Unveiling the Westinghouse iGen 2500: Testing Runtime & Fuel Consumption

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. Testing Environment
3. Appliance Run Times
   1. Electric Hot Water Heater
   2. TV
   3. Electric Fireplace
   4. Recliners
   5. Laptops and Phones
   6. Refrigerator
   7. Microwave
   8. Air Conditioner
4. Comparison to Different Trailer Sizes
5. Updated Run Times
6. Conclusion
7. Pros and Cons
8. Highlights
9. FAQ

Westinghouse ijen 2500: A Real-World Runtime Test

Introduction

Generators are essential in providing power during camping trips or when living in travel trailers. The Westinghouse ijen 2500 is a popular inverter generator known for its compact size and impressive power output. In this article, we will conduct a real-world runtime test to determine how long the ijen 2500 can power various appliances commonly used in travel trailers.

Testing Environment

We conducted the test in a 26.5-foot Grand Design Imagine travel trailer. The appliances we ran included an electric hot water heater, TV, electric fireplace, recliners, laptops, phones, refrigerator, microwave, and air conditioner. These appliances were chosen to simulate a typical day of living in a travel trailer and to evaluate the generator's performance under different load conditions.

Appliance Run Times

Let's take a closer look at the run times of each appliance when powered by the Westinghouse ijen 2500.

1. Electric Hot Water Heater: The hot water heater consumed approximately 11 to 12 amps when cycling on and off throughout the day.
2. TV: The TV was typically turned on for around 2.5 hours in the morning and an additional couple of hours in the evening.
3. Electric Fireplace: Running the electric fireplace for a couple of hours in the morning resulted in a power consumption of about 12.5 amps.
4. Recliners: The heated recliners drew minimal power compared to other appliances and had a negligible impact on the generator's runtime.
5. Laptops and Phones: We had multiple laptops and phones charging throughout the day, resulting in a combined power draw of approximately 2 amps.
6. Refrigerator: The refrigerator, running on AC power, pulled around 4 to 4.5 amps and cycled on and off as needed.
7. Microwave: We used the microwave for 2 to 3 minutes each morning, consuming approximately 12.5 amps.
8. Air Conditioner: The 15,000 BTU air conditioner, the most power-hungry appliance, pulled around 14 to 14.5 amps.

Each appliance's power consumption varied based on usage and cycling needs, but the Westinghouse ijen 2500 was able to handle the load effectively.

Comparison to Different Trailer Sizes

It's essential to consider the size and needs of your travel trailer when determining the runtime of the Westinghouse ijen 2500. For example, if you own a larger 40-foot fifth wheel, you may have more appliances and a higher power demand. On the other hand, if you have a smaller 16-foot pop-up camper, your power needs may be relatively lower. Use the information provided here to gauge your specific requirements and adjust expectations accordingly.

Updated Run Times

After a rigorous six-hour test, which included running the electric fireplace and air conditioner extensively, the Westinghouse ijen 2500 impressed with its performance. Despite its compact size, weighing only 48 pounds, this inverter generator managed to power our 15,000 BTU air conditioner effortlessly. While Westinghouse advertises a runtime of 10 hours at a quarter load, our real-world test under heavy load conditions yielded a runtime of approximately six hours.

Conclusion

The Westinghouse ijen 2500 is a reliable inverter generator that can handle the power demands of various appliances typically found in travel trailers. Its compact size and impressive power output make it a popular choice among camping and RV enthusiasts. With a runtime of around six hours, the ijen 2500 proves to be a capable and convenient power source. Whether you're embarking on a camping adventure or living off the grid in your travel trailer, this generator offers a reliable solution to keep your appliances running smoothly.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Compact size and lightweight make it portable and easy to transport.
• Impressive power output for its size, capable of running heavy-load appliances like air conditioners.
• Reliable performance and runtime, providing power for various appliances in real-world conditions.

Cons:

• Limited runtime under heavy load compared to advertised specifications.
• Higher price range compared to other generators in the market.

Highlights

• The Westinghouse ijen 2500 is a compact and lightweight inverter generator ideal for travel trailers.
• Real-world runtime test showed the generator's ability to power various appliances effectively.
• Despite its small size, the ijen 2500 can handle a 15,000 BTU air conditioner with ease.
• Expect a runtime of approximately six hours under heavy load conditions.
• Consider the size of your trailer and power needs when determining the runtime of the generator.

FAQ

1. Can the Westinghouse ijen 2500 power other appliances not mentioned in the article?

   • Yes, the generator can power a variety of appliances commonly found in travel trailers, such as lights, fans, and small kitchen appliances. However, consider the cumulative power demand and adjust runtime expectations accordingly.

2. How loud is the Westinghouse ijen 2500?

   • The ijen 2500 is known for its quiet operation, with a noise level of around 52-55 decibels. This makes it an ideal choice for camping and outdoor use.

3. Can I use the Westinghouse ijen 2500 in extreme weather conditions?

   • While the generator is designed to withstand some environmental conditions, it is essential to protect it from extreme weather factors like heavy rain or direct sunlight. Follow the manufacturer's guidelines for safe operation in different weather conditions.

4. How do I maintain the Westinghouse ijen 2500 for optimal performance?

   • Regular maintenance, such as oil changes and air filter cleaning, is crucial to ensure the generator's optimal performance. Refer to the user manual for detailed instructions on maintenance procedures.

5. Are there any additional features that make the Westinghouse ijen 2500 standout?

   • The ijen 2500 offers features like parallel capability, allowing you to connect two units for increased power output. It also has an economy mode, conserving fuel and reducing noise levels during lighter loads.