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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• 201501

  Gas + Manual start

• 201502

  Gas + Remote start

• 201503

  Dual fuel + Manual start

• 201504

  Dual fuel + Electric start

Zoom on the Champion 201501

In a nutshell, the Champion 201501 is a compact portable generator mostly geared towards:

• RV travellers wishing to enhance their freedom and nomad lifestyle
• Occasional participants of outdoor events, competitions, concerts and festivals
• Homeowners who want to be sure of their ability to power their fridges, cooking tools, heating and lighting equipment during power failures

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

Champion 201501 runs on gasoline, powered by a 224 cc OHV 4-stroke engine, delivering 120V, boasting a running wattage of 3,650W alongside a starting wattage of 4,550W.

With a noise rating of 68 dBA (less noisy than an office), the generator's starting mechanism is centered around a simple traditional pull-start mechanism.

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).

Given the 201501's high Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) of less than 20%, it is advisable to avoid using it to power sensitive electronic devices.

Outlets

The control panel features the following 4 AC outlets:

Duplex 120V 20A (5-20R)

120V 30A (TT-30R) receptacle

120V 30A (L5-30R) receptacle

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

At L23.2 x W18.3 x H20 in, the traditional open frame structure of the Champion 201501 ensures stability while facilitating convenient maintenance access to components and promoting air cooling. The design is ideal for rough environments and demanding outdoor use.

Despite its weight of 103 lbs, the generator is considered 'portable,' signifying its capability to be moved, albeit its heaviness may hinder easy transport.

Features

The 201501's control panel

Integrated into the control center of the 201501 are an Intelligauge meter, displaying voltage, frequency, and lifetime hours information, facilitating the monitoring of its status and activity.

A built-in fuel gauge allows for a quick, easy and convenient check of the fuel level of the generator.

From a security point of view, the generator is equipped with an overload protection (circuit breaker) and an automatic low oil shut-off, giving you a peace of mind during 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.

In addition to the traditional documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab) to help you get started promptly, the Champion 201501 also includes several 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).

• With a dry weight of 103 lbs, the Champion 201501 sits comfortably within the expected weight range for devices generating 3500 to 4500 rated watts. If weight is your top priority, one of the champions in this power category is the WEN 56432iX, weighing just 52.9 pounds.
• As this generator can emit noise as low as 68 dBA, it finds itself in the average expected noise for this kind of power. If you value reduced noise levels, the Westinghouse iGen5000DF could be worth considering. It's one of the quietest generators in its power range, rated at 52 dBA.
• At 50% load, the 201501 boasts a higher run time than most similarly powerful products, reaching around 14 hours. If concerned with autonomy, one of the products of a comparable power output, which offers the highest run time, is the NorthStar c5500, boasting with around 15.1 hours.
• Run time is a key metric, but it's dependent on the generator's fuel capacity. Therefore, discussing fuel efficiency is necessary to get the full picture. 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 wish to acquire one of the most gasoline efficient products of this power range, the Westinghouse iGen5000DF, with a fuel consumption of 0.23 GPH could be in your good books.

Price comparison

The bottom line

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

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