Champion 201318 4500-Watt RV Ready Inverter vs WEN 56380i 3800W Inverter with Electric Start: which one should you buy?
Two RV-ready gasoline inverters with a TT-30R outlet, both parallel capable: Champion's 4500-watt against WEN's 3800-watt with electric start.
Champion 201318 4500-Watt RV Ready Inverter6.8/10 VS
WEN 56380i 3800W Inverter with Electric Start6.7/10
| Spec | Champion 201318 4500-Watt RV Ready Inverter | WEN 56380i 3800W Inverter with Electric Start |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 6.8/10 | 6.7/10 |
| Type | Gas inverter | Gas inverter |
| Running watts (gas) | 3,500 W | 3,400 W |
| Starting watts (gas) | 4,500 W | 3,800 W |
| Running watts (propane) | — | — |
| Fuel tank | 2.2 gal | 2.2 gal |
| Runtime at 50% load | 8 hr 50 min | 8 hr 30 min |
| Noise | 61 dB(A) | 57 dB(A) |
| Weight | 92.2 lb | 99.2 lb |
| Big outlets | TT-30R | TT-30R |
| Start | Recoil | Electric |
| CO shutoff | Yes | No |
| Parallel capable | Yes | Yes |
| Warranty | 3 years | 2 years |
| Typical price | $500–$800 | $500–$800 |
| Buy | Check price | Check price |
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Power output
The Champion 201318 4500-Watt RV Ready Inverter delivers 3,500 running watts, 3% more than the WEN 56380i 3800W Inverter with Electric Start (3,400 W).
Runtime and fuel
At half load, the Champion 201318 4500-Watt RV Ready Inverter runs about 8 hr 50 min on a tank, versus 8 hr 30 min for the WEN 56380i 3800W Inverter with Electric Start.
Noise
The WEN 56380i 3800W Inverter with Electric Start is rated at 57 dB(A), the Champion 201318 4500-Watt RV Ready Inverter at 61 dB(A).
Weight and portability
The Champion 201318 4500-Watt RV Ready Inverter weighs 92.2 lb, the WEN 56380i 3800W Inverter with Electric Start 99.2 lb. Per pound, that's 38 W/lb for the Champion 201318 4500-Watt RV Ready Inverter and 34 W/lb for the WEN 56380i 3800W Inverter with Electric Start.
Start, safety and warranty
The Champion 201318 4500-Watt RV Ready Inverter has recoil start, a CO shutoff and a 3 years warranty; the WEN 56380i 3800W Inverter with Electric Start has electric start and a 2 years warranty.
Our verdict
Choose the Champion 201318 4500-Watt RV Ready Inverter if you want a little more running power, a CO shutoff and a 3-year warranty.
Choose the WEN 56380i 3800W Inverter with Electric Start if you want electric start and a lower noise rating.
Across all our criteria, the Champion 201318 4500-Watt RV Ready Inverter comes out ahead (6.8/10 versus 6.7/10). Still, the better of the two is the one that fits how you'll use it.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the Champion 201318 4500-Watt RV Ready Inverter and the WEN 56380i 3800W Inverter with Electric Start?
The Champion 201318 4500-Watt RV Ready Inverter is a gas inverter model with 3,500 running watts, the WEN 56380i 3800W Inverter with Electric Start a gas inverter model with 3,400 running watts. At half load, the Champion 201318 4500-Watt RV Ready Inverter runs about 8 hr 50 min on a tank, versus 8 hr 30 min for the WEN 56380i 3800W Inverter with Electric Start.
Which one is quieter?
The WEN 56380i 3800W Inverter with Electric Start is rated at 57 dB(A), the Champion 201318 4500-Watt RV Ready Inverter at 61 dB(A).
Which one scores higher?
Across all our criteria, the Champion 201318 4500-Watt RV Ready Inverter comes out ahead (6.8/10 versus 6.7/10). Still, the better of the two is the one that fits how you'll use it.