Champion dual fuel generators for outage backup
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Quick answer
Champion's open-frame dual fuel generators run on gasoline or propane and include CO Shield, which shuts the engine off if carbon monoxide builds up. The 3800 watt model (201393) is 120 V only, with an RV-ready TT-30R, at 133 pounds. The 7500 watt model (201281) adds a 120/240 V L14-30R for a transfer switch, at 205 pounds. The 9500 watt model (201508) adds a 14-50R and 8,550 running watts on propane, at 216 pounds. On propane, each makes 10% fewer running watts than gasoline and runs shorter on a 20 pound tank.
Three Champion dual fuel models by the numbers
| 3800W (201393) | 7500W (201281) | 9500W (201508) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gasoline start / run | 4,750 / 3,800 W | 9,375 / 7,500 W | 12,000 / 9,500 W |
| Propane start / run | 4,275 / 3,420 W | 8,400 / 6,750 W | 10,800 / 8,550 W |
| Run time at 1/2 load | 14 h gas, 10.5 h propane | 10 h gas, 5.5 h propane | 8 h gas, 4.5 h propane |
| Gas tank | 4.7 gal | 7.7 gal | 7.7 gal |
| Engine | 224 cc | 439 cc | 500 cc |
| Noise | 68 dBA | 74 dBA | 74 dBA |
| Outlets | L5-30R, TT-30R, 5-20R (120 V) | Two GFCI 5-20R, L5-30R, L14-30R (120/240 V) | Two GFCI 5-20R, L14-30R, 14-50R (120/240 V) |
| Weight | 133 lb | 205 lb | 216 lb |
| CO standard listed | PGMA G300-2023 | PGMA G300-2018 | PGMA G300-2023 |
| Warranty | 3 years | 3 years | 3 years |
All three list electric and recoil start, automatic voltage regulation and covered outlets. Champion lists all three as non-inverter models, rated 68 to 74 dBA.
What propane costs you in watts and hours
Champion's figures show the trade on every model. Propane running watts come in at 90% of gasoline: 3,420 against 3,800, 6,750 against 7,500, and 8,550 against 9,500. Run time drops more. At half load, the 7500 watt model runs 10 hours on its 7.7 gallon gas tank but 5.5 hours on propane, and the 9500 watt model runs 8 hours against 4.5.
The upside is flexibility: if gasoline runs out or stations close, a stack of 20 pound tanks keeps the same generator running. The 3800 watt model includes a 6.6 foot propane hose with a built-in regulator.
Matching a model to your house
- 3800W (201393). 120 V only. Its TT-30R fits a 30 amp RV, and its L5-30R and 5-20R handle a fridge, lights and phone charging with cords. It is the lightest at 133 pounds.
- 7500W (201281). Its L14-30R is a 120/240 V, 30 amp locking outlet, and Champion sells 30 amp, 125/250 V generator cords as accessories for it. Champion lists 39.1 amps at 240 V when starting on gasoline.
- 9500W (201508). Adds a 14-50R that Champion rates at 39.5 amps, with 39.6 running amps at 240 V on gasoline. It covers bigger 240 V loads through a transfer switch.
List what must run at the same time, add the largest motor's starting surge, and pick the model whose propane figure still covers it if propane is your backup fuel.
CO Shield and the standard on the label
Champion says CO Shield monitors carbon monoxide build-up from engine exhaust and automatically shuts off the engine if it detects unsafe levels. The standard listed differs by model. The 3800 and 9500 watt models list PGMA G300-2023, while the 7500 watt model lists G300-2018. CPSC says models certified to the latest PGMA G300-2023 and UL 2201-2023 standards include CO safety technologies designed to significantly reduce poisoning risk. Either way, a shutoff is a backup. CPSC still says to run portable generators outdoors only, at least 20 feet from the house.
Monitoring and running it safely
- Intelligauge. The 3800 and 9500 watt models list an Intelligauge that tracks voltage, frequency and run time,.
- Cords. NFPA says to plug appliances directly into the generator or into heavy-duty, outdoor-rated extension cords with all three prongs.
- House wiring. NFPA says a qualified electrician should install a properly rated transfer switch for any connection to house wiring.
- Refueling. NFPA says to turn the generator off and let it cool before refueling, and to store fuel in proper containers outside living areas.
What to look for when you buy
Champion 3800W dual fuel with CO Shield (201393)
Best for: RVs and 120 V essentials on gasoline or propane
Champion lists 3,800 running watts on gas and 3,420 on propane, 14 hours on gas at half load, a TT-30R, a 6.6 foot propane hose with regulator, PGMA G300-2023 and 133 pounds.
Watch out: 120 V only, so no 240 V transfer switch connection.
See options on Amazon (opens Amazon in a new tab)Champion 7500W dual fuel with CO Shield (201281)
Best for: A 30 amp transfer switch on gasoline or propane
Champion lists 7,500 running watts on gas and 6,750 on propane, an L14-30R, two GFCI 5-20R outlets, electric start and a 3 year limited warranty.
Watch out: Lists the older PGMA G300-2018 standard, 74 dBA and 5.5 hours on propane at half load.
See options on Amazon (opens Amazon in a new tab)Champion 9500W dual fuel with CO Shield (201508)
Best for: Bigger 240 V loads through a 14-50R or L14-30R
Champion lists 9,500 running watts on gas and 8,550 on propane, a 500 cc engine, a 14-50R rated 39.5 amps, an Intelligauge and PGMA G300-2023.
Watch out: 216 pounds and 4.5 hours on propane at half load.
See options on Amazon (opens Amazon in a new tab)Questions people ask
- How long does a Champion dual fuel generator run on propane?
- At half load, Champion lists 10.5 hours for the 3800 watt model, 5.5 hours for the 7500 watt model and 4.5 hours for the 9500 watt model.
- Do Champion dual fuel generators lose power on propane?
- Yes, about 10%. The 7500 watt model drops from 7,500 to 6,750 running watts on propane.
- Which Champion dual fuel generator can connect to a transfer switch?
- Models with a 120/240 V L14-30R, like the 7500 and 9500 watt units. The 3800 watt model is 120 V only.
- What is CO Shield?
- Champion's carbon monoxide auto-shutoff. It monitors CO build-up from exhaust and shuts the engine off at unsafe levels.
Sources
- 3800W Electric Start Dual Fuel Generator with CO Shield (201393), Champion Power Equipment
- 7500W Electric Start Dual Fuel Generator with CO Shield (201281), Champion Power Equipment
- 9500W Electric Start Dual Fuel Generator with CO Shield (201508), Champion Power Equipment
- CPSC Warns of Generator, Carbon Monoxide and Fire Hazards Ahead of Hurricane Season, U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
- Generator Safety tip sheet, National Fire Protection Association