---|
| Covered outlets | Yes |
| Automatic Voltage Regulation | Yes |
| AC outlets |
|
| DC outlets | No |
| Data center | VFT |
| Indicators | No |
| Fuel tank | Steel, 4.7 gal |
| Fuel gauge | Yes |
| Weight | 116 lbs |
|---|---|
| Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | 24.8 x 23.6 x 22.4 in |
| Noise (lower limit) | 68 dBA |
| THD | < 20% |
| Compliance | EPA, ANSI/PGMA G300-2023 |
| Security | Low oil, overload and Volt Guard™ surge protection, CO monitoring |
| Spark arrestor | Yes |
| Neutral | Floating |
| Accessories included | Oil, funnel, key fob, battery, and wheel kit |
| Country of origin | Vietnam |
| UPC | 817198028323 |
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 201489 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 | Electric fry pan | 1500 | 1500 |
| Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 | |
| Vacuum cleaner | 1075 | 1175 | |
| Total | 2767 W | 3767 W | |
| For camping | RV AC (11,000 BTU) | 1010 | 1600 |
| RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
| Microwave (1000 watts) | 1500 | 1500 | |
| Radio | 100 | 100 | |
| Total | 2790 W | 3380 W | |
| For work | Grinder | 1400 | 2500 |
| Demolition hammer | 1260 | 1260 | |
| Bug zapper | 80 | 80 | |
| Total | 2740 W | 3840 W |
Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.
