Model 201317Champion Power Equipment 1,850W Gas Generator Review
The Champion Power Equipment 201317 is a 2500-watt portable inverter generator featuring CO Shield® carbon monoxide auto shutoff system, designed for camping, tailgating, and backup power for essentials.
At a Glance
- Running Watts1850W
- Starting Watts2500W
- Fuel TypeGasoline
- Runtime (25%)11.5h
- Noise Level53 dB
- Weight39.7 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
- Ultra-Lightweight: At only 39.7 pounds, this inverter is one of the lightest 2500-watt inverters in the industry.
- Quiet Operation: 53 dBA from 23 feet is perfect for camping, tailgating, or backup a few home essentials, with 2500 starting watts, 1850 running watts and up to 11.5 hours run time, plus features CO Shield® carbon monoxide auto shutoff system.
- Parallel Ready: The optional parallel kit enables this inverter to connect with another 2500-watt Champion inverter to double your output power.
- Clean Power for Sensitive Electronics: Includes a 120V 15.4 A household duplex outlet (5-20R) with clean electricity (less than 3% THD), plus a 12V automotive-style outlet, and Parallel outlets.
Cons
- No electric start feature
- Relatively heavy weight of 39.7 pounds
Summary
The Champion Power Equipment 201317 is a gasoline generator rated for 1850 running watts with 2500 starting watts. That combination targets everyday portable power needs while also giving extra headroom for devices that draw more power when they first start.
Because it is an inverter generator, it pairs its wattage with an emphasis on controlled power delivery, making the 201317 a focused option for users who want gasoline-fueled portability without giving up on power quality.
Power & Runtime
Running at 1850 watts with a 2500-watt starting surge, the 201317 is built to handle both steady loads and brief startup demands, which is useful when powering gear that needs an initial burst before settling into a lower draw. Its gasoline fuel system uses a 1.05-gallon tank, and Champion lists a runtime of 11.5 hours at 25 percent load, giving it a clear endurance figure for lighter, sustained use.
Noise is rated at 53 dBA, which directly supports use cases where quieter operation matters, especially when the generator is running for longer stretches. Power quality is also a standout point here, with total harmonic distortion listed as under 3 percent, a concrete indicator of cleaner inverter output for electronics that benefit from stable, low-distortion power.
Portability
With a listed weight of 39.7 lbs, the 201317 stays in a range that supports frequent transport and repositioning, whether that is moving it around a campsite or storing it between uses. Its physical footprint is 17.6 x 12.6 x 18.1 inches, a compact set of dimensions that helps it fit into tighter storage spaces and makes it easier to pack alongside other gear.
Features
Starting is handled through a recoil system, keeping operation straightforward and self-contained. Day-to-day usability is reinforced by a fuel gauge and built-in indicators, which help you keep track of basic operating status and fuel level without guesswork during a run.
The generator is parallel capable, allowing output to be scaled by pairing it with another compatible unit when more power is needed. It also includes a spark arrestor and covered outlets, features that support safer operation and better protection for the receptacles. Automatic voltage regulation is included as well, and the unit meets EPA and ANSI/PGMA G300-2023 compliance. Champion backs the 201317 with a 3-year warranty, adding a defined coverage period to the overall package.
Recommended Audiences
- Users who want to scale output via parallel operation
- Owners of sensitive electronics seeking clean inverter power
- Shoppers who prefer gasoline-powered generators
- Campers and outdoor enthusiasts needing portable power
- Users who need a lightweight, portable power solution
- Noise-sensitive users or those in campground environments
Score Breakdown
- Inverter+1
- Parallel Capable+0.4
- 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:1,850W(recommended usable: 1,480W)
- Surge:2,500W
- Output:120V only
- Inverter:Yes (clean power for electronics)
Big-item compatibility
Needs 240V output
Needs 240V output
Needs 240V output
Needs 240V output
Exceeds capacity
Example setups
Essentials
- Lights + Wi-Fi + Charging
- Refrigerator
- Furnace Blower
Est. running: 1,000W
Peak surge (single motor): 1,200W
Avoid starting multiple motor loads at the same time.
Essentials + Comfort
- Lights + Wi-Fi + Charging
- Refrigerator
- TV + Entertainment System
- Furnace Blower
Est. running: 1,300W
Peak surge (single motor): 1,200W
Avoid starting multiple motor loads at the same time.
Jobsite / Tools
- Lights + Wi-Fi + Charging
Est. running: 200W
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.
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.
Warranty
Power by fuel
| Fuel | Running | Starting | Runtime @50% | Runtime @25% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gasoline | 1850W | 2500W | — | 11.5h |
Full Specifications
Power
| Running Watts | 1,850 watts |
|---|---|
| Starting Watts | 2,500 watts |
| Starting Watts (Gasoline) | 2,500 W |
| Running Watts (Gasoline) | 1,850 W |
Engine
| Engine | 80 cc OHV 4-stroke |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | OHV 4-stroke |
| Engine Displacement | 80 cc |
| Engine Oil | 10W-30 |
| Engine Oil Capacity | 0.5 Qt |
| Spark Arrestor | Yes |
| Emissions Compliance | EPA, ANSI/PGMA G300-2023 |
Electrical
| Voltage (AC) | 120 |
|---|---|
| Voltage (DC) | 12 |
| Running Amps | 15.4 A |
| Peak Amps | 20.8 A |
| AC Frequency | 60 hz |
| Current | 15.4 amps |
| GFCI Outlets | No |
| Neutral | Floating |
| DC Outlets | 1x 12V 8A (cigarette lighter style) |
| AC Outlets | 1x Duplex 120V 20A (5-20R) |
| Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) | <3% % |
Dimensions
| Dimensions | 17.6 x 12.6 x 18.1 inches |
|---|---|
| Weight | 39.7 lbs |
Other
| Automatic Low Oil Shutdown | Yes |
|---|---|
| Emissions Compliance | EPA, ANSI/PGMA G300-2023 |
| Automatic Voltage Regulation | Yes |
| Automatic Voltage Regulator | Yes |
| Carbon Monoxide Sensor | Yes |
| Covered Outlets | Yes |
| Electric Start | No |
| Fuel Gauge | Yes |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 1.05 gallons |
| Included Accessories | Oil, funnel, and tool kit |
| Indicators | Yes |
| Inverter | Yes |
| Noise Level | 53 dBA |
| Overload Protection | Low oil and overload protection |
| Parallel Capable | Yes |
| Recoil Start | Yes |
| Remote Start | No |
| RV Ready | No |
| Starter Type | Recoil |
| Starting System | Recoil |
| UPC | 817,198,027,173 |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| Wheels | No |
Core
| Fuel Type | Gasoline |
|---|
Runtime
| Runtime @ 25% | 11.5 hours |
|---|---|
| Runtime @ 25% Load (Gasoline) | 11.5 hours |
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