We carry Westinghouse and Champion generators in two styles: compact inverter generators and larger open-frame portable generators. Both brands make gas-only and dual fuel models, and both offer units with an RV-ready outlet. Choosing between them comes down to how much power your RV actually draws, how you plan to fuel it, how you want to start it and how much you can lift. This guide compares the models we stock, using the ratings each brand lists on its product pages.
Inverter or open frame?
The two styles solve slightly different problems.
- Inverter generators are the compact, enclosed units. Westinghouse describes several of its iGen models as quiet, and Champion says its inverter power is safe for electronics and that its 4,000W RV-Ready model delivers clean power for sensitive electronics. They suit campgrounds, laptops, TVs and RV electronics.
- Open-frame portable generators trade compactness for more running watts. Champion describes its 7,850W Dual Fuel Portable Generator as a larger unit for high-demand loads and backup power, and Westinghouse says its WGen5300sc is sized to run an RV air conditioner or keep home essentials going in an outage.
If you mostly dry camp at campgrounds and run lights, a fridge, a fan and chargers, an inverter is usually the easier fit. If you need to run a rooftop air conditioner and other loads at the same time, or want a generator that can also back up your house, look at the larger inverters and the open-frame models.
How to size a generator for your RV
Every listing gives two numbers. Westinghouse calls them peak and rated (or running) watts. Champion calls them starting and running watts. The higher number is the short burst a generator can supply when a motor starts. The lower number is what it can supply continuously.
- List what you will run at the same time. Air conditioner, microwave, coffee maker, water heater on electric, converter charging the batteries.
- Add up the running watts. Use the label or manual for each appliance. Compare the total to the generator's running or rated watts, not the peak figure.
- Add the largest starting surge. Your air conditioner's starting watts are listed in its manual or on its data plate. Champion's listings specifically remind you to include the starting surge of your RV air conditioner. That surge needs to fit under the generator's peak or starting rating.
- Leave some headroom. A generator run near its limit all day works harder than one with spare capacity.
Also check the plug. Westinghouse and Champion both list an RV-ready outlet on several models, and Westinghouse's listing for the WGen3600DFcv says to match that outlet to your RV's shore power cord. If you are unsure what your cord uses, check it before you order.
Dual fuel, propane and the output difference
Most of the models we carry are dual fuel, running on gasoline or propane. Propane is convenient if your RV already carries it, but the listings show output drops on propane. A few examples, as listed:
- Westinghouse iGen2550DFc: 2,550 peak / 1,900 rated watts on gas, 2,300 peak / 1,700 rated on propane.
- Westinghouse iGen4000DFc: 4,000 peak / 3,300 rated on gas, 3,600 peak / 2,970 rated on propane.
- Westinghouse iGen5000DFcv: 5,000 peak / 3,900 rated on gas, 4,500 peak / 3,500 rated on propane.
- Westinghouse WGen5300DFcv: 6,500 peak / 5,300 running on gasoline, 5,800 peak / 4,800 running on propane.
The Champion dual fuel listings give one starting and running figure without a separate propane rating, so check the manual or ask us if you plan to run mostly on propane.
Westinghouse vs Champion at a glance
Figures below are the gasoline peak or starting watts and running or rated watts from each listing. "Not stated" means the listing does not say.
| Generator | Style | Fuel | Peak / starting watts | Running / rated watts | Start |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Westinghouse iGen1500c | Inverter | Gas | 1,500 | 1,000 | Recoil |
| Westinghouse iGen2550c | Inverter | Gas | 2,550 | 1,900 | Recoil |
| Westinghouse iGen2550DFc | Inverter | Gas or propane | 2,550 | 1,900 | Recoil |
| Champion 2,500W Dual Fuel Inverter | Inverter | Gas or propane | 2,500 | 1,850 | Recoil |
| Westinghouse iGen2800DFc | Inverter | Gas or propane | 2,800 | 2,200 | Recoil |
| Westinghouse iGen4000c | Inverter | Gas | 4,000 | 3,300 | Remote electric |
| Westinghouse iGen4000DFc | Inverter | Gas or propane | 4,000 | 3,300 | Remote electric |
| Westinghouse iGen4000DFcv | Inverter | Gas or propane | 4,000 | 3,300 | Not stated |
| Champion 4,000W RV-Ready Inverter | Inverter | Gas | 4,000 | 3,000 | Not stated |
| Champion 4,500W Dual Fuel Inverter | Inverter | Gas or propane | 4,500 | 3,250 | Recoil |
| Westinghouse iGen5000c | Inverter | Gas | 5,000 | 3,900 | Remote electric |
| Westinghouse iGen5000DFcv | Inverter | Gas or propane | 5,000 | 3,900 | Recoil |
| Champion 6,500W Dual Fuel Inverter | Inverter | Gas or propane | 6,500 | 5,250 | EZ Start Dial |
| Westinghouse WGen3600DFcv | Open frame | Gas or propane | 4,650 | 3,600 | Recoil |
| Champion 4,550W Portable | Open frame | Gas | 4,550 | 3,650 | Wireless remote |
| Champion 4,750W Dual Fuel Portable | Open frame | Gas or propane | 4,750 | 3,800 | Electric |
| Champion 5,300W Dual Fuel Portable | Open frame | Gas or propane | 5,300 | 4,250 | Recoil |
| Westinghouse WGen5300sc | Open frame | Gas | 6,600 | 5,300 | Electric |
| Westinghouse WGen5300DFcv | Open frame | Gas or propane | 6,500 | 5,300 | Recoil |
| Champion 7,850W Dual Fuel Portable | Open frame | Gas or propane | 7,850 | 6,250 | Recoil |
What sets each brand apart
Westinghouse
- Remote electric start on the iGen4000c, iGen4000DFc and iGen5000c.
- LED displays on the iGen4000 and iGen5000 models.
- Light weight at the small end. Westinghouse lists the iGen1500c at 33 lb and as low as 52 dBA.
- Runtime ratings. Westinghouse lists up to 18 hours at 25% load for the iGen2550DFc and iGen5000DFcv, and up to 14.5 hours on a 4.7-gallon tank for the WGen5300sc, which also has a built-in fuel gauge.
- Home backup. The WGen5300DFcv is transfer-switch ready with a 120V and 120/240V voltage selector.
- CO sensor listed on the WGen3600DFcv, WGen5300sc and WGen5300DFcv.
Champion
- CO Shield, which Champion describes as carbon monoxide auto-shutoff, on the 4,500W and 6,500W dual fuel inverters, the 4,550W Portable and the 4,750W Dual Fuel Portable. The 4,000W RV-Ready Inverter also lists CO Shield.
- Parallel capability. Champion says the 4,000W RV-Ready Inverter can run in parallel with a second Champion 4,000W inverter (kit sold separately), and lists it at under 49 lb and 64 dBA at 23 ft.
- Cold Start Technology on the 4,500W and 6,500W inverters, plus an EZ Start Dial on the 6,500W.
- Wireless remote start on the 4,550W Portable and electric start on the 4,750W Dual Fuel Portable.
- The most output in our lineup from the 7,850W Dual Fuel Portable, rated 7,850 starting and 6,250 running watts.
Not sure a generator is the right answer at all? Our guide to shore power vs generator vs solar and lithium compares the options, and 30-amp generator cords compared covers connecting a generator to your RV.
How to choose
- Small trailer, van or tent-and-tow camping: start with the iGen1500c, iGen2550c, iGen2550DFc, iGen2800DFc or the Champion 2,500W Dual Fuel Inverter. Confirm whether your air conditioner's starting watts fit before counting on one of these for cooling.
- Mid-size RV with one air conditioner: compare the iGen4000 and iGen5000 models with the Champion 4,000W, 4,500W and 6,500W inverters. Weigh remote start (Westinghouse) against CO Shield and parallel capability (Champion).
- Bigger loads or home backup too: look at the open-frame WGen5300sc, WGen5300DFcv, Champion 5,300W Dual Fuel Portable and Champion 7,850W.
- Weight matters: only some listings give a weight. Ask us about the models that do not before you plan on lifting one into a truck bed.
If you only need to charge devices or run small loads quietly, a battery unit from our portable power stations collection may be enough on its own or alongside a generator.
Safety
Every generator here is for outdoor use only. Run it well away from your RV and any building, and keep it clear of windows, doors and vents so exhaust cannot drift inside. Never run one in an enclosed space, a garage, or a storage bay. CO Shield and CO sensor features are listed on some models, but they do not replace a working CO detector inside your RV. Follow the manual for fueling, grounding and storage.