Generac 6500 Watt Generator Review

If you are looking for a portable generator that can provide reliable power for your home, appliances, or tools, you might want to consider the Generac GP6500. This generator is not only powerful but also safe, thanks to its innovative CO-sense technology that protects you and your family from carbon monoxide poisoning. In this review, I will share my personal experience with the Generac GP6500, and explain why I think it is a great choice for your needs.

What is the Generac GP6500?

The Generac GP6500 is a portable generator that can produce up to 6500 watts of surge power and 5000 watts of running power. It runs on gasoline and has a 7.2-gallon fuel tank that can last up to 11.5 hours at 50% load. It has four 120-volt outlets, one 120/240-volt twist-lock outlet, and one 12-volt DC outlet. It also has a digital hour meter that tracks the maintenance intervals.

The Generac GP6500 is equipped with a 389cc OHV engine that has splash lubrication for a long engine life. It also has a low-oil level shutdown feature that automatically safeguards the engine from damage. The generator has a hardened steel-tube cradle that adds durability and strength, and heavy-duty wheels and a fold-down handle that make it easy to transport and store.

What makes the Generac GP6500 stand out?

One of the most impressive features of the Generac GP6500 is its CO-sense technology. This technology detects the level of carbon monoxide in the air and automatically shuts off the generator if it exceeds a safe limit.

This prevents the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, which can be fatal if you use the generator indoors or in an enclosed space. The CO-sense technology also alerts you with an audible alarm and a flashing light, so you can take action to ventilate the area or move the generator to a safer location.

Another feature that makes the Generac GP6500 stand out is its Power Rush advanced technology. This technology delivers more than a 40% increased starting capacity, which means it can handle more demanding loads such as large appliances or tools. For example, I was able to start and run my refrigerator, freezer, microwave, TV, laptop, and lights without any problem. The Power Rush technology also helps reduce the fuel consumption and emissions of the generator.

Fuel efficiency

One of the advantages of the Generac GP6500 generator is its fuel efficiency, thanks to the Power Rush technology that delivers more starting capacity while reducing fuel consumption. 

According to the user manual, the generator consumes about 0.97 gallons of gasoline per hour at 50% load, which means it can run for about 7.4 hours on a full tank of 7.2 gallons. This is comparable to other generators in its class, such as the Westinghouse WGen6000, which consumes about 0.92 gallons per hour at 50% load.

Noise levels

The Generac GP6500 generator is not very quiet, especially at high loads. It produces about 74 decibels of noise at 23 feet, which is comparable to a vacuum cleaner or a lawn mower. This might be annoying for some users who prefer a quieter operation or who have sensitive neighbors. However, there are some ways to reduce the noise level, such as placing the generator on a flat and stable surface, using a muffler or a sound enclosure, or moving the generator farther away from your house or workplace.

Maintenance requirements

The Generac GP6500 generator requires regular maintenance to ensure optimal performance and longevity. The user manual provides a detailed maintenance schedule and procedures that you should follow. Some of the routine maintenance tasks include:

• Changing the oil and oil filter after the first 30 hours of use and then every 100 hours thereafter.
• Replacing the air filter annually or after 200 hours of use.
• Inspecting and replacing the spark plug every 100 hours or annually.
• Adjusting the valve clearance every 200 hours or annually (for engines without hydraulic lifters).
• Inspecting the lines and connections for fuel or oil leaks every time before starting the generator.
• Inspecting the enclosure louvers for dirt and debris every time before starting the generator.
• Looking for water intrusion every time before starting the generator.
• Assessing and cleaning the sediment trap as necessary every time before starting the generator (applies only to home standby units).
• Checking the battery voltage and inspecting the battery for any corrosion around the contact points every month.

Emissions compliance

The Generac GP6500 generator is not CARB compliant, which means it does not meet the emission standards set by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and/or the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). CARB and EPA regulate the amount of harmful gases and particles that are released into the air by engines that burn combustible fuels, such as generators. If you live in California or other states that follow CARB regulations, you might not be able to use this generator legally or without restrictions. You might want to look for another generator that is CARB-compliant or has a lower emission level.

Pricing and availability

The Generac GP6500 generator has a suggested retail price of $799, which is reasonable for its power output and features. However, you might be able to find it cheaper online or at local dealers. 

You can use Generac’s product lookup tool to find a dealer near you or check online retailers such as Amazon or Home Depot for availability and discounts. You can also compare prices with other generators in its class, such as the Westinghouse WGen6000, which has a similar power output and features but costs $849.

What are the Pros and Cons of the Generac GP6500?

Based on my experience with the Generac GP6500, here are some of the pros and cons that I found:

Pros:

• Powerful: The Generac GP6500 can provide enough power for most of your essential needs in case of a power outage or emergency.
• Safe: The CO-sense technology protects you from carbon monoxide poisoning, which is a serious hazard when using generators.
• Reliable: The OHV engine and the steel-tube cradle ensure a long engine life and durability of the generator.
• Portable: The heavy-duty wheels and the fold-down handle make it easy to move and store the generator.
• Easy to use: The generator has a simple control panel with clear indicators and instructions. It also has an electric start option for convenience.

Cons:

• Loud: The Generac GP6500 is not very quiet, especially at high loads. It produces about 74 decibels of noise at 23 feet, which is comparable to a vacuum cleaner or a lawn mower.
• Heavy: The Generac GP6500 weighs about 184 pounds, which makes it difficult to lift or carry by one person.
• Not CARB compliant: The Generac GP6500 is not certified by the California Air Resources Board (CARB), which means it does not meet the emission standards for California. If you live in California or other states that follow CARB regulations, you might want to look for another generator.

How does the Generac GP6500 compare to other generators?

There are many other generators in the market that have similar features and specifications as the Generac GP6500. Here are some of them:

• Westinghouse WGen6000: This generator has a slightly higher running power of 6000 watts, but a lower surge power of 7500 watts. It also has a larger fuel tank of 6.6 gallons, but a shorter run time of 13 hours at 50% load. It has CO protect technology that shuts off the generator if carbon monoxide levels are too high. It is CARB compliant and has a remote start option.
• Champion Power Equipment 100519: This generator has a lower running power of 5000 watts, but a higher surge power of 6250 watts. It also has a smaller fuel tank of 4.7 gallons, but a longer run time of 17 hours at 25% load. It has a quiet technology that reduces the noise level to 63 decibels at 23 feet. It is also CARB compliant and has a cold start technology that improves performance in cold weather.
• DuroMax XP5500EH: This generator has the same running power of 5000 watts, but a lower surge power of 5500 watts. It also has a dual fuel capability that allows it to run on gasoline or propane. It has a smaller fuel tank of 3.96 gallons, but a longer run time of 20 hours on propane at 50% load. It has a low oil shut-off feature and a voltmeter. It is also CARB compliant and has an electric start option.

Summary of Comparision Table

Brand and Model	Power Output	Fuel Type	Run Time	Noise Level	Price
Generac GP6500	6500W/8125W	Gasoline	11.5 hours	74 dB	$799
Westinghouse WGen6000	6000W/7500W	Gasoline	13 hours	72 dB	$849
Champion Power Equipment 100519	5000W/6250W	Gasoline	17 hours	63 dB	$699
DuroMax XP5500EH	5000W/5500W	Gasoline/Propane	20 hours (propane)	69 dB	$599

Which generator is best for you?

The answer to this question depends on your personal preferences and needs. However, based on my research and experience, I would recommend the Generac GP6500 for the following reasons:

• It has a high starting capacity that can handle most of your appliances and tools.
• It has a CO-sense technology that protects you from carbon monoxide poisoning, which is a rare but important feature among generators.
• It has a long run time and a large fuel tank that can keep you powered for hours.
• It has a durable and sturdy design that can withstand harsh conditions.

Of course, you might have different priorities or requirements, so you should always do your own research and compare different options before making a final decision.

Conclusion

The Generac GP6500 is a powerful and safe portable generator that can provide reliable power for your home, appliances, or tools. It has an innovative CO-sense technology that protects you from carbon monoxide poisoning, and a Power Rush advanced technology that delivers more than a 40% increased starting capacity. It also has a long engine life, a durable design, and an easy-to-use control panel. However, it is also loud, heavy, and not CARB compliant, so you might want to consider these factors before buying it.

FAQs

1. How much is a back up generator?
   A back up generator costs between $3,000 and $15,000 or more, depending on the size, type, fuel source, and installation of the generator .
2. How to power home with generator?
   To power your home with a generator, you can either connect appliances directly to your generator or connect your generator to your home’s electrical grid with a transfer switch .
3. How much is a commercial generator
   A commercial generator costs between $8,000 and $250,000 or more, depending on the power output, fuel type, engine size, and features of the generator .
4. What is the best natural gas generator?
   The best natural gas generator for your home depends on your power needs, budget, and preferences. Some of the top-rated natural gas generators are Generac Guardian 24kW Standby Generator, DuroMax XP13000HXT Dual Fuel Portable Generator, and Generac G0071540 Portable Inverter Generator.
5. Are generators gas powered?
   Generators are devices that convert mechanical energy into electrical energy. Some generators are gas powered, meaning they use gasoline or natural gas as their fuel source. Other generators use diesel, propane, solar panels, batteries, or other alternative fuels as their fuel source .