Tri Fuel Generator: The Ultimate Guide

Power generators convert chemical energy stored in fossil fuels into electricity, allowing the users to power various electrical devices, tools, appliances, gadgets, etc., during blackouts, emergencies, when camping, on construction sites, and similar.

Tri-fuel generators are able to use three types of fuel, commonly gasoline (often shortened as "gas," which can lead to some confusion), propane gas (LPG - Liquid Petroleum Gas), and natural gas (NG).

Updated: July 17, 2023.

On This Page: Intro To Tri Fuel Generators Tri Fuel Generators Comparison Chart Most Popular Tri Fuel Generators Champion 100416 8000-Watt Tri Fuel Generator with CO Shield Champion 201176 9000-Watt Tri-Fuel Portable Inverter Generator DuroMax XP13000HXT 13,000 Watt Tri Fuel Portable HXT Generator w/ CO Alert Westinghouse WGen10500TFc 13000 Peak Watt Tri-Fuel Portable Generator Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Few Final Words

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Intro To Tri Fuel Generators

Having the option of using three different fuels provides great flexibility when powering the unit but also tends to increase the complexity and price of the unit.

However, the increase in price and complexity are well worth it in many situations.

For short, tri-fuel power generators are units that use three different types of fuels (not simultaneously, of course). These fuels are gasoline (gas), propane gas (LPG, Liquid Petroleum Gas), and natural gas (NG).

Each fuel has its own pros and cons, including:

Gasoline (Gas)

Gasoline quickly deteriorates, and when stored properly, it is good only for 1-2 months. Using old gasoline will cause the unit to perform badly if the user manages to start it. Also, old gasoline can even damage the engine.

Propane

Propane is usually stored in 20 and 40 pounds tanks, but it can be found and stored in much larger tanks, for example, up to 2000 gallons.

In order to provide the same amount of power, internal combustion engines must use more propane than gas, but at the same time, propane is cheaper. Also, when running on propane, power generators are unable to provide the same output power as when operating on gasoline.

Also, in a good propane tank, the propane can be stored for years, even decades, making it the preferred fuel for long-time storage.

Natural Gas

Homes that use natural gas can benefit from it even during the blackouts - just connect your tri-fuel power generator to the NG line, and connect the power generator to your home (Transfer Switch available? If not, why not?) and enjoy the comfort of your home.

Note: if You live in an area with common blackouts, consider having extra oil and a spark plug for your power generator - when constantly operating while connected to the NG line, power generators can quickly clock many running hours and may require some maintenance along the way...

Natural gas is the least energy-dense fuel when compared with gasoline and propane - when running on natural gas, the output power of the generators is the lowest, so have this in mind when looking for the "perfect" unit.

Conversion Kits

Many third-party companies offer conversion kits, allowing users to convert their gasoline-powered generators into dual-fuel (gasoline, propane) and tri-fuel (gasoline, propane, natural gas) generators and their dual-fuel generators into tri-fuel generators.

However, such conversions are rarely officially supported by the generator manufacturers. In fact, very often, converting the gasoline generator into dual-fuel and tri-fuel and dual-fuel generator into tri-fuel generators leads to an automatic loss of warranty.

Additional Features

When looking for a new power generator, be sure to check a few more things, including:

• Safety Features including Carbon Monoxide (CO) protection, Low Oil Shutdown, electric breakers, grounding, and similar,
• Output Power including Running and Starting Watts when being powered by gasoline, propane, and natural gas,
• Fuel Tank Capacity and runtime on a single fuel tank or 20/40 lbs propane tank,
• Physical Dimensions and Weight of the power generator,
• Noise Levels during operation, measured from a certain distance (usually 23 feet, 7m) and at specific loads (usually @25% and 50%),
• Engine Start can be manual/recoil, electric or remote. While the remote start is a great feature, the electric start is practically a standard in this generator's class. Also, manual/recoil start should be used only as a backup,
• Handles and Wheels allow the user or users to move the power generator manually, without additional assistance,
• Classic or Inverter Tri-Fuel Generators: Inverter tri-fuel generators are relatively rare, but they offer better fuel economy, lower THD (Total Harmonic Distortions), generally (but not always) less noise, etc.
• The most common receptacles include AC 120V 5-20R, but also 120V L5-30R, 120V TT-30R, 120/240V L14-30R, and 120/240V 14-50R. USB ports are rare, but some units may come with DC 12V Automotive ports and USB adapters with 1-2 USB charging ports.
• Use/Maintenance Procedures: Always check the Owner's Guide for the exact use and maintenance procedures - when the unit arrives, read the Owner's Guide/Instructions thoroughly to familiarize yourself with your new tri-fuel power generator.

Regardless of your power generator, it must be used outside, away, and downwind from the car, home, RV, tent, people, animals, and similar.

Personally, a tri-fuel generator should have a Carbon Monoxide sensor and other safety features, an electric start, or preferably, a remote start, a long list of available receptacles, low noise, etc.

Also, just to be sure, keep the Owner's Guide nearby, and if required, verify how to perform certain procedures exactly...

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Tri Fuel Generators Comparison Chart

 The following comparison chart lists some of the most popular tri-fuel power generators, with their most important features and specifications.

As one can see, tri-fuel generators are mostly stronger generators with the output power (Running Watts) often in the 7 to 10kW class, but there are also smaller ones.

 

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Most Popular Tri Fuel Generators

Here is our list of the most popular tri-fuel generators. Of course, there are other units on the market as well, even under 4000-5000 Watts, but these are the most popular ones, thanks to their features, specifications, and reasonable prices.

When choosing "the best" tri-fuel power generator for your own use, choose according to your needs and preferences.

The list is given in alphabetic order.

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Champion 100416 8000-Watt Tri Fuel Generator with CO Shield

Champion 100416 8000-Watt Tri Fuel Generator with CO Shield is a relatively compact, open-frame power generator powered by a 4-stroke 459cc internal combustion engine.

The physical dimensions of the unit are (L x W x H) 27.6 x 28.2 x 26 inches (~70.1 x 71.6 x 66 cm), and it weighs 207 pounds (~93.7 kg) dry.

Thanks to foldable handles and a pair of 10-inch (25.4 cm) wheels, one person can easily transport it to shorter distances. However, wheels are plastic and are intended only for transport over short distances.

Champion 100416 features an electric start and, as a backup, a classic manual start - the energy for an electric start is ensured by a 12V 15Ah lead-acid battery.

Depending on the fuel being used, Champion 100416 is able to provide the following:

• Gasoline (Gas): 8000 Running Watts, 10000 Starting Watts,
• Propane: 7200 Running Watts, 9000 Starting Watts,
• Natural Gas: 7000 Running Watts, 8750 Starting Watts.

Note: This power drop is typical for dual-fuel and tri-fuel power generators.

Steel gasoline tank capacity is 8.5 gallons (~30.3 liters) which is enough for 12.5 hours of operation @50% (4000W) load. When the unit is powered by 20 lbs propane tank, the unit is able to operate for up to 5 hours @50% load.

Gasoline Fuel Efficiency @50% = 8.5 gallons / (12.5h * 4kW) = 0.170 gallons/kWh = 0.644 liters/kWh

Propane Fuel Efficiency @50% = 20 lbs / (5h * 3.6kW) = 1.11 pounds/kWh = 0.503 kg/kWh

As one can see, Champion 100416 is a very fuel-efficient power generator when powering 50% load.

The rated noise level is 74 dBA (at 23 feet, 7 meters), which is acceptable for a unit of this size and construction.

Champion 100416 power generator features covered GFCI outlets:

• 2x 120V 20A Duplex (5-20R),
• 120V 30A Locking (L5-30R),
• 120/240V 30A (L14-30R).

Champion 100461 doesn't feature DC (5V or 12V) outlets.

Safety features include a Carbon Monoxide (CO) sensor (CO Shield), low oil shutoff, and circuit breakers.

Champion 100461 also comes with a 25-foot NG hose kit, a 6-foot propane hose with a built-in regulator, and engine oil.

Champion 100416 power generator is PGMA G300-2018 and CARB compliant, and EPA certified. Also, it comes with a 3-year limited warranty.

If You are looking for one of the best buy tri-fuel power generators, consider this model.

For more reviews and recommendations, feel free to check the Champion 100416 8000-Watt Tri Fuel Generator with CO Shield Amazon link (the link opens in the new window). 

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Champion 201176 9000-Watt Tri-Fuel Portable Inverter Generator

Champion 201176 9000-Watt Tri-Fuel Portable Inverter Generator is open frame portable tri-fuel power generator based on 4-stroke 420cc internal combustion engine ensuring output power of:

• Gas: 7250 Running Watts, 9000 Starting Watts,
• Propane: 6525 Running Watts, 9000 Starting Watts,
• NG: 5875 Running Watts, 9000 Starting Watts.

Thanks to the inverter technology, the Champion 201176 power generator provides 9000 Starting Watts regardless of the fuel being used.

The engine features an electric start system combined with a backup manual recoil start system.

Fuel (gas) tank capacity is 4.32 gallons (~16.35 liters) and ensures runtime of 14h @25% (~1812W) load. Also, 20 pounds propane tank ensures 12h of operation @25% (~1631W) load.

Gasoline Fuel Efficiency @25% = 4.32 gallons / (14h * 1.812kW) = 0.170 gallons/kWh = 0.644 liters/kWh

Propane Fuel Efficiency @25% = 20 lbs / (12h * 1.631kW) = 1.02 pounds/kWh = 0.463 kg/kWh

Note: Fuel efficiency of internal combustion engines is usually better at greater loads.

Champion 201176 power generator features noise levels of around 72 dB, making it somewhat quieter than other units in this class - not by much, but ...

Due to the "inverter" design, Champion 201176 features very low THD levels (according to the manufacturer, ≤3%), allowing the unit to power sensitive electronics directly.

Also, Champion 201176 comes with ECO-mode, allowing the engine to operate at variable speeds, saving fuel and improving fuel economy.

Note: classic power generators usually feature THD levels of 20-25% and engines that operate at a constant speed, usually around 3600 RPMs, 60 revs per second, to keep the output frequency at 60 Hz.

The physical dimensions of the unit are (L x W x H) 26.6 x 25.5 x 25.4 inches (~67.6 x 64.8 x 64.5 cm), and it weighs 156.6 pounds (~71 kg) dry. Champion 201176 comes with a pair of 8-inch (~20.3 cm) wheels, allowing the users to move it when required via a foldable handle.

The list of receptacles includes:

• AC: 2x 120V Duplex 5-20R (GFCI), 120/240V L14-30R, 120/240V 14-50R,
• DC: 12V 8A (Automotive), USB Adapter.

Receptacles come with protective covers.

Control Panel features everything one needs to use and monitor such units - Intelligauge with Power Meter and CO Shield, ignition switch, circuit breakers, receptacles.

Note: Fuel Select Dial is on the side of the unit, not on the front.

Champion 201176 power generator is PGMA G300-2018 compliant and EPA certified.

Also, the unit comes with a 3-year residential use limited warranty and 270-day commercial use limited warranty.

Champion 201176 power generator is one of the very rare inverter power generators with very low THD levels - this feature is very uncommon but a great one to have.

Also, it comes with a full set of safety features, including a CO sensor combined with automatic engine shut-off.

Although it doesn't feature a remote start, this is one of our preferred tri-fuel power generators.

For more reviews and recommendations, feel free to check the Champion 201176 9000-Watt Tri-Fuel Portable Inverter Generator Amazon link (the link opens in the new window).  

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DuroMax XP13000HXT 13,000 Watt Tri Fuel Portable HXT Generator w/ CO Alert

DuroMax XP13000HXT is powered by air-cooled, 4-stroke, 500cc internal combustion engine which accepts three types of fuel, including:

• Gasoline: 10500 Running Watts, 13000 Starting Watts,
• Propane: 9500 Running Watts, 12000 Starting Watts,
• Natural Gas: 8500 Running Watts, 10000 Starting Watts.

Even when powered by NG, DuroMax XP13000HXT is strong enough to power most homes.

The fuel tank capacity is 8.3 gallons (~31.4 liters). Also, when using propane to power the generator, a 40lbs tank is recommended.

The engine features remote, electric, and manual (recoil) start.

The runtime on a single fuel tank or single 40lbs propane tank is:

Gasoline:

25% Load (2625W): 17h

Gasoline Fuel Efficiency @25% = 8.3 gallons / (17h * 2.625 kW) = 0.186 gallons/kWh = 0.704 liters/kWh

50% Load (5250W): 8.5h

Gasoline Fuel Efficiency @50% = 8.3 gallons / (8.5h * 5.250 kW) = 0.186 gallons/kWh = 0.704 liters/kWh

Propane:

25% Load (2375W): 13h

Propane Fuel Efficiency @25% = 40lbs / (13h * 2.375 kW) = 1.295 lbs/kWh = 0.587 kg/kWh

50% Load (4750W): 6.5h

Propane Fuel Efficiency @50% = 40lbs / (6.5h * 4.750 kW) = 1.295 lbs/kWh = 0.587 kg/kWh

As one can see, according to official data, both gasoline and propane fuel efficiencies @25% and @50% are the same, but data are obviously "rounded" - nonetheless, the DuroMax XP13000HXT engine and the generator as a unit, are energy efficient - just be sure to maintain it properly.

The list of receptacles includes:

• 2x AC 120V GFCI 5-20R Double,
• 1x 120V 30A L5-30R,
• 1x AC 120/240V 30A L14-30R,
• 1x AC 120/240V 50A 14-50R.

The physical dimensions of the unit are (L x W x H) 30 x 29 x 26 inches (~76.2 x 73.7 x 66 cm), and it weighs 240 pounds (~108.7 kg).

Thanks to the pair of 10" (25.4 cm) wheels with rubber tires and available handles, the unit can be easily pushed/pulled by a single adult over flat terrain.

Additional features include CO (Carbon Monoxide) Alert/Shutdown, Low Oil Shutdown, No Load Low Idle control, Digital Control Center, etc.

DuroMax XP13000HXT is EPA and CARB-certified and features a 5-year limited warranty.

What's in the Box?

When the unit arrives, the box contains XP13000HXT Generator, Oil Funnel, Spark Plug Wrench, Tool Set, Wheel & Handle Kit, Propane Regulator, Remote Control, and Owner's Manual.

For more reviews and recommendations, feel free to check the DuroMax XP13000HXT 13,000 Watt Tri Fuel Portable HXT Generator w/ CO Alert Amazon link (the link opens in the new window).

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Westinghouse WGen10500TFc 13000 Peak Watt Tri-Fuel Portable Generator

 

Westinghouse WGen10500TFc 13000 Peak Watt Tri-Fuel Portable Generator is a classic portable power generator based on the 4-stroke 500cc OHV engine, ensuring:

• Gas: 10500 Running Watts, 13000 Starting Watts,
• Propane: 9500 Running Watts, 12000 Starting Watts,
• NG: 8500 Running Watts, 10000 Starting Watts.

Fuel tank capacity is 9.5 gallons (~36 liters), ensuring the runtime of 9.5h @50% (5250W) load and 19h @25% (2625W) load.

Also, when the unit is powered with propane, its runtime is 7h @50% (4750W) load.

Gas Fuel Efficiency:

25% Load (2625W): 19h

Gasoline Fuel Efficiency @25% = 9.5 gallons / (19h * 2.625 kW) = 0.190 gallons/kWh = 0.721 liters/kWh

50% Load (5250W): 9.5h

Gasoline Fuel Efficiency @50% = 9.5 gallons / (9.5h * 5.25 kW) = 0.190 gallons/kWh = 0.721 liters/kWh

Propane Fuel Efficiency:

50% Load (4750W): 7h

Propane Fuel Efficiency @50% = 40 lbs / (7h * 4.75 kW) = 1.2 lbs/kWh = 0.545 kg/kWh

The engine features a remote start system but also a classic electric start system and a manual recoil start system as a backup.

Noise levels are around 74 dB which is almost a "standard" noise level for the open-frame generators in this class.

Control Panel is placed on the side of the unit and features everything one needs to monitor and use, such power generator, including the fuel selector, electric motor start button, electric breakers, VFT meter, receptacles, etc.

Westinghouse WGen10500TFc comes with the following list of receptacles:

• AC: 2x 120V Duplex 5-20R, 120/240V L14-30R, 120/240V 14-50R, ST Switch Outlet,
• DC: 2x USB.

THD levels are ≤23%, which is acceptable for a "classic" power generator.

The physical dimensions of the unit are (L x W x H) 27.2 x 26.1 x 26.5 inches (~69.1 x 66.3 x 67.3 cm) and it weighs 230 pounds (~104.2 kg) dry.

Safety features include a CO sensor with an automatic shut-off system, Low Oil shut-off, and Overload (electric breakers) - everything such a unit really must have.

For transporting units from one place to another, the unit features a folding handle and a pair of transport wheels.

Westinghouse WGen10500TFc comes with a 1-year limited commercial and 3-year limited residential warranty.

For more reviews and recommendations, feel free to check the Westinghouse WGen10500TFc 13000 Peak Watt Tri-Fuel Portable Generator Amazon link (the link opens in the new window).  

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are some of the most common Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about tri-fuel generators and generators in general.

Is there a tri-fuel generator?

Yes, there are tri-fuel power generators that can use three different fuels, including gasoline (gas), propane (LPG), and natural gas (NG).

What does a tri-fuel generator mean?

"Tri-fuel generator" means that the power generator is able to use three different fuels, one at a time.

These fuels are gasoline (gas), propane (LPG), and natural gas (NG).

What is the most efficient fuel for a generator?

In order to answer that question, one would have to define what "the most efficient fuel" means accurately.

Generally, in order to produce a certain amount of energy, power generators require the least amount of gasoline. However, if we take into account things like price, availability, and similar, the calculation is not that simple.

That is the reason why dual-fuel and tri-fuel power generators are in demand - fuel flexibility can come in very handy in many situations.

What is the best multi-fuel generator?

"The best multi-fuel" generator depends on the exact requirements. In this article, we cover several very popular models that really have something to offer, so please, choose according to your own needs and preferences.

How long will a 20 lbs propane tank run a generator?

This depends on the output power and the efficiency of the power generator. For 10kW or similar power generators, consider 40 lbs propane tanks for a longer runtime.

Is it worth it to get a dual-fuel generator?

Dual-fuel and tri-fuel generators offer great flexibility regarding the fuel that they use, which is very important during emergencies, blackouts, when camping, and similar.

Tri-fuel generators are not as common as dual-fuel generators since not all people have access to Natural Gas (NG), and they don't have the need for such units.

If You live in an area where blackouts are common, and your home is already using natural gas (NG), then having a tri-fuel generator and transfer switch is highly recommended.

Also, in such a situation, having a stationary generator is not a bad option; on the contrary...

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Few Final Words

 

The most common tri-fuel power generators are larger units that can be used to power entire homes via their AC 120V/240V 50A 14-50R receptacles and a transfer switch.

However, there are also smaller tri-fuel power generators in the 3000-5000 Watts range. However, they are not as common as dual-fuel power generators in that class.

Regardless of the power generator that You have and its safety features, always operate the power generator outside, away from homes, RVs, people, animals, etc.

And whatever You do, stay safe.

Note: most tri-fuel power generators are Transfer Switch ready - if you don't have a transfer switch, let a certified electrician check your home installations and install one ...