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
Zoom on the Champion 201501
In summary, the Champion 201501 is a compact portable generator especially useful for:
- RV travellers looking for even more independence
- 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 upcoming sections, you'll discover its power characteristics, the array of outlets it presents, its overall portability, and the additional features it possesses.
Power & Run Time
The Champion 201501's design includes a gasoline-fueled 224 cc OHV 4-stroke engine. With a 120V output, it gives a running wattage of 3,650W and also a peak wattage of 4,550W.
With a noise rating of 68 dBA (less noisy than a normal conversation), the generator's ignition is facilitated by a manual recoil starter system.
Equipped with a 4.7 gallons fuel tank, the 201501 ensures continuous operation for around 14 hours at 50% load with a full tank (fuel usage approximately 0.34 gallons per hour).
Since the 201501 has a high THD (<20%), it is advisable to not use it for the powering of sensitive electronic devices.
Outlets
The control panel includes the following 4 AC outlets:
This Champion generator is RV Ready, thanks to its TT-30R receptacle (TT stands for 'Travel Trailer').
Portability
With dimensions of L23.2 x W18.3 x H20 in, the standard open frame design of the Champion 201501 provides stability and easy maintenance access to components, as well as good air circulation. This type of design is ideal for tough environments and heavy outdoor use.
The 201501's dry weight of 103 lbs lets you use its power anywhere needed. Furthermore, thanks to its open frame, the generator is easily grabbed and moved to a new location.
Features
To facilitate status and activity monitoring, an Intelligauge meter, displaying voltage, frequency, and lifetime hours information are embedded in the control panel of the 201501.
The inclusion of a built-in fuel gauge in the generator streamlines gas level checks for quick and convenient assessments.
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. 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 standard documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab) to facilitate setup, the Champion 201501 features extra 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).
- As its weight is 103 pounds, the Champion 201501 falls in the expected weight range of the devices in the 3500-4500 rated wattage category. If weight is an important consideration for you, the WEN 56432iX stands out as one of the top contenders in this power category, with a dry weight of 52.9 pounds.
- The generator can be considered average in its noise for its power category, as it is rated at 68 dBA. If you are concerned with noise, check out the Westinghouse iGen5000DF, which is one of the least noisy generators in its power range, with a noise rating of just 52 dBA.
- Thanks to an impressive running time of around 14 hours at 50% load, the 201501 benefits from a higher run time than many generators of a similar output. 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.
- 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. This generator reaches an estimated fuel consumption of 0.34 GPH (gallon per hour) at a 50% load, making it average, for the previously mentioned wattage range. If you are concerned with gasoline efficiency, having a fuel consumption of just 0.23 GPH, the Westinghouse iGen5000DF is a device you could look out for.
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
- Inexpensive
- CO Shield™ technology
- RV Ready
- High run time
- Decent weight (103 lbs)
- Acceptable noise (68 dBA)
- Decent fuel efficiency
- No electric start
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: 120V 60 Hz |
|---|---|
| Running watts | 3,650 W |
| Starting watts | 4,550 W |
| Running amps | 30.4 amps |
| Peak amps | 37.9 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 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 |
| Other model numbers | 201119 |
| UPC | 817198028507 |
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 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?
| Item | Running Watts | Starting Watts | |
|---|---|---|---|
| At home | AC (10,000 BTU) | 1500 | 2200 |
| Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 | |
| Vacuum cleaner | 1075 | 1175 | |
| Radio | 100 | 100 | |
| Pair of small speakers | 45 | 45 | |
| Total | 2912 W | 3912 W | |
| For camping | RV AC (11,000 BTU) | 1010 | 1600 |
| RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
| Electric grill | 1650 | 1650 | |
| Set of 5 LED light bulbs | 55 | 55 | |
| Total | 2895 W | 3485 W | |
| For work | Table saw | 1800 | 4500 |
| Total | 1800 W | 4500 W |
Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.




