Model 201351Champion Power Equipment 4,000W Gas Generator Review
The Champion Power Equipment 5500-Watt Inverter Generator with CO Shield® is ultra-quiet and ideal for camping, tailgating, powering items around the RV or providing backup for your essentials.
At a Glance
- Running Watts4000W
- Starting Watts5500W
- Fuel TypeGasoline
- Runtime (25%)20h
- Noise Level61 dB
- Weight109.1 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
- Quiet Technology and Extended Run Time: 61 dBA is great for RVs, tailgating, or camping with 5500 starting watts and 4000 running watts and up to 20 hours run time, plus features CO Shield® carbon monoxide auto shutoff system
- Parallel Ready: The optional parallel kit (sold separately) enables this inverter to connect with another Parallel Ready Champion Inverter or Power Station for more power and longer run time
- Intelligauge: Monitor voltage, frequency and operating hours with ease, plus Economy Mode monitors power consumption in real time
- Clean Power for Sensitive Electronics: A 120V 30A TT-30R outlet, plus two 120V 20A household duplex outlets with clean power (less than 3% THD) and a 12V regulated automotive-style outlet
- Champion Support: Includes 3-year limited warranty with FREE lifetime technical support from dedicated experts
Cons
- heavy weight may limit portability
- no electric start feature
Summary
The Champion Power Equipment 201351 is a gasoline generator rated for 4000 running watts with 5500 starting watts. That combination targets steady power delivery while still offering extra headroom for startup surges when a load first kicks on.
Because it runs on gasoline, the 201351 pairs its wattage figures with a straightforward fuel choice for users who want a gasoline-powered generator, keeping the focus on practical, on-demand power rather than specialized fuel setups.
Power & Runtime
As a gasoline unit, the 201351 delivers 4000 running watts for continuous use and 5500 starting watts for short bursts when motors or other loads need extra power to start. In real use, that means you can plan around the running wattage for sustained operation while relying on the higher starting wattage to handle brief startup demands without immediately overwhelming the generator.
Noise is rated at 61 dBA, which frames how present the generator will feel in the background during operation. For power quality, total harmonic distortion is listed as under 3 percent, and the generator is an inverter model, which aligns with cleaner output for sensitive electronics. Runtime is rated at 20 hours at 25 percent load, supported by a 3.7 gallon fuel tank, giving a clear expectation for longer stretches of lighter-duty operation.
Portability
At 109.1 lbs, the 201351 is a substantial piece of equipment, and its physical footprint of 24.6 x 19 x 20.9 inches helps set expectations for where it can be stored and how much space it will take up when deployed. Those dimensions make it easier to judge fit in a garage corner, a storage area, or a vehicle cargo space before committing to transport.
Features
Starting is handled through a recoil starting system, keeping operation simple and mechanical. The generator includes indicators, which can make it easier to monitor status at a glance while it is running.
For use-case flexibility, it is parallel capable, allowing output scaling through parallel operation, and it is RV ready for RV-focused power needs. Practical safety and durability touches include a spark arrestor and covered outlets. Automatic voltage regulation is built in, supporting steadier voltage delivery as loads change. Compliance is listed as EPA and ANSI/PGMA G300-2023, and the generator is backed by a 3-year warranty.
Recommended Audiences
- RV owners needing RV-ready power
- Users who want to scale output via parallel operation
- Owners of sensitive electronics seeking clean inverter power
- Shoppers who prefer gasoline-powered generators
- Homeowners needing emergency backup for essential circuits
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:4,000W(recommended usable: 3,200W)
- Surge:5,500W
- Output:120V only
- Inverter:Yes (clean power for electronics)
Big-item compatibility
Needs 240V output
Needs 240V output
Needs 240V output
Needs 240V output
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)
Est. running: 2,900W
Peak surge (single motor): 2,000W
Avoid starting multiple motor loads at the same time.
Jobsite / Tools
- Lights + Wi-Fi + Charging
- Circular Saw (7 1/4")
Est. running: 1,600W
Peak surge (single motor): 2,800W
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.
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 | 4000W | 5500W | Not available | 20h |
Full Specifications
Power
| Running Watts | 4,000 watts |
|---|---|
| Starting Watts | 5,500 watts |
| Starting Watts (Gasoline) | 5,500 W |
| Running Watts (Gasoline) | 4,000 W |
Engine
| Engine | 224 cc OHV 4-stroke |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | OHV 4-stroke |
| Engine Displacement | 224 cc |
| Engine Oil | 10W-30 |
| Engine Oil Capacity | 0.6 Qt |
| Spark Arrestor | Yes |
| Emissions Compliance | EPA, ANSI/PGMA G300-2023 |
Electrical
| Voltage (AC) | 120 |
|---|---|
| Voltage (DC) | 12 |
| Phase | Single |
| Running Amps | 33.3 A |
| Peak Amps | 45.8 A |
| AC Frequency | 60 hz |
| Current | 33.3 amps |
| GFCI Outlets | No |
| Neutral | Floating |
| DC Outlets | 1x 12V 8A |
| AC Outlets | 2x Duplex 120V 20A (5-20R); 1x 120V 30A (TT-30R) |
| Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) | <3% % |
Dimensions
| Dimensions | 24.6 x 19 x 20.9 inches |
|---|---|
| Weight | 109.1 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 |
| Commercial Warranty | 3 years |
| Covered Outlets | Yes |
| Electric Start | No |
| Fuel Gauge | No |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 3.7 gallons |
| Included Accessories | Oil and funnel |
| Indicators | Yes |
| Inverter | Yes |
| Noise Level | 61 dBA |
| Overload Protection | Low oil and overload protection, CO monitoring |
| Parallel Capable | Yes |
| Recoil Start | Yes |
| Remote Start | No |
| RV Ready | Yes |
| Starter Type | Recoil |
| Starting System | Recoil |
| UPC | 817,198,027,241 |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| Wheels | Yes |
Core
| Fuel Type | Gasoline |
|---|
Runtime
| Runtime @ 25% | 20 hours |
|---|---|
| Runtime @ 25% Load (Gasoline) | 20 hours |
Questions & Answers
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