Champion 5000-Watt RV Ready CARB
#4 in SmallFull review
The cheapest way in this group for a California buyer to back up a few house circuits through a 240 V transfer switch. It also runs a 30 A RV.
Tractor Supply $499.99$499.99
The Champion 5000-Watt RV Ready CARB is the better portable generator overall, rated 4.1 to 3.8. The Champion 5000-Watt RV Ready CARB leads on home hookup. The A-iPower GXS5000 costs $38.80 less ($461.19 vs $499.99).
A-iPower GXS5000
#10 in SmallFull review
A cheap small gas generator for outage essentials or an RV, with CO shutoff and California approval that many budget rivals lack.
Amazon $461.19$461.19
Prices were last checked October 28, 2026 and are subject to change; the price and availability shown by the retailer at the time of purchase apply.
Which should you buy?
- Choose the Champion 5000-Watt RV Ready CARB for home hookup (240 V outlet for a transfer switch vs 120 V 30 A outlet only (no 240 V)).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every small portable generator; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | Champion 5000-Watt RV Ready CARB | A-iPower GXS5000 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 4.1/5 | 3.8/5 |
| Value 30% | 90 $0.12 per running watt | 94 $0.12 per running watt |
| Run time 15% | 100 14 hours on a tank at 50% load | 100 15.2 hours on a tank at 50% load (scaled from 25%) |
| Fuel options 15% | 0 gasoline only | 0 gasoline only |
| Home hookup 15% | 100 240 V outlet for a transfer switch | 40 120 V 30 A outlet only (no 240 V) |
| CO safety 10% | 100 shuts off when carbon monoxide builds up | 100 shuts off when carbon monoxide builds up |
| Warranty 10% | 67 3-year warranty | 67 3-year warranty |
| Starting 5% | 0 pull start only | 0 pull start only |
Specifications
| Champion 5000-Watt RV Ready CARB | A-iPower GXS5000 | |
|---|---|---|
| Output | ||
| Gasoline | 4,000 W running, 5,000 W starting | 4,000 W running, 5,000 W starting |
| Outlets | 2 × 120 V, TT-30 (RV), L14-30 | 4 × 120 V, TT-30 (RV), L5-30 |
| Transfer switch ready | Yes, 240 V | 120 V only (L5-30) |
| Full power at 120 V | Yes | - |
| Price per watt | $0.12 | $0.12 |
| Fuel and run time | ||
| Fuel | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Tank | 4.7 gal | 6.3 gal |
| Run time (gasoline) | 14 hr at 50% load | 20 hr at 25% load |
| Engine | 224 cc | 223 cc |
| Noise and safety | ||
| Rated noise | 68 dBA | 68 dBA |
| CO shutoff | Yes | Yes |
| CARB compliant | Yes | Yes |
| Build | ||
| Starting | Recoil (pull) | Recoil (pull) |
| Wheels | No | Yes |
| Dimensions | 23.2 x 18.3 x 20.2 in | 24.4 x 19.7 x 22.0 in |
| Weight | 106 lb | 111.6 lb |
| Warranty | 3 years | 3 years |
| Released | 2023-12 | 2023-10 |