Champion 201223 4000-Watt Electric Start Tri Fuel Generator review: our full analysis

4,000 running watts: what can it power?

The Champion 201223 4000-Watt Electric Start Tri Fuel Generator delivers 4,000 W continuously and up to 5,000 W for a few seconds to start motors on gasoline. On propane, the manufacturer rates it at 3,600 running watts (4,500 W starting), 10% less. On natural gas: 3,240 running watts (4,050 W starting). It handles 12 of the 14 loads on our typical list one at a time; add up the running watts of everything you run together, plus the extra starting watts of the biggest motor.

Typical figures; check the label of your own appliances. One load at a time: add up everything you run together.

Champion 201223 4000-Watt Electric Start Tri Fuel Generator4,000 running W · Tri fuel · typical price $500–$800 Check best price

How long does it run on a tank?

The fuel tank holds 5 gallons of gasoline. At half load, it runs about 14 hours on a full tank. That is about 0.36 gallon per hour at half load, or 9 gallons for a full day of running, so plan your fuel storage for a multi-day outage. On propane, a standard 20 lb tank holds about 4.7 gallons of LP; propane does not go stale, which makes it the easiest fuel to stock.

68 dB(A): how loud is it?

The manufacturer rates the Champion 201223 4000-Watt Electric Start Tri Fuel Generator at 68 dB(A), usually measured at 23 feet (7 m) and a light load. That is a typical open-frame level, comparable to a vacuum cleaner: fine for home backup at 20 feet, loud for a campground.

Can you connect it to your house?

Its panel offers 2 × 120 V household outlets (5-20R), TT-30R 30 A RV outlet, L5-30R 30 A 120 V twist-lock. It has no 240 V outlet: it runs plug-in appliances through extension cords, not hardwired circuits or a 240 V well pump. The TT-30R outlet plugs straight into a 30 A RV.

Starting, safety and warranty

It has electric push-button start, with a recoil cord as backup. A CO shutoff sensor stops the engine if carbon monoxide builds up around it; it does not replace distance (20 feet from the house) and CO alarms indoors. It is listed as EPA compliant; check California availability if you live there. The warranty runs 3 years (residential use).

Typical price $500–$800: good value per watt?

Relative to its running watts, the Champion 201223 4000-Watt Electric Start Tri Fuel Generator scores 7.3/10 on value: an average result. Generator prices on Amazon move a lot, especially before hurricane season: check the current price before you buy.

Champion 201223 4000-Watt Electric Start Tri Fuel Generator4,000 running W · Tri fuel · typical price $500–$800 Check best price