Which one runs an RV air conditioner?

The BILT HARD is the safer pick. Its 4,000 running watts on gas and 3,600 on propane cover the surge of a 13,500 BTU RV air conditioner. The PowerSmart's 3,300 running watts is tight for that load.

The PowerSmart publishes 70 dB at 23 feet. BILT HARD publishes no dB figure but buyers call it very quiet in Economy Mode. Without a matching number, the PowerSmart's rating is the only one you can compare.

Which is easier to carry?

The PowerSmart, at 50.7 lbs versus 61.73 lbs for the BILT HARD. That 11 lb gap matters when lifting into a truck bed or up RV steps.

Is the BILT HARD worth the extra money?

Only if you need the watts. It gives about 700 more running watts on gas and adds parallel capability. If 3,300 watts covers your loads, the PowerSmart saves money and weight.

Can I run either on a 20 lb propane tank?

Yes, both run on LPG. The PowerSmart lists up to 7 hours on a 20 lb tank. BILT HARD does not publish propane runtime, so expect shorter runtimes than gasoline on either unit.

Do both have CO shutdown?

Yes. The PowerSmart calls it CO Alert and the BILT HARD calls it CO auto-shutoff. Both cut the engine when carbon monoxide builds up.

3800W Gas/Propane Dual Fuel Inverter Generator w/ CO Alert HB5040DC vs BILT HARD 5500W Dual Fuel Inverter Generator

Buy the BILT HARD 5500W if you need to run an RV air conditioner or a well pump: it delivers 4,000 running watts on gas and 3,600 on propane, and it is parallel ready. Buy the PowerSmart HB5040DC if weight and noise matter more than raw output: it weighs 50.7 lbs versus 61.73 lbs and is rated at 70 dB. The BILT HARD costs more for that extra 700 running watts, so pick by load, not by price alone.

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