Pulsar PGD40ISCO
#13 in Mid-sizeFull review
A light, inexpensive 4,000 W inverter for RV owners who need to start a rooftop air conditioner without hauling a heavy generator. Expect frequent refueling.
Amazon $450.07$450.07
The Pulsar PGD40ISCO and the WEN 56380i are evenly matched, rated 3.3 and 3.3. The Pulsar PGD40ISCO leads on value and warranty. The WEN 56380i wins on run time. The Pulsar PGD40ISCO costs $249.92 less ($450.07 vs $699.99).
WEN 56380i
#14 in Mid-sizeFull review
An RV-ready mid-size inverter with electric start at a modest price. It lacks CO shutoff, which newer models include.
Amazon $699.99$699.99
Prices were last checked October 22, 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 Pulsar PGD40ISCO for value ($0.14 per running watt vs $0.21 per running watt) and warranty (3-year warranty vs 2-year warranty).
- Choose the WEN 56380i for run time (11.2 hours on a tank at 25% load (scaled from 50%) vs 5.3 hours on a tank at 25% load (scaled from 50%)).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every mid-size inverter generator; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | Pulsar PGD40ISCO | WEN 56380i |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.3/5 | 3.3/5 |
| Value 30% | 100 $0.14 per running watt | 86 $0.21 per running watt |
| Quiet 20% | 44 59 dBA at light load, maker rating | 56 57 dBA at light load, maker rating |
| Run time 15% | 0 5.3 hours on a tank at 25% load (scaled from 50%) | 43 11.2 hours on a tank at 25% load (scaled from 50%) |
| Fuel options 10% | 0 gasoline only | 0 gasoline only |
| CO safety 10% | 50 CO shutoff not stated (neutral score used) | 0 no CO shutoff |
| Warranty 10% | 50 3-year warranty | 25 2-year warranty |
| Starting 5% | 50 starting method not stated (neutral score used) | 80 push-button electric start |
Specifications
| Pulsar PGD40ISCO | WEN 56380i | |
|---|---|---|
| Output | ||
| Gasoline | 3,200 W running, 4,000 W starting | 3,400 W running, 3,800 W starting |
| Outlets | - | 2 × 120 V, TT-30 (RV), USB |
| Parallel capable | Yes | Yes |
| Total harmonic distortion | - | under 1.2% |
| Price per watt | $0.14 | $0.21 |
| Fuel and run time | ||
| Fuel | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Tank | 1 gal | 2.2 gal |
| Run time (gasoline) | 4 hr at 50% load | 8.5 hr at 50% load |
| Engine | - | 212 cc |
| Noise and safety | ||
| Rated noise (light load) | 59 dBA | 57 dBA |
| CO shutoff | - | No |
| Build | ||
| Starting | - | Electric and recoil |
| App | No | No |
| Wheels | - | Yes |
| Dimensions | 18.9 x 11.4 x 17.3 in | 23.2 x 18 x 20.1 in |
| Weight | 47.3 lb | 99.2 lb |
| Warranty | 3 years | 2 years |