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Champion Power EquipmentModel 201241

Champion Power Equipment 13,500W Tri-Fuel Generator Review

The Champion Power Equipment 201241 is a 13,500-watt tri-fuel generator designed for versatility and reliability, suitable for various power needs.

At a Glance

  • Running Watts
    13500W
  • Starting Watts
    16875W
  • Fuel Type
    Tri-Fuel
  • Runtime (50%)
    8h
  • Noise Level
    79 dB
  • Weight
    361 lbs

Where to buy

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    Is this the right generator for you?

    Here's the quick tradeoff view — what this model does well, and where it may not fit.

    Pros

    • Tri-Fuel capability: operates on gasoline, propane, or natural gas
    • 13,500 running watts and 16,875 starting watts
    • Electric start for easy operation
    • Equipped with a 739 cc OHV V-Twin engine
    • Multiple AC outlets including 120V and 240V options
    • GFCI outlets for added safety
    • Automatic Voltage Regulation to ensure stable power output
    • Fuel gauge for monitoring fuel levels
    • Data center displaying power output, lifetime run hours, voltage, and frequency
    • CO Shield® carbon monoxide auto shutoff system

    Cons

    • Heavy weight of 361 pounds
    • No mention of electric start in the specs
    Best use cases
    Home backup

    Summary

    The Champion Power Equipment 201241 is a tri-fuel generator built around substantial output, delivering 13,500 running watts and 16,875 starting watts. That combination targets scenarios where you need strong continuous power while still having extra headroom for the surge demands that occur when larger equipment first kicks on.

    With tri-fuel capability paired to this wattage level, the 201241 focuses on pairing high power with fuel flexibility, giving you more than one fueling option while keeping the core promise centered on heavy-duty electrical supply.

    Power & Runtime

    As a tri-fuel generator, the 201241 is designed to run on multiple fuel types, which can be a practical advantage when planning for longer use or when one fuel source is easier to access than another. Its 13,500 running watts provide the sustained output for ongoing loads, while 16,875 starting watts help cover short bursts of higher demand during startup events.

    Noise is rated at 79 dBA, setting expectations for a clearly audible operating presence during use. For runtime, it is rated for 10 hours at 25 percent load and 8 hours at 50 percent load, giving you defined planning points for how long it can run between refueling at those load levels. Power quality is supported by a total harmonic distortion rating of less than 5 percent, which reflects a controlled waveform suitable for loads that benefit from cleaner output.

    Portability

    At 361 lbs, the 201241 is a heavy generator, and that weight influences how you will approach moving and placing it for use. Its physical size is listed as 32.7 x 33.7 x 33 inches, which helps set expectations for the footprint it will occupy in a garage, shed, or staging area before deployment.

    Those dimensions and the 361 lb build point to a unit that is more about being transportable with planning than casually carried, so placement and storage space become part of the real-world setup.

    Features

    Starting is handled through an electric starting system, which supports quick, push-button style operation compared with manual pull starting. A fuel gauge is included, making it easier to monitor fuel status during operation and plan refueling around the 10-hour runtime at 25 percent load or the 8-hour runtime at 50 percent load.

    For safety and standards alignment, the generator lists compliance with EPA and ANSI/PGMA G300-2023, and it includes a spark arrestor. Covered outlets add protection for the receptacles, while GFCI outlets provide additional electrical safety. Automatic voltage regulation is built in to help manage output stability as loads change, and the package is backed by a 3-year warranty.

    Recommended Audiences

    • Buyers wanting fuel flexibility with dual or tri-fuel capability
    • Users requiring high-output power for large loads or whole-house backup
    • Users who value push-button or remote start convenience
    • DIY enthusiasts and hobbyists needing reliable portable power
    Updated: Feb 24, 2026

    Score Breakdown

    4.2
    / 10
    Rank #34 of 44 in Conventional (10,000-20,000W)
    Value (25%)
    Quality (25%)
    Practical (18%)
    Features (12%)
    Features (0.6 pts)
    • Electric Start+0.6
    Percentile Rankings (within peer group)
    • Watts/$
    • Surge/$
    • Runtime/$
    • Warranty
    • THD (lower=better)
    • Build Quality
    • Noise (lower=better)
    • Portability
    • Outlet Variety
    • Feature Points

    What this generator can power

    At a Glance

    • Continuous:13,500W(recommended usable: 10,800W)
    • Surge:16,875W
    • Output:120/240V
    • Inverter:No

    Big-item compatibility

    Refrigerator
    Yes
    Sump Pump (1/3 HP)
    Yes
    Well Pump (1 HP, 240V)
    Yes
    Furnace Blower
    Yes
    Central AC (3 Ton, 240V)
    Yes
    Window AC (10,000 BTU)
    Yes
    Electric Water Heater (240V)
    Yes
    Electric Range/Oven (240V)
    Yes
    Air Compressor (1 HP)
    Yes

    Example setups

    Essentials

    • Lights + Wi-Fi + Charging
    • Refrigerator
    • Furnace Blower
    • Sump Pump (1/3 HP)

    Est. running: 1,800W

    Peak surge (single motor): 2,000W

    Avoid starting multiple motor loads at the same time.

    Essentials + Comfort

    • Lights + Wi-Fi + Charging
    • Refrigerator
    • TV + Entertainment System
    • Microwave
    • Window AC (10,000 BTU)
    • Space Heater
    • Furnace Blower

    Est. running: 5,000W

    Peak surge (single motor): 2,000W

    Avoid starting multiple motor loads at the same time.

    Whole-Home (Limited)

    • Lights + Wi-Fi + Charging
    • Refrigerator
    • Furnace Blower
    • Sump Pump (1/3 HP)
    • Well Pump (1 HP, 240V)
    • Central AC (3 Ton, 240V)
    • Window AC (10,000 BTU)
    • TV + Entertainment System

    Est. running: 8,600W

    Peak surge (single motor): 8,000W

    Avoid starting multiple motor loads at the same time.

    These are estimates using typical wattage assumptions. Real appliances vary. Startup surges can be 2–6× the running wattage for motor-driven loads. 240V loads require a 120/240V generator and proper connection. Use a transfer switch or interlock kit; never backfeed a panel.

    Champion Power Equipment
    ReliabilityBGood

    About Champion Power Equipment

    Champion Power Equipment is a leading manufacturer of portable and standby generators, known for their reliability and affordability in both domestic and commercial markets.

    Founded2003
    HQSanta Fe Springs, California, USA
    Website (opens in a new tab)
    Support1-877-338-0999
    Support / Manuals (opens in a new tab)
    View all Champion Power Equipment generators

    Warranty

    Coverage: 3 years

    Power by fuel

    FuelRunningStartingRuntime @50%Runtime @25%
    Gasoline13500W16875W8h

    Full Specifications

    Power

    Running Watts13,500 watts
    Starting Watts16,875 watts
    Starting Watts (Gasoline)16,875 W
    Running Watts (Gasoline)13,500 W

    Engine

    Engine739 cc OHV V-Twin
    Engine TypeOHV V-Twin
    Engine Displacement739 cc
    Engine Oil10W-30
    Engine Oil Capacity1.2 Qt
    Spark PlugF7RTC
    Spark ArrestorYes
    Emissions ComplianceEPA, ANSI/PGMA G300-2023

    Electrical

    Voltage (AC)120/240
    PhaseSingle
    Running Amps112.5 A
    Peak Amps140.6 A
    AC Frequency60 hz
    Current112.5 amps
    GFCI OutletsYes
    NeutralBonded to frame
    DC OutletsNone
    AC Outlets2x Duplex 120V 20A (GFCI), 1x 120V 30A (L5-30R), 1x 120/240V 30A (L14-30R), 1x 120/240V 50A (14-50R)
    Total Harmonic Distortion (THD)<5% %

    Dimensions

    Dimensions32.7 x 33.7 x 33 inches
    Weight361 lbs

    Other

    Automatic Low Oil ShutdownYes
    Emissions ComplianceEPA, ANSI/PGMA G300-2023
    Automatic Voltage RegulationYes
    Automatic Voltage RegulatorYes
    Battery12V 18Ah
    Carbon Monoxide SensorYes
    Covered OutletsYes
    Electric StartYes
    Fuel GaugeYes
    Fuel Tank Capacity11 gallons
    Included AccessoriesOil, funnel, natural gas hose with NPT adapter, propane hose, battery, and wheel kit
    IndicatorsNo
    InverterNo
    Noise Level79 dBA
    Overload ProtectionSecurity Low oil, overload and Volt Guard surge protection, CO monitoring
    Parallel CapableNo
    Recoil StartYes
    Remote StartNo
    RV ReadyNo
    Starter TypeElectric
    Starting SystemElectric
    UPC817,198,026,473
    Warranty3 years
    WheelsYes

    Core

    Fuel TypeTri-Fuel

    Runtime

    Runtime @ 25%10 hours
    Runtime @ 50%8 hours
    Runtime @ 50% Load (Gasoline)8 hours

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