Generac GP6500 generator overview
The manufacturing process of the Generac portable generator takes place in Whitewater, Wisconsin. It’s the first and the oldest headquarters of this company.
This 7683 model is a Generac 6500-watt portable generator. It comes powered by a 4-stroke 389cc Generac OHV engine with Splash lubrication.
Almost 90% of users recommend this Generac 6500-watt generator on Amazon. The most liked features were easy installation, expert support, overall performance, etc.
Overall it’s a suitable option for those who need a generator with a starting power of 8125 watts and 6500 running watts.
However, there are no USB outlets for safe charging your devices such as mobile, cameras, etc. This can be a bit troublesome for campers.
Let’s check this Generac portable generator specs…
Power Output And Tank Size
To find a suitable generator that fits all your backup power needs. You have to calculate wisely your power requirements.
Knowing the required power output will filter the long list of available generators helping you decide faster.
I suggest purchasing a generator with at least 20% more power than you need. Extra power will make sure your generator does not overload, thus saving the engine from damage.
It will also be good to have some extra power for emergencies when extra power becomes lifesaving.
Running a generator at 80% – 90% of its max output also increases the generator’s engine life and performance.
This Generac 6500-watt generator has impressive starting power of 8125 watts running on gasoline. With this starting capacity, you can start heavy power tools that use electric motors easily.
And, then running watts of 6500 watts is plenty to run all your household and heavy power tools. This Generac generator can also supply power at job sites, outdoor parties, etc.
But, still, if you need one with more power you might want to check the Generac 7676 GP8000E Portable Generator model. It has 8000 running watts and 10000 watts of starting power.
I used to think that having large tanks is better. But, soon I realized that it was not true. A large-capacity steel fuel tank means more runtime but, it also increases the generator’s weight and size.
Due to more weight, the portability of the generator is also compromised. So, a balance is a must here.
This Generac 6500-watt generator has a large 7.9-gallon steel fuel tank.
Efficiency And Fuel Type
Efficiency is a versatile term that’s used in different aspects. It primarily contributes to the overall performance of a generator.
In simple words, an efficient generator has more power output and runtime hours for each gallon of fuel.
This Generac GP6500 portable generator has a 10.5-hour run-time at 50% load on a single tank of gasoline. When running on a quarter load i.e. 25% this generator can operate for 16.5 hours.
Dual-fuel technology allows users to run a generator with two fuel options. It can be gasoline or propane.
Propane is cheaper and burns cleaner in comparison to gasoline. Dual-fuel portable generators become a good option if you don’t have either of the fuel options available.
You can choose either type of fuel and run your portable generator during a power outage or any other emergency.
Generac 7683 GP6500 is a gas-powered generator and lacks dual-fuel technology.
Safety Features
When using a portable generator, you need to look at many features. But, you should never neglect safety.
By using safety measures, you can protect yourself and your family from any kind of accident. Especially accidents that occur due to power and dangerous emissions.
All portable generators emit harmful gasses and substances by engine combustion. Hazardous Carbon Monoxide (CO) is one of these gases.
CO gets produced during combustion in scarcity of air. It is also known as a silent killer because it causes Carbon Monoxide poisoning.
Features such as Covered power outlets ensure that the generator withstands bad weather. The Generac GP6500 comes with covered power outlets and a circuit breaker.
EPA and CARB are famous organizations that regulate the emissions from portable generators. EPA is the Environmental Protection Agency, and CARB is California Air Resource Board.
All the generators have to be compliant with either of these organizations. CARB compliance is mandatory to sell a portable generator in California.
Generac GP6500 generator is CARB and EPA compliant. This generator is available for purchase in all 50 states.
However, if you are not in California you can save more than 100 bucks by buying the 49 St. version.
Generac 7680 GP6500 Portable Generator has 49 state configuration and is available at a lower price.
This CARB-compliant model also has COsense® Technology that can save you from any accidents because by Carbon Monoxide buildup.
It detects dangerous levels of Carbon Monoxide and turns off the engine immediately. So, COsense® is must-have protection against hazardous CO gas.
Quiet Operation
We all can agree that no one is a fan of noisy generators. But, looking for a quiet generator with zero noise is not possible.
It’s because all the generators produce some level of noise which can be either high or low.
A loud generator can attract attention and complaints from neighbors. No one likes this and has zero energy for this purpose.
You will never like having a generator that produces a lot of noise. That’s why you should use one that produces less noise.
If you plan to use a portable generator during camping, a lower noise level is necessary.
The Generac GP6500 portable model produces a noise level of 75 DB. This generator has an open engine so it is a bit loud. It will sound like a lawn mower running outside.
This noise level can bother you if you are looking for a quiet portable generator. But, keeping it at a distance will solve this issue.
Durability And Portability
The durability of a portable generator refers to its ability and strength to work under extreme conditions and its life hours.
A lot of features combine and increase the overall durability of the generator.
Overload protection protects generators from major engine damage by overload conditions and thus increases generator life.
Low oil level Shutdown in Generac GP6500 shuts down the engine when the oil level gets low. This low oil feature saves the generator engine from incurring damage by running on low fuel.
This Generac GP6500 generator has a hardened steel-tube cradle. It contributes to the strength and durability of the generator.
It is a heavy generator that weighs 172 pounds. It is heavy and you won’t like moving it on difficult terrain even with heavy-duty wheels on it.
But, the portability improves because of the wheel kit with heavy-duty, never-flat wheels. It also has a fold-down handle. The folding handle and wheel kit ensures sturdy portability and compact storage
Weight: 172 lbs
Dimensions: 27.2 x 27 x 26.5 inches
Generac GP6500 generator comes with a 3-year residential/1-year commercial Price and expert customer service.
Convenience
Generator manufacturers try to add a lot of unique features to stand out. Some of them weren’t able to make up to the bulleted points but are an important addition to generator features.
Let’s look at some of the amazing features of the Generac 6500-watt generator.
PowerRush™ Advanced Technology
With PowerRush™ Advanced Technology Generac GP6500 can produce 40% extra starting power i.e. 8125 watts.
This increase in power increases the range of tools and appliances that can run with a power supply from Generac GP6500.
HomeLink™
HomeLink™ is compatible with a manual transfer switch. This enables you to start using this generator for portable power almost immediately after the initial setup.
Control Panel
The control panel does an Hour Meter display. An hour meter helps you track maintenance intervals. Maintainance after some periods of time increases engine life.
Generac GP6500 comes with a 120/240V 30A (L14-30R) Twist-Lock Receptacle and two 120V 20A 5-20R Duplex Outlets.
It also has circuit breakers and covered outlets for added safety.
Recoil Starter
This generator has only a recoil start, which is not difficult to use. But, an electric start generator is much more convenient and easy to use.
If you don’t want a recoil start generator and are looking for an electrical or push start generator. Then don’t hesitate to check the Electric start model of the same generator.
Generac 7682 GP6500E Portable Generator has the same features but has added an electric start feature. However, it is available only in 49 states other than California.
You might also want to check the Generac store on Amazon for other Generac portable generators with more options and features.
Alternatives
This Generac GP6500 generator is a decent generator with almost all essential features.
But, your emergency power needs might be different. That’s why I’ll provide you with a list of some generators.
These are amazing alternatives to the Generac 6500-watt generator.
Champion Power Equipment 100812 – Cold Start Technology
Champion Power Equipment is well known for its variety and features. Champion 100812 6250/5000-watt generator uses a Champion 4-stroke 292cc OHV engine.
This generator produces 6250 surge wattage and 5000 watts of running wattage on gasoline. This generator does not have dual fuel technology.
This Champion generator can supply 9 hours of power on a single tank of gasoline i.e. 5.7 gallons of fuel capacity. Fuel consumption is lower as compared to Generac GP6500.
It produces 74 DB of noise level from 23 feet. This will be louder than a vacuum cleaner running.
This generator has cold start technology. This technology ensures the easy start of your generator even in cold weather.
The overload chances are minimal in this generator. Because of the Overload Protection safety feature, your generator is safe from all the voltage spikes.
The intelligauge monitors all the voltage frequencies, operating hours, and other technicalities. This helps you in operating and scheduling maintenance for the generator.
From packaging to assembling, everything is easy. The foldaway handles of this generator are easy to install.
The good part is that you don’t even need any power tool for installation. Moreover, there is a wheel kit with never flat tires.
Weight: 151 lb
Dimensions: 30.1 x 25.7 x 25.2 inches
Champion Power Equipment provides a three-year limited warranty and lifetime technical support. It is also an EPA and CARB-compliant.
This generator doesn’t have an electric start option, which can be an issue for some users.
But overall, it’s a good generator that can power many electrical devices such as lawnmowers, televisions, sump pumps, etc.
Westinghouse WGen5300s – Electric Start & Fuel Efficient
Westinghouse Power Equipment has excelled for over a century. So far, they have manufactured and served millions of valuable customers.
Westinghouse WGen5300s portable generator comes powered by a 274cc OHV Westinghouse 4-Stroke Engine.
This Westinghouse portable generator produces 6600 surge watts & 5300 running watts. It can supply power to all household appliances and a couple of power tools if needed.
It has a tank volume of a 4.7-gallon tank of gasoline. It has 14.5 hours of runtime on a single tank of fuel. This generator has the lowest fuel consumption of all portable generators in this product review.
Through a 120/240V twist outlet, you can connect these WGen5300s directly to your home. Use a transfer switch and follow all the instructions in the comprehensive guide.
This generator has advanced features such as low oil shutdown and electric start with a manual choke. In short, you don’t need to do any hassle of starting your generator with a recoil starter.
This powerful generator is CARB and EPA-compliant. It has better portability when compared with the Generac 5939 – GP6500 6500-watt generator.
Weight: 131.4 lbs
Dimensions: 23.23 x 20.08 x 19.09 inches
This generator has a 3-year warranty. It also features lifetime technical support from skilled service technicians.
DuroMax XP5500EH Portable Generator – Dual Fuel Technology
DuroMax generators have been around since 2003 with its headquarters in Ontario, California. It also has a sister company i.e. Durostar generators.
DuroMax XP5500EH has a powerful 4-stroke 224cc OHV engine. This generator supports dual fuels i.e. gasoline and propane.
These alternate fuel options make the usage of generators so much more convenient. In case either of the fuel options is unavailable, then an alternate fuel option becomes life-saving.
This generator produces 5,500 starting watts and 4,500 running watts on gasoline. Power output is a bit lower when the generator runs on propane.
This generator produces 5225 surge watts and 4275 running watts. If your power requirements are somewhat lower, this is a decent choice.
You can get maximum power from each of the 120-volt receptacles with MX2 power boost technology. You can choose either 120V or 240V. This makes it ideal for usage with RVs.
The power panel is up-to-date with an electric start switch, volt meter, circuit breaker, and low oil indicator.
Duromax XP5500EH has a wide range of power outlets. It has a NEMA L14-30 outlet, GFCI NEMA 5-20 120V outlet along with a 12V DC output.
The 12V DC charging posts are good for charging external batteries.
Weight: 124 lbs
Dimensions: 25 x 22 x 22 inches
It is the most lightweight and compact generator on our list. This generator is a good option for anyone who needs a dual-fuel portable generator.
Conclusion
Generac Power Systems has experience of more than 50 years in this area. Their generator line has reliable portability, extended engine life, attractive price, and needs only basic maintenance at regular intervals.
This Generac GP6500 is overall a good generator in the 6000-watt power range. It is a whole-house generator and can also serve as a Jobsite power option.
Highlight features such as Low-oil level shutdown, Hardened steel-tube cradle, Never-flat wheels, fuel shutoff, etc protect the generator from damage.
An hour meter, a wide range of power outlets, and splash lubrication add to the overall generator operation ease and durability.
PowerRush™, COsense®, HomeLink™, etc are a few exclusive features that add to performance and user convenience. This CO-sensing generator provides protection against Carbon Monoxide levels.
However, it doesn’t have a digital meter, fuel gauge, or dual-fuel technology. The sound levels are also high on the noise spectrum.
It has a bit of weight but is still lighter compared to any standby generators at this power level.
All generators on this Generac GP6500 generator review are from trusted and reputable generator brands.
I have selected alternative models with added features, recommended reviews, and user reviews & recalls.
You can choose any generator from our list of alternatives that fulfill power needs and is within your budget.
For example, you can choose the DuroMax XP5500EH portable generator, If you want a generator with less power and dual-fuel technology.
Check the Current Price of the DuroMax XP5500EH portable inverter generator.
Westinghouse WGen5300S is another amazing generator with an electric start and outlet for charging external batteries.
Check the Current Price of the Westinghouse WGen5300S portable inverter generator.
If you are planning to order these generators, then make sure to check the delivery date. Sometimes generators take a bit of time to get shipped.
