Champion 201503 - 3650/4550W Dual Fuel Generator
The Champion 201503 is a compact open frame dual fuel 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 201503
In a few words, the Champion 201503 is a compact portable generator perfectly suited 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
With its dual-fuel technology, the powerful and versatile Champion 201503 provides an output of 120V. While gasoline-powered, it gives a running wattage of 3,650W along with a peak wattage of 4,550W. While propane-powered, it provides 3,285 rated watts and 4,100 starting watts.
The generator features a standard recoil pull-rope starting mechanism. It is rated for a noise of 68 dBA (less noisy than a normal conversation).
The running time of the 201503, with its 4.7 gallons fuel capacity, can reach around 14 hours at 50% load on a full tank of gasoline (fuel consumption around 0.34 GPH). With propane, it can reach around 10.5 hours (on a 20 lbs tank - propane consumption around 0.45 GPH).
The 201503 is unsuitable for the powering of sensitive electronic devices due to its high THD (<20%).
Outlets
The control panel features the following 4 AC outlets:
This Champion generator is RV Ready, thanks to its TT-30R receptacle (TT stands for 'Travel Trailer').
Portability
At L23.4 x W19.7 x H19.8 in, the Champion 201503 boasts a traditional open frame structure, ensuring stability and allowing for convenient maintenance access to components, promoting air circulation. The design is ideal for rough environments and demanding outdoor use.
Even though this device may be technically portable (as in movable), manipulation and transportation without special equipment can be a challenge, as it weighs 110 pounds. To improve the generator's mobility, you may want to consider acquiring the official wheel kit (opens in a new tab).
Features
The 201503 and its control panel include an Intelligauge meter showing you voltage, frequency and lifetime hours. This feature comes handy when monitoring its status and activity.
The generator allows for a quick, easy and convenient assessment of its gas level, as it is equipped with a built-in fuel gauge.
From a security standpoint, the product offers an overload protection (circuit breaker) and an automatic low oil shut-off, allowing you to 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.
While the standard documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), helpful for starting the device promptly, come with the Champion 201503, the following accessories are also included: propane hose, oil and funnel.
Product Video
The Champion 201503 versus other generators
The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Champion 201503 compare to dual fuel generators of similar power (between 3500 and 4500 W).
- Considering its dry weight of 110 pounds, the Champion 201503 is one of the heavier dual fuel generators producing between 3500 and 4500 running watts. In terms of weight, one of the champions in their power range is the Pulsar PGX5250BiXCO, standing at just 64 lbs.
- The generator can be considered average in its noise for its type and power category, as it is rated at 68 dBA. If noise emissions are one of your priorities, you may want to take a look at the Westinghouse iGen5000DF. It's one of the quietest options among generators of similar power, rated at 52 dBA.
- Since the 201503 boasts with a run time of around 14 hours at 50% load, it can be safely judged as a device of a higher run time than most dual fuel generators of a comparable output. For those prioritizing autonomy, the Westinghouse iGen5000DF could be considered, as it offers one of the longest run times among generators with similar power output, reaching around 15 hours.
- Run time is a key metric, but it's dependent on the generator's fuel tank capacity. Therefore, discussing fuel efficiency is necessary for a complete understanding. Standing at an estimated 0.34 GPH (gallon per hour) at a 50% load, this generator is somewhat average in this area compared to other devices, within the aforementioned wattage range. 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 dual fuel generators, the Champion 201503 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
- Dual fuel
- CO Shield™ technology
- RV Ready
- High run time
- Acceptable noise (68 dBA)
- Decent fuel efficiency
- No electric start
- On the heavy side (110 lbs)
Features and Specifications
| Inverter | No |
|---|---|
| Parallel capable | No |
| RV ready | Yes |
| Fuel | Dual Fuel (gasoline/propane) |
| Engine | 224 cc OHV 4-stroke |
| Starting system | Recoil |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| Voltage | AC: 120V 60 Hz |
| Gasoline | Propane | |
|---|---|---|
| Running watts | 3,650 W | 3,285 W |
| Starting watts | 4,550 W | 4,100 W |
| Running amps | 30.4 amps | 27.4 amps |
| Peak amps | 37.9 amps | 34.2 amps |
| Run time @50% load | 14 h | 10.5 h |
| Run time @25% load | Unknown | Unknown |
| GFCI outlets | No |
|---|---|
| Covered outlets | Yes |
| Automatic Voltage Regulation | No |
| AC outlets |
|
| DC outlets | No |
| Data center | VFT |
| Indicators | No |
| Fuel tank | 4.7 gal |
| Fuel gauge | Yes |
| Weight | 110 lbs |
|---|---|
| Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | 23.4 x 19.7 x 19.8 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, and propane hose |
| Country of origin | China |
| Other model numbers | 200970 |
| UPC | 817198028521 |
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 201503 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 | Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 |
| Hair dryer | 1800 | 1900 | |
| Washing machine | 900 | 1650 | |
| Total | 2892 W | 3892 W | |
| For camping | Radiant heater | 1300 | 1300 |
| RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
| RV AC (11,000 BTU) | 1010 | 1600 | |
| Blender | 400 | 850 | |
| Total | 2890 W | 3480 W | |
| For work | Table saw | 1800 | 4500 |
| Total | 1800 W | 4500 W |
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