WEN 3800 Inverter generator Review Best generator??? WEN 56380i

[@johnnysweekends]

Is this Wen the best generator for you..? Let me know in the comments if you have it and how is it working out...😃

[@stdcrh11]

This is a master class example of creating "how to" videos on KZbin. Dense concise and relevant information. Very well done!!!

[@johnnysweekends]

Wow thank you so much…. And thank you for watching…😀👍🏼🙏🏼

[@robbylynch7259]

I bought one for my camping trailer last year and I love it. So do the guys in my hunting club especially since I went from a loud all power generator to this WEN generator. It's the quietest generator in camp even more quiet then a Honda 2000. It has no problem running my AC and microwave at same time. I got mine from Walmart and added the extended warranty. 3 year factory warranty plus extended 2yr for a total of 5 years.

[@johnnysweekends]

Awesome!! This is still a popular unit and I don’t hear much bad about it at all. Good job on the warranty 👍🏼😀

[@chuckmanjioni2921]

Holy cow, you should review everything! Informational and strait to the point,amazing!

[@johnnysweekends]

😀👍🏼 thanks

[@xbladerunner]

I just bought the WEN 3800. I also have a Honda EU2000. The WEN is just as quite as my EU2000. Very impressive!!!

[@johnnysweekends]

They are not bad right…👍🏼😀

[@Golf315]

This was an incredible review. Enjoyed every minute of it

[@johnnysweekends]

Thank you 😀👍🏼

[@tlteal]

I got one of these generators. Started right away. Love it thus far.

[@johnnysweekends]

They are good gens. Similar to a champion. 😀👍🏼

[@elianaortega3594]

Just ordered mine for camping this year thanks for your video

[@johnnysweekends]

Excellent choice !!! Be sure to watch my video coming out next Saturday Top 10 generators! Not this weekend the next..! Enjoy the new unit and change the oil in the first 30 mins to one hour 👍🏼

[@kirkNJ]

Great video. Packed full of useful, credible info and no fluff. One suggestion -- put 70 and 60 db in context by comparing to familiar sound levels, ie 60 db is normal conversation, while 70 db would be considered loud -- say a vacuum cleaner.

[@johnnysweekends]

I could do that..👍🏼

[@PackFan-tv5pj]

Excellent concise review. Thanks! I also ordered one tonight. Replaces a larger unit that is just too hard to start and difficult to maintain.

[@johnnysweekends]

Awesome thank you 😊. And I still get great feedback on the wen unit 😀👍🏼

[@davefiano4172]

Thanks again!

[@johnnysweekends]

Wow thank you..!! Much appreciated 👊🏼😀👍🏼

[@run4jc]

Your videos - this one and the one that compares this Wen to the Predator - helped me decide. Ordered the Wen last night. Thanks for all the effort! Great videos.

[@johnnysweekends]

Your welcome glad I could help..😀👍🏼

[@somethingsomeone5440]

Just a little FYI never run an empty microwave. There is no place for the energy to go other than back into the magnetron which is just killing it with heat. Put a bowl or cup of water in to absorb the microwaves. Seriously thinking of buying the generator. Really looks to check all the boxes. Thanks for the review.

[@johnnysweekends]

I actually have been adding a cup of water now. Every time I did the test I kept thinking I ready need to put something in there before I kill my microwave…😅 But yes thanks. And yes the wen is a good unit check the website to for price comparison or check here at generator bible to price check and compare all kinds of gens…👍🏼 generatorbible.com/?pk_campaign=jw

[@boriskarloff598]

I'm definitely buying this for those storms. I just bought a wen electric chainsaw and I am impressed how well it works. Good video man!

[@johnnysweekends]

Thank you sir. Hope to bring more. Almost time for a break....lol 😁

[@thenov1944]

Yes , Bought it for storms : Lights , Refer. , SUMP PUMP ! ! ( Minnesota )

[@claddagh1000]

I’m looking at this or the predator 3500 but can’t decide

[@johnnysweekends]

With some of the problems the newest predator has been having I would look into champion or why not the newer Wen 4500 DF and it’s a super good price. This leaves room to buy a warranty and still be ahead..see it here ….amzn.to/3E6Qy7w

[@thenov1944]

Lot of Predators Out There & Quite & Food Trucks Etc. Use Them Alot & They Like Them ! But I Bought The WEN & Like it Very Much , Time Will Tell .

[@coyote333999]

great video only issue i see is the sound check was done around brick or block which reflects sound making the readings higher. you have a camper so most gens. are run in open areas.

[@johnnysweekends]

It does reflect but once sound has left a object it doesn’t get louder unless amplified. I do all my sound check out front now and even compared it to see. It was to hard to tell if there was a any difference. Maybe .5 db. But true most are run in open areas and not typically surrounded by concrete which is the loudest. Add some bushes, grass, rocks even dirt will absorb sound over a concrete drive way.

[@InWithBothFeet]

I had a LOT of aluminum in the oil after a short run. I'm blaming it on not cleaning the block well after machining. I bought a big jug of cheap oil and changed it 3 or 4 times in succession when I first got it to try to get it out. Fill it, get it hot, drain it, repeat.

[@johnnysweekends]

Good job. But they do use an assembly grease which gives a silver tint. So that could have been some of it

[@InWithBothFeet]

@@johnnysweekends It was a metallic glitter in the oil. Seems like grease would just dissolve into the oil.

[@dfreephoto]

I just ordered one 🙏🏾

[@johnnysweekends]

Awesome did you order from the link in description? No biggie if you didn’t just wanna know if the link is still active.

[@kirkbush8176]

Great video! Thanks

[@pozzi2thee]

When did Jeff Ross have the time to make this review? A great review at that!!

[@johnnysweekends]

😂👍🏼 I have had Sal, Owen Wilson and now JR…🤣 love it. And thank you appreciate it 😀👍🏼

[@nilzettetrefry6285]

I need a generator for a warmer and a fryer. 800w and 1800w. Thinking about one this win

[@johnnysweekends]

It’s not a bad unit at all. People still buy them and I don’t hear a lot of negative.🤷‍♂️ So still must be performing well.

[@thecountrydweller2799]

Good vid. I have this very one on order. Coming next week. This video helps alot.

[@johnnysweekends]

Awesome glad you liked the video Change the oil in about 20-30 minutes then a couple hours then normal as per manual. You’ll be surprised how dirty it is in very little time

[@josiahberry8743]

Did your A/C have a soft start in this video and how many BTUs is it? And is a soft start a requirement for that Wen model?

[@johnnysweekends]

It does not have a soft start. During really hot days of say 105 and above though it could struggle on start and add elevation it could make it worse. Soft starts are always a great option New Bluetooth Micro-Air Easystart 364-X36 with Bluetooth, Marine Air Conditioner Soft Start, RV Air Conditioner Compressor Unit, Travel Trailer Accessories + Free Easy Installation Starter Kit a.co/d/0SQ5C3t

[@Ihopeitsnottoobig]

Great video

[@johnnysweekends]

Thank you. 👍🏼😀

[@henrywilliams1791]

Just wanted to point out that the shipping brackets should be removed BEFORE you put oil & fuel in tge generator.

[@off-roadskys4250]

Great video! Just ordered mine

[@johnnysweekends]

Awesome it’s a good gen. Make sure to read the manual…😉 Thanks for watching 😀👍🏼

[@racoonbreath]

You should do old Fight Wen verses Pulsar 4000

[@johnnysweekends]

I love the new when 4500…!! But I dont like the size of those units especially since I dont need them really anymore unless im going somewhere I know I need to run both ACs all day and maybe all night. But I normally avoid those places lol.

[@jonnantau9354]

Nice review. Hard to find this generator now, hopefully they didn't discontinue it.

[@johnnysweekends]

They didn’t have it on one of my links??

[@thenov1944]

Bought Mine Direct From WEN . Also Good Contact if Needed From Factory People USA Folks on the Line No Problem a Real PLUS ! ! !

[@BradiKal61]

This looks VERY MUCH like a Champion generator. i got a bad impression of Wen back in the 90's when i bought a Wen electric pruning saw which was a piece of junk and i have been leery of the brand ever since

[@johnnysweekends]

It is pretty much identical as the engine is the same and the way it is built. I don’t know about the electronics.

[@Hellndegenerates]

Would it be enough to power a karcher power wash, thanks 😊

[@johnnysweekends]

I don’t know what model it is but I’m sure if it plugs into a normal 15/20 amp outlet then yes it will run it. 👍🏼😀

[@Hellndegenerates]

@@johnnysweekends Cool, thanks for the videos, very helpful.

[@johnnysweekends]

Your welcome and thanks for watching 👍🏼😀

[@DennisCarmody]

What electric meter are you using here?

[@johnnysweekends]

It was one I built. Funny a company actually copied it and now they are selling it. amzn.to/43txsni But I have a build video which would cost about $80 ish maybe to build maybe a little less

[@michaelthomson5101]

Thanks. Looks like a nice unit. How about an update?

[@johnnysweekends]

I no longer have this unit. But many replies and responses from people who do who love it, and it’s been doing fine. But honestly for the price I would buy something else now with more power and dual fuel option.

[@surfbug1]

@@johnnysweekends ok any suggestions on other units? And why the dual fuel option? What did you find limiting about only one fuel source? Thanks! Great review

[@johnnysweekends]

I just released a video on the new Genmax they have more models coming and dual fuel. I really like champion as well. Dual fuel is nice for a few reasons. 1. It lasts a really long time as far as storage, like 25+ years 2. No need for fuel additives or non ethanol fuel . 3. No need to drain tank or carb 4. No jetting for altitude. 5. Rv has on board tanks 6. Less smell and less hazardous emissions by far. 7. Cheaper then gas 8. Safe to store Negative…. Less btu’s per gallon. Engines don’t last as long typically. Gas engine 10,000 hrs Propane 8000……roughly That’s just a example but they have been lasting longer and longer.

[@kenm2342]

Great review! Thanks!

[@johnnysweekends]

Your welcome 😀👍🏼

[@davefiano4172]

So I saw a recommendation to NOT run in economy mode if you are going to run anything like a fridge that peaks out at startup. So when CAN Economy mode be used? If you put it in Economy mode to start, will it switch to full power if the load is too high? Thanks!

[@johnnysweekends]

That’s correct, in my tests I do it to see if it can and also because so many people will just leave it in eco and set and forget. But to get more longevity out of the unit it’s best to leave eco of for say when you set up your Rv , have it on off when switching the fridge to ac and maybe turning your ac on. Then once those items are powered switch to eco. Or if no ac just get fridge going then eco for all the other varying loads. This will put less strain on the inverter board. And the Rv AC units. But soft starts are always a great idea since that will allow eco mode start ups.

[@davefiano4172]

@@johnnysweekends WOW. THANKS so much for the instant reply. I just got a deal on the Wenn for $520. I’m pretty new to the “Generator Scene” lol…so I understand, basically once you’ve started your appliances etc and the power draw is stable THEN switch to economy mode? Also, besides volume, the only other benefit to economy mode is fuel usage? Am I in the ballpark? Thanks again. I must now subscribe :)

[@johnnysweekends]

Yes you are correct 👍🏼 and congrats on the unit. Still a number one seller and I hardly ever hear bad feedback on that unit..😀👍🏼 Change oil after first 30-45 mins. Then a 2-5 hrs then normal after that. Start with no loads Let warm for at least a minute or two if it’s cold. Plug in cord with all loads off Then turn on items as needed. If running low loads right from the start switch to eco..👍🏼 When turning off Turn off all loads unless very minimal like under 100 watts but close to zero is better. And always run a fuel conditioner so you never have to worry about fuel going bad. Unless you store for a long time like over 9 months then drain or use premium or ethanol free fuel. Premium provides No performance or running benefits just stores better.

[@johnnysweekends]

And thanks for subbing and joining the group 😀👍🏼

[@davefiano4172]

@@johnnysweekends THANKS AGAIN. YOU RULE 👍👍

[@tomg6284]

Internally looks like a Champion from what I can see from the Vid.. How does it compare?

[@johnnysweekends]

Well considering they actually use the same engine which is a 212cc engine from Rato for the most part it is the same. Things that change are outside design and the electrical parts but only a little. It’s mainly the inverter board that’s different that allows less or more power. But from many viewer responses champion seems to have the best customer service and warranty over many other brands but wen being the next it seems. This excludes Yamaha and Honda.

[@eiriknkettering1156]

could this run a fridge, small deep fryer that plugs into average outlet, an electric water heater, and an air conditioner?

[@johnnysweekends]

At the same time ..? No but separately with maybe a item or two. It depends on each units power draw. You have the add the total watts or amps and see.

[@thenov1944]

Check The Wattage Startup Specs. of the Items You Want To Run ! Do Not Risk a Gen. That can't Handle Your Demand ! !

[@makrisaudio5638]

Could I power a 1200 watt pa system with this?

[@johnnysweekends]

Yes!! Easy

[@makrisaudio5638]

@@johnnysweekends for how long do you think?

[@johnnysweekends]

Well depends is the load continuously at 1200 watts…? Are you at altitude? And will it be hot or warm or cool..? They all play a little factor in run time. It has a run time of 8.5 hrs on 50% load so being 1200 watts is about a 1/3 power ish…so should run several hrs

[@watermain48]

Thanks Johnny. This generator is high on my list for replacing my Honda 2000iu.

[@johnnysweekends]

Bill its a nice generator and the engine is made by Rato. Which is a group that has been around along time. Same manufacturer as the small predator 2000. Keep the honda though....😃👍

[@watermain48]

@@johnnysweekends I will. I can buy the Wen for less than a second Honda and not have to lug two generators along so I can run the AC and other stuff at the same time.

[@watermain48]

@Review Master Sadly, you're nor keyless...

[@TinyHomeCookingwithSherlei]

Can you charge the wen with solar panels?

[@johnnysweekends]

If the voltage is correct and the amps are enough sure. You just need a controller so you don’t fry the battery. So you would want to check that.

[@frankhinkle5772]

We've been looking for a back-up generator for our homes in case of power outages like those that hit Texas during the recent winter storm. Looking to be able to run a few lights, maybe TV, heaters in two rooms, and refrigerator/freezer. It looks like this 3800 series is where we'd need to look to do all of that, or is it?

[@johnnysweekends]

This will run everything you described except if you are running two 1500 watt heaters on high and everything else you will be pretty much max. But if the tv isnt on and a few other items you should be fine. You will need to hook up some kind of transfer switch by your panel outside to power the things you want inside unless you wanna go simple with extension cords. You could do a energy audit to see how many items and how much power you plan to use to give a idea if this will work.. So two 1500 watt heaters on high is 3000 watts...plus what ever the wattage is of tv..maybe 150 watts or less...and the fridge... So that may help Hope this helps

[@frankhinkle5772]

@@johnnysweekends Thanks.

[@johnnysweekends]

Your welcome...👍😃

[@crabjoe]

Frank, I dont know what you have or what your needs are, but for a home. It's generally better to get a generator that supports 240v, like the Briggs and Stratton q6500. For example, if you have an electric hot water heater, it's going to need 240.. well pump.. 240v too.

[@frankhinkle5772]

@@crabjoe I did not consider the water heater. Its gas, but I forgot about it! Thanks.

[@jat-justamaturetech-philpj8285]

Can you do a comparison with the Generac IQ3500? I have it on backorder but this Wen looks good. Like the 12v feature, handle and wheels, electric start on the settings wheel and auto shut-off. Concerned about not getting 30 amp (non RV) outlet! Price? Generac $1050.

[@johnnysweekends]

The generac is nice as well but not easy to be mobile and have heard it is a little louder but it’s on my list. But will probably be a bit. You can now get other gens with more power for about the same price as the wen

[@jat-justamaturetech-philpj8285]

@@johnnysweekends . Really? The IQ3500 has Ultra quiet. 56 db's, so they say. I picked up a small furniture dolly that I'm going to either use a heavy duty velcro or tie strips to hold it in place and use maybe a rope handle to tote it around. This generac has a L-5 30amp output and the wen doesn't. I need to get 30amps into the house using 10/3 to a spliter extension cords for AC Wall unit, fridge, TV, box, modem, router and a lamp. The When only has the RV 30amp output and can't get 30amps out of the other two 20amp receptacles, can I?? One cord going to AC and the other split to the other appliances?? Or will that still trip the breaker? I have a 20amp breaker in this guesthouse I'm in and if I have the AC, TV, box, ect, a fan and lamp. If I use the microwave it trips. So this is why I need the 30amp to be safe for blackouts ect.. Thank's a bunch!✌

[@johnnysweekends]

They make an adapter…….Rv-30amp to L5-30r from there you can use that adapter to run heavy duty multi port extension cords able to handle to amps.

[@johnnysweekends]

Also most every generator I have tested never meets the db rating that is giving but I also don’t know where or how exactly they do it except when they test, which is either 21 or 23 feet. But how high is the meter and is it concrete and, and … lol

[@carrchev87]

What cable do you recommend

[@johnnysweekends]

As far as what..?

[@carrchev87]

I meant extension cords. I just purchased a wen 3800 inverter

[@carrchev87]

30 amp 10 Guage or any other?

[@johnnysweekends]

The reliance cords are typically pretty nice but a little spendy. Also depends what ya wanna power and how far. Your standard extension cords are normally 16 & 14 gauge. When you get to a generator cords they are typically 12 to 10g The farther the distance then 10g and you’ll never really have to worry about the cord being too small. And you’ll own it for a life time.

[@Ross_Schmidt]

Ya probably should have drained out the oil the came with it. It's probably put in to test it and will have bits of metal in it.

[@rueda82nd]

Does this come with oil can?

[@johnnysweekends]

I don’t remember it coming with oil.

[@rueda82nd]

@@johnnysweekends Thanks im sure i can order some

[@johnnysweekends]

Definitely Amazon or Walmart…👍🏼

[@thenov1944]

@@johnnysweekends I can't either remember , Broke in with 5 w 30 semi syn. 1/2 - 3/4 Hr. varing loads . Then Drained & Use Full Syn. Mobil 1 !

[@mrbrandonwalls84]

Didn’t have to ground it?

[@johnnysweekends]

No these inverter generators are not supposed to be as it makes a complete circuit and then poses a shock hazard.

[@donniep1809]

Please people don't buy Wen. Wen will not return the generator unless the repair price is more than half the total price of the generator. Yes mine is no more than about 4 months and still waiting for a part that is inside that got hot and blew and shut the generator off. Still waiting for a warranty part. They do not like to spend money for warranty parts, thanks

[@johnnysweekends]

😮

[@bigjaysr11]

Great video. I just got this one and so far so good. Question; you unboxed it then went on with the test. Do you not break it in before maxing it out or was that done off camera?

[@johnnysweekends]

I did several heat cycles with loads....then ran the test. I have built alot of small sport engines for rec and professional racing and never took longer then about 20 mins to break in anything. All have lasted the projected time for what they were intended for. These are basically lawn mower engines. And i have never seen anyone break in a lawn mower. Important thing is to change the oil in 3 to 5 hrs...and then regular oil changes.

[@frankhartman5496]

Johnny I have found your videos a great help in my research. I think I'm down to this wen or two Champion 2500s to run in parallel. The wen is significantly cheaper, but I like the versatility of the two small Champions. Would you have a preference? I'll be using it for power outages at home to run a couple fridge/freezers and a sump pump and also a camper with 15k btu AC and two fridges. Maybe will do one or two boondocking trips a year. Your input would be appreciated. Thanks.

[@johnnysweekends]

I typically like champion over all as they have a good name. And the double set up it always nice but has a couple small draw backs but more pros than cons. If one dies you have another. If you don’t need much power run one and save a lot of fuel. I would grab two of the champs over one wen. Or have you looked into the max gen 3200i? It’s the same as the Maxpeedingrods gen just different name. Has good power for the size of unit. But a couple champions with dual fuel set up would be nice.

[@randybobandy9828]

@johnnysweekends I mean aren't all these generators made at the same factory? Like wen/westinghouse/predator/champion/genmax ect. They just all happen to have almost identical specs in everyday besides maybe a different size fuel tank or electric start.

[@johnnysweekends]

They are made in the same country but different places. But it’s very possible I could walk across the street and grab a part from the neighbor factory to finish my job if I ran out…😂👍🏼 Some are really that close and some are in other cites.

[@fullonauto]

Next time read the directions carefully... 0:27 Remove the brackets off first "Before Adding Oil Or Gasoline"........

[@johnnysweekends]

This is a example of poor editing on my part…that part with the brackets was first then oil then display over view. I had to redo a section and add that which is why you don’t see me take it off. Hence the sound is off. I thought I showed it until I was in final edit and realized that part of the video wasn’t in it. Sorry for the mistake… but yes bracket first before fuel and oil..👍🏼

[@fullonauto]

@@johnnysweekends Great to know! Thanks for the reply. You should post that somewhere for everyone to see..... 😁😁😁😁

[@johnnysweekends]

Lol I thought I did update that in the description ..🤔 I’ll check lol

[@johnnysweekends]

Done 👍🏼👊🏼 thanks for pointing that out !

[@gg9094]

I just bought my generator and I did exactly what you said and won’t start

[@johnnysweekends]

You need to make sure of a few steps. Fuel Spark or check spark plug? Switch is on and dial turned correctly Did you read the manual just in case.

[@rmrider39]

Did you ever figure out the issue? We have one doing the same thing

[@jat-justamaturetech-philpj8285]

How do I get 30 amps out of the two receptacles? For house appliances, AC unit ect. Not RV.

[@johnnysweekends]

You would use an adapter to a generator cord or industrial extension cable made to handle 30 amps but those get a little spendy.

[@johnnysweekends]

Basically a Rv 30 amp to L5 30r twist lock to extension cord.

[@jat-justamaturetech-philpj8285]

@@johnnysweekends . So they make a adapter for thr RV to the L-5 twist lock or standard 3 plug??

[@jat-justamaturetech-philpj8285]

@@johnnysweekends . Can you recommend a website that has these?👍

[@jat-justamaturetech-philpj8285]

@@johnnysweekends . What was the btu on your AC unit. BTW you got a new sub.✌

[@benlindsey8082]

If you are running on about 50% capacity, how long will a full tank of gas last?

[@johnnysweekends]

According to the specs and I assume at sea level it says with a full tank @50 load it should run about 8.5 hrs. Hope this helps. Thanks for the comment and thanks again for watching 👍🏼😊

[@benlindsey8082]

Awesome, Thank you again!!!

[@johnnysweekends]

Your welcome 👍🏼😎

[@jayhaddan7927]

8.5

[@vadimus2007]

Looks like a clone of Champion 4500 inverter generator...

[@johnnysweekends]

😀😉👍🏼

[@Captndarty]

Why bother initially fussing with checking the battery on a generator? If it doesn’t start then obviously you have to put it on a charge but if it starts it’s hooked up to a generator lol

[@johnnysweekends]

By trying to start and put a load on a low battery you can actually prematurely damage it a little shortening the life of it. Is it super important ahh maybe not but if you want the longest life out of it then best to have it charged up to proper voltage verses some of these that are sitting for weeks or months and have a voltage of say 12.5 or lower, well that’a when the damage can acure. Mainly on lead acid the lithium that some are coming with it’s not really so important but if you don’t wanna use a battery charger then just use the pull cord and run it for a bit. But I don’t see many people wanting to run a generator for 3-5 hrs just to charge its own battery. Or idk maybe they do.

[@thenov1944]

PULL START !