In today’s post, we will discuss the advantages of ans find the best dual fuel generators. These machines run on either gasoline and propane, hence dual fuel.
Using only gasoline to run a generator has its issues, even though this fuel is easily available. Because propane is cheaper and cleaner, along with being quieter, a propane generator has its advantages.
This post talks about the best options out there. It has been compiled with a lot of sweat and research. The list is built on power output and price point analysis.
If you are in the market for the best dual fuel generator, keep reading.
Table of Contents
10 Best Dual Fuel Generators
1) DuroMax XP12000EH
One of the priciest machines we’ve listed in our reviews, the DuroMax is some seriously heavy-duty stuff. It has a massive output of 12,000 W peak-to-peak and 9,500 running watts, almost double what a home requires.
Since this is such a massive generator, you can’t expect it to be very silent. There are muffler kits available though that you can purchase to reduce the noise.
The DuroMax XP12000EH is EPA approved for use in national parks.
If you have a DuroMax going for you, you can pretty much run any appliance in your home without much trouble.
It has a huge fuel tank, so it can last a very long time, too – under a 1000W load, it will last you nearly 48 hours.
The engine is a 457cc OHV engine with a power rating of 18 HP.
This dual fuel generator from DuroMax has 5 outlets:
- 2 x 120V
- 1 x 120V 30A twist lock
- 1 x 120V/240V 30A twist lock
- 1 x 120/240V 50A heavy duty
Like most of the other top-of-the-line generators, the DuroMax has an electric push-button start, as well as a backup recoil starter in case something goes wrong. The engine will shut off if the pressure gets too low.
There is also a “low oil” indicator light that lets you know when you’re running low on fuel.
Pros
- Massive amount of power generated
- Well built and sturdy
- High capacity and runtime
Cons
- Not CARB-compliant
- Powerful DuroMax Engine: the XP12000EH is powered by a DuroMax, 457cc OHV engine.
- Dual fuel technology: the ability to run on propane or gasoline allows the freedom and flexibility of fuel choice.
- Plenty of power: with 12,000 starting watts and 9, 500 running watts, This unit can handle heavy loads from lights and a refrigerator to a home air conditioner and high amperage power tools.
- Maximum power: with DuroMax MX2 technology, get the maximum power from each of the 120 volt receptacle. Choose between operating the generator at both 120 V and 240 V Simultaneously, or at 120 only with full power.
- Powering everyone anywhere: like all DuroMax generators, the XP12000EH is EPA and CARB approved For use in all 50 States.
2) Duromax Fortress Hybrid Dual Generator
The Duromax Fortress is a generator that is not too cheap and not too expensive. Of all the Duromax models we’ve listed, this one would be our last preference.
When you look at and feel the Duromax, you’ll notice that the construction of the model is not quite as “solid” as the construction of other Duromax models. The mix of metal and plastic is just OK and they could have done a better job of making the machine sturdier.
The weight savings are there, since the machine only weighs a little over 100 lbs. The wheels are also not built in – they come as an included kit which you’ll have to install.
The Duromax Fortress can do 3500 running watts.
Outlets:
- 2 x 120V
- 1 x 120V 30A twist lock
The generator can be started using an electric push-button or with a recoil starter. The manual included is not the best nor the clearest, and you may find yourself on the phone with Duromax when getting started.
There is a 1 year warranty of the parts, and even though the construction is OK, the 7 HP engine is quite a workhorse and should not cause you any trouble.
One of the only reasons we’ve actually listed this generator is because it is one of the quietest models that we’ve seen. With a muffler kit, the noise can be very low, close to 67 dBa, which is like a quiet street.
Pros
- Quiet
- Simple switching from petrol to propane
- Easy to use
Cons
- Not as many outlets
- Poorly placed oil tank
- Run Time Gasoline - Up to 10 Hours at 1/2-Load. Run Time Propane - Up to 10 Hours at 1/2-Load on 20 pound Tank
3) Champion 7500W Dual Fuel Generator
The Champion 7500W dual fuel generator is one of the best dual fuel generators available on the market today. It ships with oil in the tank so you can start it up right away.
It is very sturdily built, has wheels to offset the weight during transport, and can withstand the elements and rough conditions.
This dual fuel generator has a 439cc monster engine that will run for up to 30 hours on a single tank under a 1000 watt load.
Under maximum load, you’re looking at 8 hours with a tank of gas or 6 hours with a 20 pound propane tank.
One of the strongest points of this generator is the cold start. This is especially useful in cold climates – remember how cars used to have trouble starting in extremely cold weather?
Outlets:
- 4 x 120V
- 2 x 120V 30A twist lock
There is also a 3 year limited warranty and a great support service that you can always rely on.
Pros
- CARB compliant and ok to use in California
- Surge protector built in
- Very happy customers
Cons
- On the expensive side
- Dual Fuel – Operate your 7500-watt portable generator right out of the box on either gasoline or propane, plus the unit holds 1.2-quarts of oil (included) and has a low oil shut-off sensor
- Electric start – Power up the 439cc Champion engine with the handy toggle switch, battery included
- Intelligauge – Keep track of voltage, hertz and run-time hours to easily monitor power output and track maintenance intervals.1.5 Inch dia. tubular steel frame for protection and durability
- Powerful – At 9375 starting watts and 7500 running watts on gasoline and 8400 starting watts and 6750 running watts on propane, trust Volt Guard built-in surge protector to prevent overloads
- Champion Support – Includes 3-year limited warranty with FREE lifetime technical support from dedicated experts
Related
Remember to build a shelter for your investment!
Clean up your generators power
4) Ford FG7750PBE Dual Fuel Power Generator
Ford has been manufacturing engines for a long, long time. So it is no surprise that along with car engines, they also make another kind of engine: generators.
The Ford FG7750PBE has an air-cooled single cylinder engine. The capacity is 420cc and it is a 4-stroke engine.
You will get a peak output of 7750W and a rated output of 6250W, which is more than enough to power an entire home.
It also has safety features built-in such as an auto shut-off if the oil pressure drops too much. There is also an electric start so you don’t have to worry about pulling anything. There is still a recoil starter though in case you need a backup.
To keep your outlets safe from the elements, they’re all covered with a rubber cap that seals it off from any outside debris.
This Ford dual generator has 6 outlets:
- 4 x 120V
- 1 x 120V AC twist-lock
- 1 x 120V/240V twist-lock outlet
There is an in-built voltage regulator to protect your appliances and electronics from any power spikes.
Moving this generator around is also fairly easy. There are large wheels and a handle that you can use to roll it around, so the weight of the generator(which is quite a bit) won’t feel as much of an issue to you.
Finally, there is a digital display that tells you how much fuel is left. It will monitor both fuel sources, gasoline and LPG.
Pros
- Never-flat wheels for easy transport
- Electronic fuel gauge
- Ford dependability
- Rubber outlet covers
Cons
- Not as many available reviews on the internet
- 7,750W Peak/ 6,250W Rated (Gasoline) & 7,500W Peak/6,000W Rated (LPG)
- The powerful 420cc, Single Cylinder, 4-Stroke, OHV, Air Cooled Engine is protected by a Heavy-Duty Powder Coated Steel Frame
- A Large 6.6 Gallon High Capacity Fuel Tank gives you up to 10.5 Hours of Continuous Operation at half load when running on gasoline
- Dual Fuel Capability lets you choose between Gasoline or LPG fuel sources for running your generator
- Switch & Go Technology allows for seamless transitioning between LPG and Gasoline fuel sources while still in operation
5) Champion 3800W RV Ready Generator
Champion generators are some of the best names in the business, and for good reason. The Champion 3800W is a younger brother to the Champion 7500W that we reviewed at the start of the post.
The main difference between this one and the 7500W is just the power rating. Otherwise, both generators are quite similar.
Like the model number suggests, the peak rating is 4750 watts and the load rating is 3800W. It is RV-ready and the wattage is more than enough for an RV and even as a backup generator for a small home.
However, it won’t be able to run all your home appliances at once, so bear that in mind.
It has 4 outlets:
- 1 x 120V 30A twist-lock
- 1 x 120V 30A RV outlet
- 2 x 120V 20A standard outlets
There is a surge protector built in to protect your appliances from any unwanted power surges, and the generator is powered by a 224cc single-cylinder engine.
This generator is on the lighter side of the dual-fuel generator spectrum, coming in at a little higher than 100 pounds. It has wheels and a pull handle for easy transport.
To start the generator, you can use the push button or there is a backup starter as well. When the oil pressure gets too low, the generator will shut off automatically.
For monitoring power output, there is a gauge on the front of the machine. This will notify you of the output and any potential maintenance you need to do.
Champion’s 3 year warranty is a huge plus point and really backs up the dollars you’ll spend on it. The Champion 3800W is one of the most budget friendly dual fuel generators that made our list, and indeed, in the entire market.
Pros
- Ready for RV use
- Warranty
- CARB compliant
- Comparatively inexpensive
Cons
- Lower power rating than others
- Dual Fuel: Operate your 3800-watt portable generator right out of the box on either gasoline or propane, plus the unit holds 0.6-quarts of oil (included) and has a low oil shut-off sensor
- Electric Start: Power up the 224cc Champion engine with the handy toggle switch, battery included
- Intelligauge: Keep track of voltage, hertz and run-time hours to easily monitor power output and track maintenance intervals. Dimensions-26.3 x 24.8 x 22.9 inches
- Outlets: One 120V 30A RV outlet (TT-30R), one 120V 30A locking outlet (L5-30R) and two 120V 20A household outlets (5-20R) - trust Volt Guard built-in surge protector to prevent overloads
- Champion Support: Includes 3-year limited warranty with FREE lifetime technical support from dedicated experts
6) Duromax XP4850EH Dual Fuel
While the Duromax XP4850EH dual fuel generator is not as powerful as other generators – with a rating of 3850 watts under load(and 4850 peak watts), it’s still quite affordable for a generator that uses a 7 horsepower engine with a 196cc capacity.
The generator has an electric key start and a recoil starter as a backup. On the panel, you’ll find a voltage meter that shows how much voltage the generator is pumping out, as well as a low oil light and the outlets/
To switch from gas to propane, you can flick a switch and the generator will begin using the other tank.
The good thing about the Duromax is the built in muffler, which greatly reduces the noise levels.
Transporting is also quite easy. This generator weights only 130 pounds, and has tires and well designed handles that make transporting a breeze.
Pros
- 3 year warranty
- Light and easy to move around
- Customers generally happy with this model
Cons
- On the lower side of the power scale
- Plenty of Power – With 4,850 starting watts and 3,850 running watts, this unit can handle heavy loads, from lights and a refrigerator to a home air conditioner and high amperage power tools
- Dual Fuel Technology – This generator runs on gasoline or propane, giving you the freedom and flexibility of fuel choice
- Powerful Engine – The DuroMax 210cc OHV engine is a workhorse that provides plenty of power to handle multiple jobs, from powering high voltage appliances to heavy duty power tools
- MX2 Technology - Get the maximum power from each of the 120-volt receptacles. Choose between operating the generator at both 120V and 240V simultaneously, or at 120V only with full power. Ideal for usage with RVs
- Fully Featured Power Panel – The power panel includes a wide selection of outlets for maximum compatibility in your applications including: (2O) 120V household GFCI outlets and (1) 120/240V 30A twist lock outlet. The panel also includes a voltmeter and 12V DC charging posts for charging external batteries
7) Firman H03651 Hybrid Series
Even though this dual fuel generator is from a relatively unknown brand, it still makes our list because the manufacturer offers a 3 year warranty, which is very rare in this market.
To start the Firman generator, you use the electric start. If that does not work for whatever reason, there is a recoil starter backup, too.
In order to change the fuel source from gasoline to propane, you just need to hit a switch(and have the fuel in the tank, obviously).
There is also a built in fuel gauge, something often overlooked in most generators but very useful for knowing when you’re going to run out.
There are four outlets that include covers on them to protect them from the outdoors.
You can also use it in an RV, as there is a 120V 30A outlet especially meant for RVs.
There are 2 120V outlets and a third 120V 30A outlet.
It is very sturdy, comparatively lightweight(considering it is a generator), and it has nice large wheels and a handle so you can move it around in a cinch.
The engine in this generator is a 4-stroke, 7 HP OHV engine that can churn out 4550 peak watts or 3650 running watts with gasoline.
If you’re using propane(LPG), then you’ll get 4100 peak watts and 3300 running watts.
There’s also an automatic shutoff feature in case the pressure gets too low.
Pros
- Warranty
- Outlets are covered
- Ready for use in an RV
Cons
- Only 2 outlets
- Not as common so less community help in case something goes wrong
- Dual Fuel - Works on Gasoline or Propane
- Starting Watts -4550 Gas/4100 LPG
- Running Watts 3650 Watt Gas/3300 Watt LPG
- Engine Brand - Firman 4 Stroke, 208 CC, 7 HP
- Electric and Recoil Start
8) Sportsman GEN4000DF: The DF stands for Dual Fuel
The Sportsman GEN4000DF is a very minimalistic dual fuel generator. It is one of the cheapest options available, and many features found in higher end models are not present. However, if budget is your primary concern, then this is worth considering.
The engine is relatively weak and can only generate 3500 running watts, which will not be enough for a home but it will be good enough for an RV or for a backup power source.
Some of the features that are not present are the electric start – the only way to get this generator going is with a recoil cable.
On the front of the generator, you’ll find a voltage meter, the power switch, circuit breakers, and power outlets:
- 4 x 120V
- 1 x 120V RV outlet
- 1 x 1-12V DC outlet
The Sportsman is also a great choice for camping and tailgating. Weighing just 90 pounds, it is one of the lightest generators we have reviewed. The challenge will be moving it, though, since it does not have any wheels.
Pros
- 1 year warranty
- Budget friendly
- CARB compliant
Cons
- Difficult to transport
- Only manual start
9) Pulsar PG10000B16 Dual Fuel High Power Generator
The Pulsar PG10000B16, as the number in the model name suggests, is an incredibly high power generator capable of outputting 10,000 peak watts and 8,000 watts under load. This is running on gasoline.
If running on propane, the peak watts will be 9,000, and the running watts will be 7,000, which is still quite a lot and more than enough to power a normal sized home.
As a result the Pulsar PG10000B is a great choice for a backup generator for homes. It has a super long run time: with a 1000 watt load, it can last up to 48 hours before needing refilling again.
Outlets:
- 4 x 120V
- 1 x 120V/240V twist lock
- 1 x 120V 30A RV outlet
- 1 x 120V 50A outlet
Since there is an RV outlet, this generator is RV ready and can be good to go right out of the box.
It weighs 200 lbs, but the wheels and twin handles make moving it around quite a straightforward job.
Pulsar offers a 2 year warranty, have good customer service, and also include a surprisingly in-depth and detailed manual.
Pros
- Electric start
- Auto shut off on low oil pressure
- Long runtime
Cons
- Very costly compared to other models
- 10, 000W peak 8000W rated (gas)/ 9000W peak 7000W rated (LPG)
- The powerful 420cc, 4-stroke, OHV, air cooled Engine is protected by a durable powder coated Steel frame
- A large 6. 6 gallon fuel tank give you up to 12 hours of continuous operation at half load when running on gasoline
- Switch & go technology allow for seamless transitioning between LPG and gasoline fuel sources while still in operation
- Electric push start with recoil backup make start-up quick and easy, so you can get up and running with less hassle
Can a dual fuel generator power an entire home?
To power an entire home, you need about 5000-6000 watts of energy. This is considering you have an average sized home and an average size family.
For larger homes and more users, you’ll need more wattage.
5000 watts should be able to power most of the electricity in your home, except for electric furnaces or heaters – these are energy guzzlers and will require a lot more energy – somewhere in the range of 15,000 watts.
If you have a gas heating system(for both water and air), you should not have any issues.
Another utility that draws a lot of energy is a well pump, which typically uses nearly 4000 watts. The best way to know if your home will be fine with your generator is to just add up the wattages of the appliances you wish to use at any one point in time and that should give you a good idea.
Regardless, if you are unable to run your whole house with a generator, you can certainly use it as an emergency power source when the grid is down and keep the critical appliances running.
Can you convert a standard generator to LPG?
Like cars in many countries, it is possible to convert a gasoline generator so that it will operate on LPG. Some mods even let you use LPG as a backup source. It’s not very easy to do but there are tutorials out there.
There are also conversion kits available which you can use.
However, the straightforward solution would be to just get a dual fuel generator! This will relieve you of the challenges and potential hair pulling of a technical DIY project.
Unless you’re the DIY type, in which case, knock yourself out!
Not only are portable generators good for emergencies but they’re also a useful utility to have for camping, RVing, and tailgating.
Since you’re using a dual fuel generator you can use gasoline where propane is not available and propane when it is – though you’d prefer using propane, since it is more eco friendly and it is also cheaper.
The dual fuel generator models that we’ve listed in this post are all great performers and they would not have made our list had we not been confident in them.
Best Dual Fuel Generator For RV?
STILL HAVE TO EDIT
As you have seen from the reviews above, a number of the dual fuel generators we reviewed above have an RV outlet out of the box and can be used immediately in your camper:
- Firman H03651 Hybrid Series
- Champion 3800W
- Pulsar PG10000B
- Sportsman GEN4000DF
The other generators can be easily made RV compatible using an adapter:
- For 4-prong generator connections
- Comfort grip with non-slip grooves
- One piece heavy-duty construction
- Connect L14-30 locking receptacle to a standard 30 amp RV cord set (TT-30)
- Easy to use
- Electrical Rating: 30 Amp 125V/3750W L5-30P locking male plug to TT-30R female receptacle standard connector. Must have if you power 30 Amp RV from generator. Length is 12 inches.
- Superior Durability: RVGUARD adapter is built with 100% copper wiring coated with flame retardant and UV-resistant PVC sleeve that serves as protection from outdoor elements, wear and tear.
- Disconnect Handle: The RVGUARD disconnect handle for easier plugging in and unplugging without damaging the cable.
- Safe Construction: L5-30P male end can be locked securely into place at the generator end, avoids cord slipping from holster and lock tightly.
- Power Indicating: LED power indicator light of RVGUARD adapter cord visually informs the user when the cord is connected to the power source.
- RV Camp Power - Length is 18 inches
- Rated for 125V/3750W - 30A 125/250V L14-30P Locking Plug
- L14-30P Locking Plug toTT-30R Standard Connector
- Length is 18 inches
- RV 30A Female
Dual Fuel VS Gasoline Only
The advantage of a dual fuel generator is that in emergencies, you have the option of using whichever fuel is available to you. Also, if you happen to have both full tanks, then you can effectively double your running time.
Gasoline
- Available everywhere
- Expensive
- Toxic fumes
- Can’t be stored for a long period of time without stabilizer
- Works better in the cold than LPG
LPG
- Cheaper than gasoline
- Can’t be spilled
- Quieter running
- Less carbon monoxide in fumes
- Less wear and stress on engine
- Can be stored for a long time