Just because you need a lot of power doesn’t mean you have to be stuck with a heavy V-Twin generator. The WEN DF1100T can handle almost any large appliance you can throw at it, yet it only weighs just a little over 200 lbs. A wide range of electrical sockets, high output and straight forward design make this generator a good choice for home backup and RV shore power, as well as workplace power. Add an LPG tank, and you can run it off gasoline or propane.
Output
Outlets
What Can The WEN DF1100T Generator Power?
Due to the differing energy density between gasoline and LPG, the total output varies depending on what fuel you use. Running on gasoline, the DF1100T produces up to 8,300 watts of sustained power. Total output can go up to 11,000 watts for reactive loads from electric motors. Switch to propane, and power drops to 7,500 watts of sustained power, peaking at 9,500 watts.
This isn’t an inverter generator. With no system in place to smooth out voltage and frequency fluctuations, the electricity from the outlets can burn out electronics.
Where this generator really shines is its ability to deliver large amounts of power for high demand devices. It can handle window air conditioners, refrigerators, and even one or two elements on an electric stove, just not all at once. For most users, this generator has enough power to keep all of their home appliances going, aside from electronics and central heat and air. While WEN doesn’t offer their own transfer switches, it shouldn’t be hard to hook this generator up to one for home backup power.
The DF110T is an attractive option for RV owners for much the same reasons. With both 15-30R and L5-30R outlets onboard, this generator will work with most shore power systems. There’s enough power here to handle all but the largest dual unit air conditioners. This generator is EPA and CARB compliant, and it comes with a spark arrester. That means it should meet safety and emissions regulations anywhere you travel.
With GFCI protection built into the 120 volt outlets, this unit also good choice for outdoor work. However, WEN offers a significantly shorter warranty on this generator if it’s used commercially.
The 12 volt cigarette lighter outlet is handy for recharging batteries and powering portable appliances. Keep in mind that it cannot directly jump start a vehicle.
Setting Up the WEN DF1100T
WEN includes a wheel kit, spark plug wrench, oil and a 47 inch LPG hose in the box. The generator is frame grounded, but WEN recommends using this generator with an external ground. To do this, you will need to purchase a grounding rod with a 12 gauge wire connector separately. It’s also a good idea to have a long funnel on hand to reach the oil filler cap.
The generator is held in the crate by a pair of shipping brackets. Once the unit is free, assembly is just a matter of attaching the feet, wheels and handle, and connecting the battery. Add oil and gas, and you’re ready to use your new generator. If you want to connect a propane tank, you will need to add a tank and regulator that use Type 1 right hand ACME threads.
The engine is tuned to work at low altitudes. WEN offers a high altitude kit that rejects the carburetor for use at elevations between 2,000-7,000 feet. While you can order this direct from the manufacturer, the company recommends having this kit installed by a professional.
Using This Generator
The engine has an electric starter and a backup recoil starter. Once it’s running, the manual choke can be opened slowly as the engine warms up. After a few minutes of idling, the generator is ready to use.
A large switch next to the outlets selects between gasoline and LPG. While most generators must be off before changing fuel sources, the DF1100T can switch while running, as long as the generator is running at less than 50% load.
At 50% load, WEN estimates the generator will run for 8.5 hours from the 6.6 gallon gas tank, or three hours using a 20 lb. LPG tank.
A digital display lets you keep track of output voltage, output frequency, total runtime and session runtime. A fuel gauge is built into the top of the gas tank.
WEN hasn’t released noise measurements for this generator. With its open frame design, don’t expect it to be quiet. Most generators in this class make well over 70 dB noise at 50% load from 10 feet away.
Maintenance
The engine in the DF1100T needs an oil change every 25 hours, an air filter cleaning every 50 hours or 3 months, and a new spark plug every 6 months or 100 hours. While some generators in this class make you remove the fuel tank to access the air filter, WEN builds the DF1100T’s filter into a large, easily accessible panel housing on the side of the frame.
Like most power equipment, WEN recommends using a fuel stabilizer with gasoline, and draining the tank after 60 days to prevent problems with stale fuel. The carburetor should be drained after each use. This is easy, thanks to a fuel drain screw built into the carburetor bowl. The propane side of the fuel system requires no maintenance, as long as the bottle is stored correctly.
Summary
Versatile and Powerful, with a Few Small Drawbacks
If this generator had an inverter, it would be the perfect home backup power solution. As it is, the DF1100T is still able to fill multiple roles, delivering plentiful power for RV, home and work users. At 218 lbs. with the standard wheel kit, it’s also more portable than most generators with this output. If you’re looking for a solid dual fuel generator, this WEN should be on your short list.
Leave a Reply