5 Best Tri-Fuel Generators: All Fuel Type Supported Units

A tri-fuel generator comes in handy when the power goes out because of natural disasters like hurricanes and tornadoes. Gasoline is the most widely used fuel source, but you might face problems getting it quickly or in a large quantity in these situations. So, when it becomes hard to get gasoline, these units help you switch to propane or natural gas. In a nutshell, tri-fuel generators allow you to keep running your essentials during power outages.

Importance of tri-fuel generators

  • Tri-fuel generators add the convenience of using multiple fuels.
  • During natural disasters, these units come in handy. When one fuel source becomes hard to get, you can go for other fuel options like diesel or propane to power your appliances and tools.
  • According to the climate, these tri-fuel units help you to switch between the fuel sources. In winters, you can run your generators on gasoline, and in summers, it is ideal to use propane.
  • According to the required power output, you can switch between the fuel options. When required, higher power output, use gasoline, and when need to power small appliances or tools, switch to propane or natural gas.

Tri-Fuel Generator Reviews

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Product

Features

Ratings

Check Price

Honda Tri-Fuel Generator Complete Package

  • 13 HP OHV engine

  • 8 gallons capacity

  • 20 hours runtime

Winco HPS9000VE Tri-Fuel Generator

  • 7 gallons capacity

  • 480cc engine

  • 7 hours running on 50% load

Champion 8000Watt Tri-Fuel Portable Natural Gas Generator

  • 8.5 gallons capacity

  • 457cc Champion engine

  • 12.5 hours runtime at 50% load

Firman T07571 Tri-Fuel Generator

  • 5.5 ft LPG regulator hose

  • 8 gallons fuel tank

  • low-oil shutoff sensor

Sportsman GENTRI9K Tri-Fuel Generator

  • 7.4 gallons capacity

  • Low oil shutdown

  • 10 hours runtime at 50% load

1. Honda Tri-Fuel Generator Complete Package – Expensive Pick

Honda Tri-Fuel Power Station

Fuel Option: This tri-fuel generator from Honda also offers three fuel options: natural gas, propane, and gasoline. 

Fuel Tank Size: Its gas tank size is 8 gallons, but it offers more runtime than Firman T07571. 

Fuel Gauge: No fuel gauge is available. 

Engine: This tri-fuel generator comes with a powerful 13 HP Honda GX390 OHV engine. It features a cast iron sleeve for durability. Also, the low-oil shutoff feature automatically turns off the engine to prevent damages.

Starting Option: If you find it hard to turn on your generator manually, you the option of using the electric start system.

Power Output: Honda delivers 6800 starting and 5600 running watts on natural gas but offers 8500 starting and 7000 running watts on both gasoline and LPG.

If you need higher output power, use gasoline or LPG. Otherwise, use natural gas, if readily available in your area.

Runtime: You will be able to power your valuables up to 13 hours on gasoline at half load. And with a 40-pound propane tank, you will get 20 hours of runtime.

Sound Level: Honda produces 75 dB (A) noise during operation.

Receptacles: One 120/240 Volt 30 Ampere twist-lock outlet along with four 120 Volt 20 Ampere outlets

Warranty: It includes a 2-year limited warranty.

Portability: This unit is highly portable. Big and reliable wheels, along with a durable handle, make it easy to move around.

My Opinion:

Pros: It is a reliable tri-fuel generator powered by a Honda engine. Its 8-gallon gas tank gives excellent runtime. Also, it has a convenient electric start system. Moreover, it operates without making much noise. 

Cons: It is an expensive machine.

2. Winco HPS9000VE Tri-Fuel Generator – With Smallest Fuel Tank

Winco Generator

Fuel Option: The HPS9000VE model from Winco also runs on natural gas, gasoline, or LPG.

Fuel Tank Size: Its 7-gallon steel tank offers a good runtime. It is an EPA-certified tank that eliminates carbon emissions.

Fuel Gauge: The fuel gauge tells how much fuel is left to refuel the generator timely.

Fuel Consumption: It consumes 1.3 gallons of gasoline and 1.9 gallons of LPG per hour. And its natural gas consumption is 180 cubic feet per hour.

Engine: Winco HPS9000VE comes with a 480cc V-Twin OHV Briggs & Stratton engine. It is a fuel-efficient engine that has a low-oil shutdown feature.

Starting Option: All you need is to turn the key to start your generator. Also, it is backed by a recoil start system.

Power Output: It delivers 9000 surge watts, and 8000 rated watts on gasoline. This power output is enough to power big and small appliances or tools simultaneously.

Its THD rating is less than 5%, which is ideal for users to power their smartphones, laptops, and tablets.

Warranty: 2-year consumer warranty and 1-year commercial warranty

Runtime: 7 hours of runtime at 50% load

Receptacles: Its power panel features four 120 Volt 20 Ampere receptacles and one 120/240 Volt 30 Ampere receptacle.

Portability: A wheel kit is sold separately that will help the users to move the unit quickly.

Sound Level: Its operational sound is 77 dB (A). It is a louder unit than the Honda tri-fuel generator mentioned above. 

My Opinion:

Pros: Winco HPS9000VE has a compact design. It produces 8000 watts of continuous power. Also, it offers a decent runtime and features an automatic voltage regulator.

Cons: It is an expensive product. Also, it doesn’t include a wheel kit; you have to buy it separately.

3. Champion 8000Watt Tri-Fuel Portable Natural Gas Generator with Electric Start

Champion tri-fuel generator

Fuel Option: Just like other generators on our list, it is also a tri-fuel machine and can be run on gasoline, propane, and natural gas.

Fuel Tank Size: The gasoline tank is 8.5 gallons. It is a moderately sized gas tank that provides you with impressive runtime.

Engine: The machine is built around a 457cc Champion engine. The engine size is capable of handling the power output without any problems. It is a durable engine and will last for a very long time.

Starting Option: The unit can be started with an electric start and recoil starting mechanism. Electric start makes the unit easy to start and gives convenience.

Power Output: The generator delivers 10000 starting watts and 8000 running watts on gasoline. On propane, it can produce 9000 starting watts and 7200 running watts. If you use natural gas, you will get 8750 starting and 7000 running watts.

Runtime: A full gas tank can run up to 12.5 hours at 50% load. On a 20-pound propane tank, the runtime is 5 hours at 50% load.

Receptacles: You get a 120V 30A locking outlet (L5-30R), a 120/240V 30A locking outlet (L14-30R), and four 120V 20A (5-20R) GFCI protected household outlets. All these are protected with covers as well.

Sound Level: The noise rating is 74 dBA sound at a distance of 23 feet. It feels like you are running a vacuum cleaner in the background.

Warranty: You get a 3-year limited warranty and lifetime support from Champion upon purchase of this machine.

Portability: The machine weighs 207 pounds. It comes with a wheel kit and a drag handle. The wheels are of high quality and facilitate moving the unit around.

Other Features: The fuel selector dial is easy to use and durable. You also get a 6-foot propane hose and a 25-feet natural gas hose kit for easy connection to your home. The kit includes quick connect male and female ports. The data center on this unit offers voltage tracking, frequency, session, and total runtime. The LED also indicates the CO shutoff and any fault with the unit. A detailed product guide about this machine can be seen here.

My Opinion:

Pros: The unit has a CO shield, which forces it to shut down when the CO levels in the surrounding go above the safe limit. It is an EPA, and CARB-approved machine.

Cons: The propane hose is very small.

4. Firman T07571 Tri-Fuel Generator – Quietest one

Firman T07571 Quietest Generator

Fuel Option: The Firman T07571 can run on natural gas, gasoline, and propane. A fuel selector switch allows users to switch between the fuel options easily.

Fuel Tank Size: Its fuel tank is smaller in size (8-gallon) than the Winco HPS12000HE generator, but offers a decent runtime.

The generator comes with a 5.5 feet LPG regulator hose. But to use propane, you have to buy a propane tank separately.

Fuel Consumption: Its fuel consumption is not mentioned, but it is a fuel-efficient generator that consumes less fuel during operation. 

Engine: Firman T07571 is equipped with a 439cc tri-fuel engine. The cast iron sleeve and a low-oil shutoff sensor are there for protecting the engine.

Power Output: It generates 9400 starting watts on gas, 8450 watts on LPG, and 6900 watts on natural gas.

And if we talk about running watts, then it offers 7500 watts on gas, 6750 watts on LPG, and 5500 watts on natural gas.

The automatic voltage regulator (AVR) is also part of the machine that delivers precise voltage control output. With the help of this AVR system, you can safely power your sensitive electronics.

Runtime: Firman T07571 offers a 12-hour runtime at 50% load. This runtime will help you to get a full night’s sleep or run your appliances for long during a power outage.

Starting Option: You can either start the generator manually or by using an electric start system.

Receptacles: The control panel has two 120 Volt 20 Ampere outlets, one 120/240 Volt 50 Ampere outlet, a 120/240 Volt 30 Ampere twist-lock outlet, and one 120 Volt 30 Ampere twist-lock outlet.

All these receptacles will help users power a variety of appliances and tools.

Sound Level: It produces 72 dB (A) noise at a 75% load from a distance of 23 feet.

Warranty: Firman T07571 comes with a 3-year residential warranty and a 90-day commercial warranty.

Portability: Two never-flat wheels and a comfortable U-shaped foldable handle make transportation easier.

My Opinion:

Pros: Firman T07571 is powered by a fuel-efficient engine that produces excellent power output. It has a decent fuel tank size that offers good runtime. Also, it operates with less noise and has a variety of receptacles. 

Cons: Minimal commercial warranty

5. Sportsman GENTRI9K Tri-Fuel Generator – Loudest Unit

Sportsman GENTRI9K Tri-Fuel Generator

Fuel Option: The last tri-fuel generator is the Sportsman GENTRI9K. It runs on gasoline, propane, or natural gas.

Fuel Tank Size: Its fuel tank capacity (7.4-gallons) is higher than the tank capacity of Winco HPS9000VE.

Engine: Sportsman GENTRI9K has a 15 HP 4-stroke OHV engine featuring automatic low-oil shutdown.

Starting Option: Both the electric and recoil start options are there. You can select anyone to turn on your generator.

Power Output: When running on gasoline, the generator offers 9000 surge watts and 7200 rated watts. But with propane, expect a 10% decrease in both peak and rated power.

Runtime: Power your essentials up to 10 hours on gasoline at 50% load and up to 5 hours at half load on a 20 pound LPG tank.

Receptacles: Its control panel has a variety of power outlets.

There are four 120 Volt 20 Ampere GFCI-protected outlets and one 120 Volt twist-lock RV outlet. Also, it has a 120/240 Volt twist-lock outlet and one 12 Volt DC outlet.

Sound Level: Sportsman GENTRI9K creates less than 80 dB (A) noise.

Warranty: Only a 1-year warranty

Portability: Two durable wheels and a long handle make it highly portable.

My Opinion:

Pros: Sportsman GENTRI9K is a lightweight and highly portable machine. It offers a good runtime, features a variety of power outlets, and comes with both electric and recoil start options. 

Cons: There is no automatic voltage regulator system available. Also, it comes with only a 1-year warranty.

Can I convert my generator to a tri-fuel generator?

Can’t find a tri-fuel generator to meet your needs, don’t worry. You can convert your gasoline generator to a tri-fuel generator using a conversion kit. When disaster strikes, you need more options to run your generator. You can’t depend on gasoline or propane alone. Even a solar generator won’t work properly during storms and floods. In such a situation, a tri-fuel generator comes to your rescue. A tri-fuel conversion kit allows you to run your generator on gasoline, propane, and natural gas. One of the options you can use is the Hutch Mountain conversion kit. Another kit that works great is Grenergy.  You will need a conversion kit, some basic tools like screwdrivers, wrenches, socket set, and other auto tools. The installation process requires some mechanical skills. If you don’t have these skills handy with you, you may need someone experienced to sort this out for you. A detailed video will guide you about the process.

Buyer’s Guide

Without considering various important factors, buying a tri-fuel generator is a waste of money. Buyers are required to focus on various features to get the best tri-fuel generator.

Gasoline vs. Propane vs. Natural Gas

Comparing the 3 fuel options commonly used in a tri-fuel generator is very important before making the final decision. A comparison of the fuel types will give you a clear picture of what you are buying for yourself and how to get the most out of your generator. We have compared the 3 fuels for all the factors related to the generator’s working.

Power Output: A tri-fuel will give the best power output on gasoline, followed by propane and natural gas. The reason is that gasoline has a better burn rating as compared to propane and natural gas. If a generator has 9400 watts starting wattage and 7500 running wattage on gasoline, it will give 10%-15% less wattage on propane and 25-30% less on natural gas.

Run Time: Each tri-fuel generator has a different run time according to the tank capacity and power output. For smaller generators (under 5000 watts), the run time on propane is higher than gasoline. As the generator size increases, the run time for propane decreases. Comparing the runtime for gasoline, propane, and natural gas is complicated as each fuel gives a different output power.

Availability: Under normal circumstances, gasoline is readily available across the US. Its availability is impacted at times of natural disasters and infrastructural problems. Propane, on the other hand, is available readily and can be stored for many years. Natural gas’s availability can also be affected due to natural disasters and can de-rate when the temperature falls below the freezing point. However, the best thing about natural gas is you don’t need to refill the gas tank or replace the cylinder. When natural gas is available, it is available as an unlimited fuel source.

Safety: Natural gas is the safest compared to gasoline and propane. You don’t need to deal with cylinders or gas tanks when running your generator on natural gas. It is also the most environmentally friendly fuel for generators with the lowest emissions. There is no tension in storing natural gas like gas tanks and propane cylinders. If the connections are made with care and tested before working, natural gas will not lead to any hazards. On the contrary, gasoline is highly flammable, and there is a risk of spillage while refilling the gas tank. With propane and natural gas, there is no risk of going stale.

Shelf Life: Gasoline has a short shelf life as compared to propane. When it comes to natural gas, the shelf life factor doesn’t come into play as it is supplied in gas pipes and then used according to the needs.

Portability: When it comes to the portability of your tri-fuel generator, the best fuel option is gasoline, followed by propane.

Each fuel type has its advantages and limitations. A tri-fuel generator gives you the best of the single fuel and dual fuel generator, so you never run out of electric power.

Engine and Power Wattage

The engine of a generator must be powerful and fuel-efficient. Before buying a unit, make sure its engine is well-protected under the cast iron sleeve. It is not always required to go for a tri-fuel engine with higher horsepower because these engines are less fuel-efficient or maybe louder.

Along with the engine, power output also needs your consideration. You must choose the peak and rated power wisely. Before buying a tri-fuel generator, find out how many appliances, tools, or electronics, you may need to power at home or a construction site.

Also, keep in mind that different fuels offer different starting and running power. You will get a different power output with gasoline than propane and natural gas. So, make sure you are selecting the best-suited generator that can meet all your power needs on any fuel type.

Fuel Tank Size and Runtime

The bigger the fuel tank, the higher will be the runtime. Always try to buy a tri-fuel generator with a higher fuel tank capacity to get the extended runtime. But different other factors like fuel type, fuel efficiency, and the applied load also affect runtime.

Consider the fuel tank size if you want to run your generator on gasoline. Otherwise, natural gas comes through pipelines, and for propane, you are required to buy a separate tank.

Fuel Consumption

It is also necessary to check. Some tri-fuel generators consume more fuel to power your appliances, whereas some are fuel-efficient and consume less fuel.

Fuel consumption changes according to the fuel type and the load applied. Gasoline is consumed less by these generators than LPG.

Starting System

Most people find it hard to turn on their generators manually. So, in this case, electric start is the easiest way of turning the generator on.

Power Outlets

Always focus on the power outlets because they help you to determine how many and what type of appliances and devices you can power through them.

These tri-fuel generators come with at least two 120 Volt 20 Ampere household outlets. These outlets can help users power a variety of devices. Also, a 120/240 Volt twist-lock outlet is necessary to power large appliances and tools.

Safety Features

The automatic voltage regulation system is the most important safety feature as it provides stable output power. With this, you can power your sensitive electronics without any fear. Also, the low-oil shutoff sensor is important for the safety of your engine. When the oil level goes down, it automatically shuts off the engine.

FAQ

Why Should I go for a tri-fuel generator?

A tri-fuel generator will give you freedom from depending on one or two types of fuel. You will never be left in the dark at the time of a blackout. You will have the freedom to run your generator on gasoline, propane, or natural gas. Secondly, you won’t have to deal with gasoline tanks, propane cylinders when running your generator on natural gas.

Will a tri-fuel generator power my entire home?

Yes. A tri-fuel generator will be able to power your entire home, but it depends on two things. First, your power needs, and second, generator’s output. If you don’t plan to run furnaces, heat pumps, air conditioning units, and other heavy appliances, a 5000 watts or smaller tri-fuel generator will be enough for your entire home. For heavy appliances, you will have to buy a large (more powerful) generator.

Can I convert my single fuel generator to a tri-fuel generator?

Yes. Technically it is possible to convert a single fuel or dual fuel generator to a tri-fuel generator. You will need a tri-fuel conversion kit for your generator. You may also need to make some modifications to your generator. If you are planning to do such a modification, you will first need to find out that either your generator is compatible with a tri-fuel conversion kit or not. Please keep in mind that even if you convert your single fuel or dual fuel generator to a tri-fuel generator, it may create issues for you. Getting the right setting and adjustment is very difficult. You may end up spending more in the long run on repair and maintenance than the total cost of a tri-fuel generator.

Which fuel offers the highest output wattage?

Gasoline delivers the highest output power as compared to propane and natural gas. It provides not only the highest peak power but also the highest-rated power.

With propane, you can expect equivalent or slightly lower starting and running watts. But natural gas always gives lower power output than gasoline and propane.

Can I run my tri-fuel generator on my home’s natural gas?

Yes. It is one of the best things about a tri-fuel generator. You can use your home’s natural gas supply to power up your generator. All you need to do is make a DIY supply hose or buy one and connect the natural gas supply pipe to the generator with a connector. It will serve as a potential backup fuel option for your generator.

How can we switch between different fuel options?

Tri-fuel generators offer easy switching between gasoline, LPG, and natural gas. The control panel has a fuel selector switch that allows easy shifting between the fuel options.

Is it safe to power sensitive electronics through tri-fuel generators?

Not all tri-fuel generators are safe for sensitive electronics like smartphones, tablets, PCs, and laptops. Your generator must have a built-in automatic voltage regulator (AVR) system to protect delicate electronics from power surges.

Is there any difference in a tri-fuel generator’s running mechanism compared to dual fuel or single fuel generator?

No. There is no difference as far as the running mechanism is concerned for the three types of generator. They run in the same way, but a dual fuel generator can run on 2 fuel types, and a tri-fuel generator can manage 3 inputs.

What are the maintenance needs of a tri-fuel generator?

A tri-fuel generator needs a little bit more maintenance than a single fuel or dual fuel generator. Apart from regular maintenance tasks of changing spark plugs, air filters, oil, and oil filter, you also need to monitor the natural gas system and propane connection hose and inlets. Make sure you read the user manual for the maintenance of your generator.

What are the limitations of a tri-fuel generator?

When running on propane and natural gas, there is low power output. It is difficult to carry propane cylinders as compared to gasoline tanks.

Conclusion

Buying a tri-fuel generator has just been made easy for you. You can select one from the list above and say goodbye to power outages and fuel dependency. All the generators given above are high-quality, durable, reliable, and have hundreds of satisfied customers.

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