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Champion 201501 - 3650/4550W Portable Generator

The Champion 201501 is a compact open frame generator with a rated wattage of 3,650 W and a starting wattage of 4,550 W. (Read full specs)

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Description

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To sum up, the Champion 201501 is a compact portable generator tailored for:

  • RV travellers who wish to upgrade their experience to another level
  • Occasional participants of outdoor events, competitions, concerts and festivals
  • Homeowners who want to be able to use the most necessary devices in their household, even during a blackout

In the sections ahead, the power characteristics, availability of various outlets, the portability, and any additional features of the device shall be discussed.

Power & Run Time

The Champion 201501 in use

The Champion 201501

The Champion 201501 is powered by a 224 cc OHV 4-stroke engine. It delivers 120V, runs on gasoline and offers a running wattage of 3,650W as well as a peak wattage of 4,550W.

The generator is rated for a noise of 68 dBA (less noisy than an office). Its starting mechanism is based on a manual recoil starter system.

The fuel capacity of 4.7 gallons allows the 201501 to operate for around 14 hours at 50% load with a full tank (fuel consumption around 0.34 GPH).

The quite high THD (<20%) of the 201501 makes it unsuitable for powering sensitive electronic devices.

Outlets

The control panel includes the following 4 AC outlets:

Duplex 120V 20A (5-20R)
120V 30A (TT-30R) receptacle
120V 30A (L5-30R) receptacle

Thanks to its TT-30R receptacle (TT stands for 'Travel Trailer'), this Champion generator is RV Ready, making it ideal for powering recreational vehicles.

Portability

Measuring L23.2 x W18.3 x H20 in, the Champion 201501 showcases a classic open frame layout, guaranteeing stability and simple maintenance access to components, while facilitating air circulation. The device has been designed for tough environments and demanding outdoor use.

While technically classified as 'portable' due to its ability to be moved, the 103 lbs of this generator make manual lifting and transportation incredibly difficult.

Features

Panel of the Champion 201501

The 201501's control panel

For convenient monitoring of its status and activity, the control panel of the 201501 includes an Intelligauge meter, showing voltage, frequency, and lifetime hours metrics.

The built-in fuel gauge of the generator ensures simple and quick gas level assessments.

As for its security measures, the device features an automatic low oil shut-off and an overload protection (circuit breaker), letting you use it with a peace of mind. 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.

Apart from the typical documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), which lets you start it right away, the Champion 201501 also is packed along with the following accessories: funnel and oil.

Product Video

The Champion 201501 versus other generators

The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Champion 201501 compare to generators of similar power (between 3500 and 4500 W).

  • At 103 lbs in dry weight, the Champion 201501 fits well within the typical weight bracket for generators producing 3500 to 4500 rated watts. If weight matters to you, one of the champions in this power range is the Genmax GM4600iAEFIC with only 58.4 pounds.
  • Given its rated noise level of 68 dBA, this generator aligns with the average expected noise rating for devices of similar power. If noise emissions are one of your priorities, you may be interested in the Westinghouse iGen5000DF, one of the least noisy generators similarly powerful as this one, rated for 52 dBA.
  • In terms of run time, the 201501 surpasses similarly powerful devices, boasting one of the higher run times at around 14 hours. If you consider autonomy on a single full tank as one of the deciding factors, one of the generators in the same power range that offers the highest run time is the Predator 4375, with around 16 hours.
  • Even though run times are undoubtedly important, they are dependent on the fuel capacity to a large extent. For a more wholesome picture, we must take into consideration the fuel consumption of the generator. This generator has an average fuel consumption among comparably powerful devices, as it reaches 0.34 GPH (gallon per hour) at a 50% load. To prioritize fuel savings, we advise considering the Westinghouse iGen5000DF, which stands out for its gasoline efficiency, consuming just 0.23 gallons per hour.

Price comparison

As you can see from these interactive charts, when compared to other 3500-4500W generators, the Champion 201501 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

STRENGTHS:
  • Inexpensive
  • CO Shield™ technology
  • Several accessories included
  • RV Ready
  • High run time
AVERAGE SPECS:
  • Decent weight (103 lbs)
  • Acceptable noise (68 dBA)
  • Decent fuel efficiency
WEAKNESSES:
  • No electric start

Do you own the Champion 201501 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 readyYes
FuelGasoline
Engine224 cc OHV 4-stroke
Starting systemRecoil
Warranty3 years
Power
VoltageAC: 120V 60 Hz
Running watts3,650 W
Starting watts4,550 W
Running amps30.4 amps
Peak amps37.9 amps
Run time @50% load14 h
Run time @25% loadUnknown
Features
GFCI outletsNo
Covered outletsYes
Automatic Voltage RegulationYes
AC outlets
  • 1x Duplex 120V 20A (5-20R)
  • 1x 120V 30A (TT-30R)
  • 1x 120V 30A (L5-30R)
DC outletsNo
Data centerVFT
IndicatorsNo
Fuel tankSteel, 4.7 gal
Fuel gaugeYes
Misc
Weight103 lbs
Approx. dimensions (L x W x H)23.2 x 18.3 x 20 in
Noise (lower limit)68 dBA
THD< 20%
ComplianceEPA, ANSI/PGMA G300-2023
SecurityLow oil, overload and Volt Guard™ surge protection, CO monitoring
Spark arrestorYes
NeutralFloating
Accessories includedOil and funnel
Other model numbers201119
UPC817198028507

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.

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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 201501 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 wattage calculator.
ItemRunning WattsStarting Watts
At homeMicrowave (1000 watts)15001500
Refrigerator (energy star)1921192
Vacuum cleaner10751175
Radio100100
Pair of small speakers4545
Total2912 W3912 W
For campingRV AC (11,000 BTU)10101600
RV refrigerator180600
Electric grill16501650
Set of 5 LED light bulbs5555
Total2895 W3485 W
For workTable saw18004500
Total1800 W4500 W

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