WEN GN5600 - 4500/5600W Portable Generator
The WEN GN5600 is a portable open frame generator with a rated wattage of 4,500 W and a starting wattage of 5,600 W. (Read full specs)
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Northern Tool Price history for the WEN GN5600
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Description
Zoom on the WEN GN5600
In summary, the WEN GN5600 is a portable generator especially useful for:
- RV travellers who wish to upgrade their experience to another level
- People occasionally participating in outdoor fairs, festivals or events
- Homeowners who want to be able to use the most necessary devices in their household, even during a blackout
The following sections will present you in detail its power characteristics, the different outlets it offers, its overall portability, and the extra features it benefits from.
Power & Run Time
Running on gasoline, the WEN GN5600 utilizes a 224 cc OHV 4-stroke engine to deliver 120V, offering a running wattage of 4,500W and a starting wattage of 5,600W.
This generator starts operation using a manual recoil starter system.
The GN5600's fuel tank, with a capacity of 4.36 gallons, supports uninterrupted operation for around 12.5 hours at 50% load when fully fueled (fuel consumption at an estimated 0.35 gallons per hour).
Outlets
The control panel features the following 4 AC outlets:
Featuring a TT-30R receptacle (TT for 'Travel Trailer'), this WEN generator is RV Ready, designed specifically for use with recreational vehicles.
Portability
Measuring L22.8 x W23.6 x H23 in, the WEN GN5600 showcases a classic open frame layout, offering stability and simple maintenance access to components, while facilitating air circulation. The device has been designed for tough environments and demanding outdoor use.
Weighing 103.6 lbs, the GN5600 is easily handled, ensuring it can go wherever your power needs are. Additionally, it can be easily moved with the help of its wheel kit and its folding handle, once it is on the ground.
Features
The GN5600's control panel
The GN5600's control center features a convenient meter, providing voltage, frequency, and lifetime hours data to aid you with the monitoring of its status and activity.
In addition to this info, a light indicator serves to show you when the oil level is too low.
Benefiting from its built-in fuel gauge, the generator allows for easy and immediate gas level inspections.
Security-wise, this product benefits from an overload protection (circuit breaker) and an automatic low oil shut-off, which gives you a complete peace of mind when using it.
Apart from the typical documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), which lets you start it right away, the WEN GN5600 also is packed along with the following accessories: tool kit and funnel. An official storage cover is also available, as a separate purchase.
The WEN GN5600 versus other generators
The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the WEN GN5600 compare to generators of similar power (between 4000 and 5000 W).
- As far as its dry weight is concerned, the WEN GN5600 weighs just 103.6 pounds and thus, it is one of the lighter 4000 to 5000 rated wattage generators. If weight matters to you, one of the champions in this power range is the Pulsar PGX5250BiXCO with only 64 pounds.
- Compared to devices of similar power, the GN5600 stands out with one of the higher run times, lasting around 12.5 hours at 50% load. If you consider autonomy on a single full tank as one of the deciding factors, one of the generators in the same power range that offers the highest run time is the NorthStar c5500, with around 15.1 hours.
- Run time is a key metric, but it's dependent on the generator's fuel capacity. Therefore, discussing fuel efficiency is necessary to get the full picture. This generator, with an estimated fuel consumption of just 0.35 GPH (gallon per hour) at 50% load, is one of the more fuel-efficient generators, for the previously mentioned wattage range. If you're placing a high priority on fuel consumption, the WEN DF480iX, with a low fuel consumption rate of 0.27 GPH, could be an option to consider.
Price comparison
As you can see from these interactive charts, when compared to other 4000-5000W generators, the WEN GN5600 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
- RV Ready
- Lightweight for its kind (103.6 lbs)
- High run time
- Fuel efficient
- No electric start
Do you own the WEN GN5600 and agree (or disagree) with these strengths and weaknesses?
Let us know and write your own review.
Features and Specifications
| Inverter | No |
|---|---|
| Parallel capable | No |
| RV ready | Yes |
| Fuel | Gasoline |
| Engine | 224 cc OHV 4-stroke |
| Starting system | Recoil |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| Voltage | AC: 120V 60 Hz |
|---|---|
| Running watts | 4,500 W |
| Starting watts | 5,600 W |
| Running amps | 37.5 amps |
| Peak amps | 46.7 amps |
| Run time @50% load | 12.5 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 | Low oil |
| Fuel tank | 4.36 gal |
| Fuel gauge | Yes |
| Weight | 103.6 lbs |
|---|---|
| Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | 22.8 x 23.6 x 23 in |
| Noise (lower limit) | Unknown |
| THD | Unknown |
| Compliance | EPA |
| Security | Low oil and overload protection |
| Spark arrestor | Yes |
| Neutral | Floating |
| Accessories included | Funnel, tool kit, and wheel kit |
| Country of origin | Vietnam |
| UPC | 044459954996 |
We've taken extra care to research and verify each of the specifications above. That said, occasional mistakes or omissions are still possible. If you spot any missing or inaccurate information, feel free to suggest a correction so we can address it.
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 GN5600 is covered under a warranty for up to 3 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 | Microwave (1000 watts) | 1500 | 1500 |
| Dish washer | 1500 | 3000 | |
| Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 | |
| Blender | 400 | 850 | |
| Total | 3592 W | 5092 W | |
| For camping | RV AC (11,000 BTU) | 1010 | 1600 |
| RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
| Hair dryer | 1800 | 1900 | |
| Coffee maker | 600 | 600 | |
| Total | 3590 W | 4180 W | |
| For work | Table saw | 1800 | 4500 |
| Concrete vibrator (1 hp) | 1080 | 1080 | |
| Total | 2880 W | 5580 W |
Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.
