Firman W03081 Portable Generator Review

Firman W03081 is a great little inverter generator for RV use. It has a closed frame design that protects the generator parts from dust and water. It is a quiet, reliable, and affordable machine to buy. It features a variety of outlets and a VFT meter to know the generator status. Also, it can be used and shipped to all the American states and Canada.

Firman 3000 Watt lightweight power station

Features:

Generator Type: Firman W03081 is a powerful inverter generator that operates on gasoline. It is an ideal machine for RV travelers as it is RV-ready. Also, users can use it during their camping trips and tailgate gatherings. Moreover, it proves to be a reliable power source for homes during power outages.

Weight and Size: It is a compact, lightweight, and highly portable generator. It weighs 94 pounds, so two persons can manually lift it without much effort. But once you place it on the ground, it becomes quite easy to move it around. It has 5” plastic wheels and a built-in tuff-stuff U-shaped folding handle for easy mobility.

If we look at its size, then it is 17.8 inches wide, 17.9 inches in height, and 23.2 inches in length.

Starting Mechanism: Firman W03081 is featured with a reliable recoil system for quick and easy starts.

Engine and Power Output: A 171cc, 4-stroke Firman Max-Pro Series OHV engine with cast iron sleeve produces impressive and reliable output power. With an output of 120 Volts, it delivers 3300 starting watts and 3000 running watts.

With this power, you can easily run several RV and home appliances. Also, its engine can handle two power tools at the same time, such as grinder and reciprocating saw. But before connecting any appliance or tool, make sure the starting and running watts are under the power generating capacity of the inverter.

Volt Lock Automatic Voltage Regulator: The Volt Lock automatic voltage regulator provides clean and stable power from the Power Stream Alternator.

The THD rating of Firman W03081 is <3% at full load. This allows users to power their sensitive electronics without any worries.

THD (Total Harmonic Distortion) measures the amount of voltage or current harmonic distortion present in the signal. Lower THD ensures that the harmonic distortion available in the signal is quite low.

Parallel Capability: At the time of need, you can attach another W03081 inverter generator through parallel operation outlets. But to double the output power, you need to buy a Firman parallel kit.

Tank Size and Runtime: It has a steel made gasoline tank of 1.8 gallons. At 25% load, you will get up to 9 hours of runtime on a fully loaded tank.

Economy Mode: For enhanced fuel efficiency, Eco mode, and the Phoenix Fat Head Block play their parts.

When you activate the Eco mode, the engine starts changing its speed as you plug and unplug the devices. This speed variation saves fuel and increases the runtime.

Power Outlets: With three AC outlets and two DC outlets, you can power anything you want. All these outlets are covered for protection against all-weather conditions.

If we look at AC outlets, then we have two 120 Volt 20 Ampere (5-20R) household receptacles and one RV-ready 120 Volt 30 Ampere (TT-30R) receptacle.

If we look at DC outlets, then there is one 12 Volt 8 Ampere receptacle for charging batteries and one 5 Volt USB port to run USB-powered electronic items.

Noise Level: Its 59 dBA noise level makes it ideal to use at campgrounds and tailgates.

Indicator Lights: Output ready, low oil, and overload light indicators help monitor the status of the inverter.

When the oil level is quite low, the low oil indicator light turns on. When the inverter is on overload, the overload indicator light tells you. And the output light informs the generator is ready to go.

VFT Meter: This VFT meter displays the operating voltage, frequency, and total runtime of the inverter.

Safety Features: Firman W03081 is well-protected under automatic low oil shutdown, overload protection, and spark arrestor.

Sparks can cause fire and damage your generator and surroundings. So, the spark arrestor doesn’t allow sparks to get out of the muffler.

Overload protection avoids generator overheating, and automatic low oil shutdown prevents engine damage.

Warranty: It includes a 3-year warranty.

Emissions: This inverter generator is tested for use in both America and Canada. It is not only EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) and CARB (California Air Resources Board) approved but also cETL (Canada Emissions) certified. 

Firman W03081 vs. Yamaha EF3000iSEB vs. Honda EU3000iS vs. WEN 56310i-RV

Features Models
  Firman W03081 Yamaha EF3000iSEB Honda EU3000iS WEN 56310i-RV
Peak/Rated Watts 3300W/3000W 3500W/2800W 3000W/2800W 3100W/2800W
Tank Size 1.8 gal. 3.4 gal. 3.4 gal. 1.85 gal.
Runtime 9 hrs (1/4 load) 18.6 hrs (1/4 load) 20hrs (1/4 load) 7.5 hrs (1/2 load)
Noise 59 dBA 53 dBA 50 dBA 57 dBA
THD Rating < 3% < 3% < 3% < 1.2%
Starting Mechanism Recoil Recoil, Electric Recoil, Electric Recoil
Weight 94 lbs. 154.3 lbs. 131 lbs. 81.4 lbs.

My Opinion:

Pros: Firman W03081 is a powerful RV-ready inverter generator. It is not an expensive unit to buy. It is a highly portable machine that operates at a lower decibel rating. It produces great output power and gives decent fuel efficiency. Also, it starts effortlessly.

Cons: It doesn’t have a fuel gauge. Also, its fuel tank is quite small.

FAQs

What can it power in the RV?

Firman W03081 can power an 11,000 BTU RV air conditioner, an RV refrigerator, a toaster oven, and a blender simultaneously.

Always check the peak and rated watts of the items before connecting them to the generator.

How regularly should you change its oil?

A new engine needs an oil change after 25 hours of operation. And then you can change the oil every 100 hours.

Keep in mind that you may need to change the engine oil more often if you use the generator under extremely dusty or hot weather.

Can you use full synthetic oil after the first 25 hours of operation?

Yes, you can use full synthetic 5W-30 engine oil after the initial 25 hours of operation.

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