So you’re looking for the best generator for your camping trips? Unlike other situations like backing your home or business during a power outage, a generator that’s going to be used primarily for camping trips will have to meet a particular set of requirements.
First off, you want something that’s portable. This means a compact unit that won’t take up too much packing space. Having a generator that can easily be carried by one person is a big plus factor. Fuel efficiency is also a big consideration. There’s a limit to how much fuel you can transport to your destination and so you want to make every drop of gas count. We all know how irritating it can be when a campsite is crowded with noisy generators that disturb the peace and quiet of the great outdoors. Some campsites prohibit the use of generators for this very reason. A generator that has low noise levels is very important, this won’t disturb the quiet peace of nature and make your experience or that of other campers an unpleasant one.
These days, we rely heavily on electronic equipment and this requires a generator with clean power. An inverter generator with low harmonic distortion is the only way to ensure that sensitive electronic equipment is protected from spikes in voltage or frequency changes in the current.
So, you want a generator that is able to deliver clean efficient power, uses a minimum amount of fuel, runs quietly and is easy to transport and set up. All this, while providing enough power to run all your electrical needs for a comfortable camping trip. This may sound like a tall order. The good news is that technology is on your side and it’s possible to combine all of these factors into one versatile camping generator that can also function as a backup generator for when you need it at home. The Wen 56200i is one of the best options available and we’ll be taking a detailed look at this model and leave you to decide whether it’s worth investing in this generator for your camping and other needs.
The Wen 56200i Portable Inverter Generator Review
The first thing you’ll probably want to know is how much power do you get and what can you run off the off the Wen 56200i generator? It has a peak power output of 2000W and a running capacity of 1600W. This power is supplied by a super quiet, fuel efficient 79.7cc, four-stroke OHV engine. The Wen 56200i has an engine that is specifically designed to have one of the lowest noise levels of any portable generator, 51dB – which quieter than a speaking voice and won’t disturb even the most silent of nights.
For its size and weight (48 LBS), it packs a good punch in the power output department. Though, if you’re going to be running high-powered appliances like an air conditioner, it won’t give you the watts needed to start the AC or a large refrigerator. For all of your other camping electrical needs, the Wen 56200i will give you an ample supply of clean power with less than 1.2% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) at full power. This means that it is one of the cleanest power sources available and is completely safe for providing power to the most sensitive electronic devices (plasma TVs, computers and the like).
If you need extra power but still want the practicality of a small quiet unit, there’s good news. The Wen 56200i has parallel connectivity. This means you can use this generator in conjunction with any Wen generator that is fitted with parallel ports, by using the optional parallel connection kit. This versatility is amazing, sometimes you may want to take advantage of the small size and weight of using the Wen 56200i on its own, yet still be able to increase your power output when needed.
The Wen 56200i has everything that you need, placed conveniently on a single, easy-access, side panel. It has two 120V standard plug outlets, a 12V receptacle and a 5V USB port for charging cell phones, tablets, and other USB devices. All the outlets have overload protection and the generator has a safety cut-off for overload, low oil, and low fuel. It is a perfectly safe and convenient generator.
When it comes to fuel efficiency, the Wen 56200i is bound to impress. It has an eco mode which allows it run at low revs when the power demand isn’t too high. This reduces your fuel consumption and lowers the noise levels. You can get up to 6 hours (at 50% load) from the 1-gallon fuel tank. I always find manufacturer claims of “up to” to be a little optimistic and you should, therefore, expect more like 4-5 hours from a tank. None the less, at least four hours of electricity from a gallon of gas is quite a feat and you won’t find much better than this.
As far as environmental issues go, the 5600i is equipped with all the most current technology and is EPA III and CARB compliant. As one of the most technologically advanced generators, built to the high standards that we’ve come to expect from Wen, you really can’t go wrong with this inverter generator. It comes with a 2-year warranty and the support of Wen’s nationwide dealership network.
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