Champion 201491 - 4000/5000W Portable Generator
The Champion 201491 is a compact open frame generator with a rated wattage of 4,000 W and a starting wattage of 5,000 W. (Read full specs)
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Amazon Price history for the Champion 201491
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Description
Convenient and versatile power is yours in the Champion 4000-watt RV Ready portable generator with CO Shield®. Rely on the Champion 224cc engine and enjoy up to 14 hours of run time at 50% load with a dBA of 68.
Zoom on the Champion 201491
In summary, the Champion 201491 is a compact portable generator especially useful for:
- RV travellers who wish to upgrade their experience to another level
- People occasionally participating in sporting competitions, open-air performances and outdoor festivals
- Homeowners who want to be able to use the most necessary devices in their household, even during a blackout
In the forthcoming sections, you'll delve into its power characteristics, the various outlets it offers, its overall portability, and the additional features it boasts.
Power & Run Time
The Champion 201491
The Champion 201491 is powered by a 224 cc OHV 4-stroke engine. It delivers 120/240V, runs on gasoline and offers a running wattage of 4,000W as well as a peak wattage of 5,000W.
With a noise rating of 68 dBA (less noisy than a normal conversation), the generator features a standard recoil pull-rope starting mechanism.
The 201491 can operate for around 14 hours at 50% load with a full tank (fuel consumption around 0.34 GPH), due to its fuel capacity of 4.7 gallons.
Due to the high THD (<20%) of the 201491, it is advised against using it for powering sensitive electronic devices.
Outlets
The control panel includes the following 4 AC outlets:
With its TT-30R receptacle (TT standing for 'Travel Trailer'), this Champion generator is RV Ready, perfectly suited for powering recreational vehicles. In addition, thanks to its twist-lock L14-30R receptacle, the 201491 is transfer switch ready, facilitating easy hookup to your breaker box to provide backup power for your home during blackouts.
Portability
With a size of L23.2 x W18.3 x H20.2 in, the Champion 201491 features an open frame design, providing stability and simplified maintenance access to components, enhancing air circulation. The design is ideal for rough environments and demanding outdoor use.
With a dry weight of 103 lbs, the 201491 is manageable, ensuring it can accompany you wherever you need power. Moreover, its open frame design makes it incredibly easy to grasp the frame in order to change its location.
It is also possible to purchase the official wheel kit (opens in a new tab) to help you transport the 201491 more easily.
Features
The 201491's control panel
The control panel of the 201491 is equipped with an Intelligauge meter, which displays voltage, frequency and lifetime hours, aiding in monitoring its status and activity.
The built-in fuel gauge of the generator ensures simple and quick gas level assessments.
In terms of security, the generator features an automatic low oil shut-off and an overload protection (circuit breaker), ensuring peace of mind during its use. 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.
Alongside the standard documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab) for quick setup, the Champion 201491 is bundled with additional accessories: oil and funnel. The official storage cover and running cover are also available, as separate purchases.
Product Video
The Champion 201491 versus other generators
The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Champion 201491 compare to generators of similar power (between 3500 and 4500 W).
- With a dry weight of 103 lbs, the Champion 201491 sits comfortably within the expected weight range for devices generating 3500 to 4500 rated watts. if you wish to prioritize weight, the WEN 56432iX is one of the top contenders in its power category, weighing only 52.9 pounds.
- Since the generator's noise is rated at 68 dBA, it has the roughly average expected noise for a device of similar power. If you wish to prioritize minimal noise, the Westinghouse iGen5000DF stands out as one of the quietest options among generators of similar power, with a rating of 52 dBA.
- With a run time of around 14 hours at 50% load, the 201491 has one of the higher run times, compared to its similarly powerful peers. If prolonged run time is essential to your needs, you could consider the Firman W03663OF, which offers one of the highest autonomy among devices with similar power output, lasting around 18 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. The generator utilizes approximately 0.34 GPH of gasoline at a 50% load, placing it within the typical range of fuel consumption seen in products of comparable wattage. If not satisfied with the afore-mentioned fuel consumption, you may wish to check out the Westinghouse iGen5000DF. With a fuel consumption of as little as 0.23 GPH, it is one of the most efficient generators currently on the market.
Price comparison
As you can see from these interactive charts, when compared to other 3500-4500W generators, the Champion 201491 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
- High run time
- Decent weight (103 lbs)
- Acceptable noise (68 dBA)
- Decent fuel efficiency
- No electric start
Do you own the Champion 201491 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 | 224 cc OHV 4-stroke |
| Starting system | Recoil |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| Voltage | AC: 120/240V 60 Hz |
|---|---|
| Running watts | 4,000 W |
| Starting watts | 5,000 W |
| Running amps (@120/240V) | 33.3/16.7 amps |
| Peak amps (@120/240V) | 41.7/20.8 amps |
| Run time @50% load | 14 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 | 103 lbs |
|---|---|
| Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | 23.2 x 18.3 x 20.2 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 and funnel |
| Country of origin | Vietnam |
| UPC | 817198028378 |
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 201491 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 | Dish washer | 1500 | 3000 |
| AC (10,000 BTU) | 1500 | 2200 | |
| Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 | |
| Total | 3192 W | 4692 W | |
| For camping | RV AC (11,000 BTU) | 1010 | 1600 |
| RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
| Hair dryer | 1800 | 1900 | |
| Mixer | 200 | 200 | |
| Total | 3190 W | 3780 W | |
| For work | Table saw | 1800 | 4500 |
| Electric fence (25 miles) | 250 | 250 | |
| Bug zapper | 80 | 80 | |
| Total | 2130 W | 4830 W |
Can you reset the running hours nine hit 999hrs and won't count any further (Asked January 18, 2023)
Not sure is this can be easily achieved. You should contact Champion to know more. There are chances they will tell you to replace the meter. Alternatively, you can consider a virabtion-activated hour meter.
Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.
User Reviews
Not bad of a generator recoil just went trying to get a hold of people for the warranty cover under a 3-year but it is so hard to get through to anybody I think the warranty should be a little easier for people to get to
Manual doesn’t have a whole lot of info about the product