GENMAX GM5500iHD Hybrid Inverter vs Champion 201318 4500-Watt RV Ready Inverter: which one should you buy?
Two gasoline inverters around 3,500 to 4,000 running watts: GENMAX GM5500iHD against Champion's RV-ready 4500-watt.
GENMAX GM5500iHD Hybrid Inverter
Champion 201318 4500-Watt RV Ready Inverter| Spec | GENMAX GM5500iHD Hybrid Inverter | Champion 201318 4500-Watt RV Ready Inverter |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 7.0/10 | 6.8/10 |
| Type | Gas inverter | Gas inverter |
| Running watts (gas) | 3,800 W | 3,500 W |
| Starting watts (gas) | 5,500 W | 4,500 W |
| Running watts (propane) | — | — |
| Fuel tank | 0.9 gal | 2.2 gal |
| Runtime at 50% load | 3 hr | 8 hr 50 min |
| Noise | 62 dB(A) | 61 dB(A) |
| Weight | 56.7 lb | 92.2 lb |
| Big outlets | L5-30R | TT-30R |
| Start | Remote + electric | Recoil |
| CO shutoff | Yes | Yes |
| Parallel capable | Yes | Yes |
| Warranty | 3 years | 3 years |
| Typical price | $500–$800 | $500–$800 |
| Buy | Check price | Check price |
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Power output
The GENMAX GM5500iHD Hybrid Inverter delivers 3,800 running watts, 9% more than the Champion 201318 4500-Watt RV Ready Inverter (3,500 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 3 hr for the GENMAX GM5500iHD Hybrid Inverter.
Noise
The Champion 201318 4500-Watt RV Ready Inverter is rated at 61 dB(A), the GENMAX GM5500iHD Hybrid Inverter at 62 dB(A).
Weight and portability
The GENMAX GM5500iHD Hybrid Inverter weighs 56.7 lb, the Champion 201318 4500-Watt RV Ready Inverter 92.2 lb. Per pound, that's 67 W/lb for the GENMAX GM5500iHD Hybrid Inverter and 38 W/lb for the Champion 201318 4500-Watt RV Ready Inverter.
Start, safety and warranty
The GENMAX GM5500iHD Hybrid Inverter has remote + electric start, a CO shutoff and a 3 years warranty; the Champion 201318 4500-Watt RV Ready Inverter has recoil start, a CO shutoff and a 3 years warranty.
Our verdict
Choose the GENMAX GM5500iHD Hybrid Inverter if you want remote start, more running watts and a much lighter unit.
Choose the Champion 201318 4500-Watt RV Ready Inverter if you need a TT-30R outlet for your RV and a longer runtime per tank.
Across all our criteria, the GENMAX GM5500iHD Hybrid Inverter comes out ahead (7.0/10 versus 6.8/10). 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 GENMAX GM5500iHD Hybrid Inverter and the Champion 201318 4500-Watt RV Ready Inverter?
The GENMAX GM5500iHD Hybrid Inverter is a gas inverter model with 3,800 running watts, the Champion 201318 4500-Watt RV Ready Inverter a gas inverter model with 3,500 running watts. At half load, the Champion 201318 4500-Watt RV Ready Inverter runs about 8 hr 50 min on a tank, versus 3 hr for the GENMAX GM5500iHD Hybrid Inverter.
Which one is quieter?
The Champion 201318 4500-Watt RV Ready Inverter is rated at 61 dB(A), the GENMAX GM5500iHD Hybrid Inverter at 62 dB(A).
Which one scores higher?
Across all our criteria, the GENMAX GM5500iHD Hybrid Inverter comes out ahead (7.0/10 versus 6.8/10). Still, the better of the two is the one that fits how you'll use it.