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If you are looking to buy a good portable generator for an RV that’s reasonably priced, you are definitely at the right place. The WEN 56380i is a 3800W inverter generator that’s specifically made with RV enthusiasts in mind.
The WEN 56380i could easily be one of the best generators for RVs currently available based on the numerous reviews it has currently received. Best of all, it is priced much lower than other 3000+W inverter generators from other brands.
The WEN 56380i is a 3,800-Watt inverter generator that produces clean energy free from voltage drops and spikes and runs relatively silently too. It has a 212cc 4-stroke air-cooled OHV engine that runs incredibly quiet at 57 decibels at 25 percent capacity.
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Key Features And Benefits Of The WEN 56380i
Fuel Tank Capacity And Run Time
The WEN 56380i might seem small, but it accommodates up to 2.2 gallons of fuel. The generator has a fuel-efficient system that allows it to run for 8.5 hours at 50 percent load, which makes it a great option for outdoor events such as camping, construction, tailgating, etc.
If running at 50 percent load, you can get a full day of work or a full night of power with the generator without the need to refuel. At 100 percent load, you can still enjoy close to 5 hours of uninterrupted power.
The generator also has an automatic fuel shutoff system, which cuts off the supply of fuel so that only what remains in the carburetor is used before shutdown. That means that there’s little to no stagnant fuel left in the generator to cause blockages and buildup, which in turn reduces maintenance needs and extends the generator’s service life.
The one major downside to a massive fuel tank is that the generator is somewhat bulkier than is necessary. However, the opinion shared by many users is that it is well worth it to have extra run time over shaving a few inches off the generator’s body to save space.
Pros
- RV ready
- Quiet
- Great price-to-quality ratio
- CARB compliant
- High wattage
Cons
- No remote start
Specifications
WEN 56380i
Model : | 56380i |
Engine Brand: | WEN |
Engine Type : | 4 Stroke 212 Cubic Centimeters |
Running Watts : | 3800 |
Starting Watts: | 3400 |
Outlet: | one AC 120V NEMA TT-30R RV receptacle, one 12V DC receptacle, one 5V USB port |
Sound Levels (dBA) : | 57 |
Fuel Type : | gasoline |
Fuel Shut Off : | Automatic |
Fuel Tank Capacity : | 2.2 Gallons |
Choke Type : | Automatic |
Overload Protection (circuit breaker) : | Yes |
Warranty : | 2 years limited warranty |
Length : | 23.2 in. |
Width: | 18 in. |
Height : | 20.1 in. |
Weight : | 110.8 pounds |
Low Noise Production
The WEN 56380i’s best-selling point is that it doesn’t produce too much noise. The 212cc, 4-stroke engine operates at 57 decibels at 22 feet from the generator while running at 25 percent load, which ramps up to about 69 decibels at full power.
57 decibels are about as noisy as a regular window air conditioning unit or typical talk. 69 decibels, on the other hand, is loud enough that you would need to yell to have a conversation while the generator is running. Still, that’s impressively quiet for a 3800W generator.
Heavy-Duty Engine And Parallel Connectivity
The WEN 56380i comes equipped with a robust, heavy-duty engine that runs on gasoline and generates an impressive 3400W running wattage while the peak voltage is about 3800W. It also supports parallel connectivity, which allows you to connect another similar generator to increase the total output wattage. This feature makes is a great choice when your power needs exceed the generator’s output.
Power Outlets
The WEN 56380i come equipped with just about any outlet you could ever need, which all come with circuit breaker switches. For starters, it includes two 15A, 120V outlets and a parallel output port. It also has a USB charging port that lets you easily power small electronics without using the 120V outlets.
The RV-ready 30A, 120V twist-lock outlet is perhaps the main draw to this generator. The outlet lets you plug in your RV’s main power grid directly into the generator, which is great if you plan to use it for road and camping trips.
Eco Mode
The WEN 56380i also has Eco Mode that’s designed to optimize fuel economy. To engage Eco Mode, all you have to do is flip the dedicated switch. Eco Mode is a function that allows the generator to adjust its fuel consumption automatically to meet the energy demand.
Simply put, the generator’s fuel consumption will increase as you plug in more items and will reduce as you continually unplug devices. That way, you will end up using far less fuel since the generator only uses what’s required.
Control Panel
Keeping an eye on the WEN 56380i is incredibly easy thanks to the control panel. The digital data center allows users to monitor the activity such as output voltage and running hours while the LED indicators provide valuable information about overloading and fuel consumption. The built-in fuel gauge allows you to easily check the fuel level.
Safety
The WEN 56380i comes equipped with a variety of important safety features. When it is low on fuel, the automatic shutdown feature puts the generator on hibernation mode. It then utilizes the fuel in the carburetor before it shuts down, which enhances the generator’s lifespan and helps lower maintenance costs.
The 120V outlets, unfortunately, don’t have any weatherproof coverings, which means that it can be a good idea to keep the generator out of the rain. However, a grounding nut is provided that helps prevent static discharge by allowing you to pair the WEN 56380i with a grounding rod.
Size And Weight
The size and weight of a generator is always an important consideration before making your purchase. Fortunately, the WEN 56380i is a compact portable generator with dimensions 23.2 x 18 x 20.1 inches. If you plan to use in in your RV, you shouldn’t have a hard time finding space for it.
The generator also features an encased design, which makes it look better than an open frame generator. It also weighs about 111lbs., which makes is one of the best options if you are looking for a portable generator to buy.
The generator has wheels and a tow handle for rolling it around. While some users absolutely love the design, others have complained that the wheels are a bit too small and close to the body of the generator to roll smoothly over gravel, mud, or dirt.
Maintenance And Warranty
The auto shutoff mode is a relatively unique feature of the WEN 56380i. When the generator is set to that mode, it runs the carburetor dry of fuel before turning it off automatically. This is a huge benefit if the generator is used infrequently or has to be stored for a season thus ensuring that no stale fuel is left over in the carburetor.
WEN offers a 2-year warranty against defects for residential users. However, commercial users enjoy just 90-days warranty. While that might make it seem like a riskier option for commercial users, it’s worth noting that they seldom reported having issues with the generator even after more than 1 year of use.
Best Suited For?
The WEN 56380i is best suited for powering just about everything in your RV. It has all features that an RV owner would ever need, runs very quietly, and attracts mostly positive feedback from users throughout the United States.
If you don’t like the idea of breaking the bank to acquire a portable generator, the WEN 56380i can be exactly what you need. Homeowners will also love it since it can work as a power backup in case of a power outage.
Reasons To Buy
Here are some of the reasons why you should consider buying the WEN 56380i:
- Long Run Time: The generator runs uninterrupted for about 8.5 hours at 25 percent capacity. However, this time can decrease considerably if you continuously use it to charge items on higher loads.
- Quiet: The WEN 56380i generator only produces about 57 decibels of noise running at 25 percent load, which is much quieter than a traditional open frame generator functioning at the same wattage.
- High Quality: The exceptional quality and operation of this generator is definitely impressive. It is not only durable and sturdy but also operates just as well.
- RV Ready: Today, RV living is more popular than ever, which is why generator manufacturers are attempting to produce the best generators to match the increasing demand and the WEN 56380i certainly doesn’t disappoint in this regard.
- Affordable: The price to quality ratio of the WEN 56380i is impressive. You simply cannot get better functionality and features at such a great price. It might be highly affordable, but it still conforms to the highest quality standards.
FAQs
How Do I Break In A WEN 56380i?
The WEN 56380i comes with all the instructions you need to follow before running it for the first time. In most cases, it involves adding oil to the generator, turning a sequence of levers, and starting the generator. Always ensure that you follow the procedure described in the manual provided by the manufacturer.
To break in the WEN 56380i, you should first put oil in, run the generator for about 15 minutes, shut it off, run it again for an additional 15 minutes and shut it off again before allowing it to cool. You should then drain the oil and add fresh oil. When you drain the oil, ensure that you get all the metal flakes. If you do that you will have an awesome generator that will serve you for a long time.
What Can A WEN 56380i Power?
The WEN 56380i can be used for camping, emergencies, when traveling, in RVs, and well as indoors. It has advanced safety features and inverter technology that enable it to safely power all kinds of appliances and electronics such as cellphones, laptops, tablets, PCs, and other vulnerable electronics.
Where Is The WEN 56380i Made?
WEN is an international brand that was established back in 1951. It is a power tool company that’s based in the United States and manufactures and distributes high-quality and affordable tools such as the WEN 56380i, among many others.
How Difficult Is The WEN 56380i To Start?
The WEN 56380i features an electric starter. It couldn’t be easier to start the generator using the push-button start and simple mode switch on the main panel. The generator also has a recoil starter that allows you to start it up manually if you ever forget to charge the on-board battery.
Is The WEN 56380i Easy To Use?
WEN paid a lot of attention to ensuring that this generator model is easy to use. It comes with controls that are easy to use. The manufacturer has made sure that you have an easy time operating the generator even if it’s your first time doing it.
The digital control center provides all the essential information you need to know regarding the generator’s operation. It also has light indicators for alerting you of the need to shut down the generator in case of a problem.
How Noisy Is It?
One of the biggest selling points of the WEN 56380i is the low amount of noise it produces. The noise is just 57 decibels at 22 feet from the generator while it is running a quarter load, which is much less noise compared to typical generators of this size.
It is about as loud as a standard conversation or a typical window air conditioning unit. That means it is easy to ignore leaving you to enjoy either peaceful sleep or a conversation with someone else while it is running.
The generator is actually so quiet that you can take it with you on hunting trips. The generator now allows you to have heat without scaring away prey. It is also an excellent option for small music set-ups since it will not clash with your music as you play.
Verdict
If you are looking for a good and reliable generator for powering your RV, you cannot go wrong with the WEN 56380i Inverter Generator. It offers a wide selection of features at a fraction of the price competitors are charging.
If you are an RV owner, you will simply love how this generator powers all your essentials. It also has a long lifespan and won’t trouble you with technical issues often. Best of all it runs relatively quietly. So, invest in this generator today and it will serve you for many years to come.
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