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Description
Zoom on the WEN GN4500
In summary, the WEN GN4500 is a compact portable generator especially useful for:
- RV travellers wishing to enhance their freedom and nomad lifestyle
- Occasional participants of outdoor events, competitions, concerts and festivals
- Homeowners in need of an emergency backup power for their essentials
In the following paragraphs, we shall explore the power characteristics, available outlets, portability, and any additional features of the device, along with its emission compliance information.
Power & Run Time
The WEN GN4500's design includes a gasoline-fueled 212 cc OHV 4-stroke engine. With a 120V output, it gives a running wattage of 3600W and also a peak wattage of 4500W.
The generator is rated for a noise of 65 dBA (just slightly more noisy than a normal conversation). Its starting mechanism is based on a simple traditional pull-start mechanism.
With a full tank, the GN4500 can operate for around 13 hours at 50% load (fuel consumption around 0.31 GPH), thanks to its fuel capacity of 4 gallons.
Outlets
The control panel features the following 6 AC outlets:
This WEN generator is RV Ready, as it features a TT-30R receptacle (TT stands for 'Travel Trailer').
Portability
The design of the WEN GN4500 is a typical, open frame, with the dimensions of L23.3 x W18 x H18.8 in, offering support and stability and enabling the possibility of raising it above ground level. The design is ideal for rough environments and demanding outdoor use.
As the GN4500's weight is only 97.9 lbs, it can follow you and your power needs anywhere. In addition, it is even easier to grab and move the generator around thanks to its open frame design.
Features
The GN4500's control panel
The control panel of the GN4500 includes a convenient meter showing you voltage, frequency and lifetime hours, helpful for the monitoring of its status and activity.
The generator allows for a quick, easy and convenient assessment of its gas level, as it is equipped with a built-in fuel gauge.
As far as security is concerned, the generator can be used with a peace of mind, as it features an automatic low oil shut-off and an overload protection (circuit breaker).
Apart from the typical documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), which lets you start it right away, the WEN GN4500 also is packed along with the following accessories: oil and tool kit.
Emissions
The WEN GN4500 is EPA-approved and CARB-compliant. Therefore, its sale and purchase are permitted in all of the 50 states, including California.
Moreover, it features a spark arrestor, making it usable in forested areas.
The WEN GN4500 versus other generators
The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the WEN GN4500 compare to generators of similar power (between 3500 and 4500 W).
- In terms of its dry weight, the WEN GN4500 stands at only 97.9 lbs, meaning that is one of the lighter devices of the 3500-4500 rated wattage category If you are concerned by weight, one of the champions in the above-mentioned power range is the WEN GN400i, with a dry weight of just 66.1 pounds.
- Since the generator's noise is rated at 65 dBA, it has the roughly average expected noise for a device of similar power. If noise emissions are important to you, one of the least noisy generators of this power range is the Cummins Onan P4500i with only 52 dBA.
- Since the GN4500 boasts with a run time of around 13 hours at 50% load, it can be safely judged as a device of a higher run time than most generators of a comparable output. If autonomy is your priority, one of the devices of a similar power output with the highest run time is the Predator 4375, reaching around 16 hours.
- Autonomy holds its importance, however, it is largely dependent on the generator’s fuel capacity and so, it is nonsensible to discuss it without mentioning fuel efficiency as well. With an estimated gasoline consumption of 0.31 GPH (gallon per hour) at 50% load, this generator is among the more fuel efficient of the products in the above-mentioned wattage range. If you wish to further improve in the area of fuel efficiency, the Westinghouse iGen4200, which boasts with a gas consumption of only 0.17 GPH, may be the right generator for you.
Price comparison
As you can see from this interactive chart, when compared to other 3500-4500W generators, the WEN GN4500 is on the cheap side of the price range.
It can therefore be a really good buy if you're looking to acquire a budget generator.
The bottom line
- Inexpensive
- Several accessories included
- RV Ready
- Lightweight for its kind (97.9 lbs)
- High run time
- Fuel efficient
- Acceptable noise (65 dBA)
- No electric start
Features and Specifications
| Inverter | No |
|---|---|
| Portable | Yes |
| Parallel capable | No |
| RV ready | Yes |
| Fuel | Gasoline |
| Engine | 212 cc OHV 4-stroke |
| Starting system | Recoil |
| Voltage | AC: 120V 60 Hz |
|---|---|
| Running watts | 3600 W |
| Starting watts | 4500 W |
| Running amps | 30 amps |
| Peak amps | 37.5 amps |
| Run time @50% load | 13 h |
| Run time @25% load | Unknown |
| GFCI outlets | No |
|---|---|
| Covered outlets | No |
| Automatic Voltage Regulation | Yes |
| AC outlets |
|
| DC outlets | No |
| Data center | VFT |
| Indicators | No |
| Fuel tank | 4 gal |
| Fuel gauge | Yes |
| Weight | 97.9 lbs |
|---|---|
| Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | 23.3 x 18 x 18.8 in |
| Noise (lower limit) | 65 dBA |
| THD | Unknown |
| Emissions | CARB, EPA |
| Security | Low oil and overload protection |
| Spark arrestor | Yes |
| Neutral | Floating |
| Accessories included | Oil and tool kit |
| Warranty | 2 years |
Unlike many websites, we did our best to research each of the specs above. That being said, we are not immune to making the occasional mistake or omission. Should you notice any missing or incorrect values, don't hesitate to suggest improvements so we can address the issue.
About WEN
WEN Products, founded by Nick Anton in 1951, is an American power tool manufacturer and distributor, which claims to have a part in the development of modern chainsaw, soldering devices and wet sharpeners, through its research in random orbital technology. The Illinois based company expanded its distribution network to include various power tools, such as presses, drills and of course, power generators. As a distributor, WEN’s portfolio largely consists of branded products of different manufacturers, imported from Asia.
Warranty Information
The WEN GN4500 is covered under a warranty for up to 2 years. This warranty may be limited and may not cover all parts of the generator.
For more information about the warranty of WEN generators, please consult WEN's warranty policies (opens in a new tab). Alternatively, you can also contact their Customer Support: 1-847-429-9263.
Questions & Answers
What can it power?
| Item | Running Watts | Starting Watts | |
|---|---|---|---|
| At home | Dish washer | 1500 | 3000 |
| Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 | |
| Vacuum cleaner | 1075 | 1175 | |
| Radio | 100 | 100 | |
| Total | 2867 W | 4367 W | |
| For camping | RV AC (11,000 BTU) | 1010 | 1600 |
| RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
| Electric grill | 1650 | 1650 | |
| Total | 2840 W | 3430 W | |
| For work | Grinder | 1400 | 2500 |
| Demolition hammer | 1260 | 1260 | |
| Bug zapper | 80 | 80 | |
| Total | 2740 W | 3840 W |
Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.
I essentially agree with you on strengths and weaknesses, at least for the plus/minus 4 hours it ran. It starts and runs and it appears there is at least power for charging the RV batteries, but nothing AC works at all. Hopefully, it’s not a serious problem.