Many homeowners and hunting enthusiasts choose to purchase a generator. Having this source of power, or backup power, is a great way to make home or hunting camp a little cozier. When purchasing one, it’s important to select the best dual-fuel (or tri-fuel) generator for your hunting camp.
Several elements were studied when analyzing the best dual fuel generators. Brand experience, online rankings, and personal experience were involved. This outlook also includes an objective approach, and analyzes rated watts, surge watts, fuel types, fuel tank sizes, average run times, dimensions, weight, outlet offerings, specialty features (i.e.: remote start, CO shutdown sensors), etc. Then, it compares these things to pricing, customer reviews, and more. Of course, each selected generator appearing on this list received high marks in multiple categories.
All said, here are our top generator options to consider, along with some key factors to keep in mind:
What Is a Dual Fuel Generator?
A dual-fuel generator is a generator that is designed to run on two different fuel sources, typically gasoline and propane.
The ability to switch between gasoline and propane is useful because it gives you backup options. If one type of fuel is hard to find or runs out, you can switch to the other fuel instead. This flexibility ensures your generator will keep running even when access to certain fuels is disrupted.
Each company offers a range of generator sizes, and we couldn’t include multiple options for each brand. If one brand stands out to you over another, check out the additional offerings on their respective websites. You might find another offering from a brand that better fits your needs and expectations.
1. WEN DF5600X 5,600-Watt Dual Fuel Portable Generator
The WEN DF5600X 5,600-Watt Dual Fuel Portable Generator is an excellent selection. It comes in at a great price-point. It’s a great entry-level generator for short-term power outages and hunting camps.
Key Features
MSRP: $433.55
Rated Watts: 4,500 (gasoline) / 4,050 (propane)
Surge Watts: 5,600 (gasoline) / 5,000 (propane)
Fuel Tank Size: 4.3 gallons
Fuel Types: Gasoline or propane
Average Run Time: 12.5 hours (½ load)
Dimensions: 25.98 inches (length) by 21.85 inches (width) by 27.17 inches (height) — with wheel kit)
Weight: 112.99 pounds (with handle and wheel kit)
Outlets: Two standard 120V 5-20R 20 AMP outlets / one RV-ready 120V 30 AMP TT-30R outlet / one transfer-switch-ready 120V 30 AMP NEMA L5-30R twist-lock receptacle
Remote Start: No
CO Shutdown Sensor: Yes
Included
- 224 CC engine
- Handle kit
- Wheel kit
- Three-year warranty
Pros
- CO shutdown sensor protects against harmful levels of carbon monoxide.
- On-board digital display shows voltage, frequency, total runtime, and session runtime.
- Good sizing
Cons
- Smaller engine and less output
2. Firman Dual Fuel 5,700-Watt Portable Generator
The Firman Dual Fuel 5,700-Watt Portable Generator carries a heftier price tag, but it makes up for it with performance. It’s loaded with features. Furthermore, it offers a lot of “extras” consumers can benefit from.
Key Features
MSRP: $1,149.99
Starting Watts: 7,125 (gasoline) / 7,125 (propane)
Running Watts: 5,700 (gasoline) / 5,700 (propane)
Fuel Tank Size: 8 gallons
Fuel Types: Gasoline or propane
Average Run Time: Up to 12 hours
Dimensions: 26.8 inches by 27.5 inches by 45 inches (including handle and wheel kits)
Weight: 176 pounds
Noise Level: 72 dB (at ½ load)
Outlets: Two 5-20R 120V 20A Duplex GFCI / one L5-30R 120V 30A Twist Lock / one L14-30R 120V-240V 30A Twist Lock
Remote Start: No
CO Shutdown Sensor: No
Included
- 439 CC engine
- Handle kit
- Wheel kit
- Multi-featured control panel
- Covered outlets
- Three-year warranty
Pros
- Incredible versatility
- Low-oil shut off
- Cast iron sleeve
- Recoil start
- Power stream alternator
Cons
- Pricier MSRP
3. Pulsar 6,500-Watt Portable Dual Fuel Generator
Pulsar’s 6,500-Watt Portable Dual Fuel Generator is a smaller machine that still packs a big punch. It’s great for smaller camps and jobs. It doesn’t include many add-ons, such as remote start or CO shutdown sensors, but does offer considerable reliability.
Key Features
MSRP: $599.99
Running Watts: 5,500 (gasoline) / 4,900 (propane)
Peak Watts: 6,500 (gasoline) / 5,800 (propane)
Fuel Tank Size: 5.2 gallons
Fuel Types: Gasoline or propane
Average Run Time: 11 hours (at ½ load)
Dimensions: 25 inches (length) by 24 inches (width) by 21.5 inches (height)
Weight: 126 pounds
Noise Level: 73 dB
Outlets: Four 120V / one 30 AMP RV or camper outlet) / one 120V/240V Twist Lock Outlet / one 12V DC 8.3A outlet
Remote Start: No
CO Shutdown Sensor: No
Included
- 274 CC engine
- Mobility kit (handle and wheel kit)
- Propane hose
- Spark plug wrench
- One-year warranty
Pros
- Voltage meter and automatic voltage regulator
- Low-oil shutdown
- 8.5 horsepower
Cons
- No outlet covers and lesser warranty
4. Generac GP7500E Dual Fuel Generator
The GP7500E Dual Fuel Generator by Generac is a pricey unit, but it backs up that price tag with great work. It offers a great number of extras, too. On top of that, it provides users with a great run time and good warranty.
Key Features
MSRP: $1,099
Starting Watts: 9,400 (gasoline) / 8,500 (propane)
Running Watts: 7,500 (gasoline) / 6,800 (propane)
Fuel Tank Size: 7.9 gallons
Fuel Types: Gasoline or propane
Average Run Time: 10 hours (½ load with gasoline)
Dimensions: 27 inches (wide) by 27.18 inches (long) by 27.09 inches (tall)
Weight: 208 pounds
Outlets: Two 120V 20A 5-20R GFCI Duplex, two 1-Pole 20A circuit breaker, 2-Pole 30A circuit breaker, one 120/240V 30A L14-30R Twist Lock Outlet
Remote Start: No
CO Shutdown Sensor: Yes
Included
- 420 CC engine
- Heavy-duty, never-flat wheels
- Fold down locking handle
- Three-year warranty (residential) / Two-year warranty (commercial)
Pros
- Electric start
- Hour meter
- Low-oil pressure shutdown
- COSense red (hazard)
- COSense yellow (fault)
Cons
- Pricier MSRP
5. Champion 8,000-Watt Electric Start Dual Fuel Generator
The Champion 8,000-Watt Electric Start Dual Fuel Generator is the ideal mid-sized generator. Incredibly, it performs even better than its MSRP suggests it should. This machine is small enough to handle but big enough to tackle moderate generator tasks.
Key Features
MSRP: Approximately $850-$900
Starting Watts: 10,000 (gasoline) / 9,025 (propane)
Running Watts: 8,000 (gasoline) / 7,250 (propane)
Fuel Tank Size: 6 gallons
Fuel Types: Gasoline or propane
Average Run Time: 8 hours (½ load with gasoline) / 5 hours (½ load with propane)
Dimensions: 27.8 inches (length) by 28.7 inches (width) by 26 inches (height)
Weight: 209.4 pounds
Noise Level: 74 dB (from 23 feet)
Outlets: Four 120V 20A GFCI protected household outlets (5-20R), one 120V 30A locking outlet (L5-30R), and one 120/240V 30A locking outlet (L14-30R)
Remote Start: No
Included
- 459 CC engine
- Battery
- Engine oil
- Wheel kit
- 3.3-FT propane hose (with built-in regulator)
- Three-year limited warranty
Pros
- Electric start
- IntelliGauge (three-mode digital meter)
- Cold Start Technology
- Volt Guard (built-in surge protector)
- Low-oil shut-off sensor
Cons
- Heavier unit
6. Westinghouse WGen 12,000 DFC Dual Fuel Generator (with CO Sensor)
Westinghouse’s WGen 12,000 DFC Dual Fuel Generator (with CO Sensor) is a well-built generator. However, it comes with a very pricey MSRP. That said, it’s a larger selection and offers enough muscle to tackle objectives other generators can’t handle.
Key Features
MSRP: $3,099
Running Watts: 12,000 (gasoline) / 10,800 (propane)
Peak Watts: 15,000 (gasoline) / 13,500 (propane)
Fuel Tank Size: 10.5 gallons
Fuel Types: Gasoline or propane
Average Run Time: 11 hours (½ load with gasoline)
Dimensions: 34 inches (length) by 31 inches (width) by 35 inches (height)
Weight: 352 pounds
Noise Level: 74 dB
Outlets: Two GFCI 5-20R household duplex outlets, one L5-30R, one transfer switch ready L14-30R 120/240-Volt twist-lock, one 120/240V 14-50R, and two USB ports (with rubber outlet covers)
Remote Start: Yes
CO Shutdown Sensor: Yes
Included
- 713 CC engine
- Handle kit
- Heavy-duty, never-flat wheels
- Three-year warranty
Pros
- Electric start
- RV ready
- Digital readout display
- Low-oil shutdown
- Overload protection
Cons
- Very high price tag
7. All Power America APGG12000 12,000-Watt Dual Fuel Generator
All Power America’s APGG12000 12,000-Watt Dual Fuel Generator gets the nod as another great pick. It’s priced quite reasonably for the machine received in return for its MSRP. It even provides a greater variety of outlet types than most generators.
Key Features
MSRP: $1,099.99
Starting Watts: 12,000 (gasoline) / 9,000 (propane)
Running Watts: 9,000 (gasoline) / 7,000 (propane)
Fuel Tank Size: 8 gallons
Fuel Types: Gasoline or propane
Average Run Time: 10 hours (½ load with gasoline)
Weight: 233 pounds
Noise Level: 76 dB
Outlets: Two AC Duplex Receptacle 120V, one 120V twist-lock, one 120/240V twist-lock, and one 12V DC (with grounding) outlets
Remote Start: No
CO Shutdown Sensor: Yes
Included
- 459 cc OHV air-cooled engine
- Hand kit
- Wheel kit
- Two-year limited warranty
Pros
- Electric start
- Digital hour meter
- Affordable pricing
Cons
- Heavier unit
8. G-Power America GN 13,000-Watt DEW Dual Fuel Generator
G-Power America’ GN 13,000-Watt DEW Dual Fuel Generator offers top-end watts for a mid-range MSRP. It’s a go-to for a lot of consumers. In addition to the six AC outlets, it also provides one DC outlet, which some units don’t include.
Key Features
MSRP: $1,099.88
Starting Watts: 13,000 (gasoline) / 11,750 (propane)
Running Watts: 10,500 (gasoline) / 9,550 (propane)
Fuel Tank Size: 6.6 gallons
Fuel Types: Gasoline or propane
Average Run Time: 7.5 hours (½ load with gasoline) / 4.5 hours (½ load with propane)
Dimensions: 27.3 inches (length) by 26.5 inches (width) by 24.1 inches (height)
Weight: 204 pounds
Noise Level: 74 dB
Outlets: Six weather-proof covered AC outlets and one DC outlet
Remote Start: No
Included
- 478 CC 4-cycle OHV 18-HP engine
- 10-inch solid wheels
- Two-year manufacturers limited warranty
Pros
- Low-oil auto-shutoff
- Overload protector
- 3-in-1 LED digital display
- Hour meter
Cons
- Lower run time (comparatively)
9. Predator 13,000-Watt Tri-Fuel Portable Generator
A big generator puts out big-time energy, and the Predator 13,000-Watt Tri-Fuel Portable Generator does that. For its size, it’s also priced quite well. Of course, being tri-fuel, it offers another option for fueling the unit. It even incorporates remote start, CO shutdown sensors, low-oil shutdown, and much more.
Key Features
MSRP: $1,199.99
Starting Watts: 13,000 (gasoline) / 12,000 (propane) / 10,000 (natural gas)
Running Watts: 10,000 (gasoline) / 9,100 (propane) / 7,800 (natural gas)
Fuel Tank Size: 100-pound
Fuel Types: Gasoline, propane, or natural gas
Average Run Time: 16 hours (with 100-pound tank at ½ load)
Dimensions: 30.25 inches (length) by 29.5 inches (width) by 27.5 inches (height)
Weight: 226 pounds
Noise Level: 78.5 dB (½ load)
Outlets: Two 120V 20 AMP GFCI-protected duplex outlets, one 120V/240V 50 AMP RV outlet, one 120V/240V 30 AMP twist-lock outlet, and 120V 30 AMP twist-lock outlet.
Remote Start: Yes
CO Shutdown Sensor: Yes
Included
- 458 CC engine
- Heavy-duty 1.25-inch frame
- Foldable handle kit
- 10-inch wheels
Pros
- Electric start
- Low-oil shutdown
- Remote, electric, and recoil start options
Cons
- Heavier unit
10. DuroMax 15,000-Watt Electric Start Tri-Fuel Portable Generator
Finally, the DuroMax 15,000-Watt Electric Start Tri-Fuel Portable Generator is a fantastic generator. However, it’s priced quite high in relation to comparative generators. That said, the DuroMax brand carries an industry-leading five-year warranty, and that’s no small consideration when buying a generator.
Key Features
MSRP: $2,999
Running Watts: 12,000 (gasoline) / 11,400 (propane) / 10,260 (natural gas)
Peak Watts: 15,000 (gasoline) / 14,250 (propane) / 12,825 (natural gas)
Fuel Tank Size: 13.2 gallons
Fuel Types: Gasoline, propane, or natural gas
Average Run Time: 12 hours (½ load with gasoline) / 8.5 hours (½ load with propane)
Dimensions: 36 inches (length) by 33.2 inches (width) by 32 inches (height)
Weight: 362 pounds (with natural gas)
Noise Level: 78 dB (½ load)
Outlets: One 50 AMP plug, one 120V 30 AMP plug, one 120/240V 30 AMP plug, and 10 standard household outlets
Remote Start: Yes
CO Shutdown Sensor: Yes (alert)
Included
- 670 CC engine (4-stroke OHV)
- Handle kit
- Wheel kit
- Five-year warranty
Pros
- Digital control center
- Hour meter
- Low-oil automatic shutdown
Cons
- High MSRP
Who Needs a Dual Fuel Generator?
Some people are more likely to need a generator than others. The following individuals or families are especially likely to need a dual-fuel (or tri-fuel) generator.
- In hunting camps without power
- In storm-risk areas
- Areas with routine blackouts
- Locations with unreliable power or constant power outages
- Those with a need for emergency backup power, such as people who rely on medical equipment, freezers, refrigerators, etc.
Things to Consider with Dual Fuel Generators
There are numerous things to consider when purchasing a dual-fuel generator. Keep the following factors (and more) in mind:
- Size
- Weight
- Wattage
- Fuel type(s)
- Fuel tank size and run time
- Portability
- Power output
- Ease of use
- Durability and reputation
- Surge protection
- Sensor protection
- Safety
- Price
- And more
Dual Fuel Generator FAQs
Q: Why is dual fuel necessary when choosing the best generator?
A: This provides additional fuel type options if resources are limited.
Q: What fuel types do dual-fuel generators run on?
A: Most generators run on gasoline, propane, and/or natural gas.
Q: What is a typical run time for a dual-fuel generator?
A: Most run times (at ½ or 50% load) range from 7 to 16 hours.
Q: What is the best wattage in a dual-fuel generator?
A: Wattages range from about 5,500 starting watts to 15,000 starting watts (or more). Choose what best fits the task at hand.
Q: How much should a dual-fuel generator cost?
A: Dual-fuel generators range from $450 to $3,000 (and higher).
Q: What is a tri-fuel generator?
A: A tri-fuel generator runs on gasoline, propane, or natural gas.
In summary, there are many different dual fuel generators on the market. Those outlined above are some of the best. Our in-house editor’s pick is the Champion 8,000-Watt Electric Start Dual Fuel Generator. It checks all the important boxes, and then some.
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