Thoughts/experience on iGen4500DF (dual fuel portable remote start)

[Carlos]

I'd love to hear from anyone who has used one of these.  We have a small TT and plan to boondock quite a bit.  We are selling off a motorhome that has a built-in generator.  When it warms up in a month or two, we will need air conditioning.  We also want to run some appliances like the convection/microwave and an espresso machine (glamping at it's finest, yes).  The AC is a 13.5k unit so it needs to have something more than 3k starting power.  The best deal I've found is the Westinghouse iGen4500DF.  Dual fuel will be nice as it seems like propane is way more convenient than gas.  How much we use remains to be seen.  We have a single 40# tank now, and could also bring along a spare 20 or 30 that we have sitting around.  It's $1050 on Amazon with free shipping, and 12 months same as cash.  The three year warranty with cheap service plan is attractive, and there are dealers/repair centers all around us.

Advantages I see of this unit:

Fuel flexibility

Remote wireless start (coffee without stepping out in the cold!)

Three year warranty (and four year service agreement for only $18)

Running power matches normal park power (30 amps)

Quiet and small, RV plug, great status display, auto start

 

I'm open to other ideas, but it won't be an overpriced Honda or Yamaha.  I've had both the "real thing" and knock-offs in the past, so I already know there's no reason to spend extra.  Also the closest Honda has lower output, higher weight, for 3x the cost.  This seems like the only DF unit in this size range.  It will fit nicely through the RV door to be secured inside for storage, and is only 100 pounds so it's easy to manage.

[Pappy Yokum]

Research the various Champion gens.

Good source for "everything generator" info is RV Net "Tech" Forum

(IMO) Gen on propane will be very "hungry" .

BTW - Costco is advertising a "Firman Power Equipment 3200 W Peak Running 2,900 W Running Gas Inverter Generator" - #1175809t

(Tuff to beat Costco's return policy - if you're not happy!)

Ad doesn't indicate the cost, just $70 off.

[Carlos]

The Firman is just slightly too small for my AC, but otherwise they look very good.  There's a Champion DF, but on propane, then it becomes slightly too small also (since propane generates slightly less power).  That means it also uses slightly more fuel, but propane is currently quite a bit cheaper than gas around here.  I agree on the Costco and Sam's policies, but neither have anything in the range that I need.  And since my post, I've become pretty sure that I want dual fuel.

[Carlos]

I got it today, and I'm happy.  So far I've only run it for about 90 minutes, but like it a lot.  First, it starts with just a touch of the remote button, which is great.  The setup was easy, just plug in the battery connection and add the included oil with the included funnel.  (Although--note that it came with a tiny bit more oil than needed, causing a small spill.) I connected the included regular to a propane tank, pressed the button on the remote, and it was on.  The display is useful, and everything on the faceplate is very clearly marked.  You have lots of connection options from an RV plug to USB outlets.  The sound level is very good and doesn't get a whole lot louder with a load (highest so far was 1700 watts).

The three year warranty is comforting, and the manufacturer's web site is FULL of info and details about it.

 

[Carlos]

 

[RV_]

Carlos,

Np one posted a link: https://www.westinghouseoutdoorpower.com/shop/all-products/igen4500df/

Now that is what we need here, more videos from folks who actually bought and are using whatever we are discussing. Although there are lots here who avoid videos because of their limited bandwidth, they don't have to click on it. There are also lots of part timers here that "lurk" and like me have unlimited home bandwidth.  Just the way it starts is awesome! I am going solar and Tesla PowerWalls in our new house as we aren't doing another 25kw natural gas generator as they are noisier than a portable in some cases. Solar and Tesla PowerWalls are silent and the battery pack modules can be placed indoors or out, no toxic Fossil fuel burning CO and a host of other pollutants we do not want in our air indoors. Costs are about what your 3.7 genset cost but about another $1k to install and do the electrics.

I am frankly surprised I haven't seen any RVrs, especially boondockers, installing them in their RVs, especially when they already have solar. Each one weighs 276 pounds:

"Usable Capacity 13.5 kWh

• Depth of Discharge 100%
• Efficiency 90% round-trip
• Power 7kW peak / 5kW continuous
• Supported Applications Solar self-consumption Back-up power Time-Based control Off-grid capabilities (coming soon)
• Warranty 10 years

• Scalable Up to 10 Powerwalls
• Operating Temperature -4°F to 122°F / -20°C to 50°C
• Dimensions L x W x 😧 45.3" x 29.7" x 6.1" (1150 mm x 755 mm x 155 mm)
• Weight 276 lbs / 125 kg
• Installation Floor or wall mounted Indoor or outdoor
• Certification North American and International Standards Grid code compliant"

Source: https://www.tesla.com/powerwall?redirect=no

Sizing for my whole house is going to be two and installing about $16k. I did the website and here is what they say I need.

Order summary

$13,400	2 Powerwalls
$1,100	Supporting hardware
$14,500	Total equipment cost

 

Your final design and pricing will be based on your electrical panel, home energy usage, number of Powerwalls, and where you’d like your Powerwall installed. Typical installation cost ranges from $1,000 to $3,000. This does not include solar installation, electrical upgrades (if necessary), taxes, permit fees, or any retailer / connection charges that may apply.

What's next?

Once you place your reservation, a Tesla energy specialist will reach out to discuss your project.