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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 nutshell, the Champion 201503 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 able to use the most necessary devices in their household, even during a blackout
The following sections will present you in detail its power characteristics, the different outlets it offers, its overall portability, and the extra features it benefits from.
Power & Run Time
The Champion 201503
Thanks to its dual-fuel technology, the Champion 201503 delivers 120V and offers power and versatility. When gasoline-powered, it benefits from a running wattage of 3,650W and a peak wattage of 4,550W. When propane-powered, it has 3,285 rated watts and 4,100 peak watts.
With a noise rating of 68 dBA (less noisy than a normal conversation), the generator's ignition is facilitated by a classic hand-operated recoil starting mechanism.
In terms of running time, the 201503, equipped with a 4.7 gallons fuel tank, is capable of running continuously for around 14 hours at 50% load on a full gasoline tank (with fuel consumption estimated at around 0.34 gallons per hour). When utilizing propane, it provides around 10.5 hours (on a 20 lbs tank - propane consumption around 0.45 GPH) of operation.
As the 201503 exhibits a THD of less than 20%, which is high, it is best avoided for powering sensitive electronic devices.
Outlets
The control panel features 4 AC outlets as follows:
Featuring a TT-30R receptacle (TT for 'Travel Trailer'), this Champion generator is RV Ready, designed specifically for use with recreational vehicles.
Portability
With dimensions of L23.4 x W19.7 x H19.8 in, the traditional open frame design of the Champion 201503 ensures stability while allowing easy maintenance access to components and promoting effective air cooling. The design is ideal for rough environments and demanding outdoor use.
While technically classified as 'portable' due to its ability to be moved, the 110 lbs of this generator make manual lifting and transportation incredibly difficult. For improved mobility, the official wheel kit (opens in a new tab) purchase can be beneficial.
Features
The 201503's control panel
The 201503 and its control panel include an Intelligauge meter, providing voltage, frequency, and lifetime hours data. 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.
In terms of security, the generator features an overload protection (circuit breaker) and an automatic low oil shut-off, 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.
Apart from the standard documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab) to facilitate setup, the Champion 201503 features extra accessories: oil, funnel and propane hose.
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).
- At 110 lbs dry, the Champion 201503 is consistent with the standard weight profile for dual fuel devices ranging from 3500 to 4500 rated watts. In terms of weight, one of the champions in their power range is the WEN DF402iX, standing at just 66.1 lbs.
- The generator can be considered average in its noise for its type and 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.
- The 201503 provides a higher run time than similarly powerful dual fuel devices, reaching around 14 hours at 50% load. If concerned with autonomy, one of the products of a comparable power output, which offers the highest run time, is the Westinghouse iGen5000DF, boasting with around 15 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're placing a high priority on fuel consumption, the Westinghouse iGen5000DF, with a low fuel consumption rate of 0.23 GPH, could be an option to consider.
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
- Several accessories included
- RV Ready
- High run time
- Decent weight (110 lbs)
- Acceptable noise (68 dBA)
- Decent fuel efficiency
- No electric start
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 |
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.
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 | 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.
