Westinghouse 5000 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

The unit was delivered undamaged, and all materials and hardware were included in the box. The instructions were easy to follow. The unit came with oil and funnel making it easy to put the oil in. The unit battery was connected as instructed. The unit was set up using propane which came with all required hardware including wrenches. The unit was initially started using the electric start button. The unit started on the first attempt. The remote start fob was programmed and used to start the unit and left to run for 15 min with no issues. The unit was later used on the RV 30A circuit. Air conditioning was run which used 25% of the generator. The microwave was also checked and running at full power it also used 25%. These are the two items which you would have to have a generator for as they only run on 120 Volts. The electric hot water heater was also checked. It uses 50% of the generator power. This would only need to be used if for some reason the propane system was not functioning but good information to know. The unit was run for two hours on varying load conditions to break in the unit. Still have three hours more for break in to be complete loading must remain under 50% or less during this time. As the data has shown, running the AC and microwave should meet the requirement. The unit's noise was adequate. I appreciate the weight and size. At 62 pounds it can be loaded into the cab of a pickup keeping it safe and out of site during travel. Because it is kept inside the cab, I have only been using propane to fuel the generator. No gasoline smell or fumes in the cab. You do lose about 20% output power with propane, but I don't anticipate running it at peak levels so it should not be a problem. I don't know how long the propane will last, but after the first two hours the tank still felt full. I started with a full tank so when I fill it before any trips I'll have a more accurate number. The unit also comes with a built in strong retractable pull handle to move the generator on the ground, so it does not have to be carried unless conditions demand it. The unit is packed with features and the dual fuel, and three starting options make this unit very powerful and flexible. I'm pleased with the generator so far and hopefully for a long time to come.