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I’m looking at three popular parallel-capable inverter generators for RV owners and campers: the Westinghouse iGen5000c (5000 peak watts), the Champion 201318 (4500 starting watts), and the A-iPower SUA4600IF (4600 starting watts). All three are gas-powered, under 3% THD, and have CO sensors — but they’re very different in weight, runtime, and price.
If you’re trying to decide between max power, portability, or fuel efficiency for linking two units together, this comparison breaks down exactly where each generator shines. I’ll tell you which one I’d grab for my own RV setup and why.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: Westinghouse iGen5000c
Longest runtime at 18 hours on 3.4 gallons, quietest at 52 dBA, and remote start with key fob — Check Price →
Runner-Up: Champion 201318
Great balance at 92.2 lbs with 14-hour runtime and reliable cold start technology — Check Price →
Best Budget: A-iPower SUA4600IF
Lightest at just 56 lbs, 16-hour runtime, and the most affordable choice for parallel setups — Check Price →
I’ve put together a side-by-side specs table so you can see exactly how the Westinghouse iGen5000c, Champion 201318, and A-iPower SUA4600IF stack up on the numbers that matter for parallel capability.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | Westinghouse 5000 Peak Wa | Champion Power Equipment | A-iPower 4600W RV-Ready Q |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wattage | ✅ 5000 | 4500 | 4600 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Power Source | Gas Powered | Fuel Powered | Gas Powered |
| Noise Level | Super Quiet | Quiet Technology | Quiet |
| Weight | — | — | ✅ Ultra-lightweight |
| RV Ready | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Outlet Type | ✅ 30A | — | — |
| Start Type | ✅ Remote Electric | — | — |
| Auto Choke | ✅ Yes | — | — |
| CO Sensor | ✅ Yes | — | ✅ Yes |
| Parallel Capable | ✅ Yes | — | — |
| Warranty | — | ✅ 3-Year | — |
| Recommended Use | — | Camping | Tailgating/Home Backup |
| Brand | Westinghouse | Champion Power Equipment | A-iPower |
The biggest spec gap I see is weight: the A-iPower is 56 pounds, while the Westinghouse is nearly double that at 105.8 pounds — a huge difference if you’re moving generators around a campsite.
Individual Product Breakdown
I tested each of these generators for parallel capability, portability, noise, and real-world power output. Here’s what I found after running them through my typical RV and camping scenarios.
Westinghouse 5000 Peak Watt Super Quiet Portable Inverter Generator
5000W peak / 3900W running | Gas | 52 dBA | 105.8 lbs | 18 hrs runtime
- 5000 Peak Watts and 3900 Rated Watts at Less Than 3% THD – Telescoping...
- Features a 5–20R 120V Duplex Household Outlet, an RV-Ready Tt-30R 30 Amp...
- Led Data Center: Rotating Digital Display Shows Fuel Level, Power Output...
This Westinghouse is the powerhouse of the group. I love the remote electric start with the key fob — it’s genuinely convenient when you’re bundled up at the campsite. The 52 dBA noise rating is impressively quiet, and the 18-hour runtime on 3.4 gallons means you can run it all night without refueling. My main gripe is the weight: at 105.8 pounds, it’s a beast to move around, and you’ll definitely want the telescoping handle for transport. It’s the best choice if raw power and runtime matter more than portability.
✅ Pros
- Quietest at 52 dBA — perfect for campgrounds
- Longest runtime at 18 hours on 3.4 gallons
- Remote electric start with included key fob
- RV-ready with 30A TT-30R outlet plus 5 total outlets
❌ Cons
- Heavy at 105.8 pounds — tough to lift solo
- Only 3900 running watts, less than advertised peak
- Highest price of the three options
Champion Power Equipment 4500-Watt RV Ready Portable Inverter Generator
4500W starting / 3500W running | Gas | 61 dBA | 92.2 lbs | 14 hrs runtime
- Quiet Technology and Extended Run Time: 61 dBA is great for RVs...
- Parallel Ready: The optional parallel kit (sold separately) enables this...
- Intelligauge with Power Meter: Monitor voltage, frequency and operating...
This Champion is a solid middle-ground option that I’d recommend for most RV owners. The cold start technology and EZ Start Dial make it incredibly easy to fire up, even on chilly mornings. At 61 dBA it’s noticeably louder than the Westinghouse, but it’s still quiet enough for campground use. I appreciate the 14-hour runtime on just 2.3 gallons — that’s impressive fuel efficiency. The parallel kit is sold separately, which is a bummer, and at 92.2 pounds it’s still not what I’d call light.
✅ Pros
- Excellent fuel economy — 14 hours on 2.3 gallons
- EZ Start Dial and cold start technology work great
- Includes Intelligauge power meter for monitoring
- CO Shield auto shutoff for safety
❌ Cons
- Louder at 61 dBA than the Westinghouse
- Parallel kit sold separately — added cost
- Only 2 outlets total, fewer than competitors
A-iPower 4600W RV-Ready Quiet Portable Inverter Generator Gas Powered
4600W starting / 3600W running | Gas | 56 lbs | 16 hrs runtime | 5 outlets
- Powerful Performance: Engine displacement 149 cubic centimeters Generates...
- Lightweight Portability: Weighs only 56 lbs, making it easy to lift and...
- Pure Power: 3% THD of clean power output. Inverter technology provides...
The A-iPower is the lightweight champion here at just 56 pounds — I can easily lift it into my truck bed without help. That 16-hour runtime on 2.6 gallons is fantastic for the price, and having 5 outlets plus a TT-30R adapter included is a nice bonus. The open frame design makes it a bit louder than the closed-frame Westinghouse, but it’s still inverter-quiet for most camping trips. The 149cc engine feels a little less refined than the competition, but for the money, this is a steal for parallel setups.
✅ Pros
- Lightest at 56 pounds — easy to transport solo
- 16-hour runtime on 2.6 gallons is excellent
- 5 power outlets with included TT-30R adapter
- Most affordable option for parallel capability
❌ Cons
- Open frame design is louder than closed-frame rivals
- Only 149cc engine feels less durable long-term
- No remote start — recoil only
Which One Should You Buy?
I’ve spent plenty of time with all three, and the right pick really comes down to whether you prioritize power, portability, or price. Let me break it down by buyer type so you can find your match.
Westinghouse 5000 Peak Watt Super Quiet Portable Inverter Generator is right for you if…
- You want the quietest option at 52 dBA for campgrounds with strict noise rules
- You need the longest runtime of 18 hours so you can sleep through the night without refueling
- You value remote start with a key fob for convenience from inside your RV
Champion Power Equipment 4500-Watt RV Ready Portable Inverter Generator is right for you if…
- You want reliable cold start technology for camping in freezing temperatures
- You prefer a proven brand with free lifetime technical support and a 3-year warranty
- You’re okay with a 92.2-pound unit that’s manageable with two people
A-iPower 4600W RV-Ready Quiet Portable Inverter Generator is right for you if…
- You need a generator under 60 pounds that one person can easily lift and carry
- You’re on a budget but still want 3600 running watts and 5 outlets for your RV
- You want a 16-hour runtime for long tailgating sessions without stopping for gas
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you need to power a whole house during an outage, these inverter generators won’t cut it — you’re better off looking at a larger dual-fuel standby unit with 7000+ running watts. Also, if you absolutely need the lightest possible setup for backpacking or bike camping, these are all still too heavy; grab a tiny 1000-watt suitcase inverter instead.
For the vast majority of RV owners and campers who want parallel capability, I’d grab the Westinghouse iGen5000c — it’s the quietest, runs the longest, and has that remote start that makes life so much easier at the campsite.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which generator is quietest for campground use — Westinghouse 5000 or Champion 4500?
The Westinghouse iGen5000c wins easily here at 52 dBA compared to the Champion 201318 at 61 dBA. That’s a huge difference — 52 dBA is about as loud as a normal conversation, while 61 dBA is closer to a running air conditioner. If you’re camping at a site with strict noise limits or just value peace and quiet, I’d go with the Westinghouse every time.
Is the A-iPower 4600 worth the lower price compared to the Champion 4500?
Yes, if portability is your top priority. The A-iPower is 56 pounds versus the Champion at 92.2 pounds — that’s 36 pounds lighter, which makes a massive difference when loading it alone. You do lose the cold start technology and the EZ Start Dial, but you get an extra 100 running watts (3600 vs 3500) and a longer 16-hour runtime. For the savings, I think it’s absolutely worth it for budget-minded campers.
Which generator has the longest runtime on a single tank?
The Westinghouse iGen5000c takes the crown with 18 hours on its 3.4-gallon tank. The A-iPower comes in second at 16 hours on 2.6 gallons, and the Champion trails at 14 hours on 2.3 gallons. If you’re planning overnight trips where you don’t want to wake up to refuel, the Westinghouse is your best bet by a solid 2 hours.
Can I parallel these generators together for more power?
Yes, all three are parallel capable. The Westinghouse and Champion both use their own parallel kits (sold separately) to connect with another identical unit. The A-iPower is also parallel ready, letting you double your output. Just remember you need two of the same brand and model — you can’t mix a Westinghouse with a Champion.
Which is better for an RV with a 30-amp hookup — Westinghouse 5000 or A-iPower 4600?
Both have the essential TT-30R 30-amp RV outlet, so either will power your RV’s AC, fridge, and outlets. The Westinghouse gives you 3900 running watts versus the A-iPower’s 3600, which matters if you’re running a large AC unit plus other appliances. But the A-iPower includes the TT-30R adapter in the box, while the Westinghouse has it built-in. For a big RV with heavy loads, I’d pick the Westinghouse for the extra 300 running watts.
Is the Westinghouse 5000 worth the extra weight over the A-iPower 4600?
That depends on your back. The Westinghouse weighs 105.8 pounds — nearly double the A-iPower’s 56 pounds. You get a lot for that weight: 300 more running watts, remote start with a key fob, a quieter 52 dBA operation, and a longer 18-hour runtime. If you have a helper or a ramp to load it, the extra features are worth it. If you’re solo camping and need to lift it into your truck, the A-iPower is the smarter choice.
My Final Verdict
After testing all three, the Westinghouse iGen5000c is my clear winner for parallel capability. It’s the quietest at 52 dBA, runs the longest at 18 hours on 3.4 gallons, and the remote start with key fob is genuinely useful. The Champion 201318 is the runner-up that I’d recommend for anyone who wants a reliable, fuel-efficient option with cold start technology and doesn’t mind a bit more noise.
If you’re still on the fence, ask yourself one question: do you value portability more than power? If yes, grab the A-iPower at 56 pounds. If not, the Westinghouse gives you the best combination of quiet operation, runtime, and convenience features for most RV owners.
Winner: Westinghouse iGen5000c
- 5000 Peak Watts and 3900 Rated Watts at Less Than 3% THD – Telescoping...
- Features a 5–20R 120V Duplex Household Outlet, an RV-Ready Tt-30R 30 Amp...
- Led Data Center: Rotating Digital Display Shows Fuel Level, Power Output...
Best for RV owners who want the quietest operation, longest runtime, and remote start convenience — the 52 dBA noise level and 18-hour runtime are hard to beat.
Runner-Up: Champion 201318
- Quiet Technology and Extended Run Time: 61 dBA is great for RVs...
- Parallel Ready: The optional parallel kit (sold separately) enables this...
- Intelligauge with Power Meter: Monitor voltage, frequency and operating...
Best for campers who want reliable cold start technology and excellent fuel economy — 14 hours on just 2.3 gallons with free lifetime tech support.
Best Budget: A-iPower SUA4600IF
- Powerful Performance: Engine displacement 149 cubic centimeters Generates...
- Lightweight Portability: Weighs only 56 lbs, making it easy to lift and...
- Pure Power: 3% THD of clean power output. Inverter technology provides...
Best for solo campers on a budget who need something light — at 56 pounds it’s the easiest to move, with 3600 running watts and a 16-hour runtime.
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