Model 201505Champion Power Equipment 5,500W Dual-Fuel Generator Review
The Champion Power Equipment 201505 is a 5500-watt dual fuel portable generator equipped with a 389cc engine that runs on either gasoline or propane. It features CO Shield® carbon monoxide auto shutoff system, providing up to 11 hours of run time on gasoline or 6.5 hours on propane.
At a Glance
- Running Watts5500W
- Starting Watts6875W
- Fuel TypeDual-Fuel
- Runtime (50%)11h
- Noise Level74 dB
- Weight170 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
- Dual Fuel capability: Operates on gasoline or propane.
- CO Shield® carbon monoxide auto shutoff system.
- 389cc Champion engine.
- 11 hours run time on gasoline at 50% load.
- 6.5 hours run time on propane at 50% load.
- Volt Guard™ to prevent overloads.
- Intelligauge to monitor voltage, frequency, and run-time hours.
- Covered outlets for protection.
Cons
- heavy weight of 170 pounds
- no electric start feature
- noise level of 74 decibels
Summary
The Champion Power Equipment 201505 is a dual-fuel generator built around 5,500 running watts and 6,875 starting watts. That combination gives it a clear split between steady output for ongoing loads and extra surge capacity for equipment that needs more power to get moving.
Because it runs on dual-fuel, the 201505 offers flexibility in how it is supplied, while keeping the focus on straightforward, traditional generator power delivery at the wattage levels listed.
Power & Runtime
With 5,500 running watts available, the 201505 is set up to support sustained power needs, while its 6,875 starting watts provide additional headroom for startup demands. In real use, that surge rating matters most at the moment a load kicks on, helping the generator handle brief spikes without immediately overwhelming the available output.
Noise is rated at 74 dBA, which sets expectations for an audible presence while operating. For runtime, the unit is listed at 11 hours at 50 percent load, giving a concrete reference point for how long it can run under a mid-level demand. Total harmonic distortion is listed at 20 percent, a figure that frames the quality of the electrical output and is a key consideration when thinking about how cleanly the generator delivers power.
Portability
At 170 lbs, the 201505 is a substantial machine, and that weight influences how it feels to move and position. Its physical footprint is given as 28.3 x 27.4 x 25.6 inches, which helps set expectations for storage space and where it can be placed during operation.
Features
Starting is handled through a recoil system, keeping operation direct and mechanical. A built-in fuel gauge adds practical convenience by giving a quick visual check on fuel status without extra steps.
On the safety and durability side, the generator includes a spark arrestor and covered outlets, which help protect both the unit and connected points from exposure. GFCI outlets add another layer of protection at the receptacles, and AVR, or automatic voltage regulation, supports steadier output as conditions and loads change. Compliance is listed as EPA and ANSI/PGMA G300-2023, and the generator is backed by a 3-year warranty.
Recommended Audiences
- Buyers wanting fuel flexibility with dual or tri-fuel capability
- Homeowners needing whole-house or jobsite backup power
- DIY enthusiasts and hobbyists needing reliable portable power
- First-time generator buyers looking for a dependable option
Score Breakdown
- Dual-Fuel+1
- 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:5,500W(recommended usable: 4,400W)
- Surge:6,875W
- Output:120/240V
- Inverter:No
Big-item compatibility
May struggle with startup surge
Exceeds capacity
Exceeds capacity
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
Est. running: 4,400W
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")
- Air Compressor (1 HP)
Est. running: 3,100W
Peak surge (single motor): 4,500W
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 | 5500W | 6875W | 11h | — |
| Propane | 5000W | 6250W | 6.5h | — |
Full Specifications
Power
| Running Watts | 5,500 watts |
|---|---|
| Starting Watts | 6,875 watts |
| Starting Watts (Gasoline) | 6,875 W |
| Starting Watts (Propane) | 6,250 W |
| Running Watts (Gasoline) | 5,500 W |
| Running Watts (Propane) | 5,000 W |
Engine
| Engine | 389 cc OHV 4-stroke |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | 389 cc OHV 4-stroke |
| Engine Displacement | 389 cc |
| Engine Oil | 10W-30 |
| Engine Oil Capacity | 1.2 Qt |
| Spark Arrestor | Yes |
| Emissions Compliance | EPA, ANSI/PGMA G300-2023 |
Electrical
| Voltage (AC) | 120/240V 60 Hz |
|---|---|
| Phase | Single |
| Running Amps | 45.8 A |
| Peak Amps | 57.3 A |
| AC Frequency | 60 hz |
| Current | 23A at 120/240V amps |
| GFCI Outlets | Yes |
| Neutral | Bonded to frame |
| DC Outlets | No DC outlets. |
| AC Outlets | 2x Duplex 120V 20A (5-20R) GFCI; 1x 120/240V 30A (L14-30R) |
| Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) | 20 % |
Dimensions
| Dimensions | 28.3 x 27.4 x 25.6 inches |
|---|---|
| Weight | 170 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 Connection Components | propane hose |
| Fuel Gauge | Yes |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 7.7 gallons |
| Included Accessories | Oil, funnel, propane hose, and wheel kit. |
| Indicators | No |
| Inverter | No |
| Noise Level | 74 dBA |
| Overload Protection | Low oil, overload and Volt Guard surge protection, CO monitoring. |
| Parallel Capable | No |
| Recoil Start | Yes |
| Remote Start | No |
| RV Ready | No |
| Starter Type | Recoil |
| Starting Components | Recoil |
| Starting System | Recoil |
| UPC | 817,198,028,545 |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| Wheels | Yes |
Core
| Fuel Type | Dual-Fuel |
|---|
Runtime
| Runtime @ 50% | 11 hours |
|---|---|
| Runtime @ 50% Load (Gasoline) | 11 hours |
| Runtime @ 50% Load (Propane) | 6.5 hours |
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