Westinghouse 4000 Peak Watt Super Quiet Dual Fuel Portable Inverter Generator, Remote Electric Start, Gas & Propane Powered, RV Ready, CO Sensor, Parallel Capable

SUMMARY 12/08/2024A capable well designed and implemented generator at a very good price point with a responsive American service/support organization.It is best used for intermittent or emergency service rather than for full time oroff-grid routine use.Storage and operation in rain, snow or dust environments should be avoided.The pure sine inverter, power level, dual fuel operation, battery electric start,eco mode, cost and American service/support were key purchase factors.Biggest Pros Price/Performance and SupportBiggest Cons Transport, some large hands issues, display readabilityBuy Again YesStars 5ACQUISITIONPurchased at Amazon and received promptly with the cartonslightly damaged and some internal Styrofoam packing broken.All visible generator components were undamaged.Installation is at 7200 feet so high-altitude kits had to be orderedfrom Westinghouse which took some time and inconvenience.Amazon does not sell the high-altitude kits at this time.SETUPHigh AltitudeObservation The OEM sea-level to 2000 feet propane gas jet hasthread locker and is difficult to remove without heating.Observation An adjustable wrench was a poor choice.Observation A 17mm socket wrench worked well and a viseholding the brass jet could have worked.Observation Good light is needed to see the size markings oneach jet in the loose pack kit.The intent here is to primarily use propane.OilObservation The provided break-in oil took some time to fill due to therequired trial and error to avoid over filling.This unit required about 90% of the supplied quart.Observation The provided flexible funnel screws in and is a Gem.Keep it clean and don't lose it.Be certain NOT to screw in the oil cap when checking the level.A Negative The oil access port is too small for large hands.This can make checking before each use a chore.BatteryObservation The starting battery arrived loose and out of place.A Negative The battery access port is too small for large hands.A Negative The battery tie-down strap is much too difficult to fastenand had to be left loose.A Negative The battery connections, although standard automotive types,are too difficult to connect in the available space.A Negative Both the battery and the generator leads should beat least 3 inches longer.The battery was charged overnight with the provided chargerThe battery also charges during operation.A Negative It is unfortunate that the charger is not float charging capableand cannot be left connected to the generator.Observation The front panel charging port is connected directly to the battery.RemoteObservation The Remote Start/Stop Key Fob Pairing instructions were followed,and it worked the first timeObservation The instructions indicate that the generator should not be startedin ECO mode. This reduces the value of the remote.Tool KitObservation The kit includes a spark plug wrench a 17-mm & 19-mm doubleopen-end wrench and plastic pouch.The included screwdriver is of indeterminate value.TRANSPORTObservation The generator rolls easily on smooth surfaces via the extension\handle.Observation The small wheels will make rolling the generator more difficultas the ground surface gets rougher.A Negative The extension handle requires a large button press under thegenerator which has been a minor problem for large hands.Observation The top lifting handles are strong and effective.There is no bottom lift capability.A Negative In cold weather large, gloved hands have not been able to gripthese handles.DOCUMENTATIONObservation The user manual is excellent in English and in illustration.No comment on Spanish or French sections.Observation In two places manual procedures call for shutting off a gasfuel valve which does not apply to this generator.Observation The Key Fob pairing procedure incorrectly describes theassociated indicator light on the front panelObservation There is no storage bin for the remote as the manual suggests.Fastening it to the starter rope works well enough.A Negative There is no description of how to use the supplied charger properly.Observation The safety warnings are numerous and to the point.Observation The Quick Start Guide Shut Down procedure doesn’t make sensefor this model.Observation A parts list with illustrated parts breakdown is includedseparately from the user manualObservation The parts list does not include the high-altitude kits oraccessories.PERFORMANCECaveat During this initial period no proper test equipment was used toevaluate the unit. The panel display values were not validated.StartingWith the generator off and propane supply on, the rope waspulled three times to distribute the new oil and displace air.Observation The propane startup was then no more than 4 secondson the first try at an outdoor temperature of 40 degrees F.RestartingObservation During 2 hours of break-in operation the unit was stopped andrestarted multiple times without issues from both thefront panel and the remote.Maximum powerGiven the altitude and propane operation there was no reason toexpect more than 79% of the 3500 rated operating Watts.(Net 2765 Watts)Observation The generator had no difficulty providing up to 2450 Watts whilekeeping the power below the recommended 50% of max duringthe first 5 hours.Test Loads 700-Watt resistive space heaterHair dryer with 1200- or 400-Watt operation1250 Watt running load household vacuum cleaner1800-Watt induction cooktopObservation During the two-hour test, primarily with some load to anaverage load of about 1000 Watts there were no issues.ECO ModeObservation All loads behaved properly in ECO mode and full speed mode .Observation ECO mode itself behaved quickly in response to all loadsincluding the induction cooktop which cycles frequently.The instructions indicate that the generator should not bestarted in ECO mode.Observation The generator started and stopped in ECO modewithout apparent issue.Observation ECO mode reached high speed operation levels at some pointbelow 2000 Watts.High SpeedObservation In ECO and non-ECO modes the removal of a large load resultedin a brief engine race condition thought to be harmless.Noise The break-in test was done on a concrete porch about 3 feetfrom a log wall and three feet above ground level.Observation Conversation was possible next to the generatorbut not comfortable.Observation Conversation was comfortable about 30 feet away and3 feet below. This is clearly a location specific subjective result.VoltageObservation The no load and light load panel voltage was 124 volts.Observation The 2400-Watt load voltage was as low as 117 voltsand typically, 118 to 119 voltsUSER INTERFACEHour MeterObservation The meter reads in increments of 1 hour.There is no documentation to know if it would addfor example, three 20-minute sessions correctly.Power Level GaugeObservation The gauge has 5 LEDs reading in increments 0f 25% from 0 to 100%Observation This gauge is judged to be cosmetic and useless.Observation The gas level gauge is similar in operation.and although not tested is probably quite useful.Power Level DisplayObservation This is a four-digit display reading in kilowatts.Observation It has a long integration time, so it updates somewhat slowlypreventing a lot of jitters in the readings.Observation The display is difficult to read in direct sunlight and must be shaded.A Negative The display is difficult to use because it is so low to the ground.Observation It would be much easier to use if it was angled upward so asto be observed from a standing position.END

Very impressed with this unit so far! (4000DFc) Package arrived early and in perfect condition. Very easy to figure out what needed to be done in order to get it going. I bought this particular generator for my travel trailer. The ability to run on propane was the deciding factor. No having to mess with having to carry gas cans and dealing with volatile fumes. Unboxed this unit added the oil that came with it, popped open the panel to gain access to the battery which is already installed. Just removed the protective covers from the wires and plugged them together. attached the supplied hose to the generator and propane bottle turned on the power switch located on the front panel pushed the start button and this little machine started right up. After running for a short time the green light lit up showing it was ready to have a load applied to it. I then shut it down and unhooked it from the LP tank and very easily carried it across the property to where the travel trailer is. Hooked it to the LP tank on trailer turn ed the power switch on and went inside the trailer with the key fob. Pressed the button on the fob and it started right up again remotely. could hardly hear it running. I the n went out and made sure the green ready light was on and plugged in the 30 amp service cord. Went inside and turned the A/C unit on and in no time at all the A/C was blowing cold without so much as a studder from the generator. I the n turned on the refrigerator and T.V. This little generator does everything I needed it to do. I didn't try the microwave with the A/C running but it would surprise me if it could not handle it. Did not want to put to much of a load on it before it was ran for awhile. Did not try it on gasoline. Very light weight and quiet for what it produces. Could not ask for more at this price. stows nicely beside the bed while in transit, no gas fumes. It does have a nice handle that slides out from the underside for moving it around on the wheels that come already installed on it. No assembly required. Unbox it add oil connect battery supply fuel (Gas or Propane) hit the start button. Good to go! Thanks Westinghouse perfect fit in every way for this application. The remote start feature is the icing on the cake! The price of this inverter/generator is very reasonable. After only running it for a short time I am unable know the fuel consumption but it does have a ECO mode that allows the generator to produce power to the receptacles at an idle. this allows you to charge your electronics with the USB ports located on the front panel and operate low amp devices without the generator coming off of idle. So I'm pretty sure this thing will run all the things I need it to at an idle except the A/C and microwave.