Top 4 Best Tri-Fuel Generators | 2024 Buying Guide

Tri-Fuel generators as the name indicates run on all three types of fuel i.e.; gasoline, propane, and natural gas. Tri-fuel generators are potent generators that everyone needs in a power crisis. These generators save you a lot of money, time, and most importantly stress. You can use any of the three fuel options, for example, in extremely cold temperatures when gasoline is highly expensive, you can use propane or natural gas instead to light up your house.

Tri-fuel generators are strong enough to run refrigerators and air conditioners in hot temperature conditions. In short, these generators are extremely good in times of power outages.

In our article, Best Tri-Fuel Generators review, we have thoroughly discussed some of the best tri-fuel generators. The review includes its specifications, features, pros and cons, and all the information that you are searching for. These products are tested by our worthy experts and hopefully, this will help you a lot in finding the best tri-fuel generator for your house or camping. So, stay with us!

What is a tri-fuel generator?

Tri-fuel generator is a type of generator that runs on all three types of fuel i.e.; gasoline, propane, and natural gas. These are the latest technology generators that would be your life savior in a time of crisis. Suppose you don’t have gasoline due to some reason, you can use the other two types of fuel to run it.

Fortunately, operating this tri-fuel generator is also not very technical. They have built-in systems that spontaneously and smoothly turn on another fuel option.

Best Tri-Fuel Generator – Review

Although there is a long list of generators available in the market we will discuss the top 4 tri-fuel generators that are excellent in every technical sense. Our experts tested these products and this review is based on our own experience. You will get to know about the specifications, best quality, and features of these products.

1. DuroMax XP13000HXT – Most Reliable Backup Generator

DuroMax XP13000HXT is our top pick. This amazing tri-fuel generator has all the qualities that you are looking for. Our experts have tested it very keenly and it passed almost all our tests.

Firstly, Duromax XP13000HXT is a tri-fuel generator that runs on all fuel types. It works on the latest tri-fuel technology thus making your life easier. In case of any emergency, you don’t have to go out to find the fuel source, you can simply connect this generator to your natural gas pipeline, and it’s ready to go.

It has a power of 13000 watts to light up all the home appliances including your refrigerator, AC, TV, and many other things in your house. So, in case of a power outage, you don’t have to worry. This 13000-watt generator has a robust 500cc OHV engine that makes it significant among other generators. The engine has 100% copper winding, making it durable for a lifetime and also enhancing its performance.

Another advanced thing in this generator is its CO Alert technology which is brought to you for the safety of your family. This technology makes sure to alert you when there is a rise in the carbon monoxide level in the surroundings.

It has a strongly built body yet is very lightweight, easy to carry, and most importantly very easy to start and turn off with a single push button. Duromax generators are EPA and CARB-approved and have a warranty of 5 years.

Specifications

2. Champion Power Equipment 100416 – All rounder Generator

Champion Power Equipment 100416 is another tri-fuel generator and it works with all three types of fuel excellently. This generator is the best overall because of its eco-friendly technology and efficient performance. The Champion Power company is perfect in its manufacturing of power equipment as they know the customer’s demands and manufacture things accordingly.

There is a hose to connect the home natural gas pipeline thus making it very convenient to use. Champion Power Equipment generator has a 10,000-watt capacity which is enough to run all the home appliances at once. Its engine has 100% copper winding to make it work longer and more efficiently.

Amazingly, the body is sturdy and very easy to transport from one place to another. You can also take this generator with you for camping. It will surely make your life easier. Champion Power generator also accompanies the CO alert shutoff system. It means that when the level of CO increases in the surroundings generator will automatically shut off. This excellent feature ensures the safety of you and your family.

Through our careful analysis of this product, we have found out that the customer support service isn’t as good as it should be. Otherwise, overall this generator is a very good option.

Specifications

3. DuroMax XP12000EH Generator – Best Budget Generator

Third on our list is the DuroMax XP12000EH Generator, which is a 12000-watt generator. This generator has gained popularity for 6 years. Duromax company is well known for producing high-quality and reliable generators. They use their latest technology to bring the best to their customers.

It works on dual-fuel technology which means that you can use propane or gasoline as a fuel source. It has an automatic fuel-shifting technology technique. It senses the low fuel level on its own and automatically shifts to other available fuel. It saves you a lot of the hassle of changing fuel off and on.

I have observed its amazing streamlined body is very helpful in trans[oting from one place to another. It is very easy to carry this generator because of its compact size and lightweightness. Its manual operating system is very easy to understand.

It has a 457cc OHV four-stroke engine that is highly efficient and very light on the pockets. Duromax generator has 7 hrs run time on 50% load which is an excellent thing for any generator having this much price.

Duromax XP12000EH Generator is both EPA AND CARB-approved.

Specifications

4. Firman H07552 7500W RunningTri Fuel Generator – best for Camping

Firman H07552 7500W RunningTri Fuel Generator is another smart tri-fuel generator on our list. Our team has observed this generator very keenly and concluded that this generator is no less than any high-quality generator. I recommend you buy this one if you want something affordable for your home.

Firman is a company known for its excellence in the field of generator technology and you will observe that most people have this generator. This generator is also best if you are one who loves camping. It makes your life easier while camping. The wattage it provides is enough to turn on lights and other appliances. You can also use it for your home.

But it wouldn’t recommend using sensitive electronic appliances. It has a capacity of 7500 watts and can run continuously for up to 12 long hrs. The thing that I love about this generator is its amazing and easy control panel. The panel is located in front of it and it displays voltage, frequency, and time of usage.

You can say that the Firman H07552 generator is silent as compared to its other parallel models. Wheels help in the transport from one place to another

Specifications

Advantages and Disadvantages of Tri-fuel Generator

Every technology has some good and bad sides so is the case with the tri-fuel generator. Now we will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of these generators as per our own experience.

Advantages of Tri-Fuel Generator

Flexibility

Tri-fuel generators are highly convenient as they bring you the flexibility of using all three fuel types’ propane, gasoline, and natural gas. In a time of emergency, if propane or gasoline isn’t available, you can hook up your generator to your house’s natural gas pipeline.

This method is very beneficial, especially in the winter when propane and gasoline aren’t readily available. Tri-fuel generators make your life easy and simple without worrying about power outages in the severe winter season.

Easy to Transport

All the tri-fuel generators are very compact and lightweight. These are the latest technology generators and are especially preferred by most campers. Wheels are located on the bottom side of the generator and you can easily carry them wherever you want. Because of these advantages, these tri-fuel generators are loved by everyone.

Convenient

As we have discussed earlier, tri-fuel generators can run on all three fuel types and you can easily trade your generator from one type to another by just changing the hose some generators have the automatic shifting option when the sensors detect the lower level of fuel in them. What else do you want?

Moreover, you can carry them easily with the handle because of their compact size and lightweightness.

Disadvantages of Tri-Fuel Generator

Affordability

There are not so many disadvantages of tri-fuel generators but the one we have studied and asked people about is its price. Technology is very expensive and tri-fuel generators are the epitome of technology. So, we can expect prices to be higher than ordinary generators.

If you have a tight budget and can’t buy this and this is a big downside of this amazing generator.

Things to Consider Before Buying – Buying Guide

Buying anything whether it’s cheap or expensive needs some expertise. Here we will discuss the things to consider before buying a tri-fuel generator. So, let’s have a quick view;

Run time

Running time is an important factor in selecting a generator. There is some question that one should ask himself are you purchasing it for home or for camping? Are you going to use it in power outages or at night only? Are you going to use it for a very long period of time? Never forget that the generator will wear out depending on how frequently and how long it is used.

The convenient Fuel source for you

As tri-fuel generators run on all fuel types still you must keep in mind which one you are going to use mostly. As for your knowledge, higher surge and operating watts are provided by gas, but due to its limited shelf life, it can quickly degrade your generator engine over time. Instead, I will recommend you choose a natural gas fuel source as this is easily available. You just have to connect it to the source supply.

However, compared to the operating or surge wattage offered by gasoline or propane, natural gas is not as powerful. Fueling with propane has power ratings that are comparable to those of gasoline. Furthermore, because propane has a longer shelf life, it makes the generator function more effectively.

Location of the Generator

The location of the generator matters a lot. You can use your generator for activities outside in addition to utilizing it at home, such as road vacations and parties. So, if you want to use the generator for the home only, you can also purchase a dual-fuel generator that is much more affordable.

Electric outlets

If you observe the interface of the generator you will notice that there are many electric outlets present on the generator. And all of these have different volts and uses. Therefore, it is essential to take the variety of power outlet types into account when choosing a tri-fuel generator and which one is suitable for you.

How many gadgets you can turn off using the generator depends on the number of outlets. 120 volts outlets are present on the generator and you can power practically everything with these many outlets. You can charge practically all of your devices with this many outlets.

When buying some highly sensitive devices like freezers and refrigerators, it’s also a good idea to think about whether they have a (120V/240V) twist-lock style power socket. For recharging mini-electronics devices, you can also search for items with USB ports.

An AVR System

The generator’s voltage output can be adjusted using the AVR system, or automated voltage regulator system. This system is very useful and essential for you as it saves your electric appliances from getting damaged because of fluctuations. It maintains a stable voltage output.

Your gadgets, such as computers and cell phones, could be harmed, for instance. However, you won’t require an AVR setup for high-voltage appliances.

Certifications

If you are concerned about the generator’s impact on the environment, you might want to opt for something that is EPA and CARB-approved. You might also try to find a company with a solid reputation for customer service.

Tank Size for Fuel

You must also take into account the fuel tank capacity when choosing a tri-fuel generator. The size of the fuel tank, however, is only important if you use gasoline to power your generator; if you use natural gas, you can acquire your fuel from the pipelines, although propane requires a tank.

Fuel tanks have different capacities depending on the generator. For instance, a 15-gallon tank can be what you discover. A 7-gallon tank is another thing you’ll see.

In addition, the tank capacity more commonly determines the generator’s size. The frequency of feeding your generator is also determined by it. The more frequent filling is necessary for a smaller tank.

Warranty

The cost of a tri-fuel generator is high. In reality, it is pricey and isn’t affordable for everyone. It should therefore be strong and long-lasting. You would want to make sure that your purchase has a decent warranty as a buyer. It ought to have a warranty of at least three years. Therefore, it will be beneficial to look into the warranty before making a purchase.

Tri-Fuel Conversion Kits for a Generator

There are some people who own a dual-fuel generator but now they want to have a tri-fuel generator for their needs. But Wait! Don’t spend an extravagant amount on buying a tri-fuel generator as they are highly expensive.

You can easily convert your dual-fuel generators into tri-fuel generators by spending just a small amount on a conversion kit. All you have to do is follow the simple and easy steps carefully and thank us later.

Many companies manufacture their conversion kits as they are in high demand nowadays. These conversion kits accompany all the accessories like space, gasket, bolts, and other hardware. Conversion kits have a regulator that permits fuel to flow through the engine while there is suction.

You can attach your house’s natural gas pipeline with this kit and your generator is ready to run on natural gas.

Now follow the steps for conversion;

Step#1: The air filter housing that is located on the front side of the generator’s carburettor needs extra care. Try not to disturb the air filter and gasket and leave them as they are. When putting the generator back together, you’ll need them.

STEP#2: If your conversion kit included a spacer, this is where you would use it to create some more room in front of the carburetor. A set of studs could also work. By screwing the spacer/studs into the bolts protruding from the carburetor, i.e., where the air filter housing once was, you can add more room.

Teflon tape is a good choice for this procedure since it enables you to slide the adaptor back off if you need to adjust the carburetor. Teflon tape also makes sure that the threads are completely closed.

STEP#3: Replace the gasket before reattaching the filter housing. Any exposed area would allow air to enter behind the filter housing, therefore avoid it.

STEP#4: Most generators require drilling on-demand regulators onto the frame through the bolt. As there is a chance of drilling into the gasoline tank, this procedure is delicate. So, take caution. Ensure that the regulator attachment is pointing downward as well. If you’re overly concerned about drilling, order a conversion kit with unique regulator installation hardware.

STEP#5: The hose connects the on-demand regulator’s output to the carburetor adapter. Hose clamps are required at both ends. Nevertheless, if you have only one clamp, put it to use at the outlet end.

STEP#6: Gas hose number two is required to connect natural gas. The on-demand regulator is connected by a gas line to the gas line in your home. For your on-demand regulator to operate smoothly when connected to the natural gas line, you might also need to adjust the set screw.

Best Tri Fuel Generators – FAQs

Best Tri-Fuel Generator – Verdict

To sum up, we have brought to you the 4 best tri-fuel generators from which the DUROMAX XP13000HXT generator is our top pick. It has all the latest qualities that a generator should have. It is easy to handle, easy to carry, and easy to control. The only downside of these generators is that are of high price.

These tri-fuel generators work on all three types of fuel and you can run them with the available fuel without any hassle. Due to their convenient and flexible nature, these generators are most popular among the masses.