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This dual fuel generator can easily start and run a pair of 15,000 Btu RV air conditioners. Using gas or propane, it provides power to run appliances and electronics inside your RV. Simple, push button electric start. Includes hose for propane use.
Features:
Specs:
Includes:
Notes:
Certifications
Meets the following important certification standards:
The e4500 Dual Fuel etrailer generator produces 4,500 watts of power to get you up and running whether you're at the campsite, at the worksite, or faced with an emergency. This powerful generator comes with (2) 120V outlets for powering household appliances, tools, and electronic devices. It features (1) 120V L5-30R twist-lock outlet for large appliances and motorized tools with greater electrical demands. Lastly, it has (1) 120V TT-30R RV outlet, ensuring you'll have access to electricity no matter where you take your RV or if there's a power outage at the campground. The generator also has outlet covers to help keep out moisture and debris.
The generator's engine starts up easily at the push of a button. Simply turn the fuel valve to "on" and flip the engine switch to the "run" position. Then, push the battery power restore switch for a few seconds and release. Once you press the start button, the generator will turn on.
Before starting your generator, ensure nothing is connected to the outlets. Start your generator and let the engine run for a few minutes to warm up and stabilize. Once the generator is up and running, follow the recommended order of operation: connect the device with the highest starting watts first, like your air conditioner or refrigerator, then work your way down to the device with the lowest starting watts. By connecting devices in this order, you'll ensure the generator has enough power to start high-wattage loads.
For flexibility and convenience during road trips or in an emergency, this generator can use gasoline or propane to power the engine. In addition, using propane as an alternative fuel is a cleaner option for the environment. However, the power output slightly decreases while using propane.
It also includes a 5' LPG hose to connect your propane tank. Once you have connected your generator, turn the fuel selector switch to the LPG position and start it up.
This generator comes with a number of safety features to protect you, the environment, and the generator itself. When the generator is low on oil, a light-up indicator flashes and the engine will automatically shut down to prevent damage. If an overload is detected, either by exceeding the generator's limits or a power surge, the circuit breaker will stop supplying power to the connected devices. The digital voltage regulator assists in minimizing voltage fluctuations which helps to maintain a steady flow of electricity. Also, a built-in spark arrestor helps prevent any sparking that might burn someone or start a fire. This arrestor has been certified by the USDA Forest Service.
When choosing a generator, you need to match the generator's starting and running output with the electrical demands of the equipment you want to operate.
Starting (surge) wattage is the power a device requires at startup. Running (rated) wattage is the power needed to keep the device running. A large appliance with an electric motor such as a furnace, refrigerator, air conditioner, or washing machine may require 2 to 3 times more starting wattage than running wattage.
It is always best to start your generator with no load connected, then add each device one at a time. Additionally, a good practice to consider is connecting your devices in order from highest starting watts to lowest starting watts. As you connect and start devices, your available wattage decreases. This order of operation allows you to start devices with the highest power demands when there is more power available.
At etrailer, we perform numerous tests on generators that put them through real-world experience. An extensive part of this testing includes starting and running RV air conditioners. The following table will help you decide if the e4500 generator has enough power to handle this critical function in your RV.
| Air Conditioner | Will it start and run? |
|---|---|
| Single 13,500 Btu | Yes |
| Single 15,000 Btu | Yes |
| Dual 15,000 Btu | Yes |
| Appliance | Running Watts | Starting Watts |
|---|---|---|
| Air compressor (1/2 hp) | 1,000 | 2,000 |
| Air conditioner (15,000 Btu) | 1,600 | * |
| Air conditioner (13,500 Btu) | 1,300 | * |
| Air conditioner (10,000 Btu) | 1,000 | * |
| Blender | 400 | 850 |
| Cell phone charger | 11 | 0 |
| Clock radio | 4 | 0 |
| Coffee maker (high setting) | 1,066 | 0 |
| Crock pot (low setting) | 126 | 0 |
| Crock pot (high setting) | 374 | 0 |
| Desktop computer | 150 - 350 | 0 |
| DVD player | 14 | 0 |
| Electric drill (3/8" / 4 amps) | 450 | 600 |
| Electric space heater (high setting) | 1,450 | 0 |
| Floor fan | 100 | 0 |
| Hair dryer (low setting) | 160 | 0 |
| Hair dryer (high setting) | 1,300 | 0 |
| LCD television (32") | 68 | 0 |
| Microwave | 1,000 | 0 |
| Refrigerator | 800 | 1,600 |
| Washing machine | 1,150 | 2,250 |
| Work light (quartz halogen) | 1,000 | 0 |
* The starting wattage on air conditioners can vary greatly depending on several factors, including the assistance of built-in capacitors and cold starts. Because of this, we can't list a standard starting wattage as every application can be different.
The following section provides calculations for wattage estimates. This will give you an overall picture of your potential power usage and help you decide on the generator that is right for you.
The Industry Standard Calculation is a quick and easy way to determine your required wattage. It may provide some padding in your wattage requirements, which could give you more power than you actually need, but you shouldn't have to worry about not having enough power. The following steps will help you quickly calculate the correct size generator to meet your application.
As stated earlier, you should always start your generator without any load, and then connect each device one at a time. The following calculation requires this approach to work. However, using this calculation removes the worry of connecting devices in a certain order.
1. Determine the starting watts and running watts for the devices that you want to plug into the generator.
a. Find the starting (surge) watts and running (rated) watts for each device that you want to plug into the generator. Look for a sticker or plate on each device or check your owner's manuals.
b. If your device or manual only shows amps and volts, watts can also be determined through a simple formula. (Amps x Volts = Watts)
c. List all of your starting watts and running watts as seen in Table 1 below.
Table 1
| Example Devices | Starting Watts | Running Watts |
|---|---|---|
| Air compressor | 2,000 | 1,000 |
| Refrigerator | 1,600 | 800 |
| Microwave | 0 | 1,000 |
| Blender | 850 | 400 |
2. To find the total starting watts required, add the starting watts for the device with the highest value to the running watts of all the other devices from Table 1.
2,000 + 800 + 1,000 + 400 = 4,200 total starting watts
3. To find the total running watts, add all of the running watts together from Table 1.
1,000 + 800 + 1,000 + 400 = 3,200 total running watts
To run all of these devices simultaneously, you would require a generator with at least 4,200 starting watts and 3,200 running watts.
While the method for calculating your power needs outlined above will work, it isn't the most precise. If you aren't afraid of doing a little more math, you can use the Advanced, Precise Calculation to get a more accurate idea of how much power you will need and potentially save yourself some money. Because the calculation above pads in enough power to ensure you can start your devices in any order, it may point you to a bigger and more expensive generator than you need. However, by following the more regimented, order-of-operations calculation below, you'll get a much more precise idea of how much power you need, which could in turn point you to a smaller and less expensive generator.
Again, you should always start your generator without any load, and then connect each device one at a time. The following calculation also requires that you start your devices in order from highest starting watts to lowest starting watts. When you connect devices in this order, you can start high demand devices when there is more power available.
1. Determine the starting watts and running watts for each device that you want to plug into the generator.
a. Find the starting (surge) watts and running (rated) watts for each device that you want to plug into the generator. Look for a sticker or plate on each device or check your owner's manuals.
b. If your device or manual only shows amps and volts, watts can also be determined through a simple formula. (Amps x Volts = Watts)
c. List out these devices from highest starting watts to lowest starting watts as seen in Table 2 below.
Table 2
| Example Devices | Starting Watts | Running Watts |
|---|---|---|
| Air compressor | 2,000 | 1,000 |
| Refrigerator | 1,600 | 800 |
| Microwave | 0 | 1,000 |
| Blender | 850 | 400 |
2. To find the total running watts, add all of the running watts together from Table 2.
1,000 + 800 + 1,000 + 400 = 3,200 total running watts
3. In Table 3, shown below, the values from Table 2 are used to calculate the highest total starting watts required as devices are connected and running. This number represents the highest power requirement you will encounter as you connect all of your devices to the generator. To find this, add the starting watts of each new device you connect to the combined running watts of all connected devices. The highest of these numbers will be the total starting watts required. And again, remember to always connect devices in order from highest starting watts to lowest starting watts.
Table 3
| Device | Starting Watts | Running Watts of All Connected Devices | Total Starting Watts Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Air compressor | 2,000 + | 0 (nothing connected) | = 2,000 |
| 2. Refrigerator | 1,600 + | 1,000 (air compressor) | = 2,600 |
| 3. Microwave | 1,000* + | 1,800 (air compressor + refrigerator) | = 2,800 |
| 4. Blender | 850 + | 2,800 (air compressor + refrigerator + microwave) | = 3,650 |
* Even though the microwave does not have starting watts listed, you have to account for the power needed to actually run it.
850 + 2,800 = 3,650 highest total starting watts required
In order to run all of these devices simultaneously, you would require a generator with at least 3,650 starting watts and 3,200 running watts.
Alternate Instructions
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Average Customer Rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars (101 Customer Reviews)
This dual fuel generator can easily start and run a pair of 15,000 Btu RV air conditioners. Using gas or propane, it provides power to run appliances and electronics inside your RV. Simple, push button electric start. Includes hose for propane use.Awesome little generator. We have been running it continually for the last 50 hours. It has no problem powering our 28ft Travel Trailer. So far it has only used about 7.5 gallons of fuel. It is fairly quiet. An the water proof cover with a draw string was a very nice perk! I definitely recommend etrailer duel fuel 4500! The customer service was prompt to follow up too!
WOW WOW WOW
After watching an [online] video about this generator, I took the plunge and ordered it. I am so glad I did! This generator is awesome and I now have no fear of what the winter season or next summer will bring. I now know that I will be able to live comfortably during short or long term power outages. The quality of this generator is top notch and it is also a very attractive generator. After doing much research, this one WON my attention and devotion in purchasing. Thank you Etrailer for making such a beautiful, worthy machine!
Generator actuallt arrived before etrailer said it would ship - that's great service. I haven't actually used it yet. I unboxed it following the simple directions. Put oil in it,hooked up the negative wire to the battery, put gas in it.Pushed the start button and it fired up third time it turned over. I let it run for a couple minutes and checked the oil - perfect. I plan to hook it up and run it in the driveway tonight. The main purpose for the purchase was to be able t run our air conditioner and microwave at the same time while we're camping. I'll update after I accomplish that.
It’s been a good generator to have
Great Unit! Great Provider. Second one I’ve purchased and installed.
Arrived un damaged. Easy instructions. Fired right up. Ran and powered my RV as expected. GREAT price.
Just received my generator, and first thoughts are how well it was packaged to make the cross country trip. Build quality is excellent, but haven't tried yet, will update after I have a chance to put it to work.
Packed good arrived on time looks good , good owners manual lots of information only time will tell the test
It's a great little machine! Here's why - Delivery. I don't know what happened with the first unit I ordered, but it arrived damaged, and it appeared to be from shipping. Enough said. I contacted etrailer support on a Friday afternoon about the initial delivery, and I will tell you I had a replacement unit here on the following Tuesday! The shipper recovered the original item as well.
This item is exactly what I expected it to be. It comes with a wheel kit which will take you about two minutes to install, and a front rubber shock mount base support (another two minutes to install). The unit came with a battery, and a ground connection to the battery was all that was required.
I installed the quart of oil which was supplied with the unit and hooked it up to a 20lb propane tank. The unit fired up fairly quickly and I ran the generator with portable refrigerator load for about 3 hours, and then another 3 hours the next day to accommodate the 5 hour break-in period.
All-in-all, it's exactly what I was looking for to compliment my RV. Connections were seamless, and the unit powered a 15,000 BTU air conditioner in my RV.
The unit is heavy (100+ lbs) but easily rolls and the grip is comfortable. It's not too loud. I could hear it running inside my house though. The choke control is a little flimsy. I hope it lasts. The push button start was easy to use. The digital read-out gauge shows voltage, frequency, and hours run. Haven't tried it on gasoline but I expect equal performance. I would purchase this unit again. Comes with a two-year warranty from etrailer. I will purchase from etrailer again just for their outstanding customer support!
Barry R.
8/29/2020
105 hours, no issues to report!
I had to make adjustments to frame in order for it be handled better. It is also louder than my previous generator.
Jenny N.
12/13/2022
The noise level for this generator is around 67dB which is about the level of normal conversation.
Vey easy to assemble. Once I got it assembled I started up using the propane option and it started right up. I think I'm just going to to use the propane option instead of gas. I think it's cleaner and you don't have drain the fuel tank foe storage. I recommend this unit very highly.
Ted S.
8/26/2020
Great. I run it weekly on propane for about an hour. Very happy with it.
I received the product and the plastic housing was broken. Also, a black metallic cannister attached to the generator was separated from the generator but I installed where it needed to go on the generator. This has been a trying experience so far though. I had hoped that the generator during shipment would not be broken, but it was. I am currently shooting emails over to etrailer in hopes of finding out whether a new/replacement generator can ship to my home before spending time returning the damaged generator (since this item is pretty heavy at almost 140 pounds), but I haven't received an official response if etrailer will do just that. It would be much easier and practical for UPS to pick up the damaged generator from my home after delivering the new one simultaneously; however, if UPS would refuse the return from my home, I would need to get help to return it at their nearest store (since it weighs quite a bit) I am concerned, upset,and disappointed at the process so far. Hope it will be a much better experience with the new/replacement generator.
Jenny N.
2/9/2022
I will have our customer service team reach out to you.
I have used the generator a few times already. A few times to test my battery charger inverter and recently to power a 120/220 volt welder. I was very pleased with the instant start and very happy with the unit overall. I have used only propane so I haven't had the need to use gasoline.
I really can’t give you a lot of info don’t use it much. I love the dual fuel, we only use propane can’t take the smell of gas in the garage. Start it every other month and it never fails to start a well built machine
Jon G.
10/27/2020
Just remember that its always recommended to use a generator outside of the house and to make sure that your garage door is opened if you have it in there!
I bought this generator mid March of 2020 as my wife and I decided to leave Houston area due to the corvid 19 and take our camper and park it on my parents property in a rural area. I have put 380 hours of continuous running minus the times I needed to turn off and put fuel or do an oil change. Unfortunately with our rv setup I was unable to run both acs as I have a 15k and a 13k with a residential fridge. I did try a few things to get this to work but I believe once the fridge did a cycle it would lock up the AC units. Also in the very early stage when it was new when my ac would kick in it would surge and I would have to fix it by placing my finger on the butterfly valve. After putting 18-20 hours on it this did not happen . One other small issue we did have when we hit 200+ hours was the start switch would stop working I suspect it was getting hot as it was 95-98 outside and been running non stop. The pull cord would work just fine to allow us to start it. With running one ac, some laptops, residential fridge and a mini fridge we would get 16-18 hours on a tank of gas.
The generator outperformed my expectations. It has fit perfectly into our “on again, off again” safety power shut offs in Northern California.
I would offer just one important suggestion. I need a LONGER OIL DRIP STICK as it is very difficult to check the oil and get the drip stick out and in.
Ray M.
9/29/2021
I attempted to start my generator using the propane option after a long pause of 6 months and it just wouldn’t start. Thinking the gas option may be a little more of a hot start I tried it and the generator started on the first try. After running for an hour or so I switched back to propane and it also started right away. Perhaps a note of interest for the mechanical techs on your help line
Heather A.
10/13/2021
Ray M.
10/18/2021
I have an operational question. We have moved and I brought the generator with me and it is now under a deck, but water will most certainly drip through the cracks of planking. Will rain water cause damage to my generator?
Heather A.
10/18/2021
I do not recommend allowing your generator to be exposed to the elements for a long period of time. It is best to get a weatherproof cover like part # CA79537 to avoid damage to the generator over time.
We currently own the 4,500-Watt Portable RV Generator - 3,600 Running Watts - Propane or Gas - Electric Start (Item # 333-0005) for our travel trailer. With Hurricane Laura passing through Louisiana it really put this generator to this test. It passed with flying colors both running my travel trailer and one appliance in the house, To take a lot of the load off of this one, I ordered this model, 4,500-Watt Portable Generator - 3,600 Running Watts - Gas - Remote Start Item #333-0004. We received the item yesterday afternoon via UPS. Assembly was great and instructions were easy to understand. Fueled and oiled it up, and tried all three options (remote, push start, pull cord) to start it with little or no hesitation. The easy choke is a nice feature, by pushing it to start and it automatically adjust. There is another nice feature having an onboard bottle opener on the back. I would recommend Item # 333-0008, Storage Cover for etrailer 4,500-Watt Generator - Weather Resistant.
This generator works great for keeping the refrigerator, lights, small heaters or fans and any other small needs (i.e. charging electronic stuff.) The only reason its a 4 star is its a little hard to start if its sat for a while. Takes some patience and trimming the choke but it always started and was easier once its going and there isn't a lot of time between uses.
We just got this generator today so we haven't used it. It was pretty easy to put together. It did start right up.
Debbie
12/11/2020
Grwat
I was impressed with everything included to assemble and operate this generator. I ordered the high elevation carburetor jets along with the generator. I installed the jet for my elevation. After adding oil and fuel I started the generator. It fired up and run smooth. My curiosity got the best of me so I hooked up the propane tank. It started and ran great. I like the control panel. It is all strait forward and works great. I don't know about the longevity of the product but if it performs as to the attention given up to this point, I say...Great Job etrailer!
Because of the climate unknowns here in California we are in a continual watch alert for high winds, fire and electrical shutdowns. As a family we are concerned about being safe and keeping our refrigerators and freezers functional in those emergent situations.
Now, with our new 4500 Watt Propane/Gas generator with electric start we have one less thing to worry about. During the last electric shutdown we were without electricity for over two days. I had access to a Etrailer 333-0005. It kept our frig and freezer going just nicely.
So I ordered one for ourself. It arrived via UPS in very good condition and will be unboxing it today.
This generator is now one part of our household emergency backup. One less thing to worry about in those dire situations.
I live in California the Edison company shuts our power periodically during the wild fires. My generator was easy to assemble. I have propane and gas generator I used propane to start it. It started right up I plugged my refrigerator up and no problem and it even came with a nice cover. I am very satisfied with my 4500 firman generator.
This is a great generator it powers my Lakota horse trailer with no problems the only gripe I have is that the battery will no longer stay charged and I have to use the pull start now to start it only had it 1 year
Best customer service I have experienced! Generator arrived in less than a week.
Package from shipping was a little beat up, but generator was package great. I removed from the box, removed engine brackets, installed wheel and look forward to running it for break in, this weekend. Thanks a lot!!!!!!!!!
Works as advertised, excellent customer service, great product powers every thing on my camper and had to run refrigerator and freezer when power went out. Runs great both on propane and gasoline.
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Joseph
12/16/2020
Still working great. Just make sure to drain the tank if you plan on storage.