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 4.0. The Champion 5000-Watt RV Ready CARB leads on CO safety, run time and warranty. The WEN DF475T wins on fuel options and starting. The WEN DF475T costs $35 less ($464.99 vs $499.99).
WEN DF475T
#8 in SmallFull review
A small, cheap dual-fuel generator for running a fridge, sump pump and lights through a 30 A transfer switch, if you can live without CO shutoff.
Amazon $464.99$464.99
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 CO safety (shuts off when carbon monoxide builds up vs no CO shutoff), run time (14 hours on a tank at 50% load vs 11 hours on a tank at 50% load) and warranty (3-year warranty vs 2-year warranty).
- Choose the WEN DF475T for fuel options (gasoline or propane vs gasoline only) and starting (push-button electric start vs pull start only).
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 | WEN DF475T |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 4.1/5 | 4.0/5 |
| Value 30% | 90 $0.12 per running watt | 91 $0.12 per running watt |
| Run time 15% | 100 14 hours on a tank at 50% load | 70 11 hours on a tank at 50% load |
| Fuel options 15% | 0 gasoline only | 70 gasoline or propane |
| Home hookup 15% | 100 240 V outlet for a transfer switch | 100 240 V outlet for a transfer switch |
| CO safety 10% | 100 shuts off when carbon monoxide builds up | 0 no CO shutoff |
| Warranty 10% | 67 3-year warranty | 33 2-year warranty |
| Starting 5% | 0 pull start only | 80 push-button electric start |
Specifications
| Champion 5000-Watt RV Ready CARB | WEN DF475T | |
|---|---|---|
| Output | ||
| Gasoline | 4,000 W running, 5,000 W starting | 3,800 W running, 4,750 W starting |
| Propane | - | 3,500 W running, 4,350 W starting |
| Outlets | 2 × 120 V, TT-30 (RV), L14-30 | 2 × 120 V, L14-30 |
| Transfer switch ready | Yes, 240 V | Yes, 240 V |
| Full power at 120 V | Yes | Yes |
| Price per watt | $0.12 | $0.12 |
| Fuel and run time | ||
| Fuel | Gasoline | Gasoline, propane |
| Tank | 4.7 gal | 4 gal |
| Run time (gasoline) | 14 hr at 50% load | 11 hr at 50% load |
| Run time (propane, 20 lb tank) | - | 7 hr |
| Engine | 224 cc | 224 cc |
| Noise and safety | ||
| Rated noise | 68 dBA | - |
| CO shutoff | Yes | No |
| CARB compliant | Yes | Yes |
| Build | ||
| Starting | Recoil (pull) | Electric and recoil |
| Wheels | No | Yes |
| Dimensions | 23.2 x 18.3 x 20.2 in | 23.2 x 17.5 x 18.5 in |
| Weight | 106 lb | 105.8 lb |
| Warranty | 3 years | 2 years |
| Released | 2023-12 | 2018-12 |