Champion 5000-Watt Tri Fuel
#2 in SmallFull review
A small tri-fuel generator for a house with a natural gas line or an RV owner who wants fuel options. It powers a fridge, sump pump and lights, but not 240 V loads.
Amazon $688.04$688.04
4.1/5
The cheapest way in this group for a California buyer to back up a few house circuits through a 240 V transfer switch. It also runs a 30 A RV.
- 4,000 / 5,000 WRunning / starting
- GasolineFuel
- 14 hr at 50% loadRun time
- Yes, 240 VTransfer switch
- 106 lbWeight
- $0.12Price / W
Check price at Tractor Supply$499.99
Price checked October 28, 2026. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Pros
- Legal to buy in California, unlike most open-frame generators
- L14-30R outlet feeds a 240 V transfer switch or inlet box
- Switch to 120 V to put full power on the RV outlet
- Runs about 14 hours on a tank at half load
- Shuts itself off if carbon monoxide builds up nearby
Cons
- Gasoline only
- Pull start only, and wheels cost extra
- Only two household receptacles
How it scores
The rating comes from 7 measured or published factors, each scored 0-100 against fixed reference points for its size. How we rank explains each one.
Specifications
| Model number | 201282 |
|---|---|
| Output | |
| Gasoline | 4,000 W running, 5,000 W starting |
| Outlets | 2 × 120 V, TT-30 (RV), L14-30 |
| Transfer switch ready | Yes, 240 V |
| Full power at 120 V | Yes |
| Price per watt | $0.12 |
| Fuel and run time | |
| Fuel | Gasoline |
| Tank | 4.7 gal |
| Run time (gasoline) | 14 hr at 50% load |
| Engine | 224 cc |
| Noise and safety | |
| Rated noise | 68 dBA |
| CO shutoff | Yes |
| CARB compliant | Yes |
| Build | |
| Starting | Recoil (pull) |
| Wheels | No |
| Dimensions | 23.2 x 18.3 x 20.2 in |
| Weight | 106 lb |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| Released | 2023-12 |
Alternatives in this size
Champion 3650-Watt Dual Fuel
#3 in SmallFull review
A small dual-fuel generator for a 30 A RV or a few essentials in an outage, for buyers who want electric start, propane and CO shutoff at a low price.
Amazon $599.99$599.99
Westinghouse WGen3600DFc
#5 in SmallFull review
A small dual-fuel generator with remote start for an RV or for a fridge, lights and a sump pump in an outage. Worth the step up from the pull-start WGen3600DFcv if you want to start it from indoors.
Amazon $499$499
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