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What is a tri fuel generator? A generator that runs on gasoline, propane or natural gas, switching between fuels with a selector switch or dial. The fuels give backup options when a fuel runs out, and the listings here show the watts fall as the fuel changes: gasoline makes the most, natural gas the least. The steps below use the figures makers state on their listings.
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What is a tri fuel generator: the quick answer
A tri fuel generator is a portable generator with a fuel system that takes gasoline, propane or natural gas. A selector switch or dial picks the fuel, and the engine runs on whichever fuel is connected. The Champion listings include natural gas and propane hoses, so the unit is ready to run on any fuel out of the box, and the WEN TF1302X (on Amazon) includes a 5-foot LPG connection hose and a built-in NG quick-connect adapter.
| Generator | Gasoline running watts | Propane running watts | Natural gas running watts |
|---|---|---|---|
| Champion 201438 | 10000 | 9000 | 8000 |
| Champion 201423 | 9000 | 8100 | 7290 |
| WEN TF1300iX | 10500 | 9000 | 8000 |
| WEN TF1302X | 10000 | 9100 | 7800 |
| Pulsar PG15000TRCO | 12000 | 10,800 | 9,600 |
The pattern holds on every listing that states all 3 fuels: gasoline makes the most running watts, propane sits in the middle, and natural gas makes the least. Size the generator by the natural gas figure if that is the fuel you plan to run.
Step 1: Know the 3 fuels
Gasoline comes from a can or a pump, propane comes from a tank, and natural gas comes from a home gas line. The generator burns whichever fuel is selected, and the selector switch or dial on the unit picks it: the Champion listings describe a switch, the WEN TF1302X describes a selection dial, and the WEN TF1300iX (on Amazon) describes a press of a switch. Keep the fuel you plan to use on hand before an outage, and keep the hoses with the generator so the fuel change needs no extra parts.
Step 2: Tell tri-fuel from dual-fuel
Not every multi-fuel generator takes natural gas. The Westinghouse WGen9500DF runs on gasoline and propane only, with 9500 running watts on gasoline and 8500 on propane, and the DuroMax XP13000EH (on Amazon) runs on gas and propane only at 13000 watts. A dual-fuel generator cannot run on natural gas: it has no natural gas feed. Check the title and the fuel list before ordering, not the wattage alone, and check that the listing names natural gas alongside gasoline and propane.
Step 3: Check the outlets and the starting watts
Running watts set what the generator can carry, and starting watts set what it can start. The Champion 201438 states 12500 starting watts and 10000 running watts on gasoline, and the Pulsar states 15000 peak watts and 12000 running watts on gasoline. Use the running watts for the load you plan, and check the starting watts for motors, which pull more at startup than while running.
Then count the outlets against the loads. The Westinghouse lists 2 GFCI 120V 20A household outlets, a 120V 30A transfer switch ready outlet and a 120/240V 50A RV outlet. The Champion 201423 lists 2 120V 20A GFCI outlets, a 120/240V 30A locking outlet, a 120/240V 37.5A outlet and a 12V automotive outlet. The Pulsar lists a 120V/240V 50A outlet, a 120V/240V 30A outlet, a 120V 30A outlet, 4 120V 20A GFCI outlets and a 12V DC terminal. If the generator feeds the house through a transfer switch, a licensed electrician should install that connection.
Step 4: Run it outdoors
Generators run outdoors only, far from doors and windows, because of carbon monoxide. Several listings state a carbon monoxide shutoff that stops the engine when levels rise: Champion calls it CO Shield, DuroMax calls it CO Alert, WEN calls it CO Watchdog, and Pulsar calls it CO Sentry. The shutoff is a backup, not a reason to run the unit inside or near an open window.
Runtime depends on the tank and the load. The Westinghouse runs up to 12 hours on a 6.6 gallon fuel tank. The WEN TF1300iX runs up to 7.7 hours at half load on a 7.1-gallon tank, the WEN TF1302X runs up to 8.5 hours at half load on a 6.6-gallon tank, and the Pulsar runs up to 10 hours at half load on a 9.5-gallon tank. Remote start adds reach: the Champion 201423 remote works from up to 80 feet away, and the WEN TF1302X remote works from over 80 feet away. Remote start changes where you stand, not where the generator runs.
Ways to pick the right tri-fuel generator
- Size by the natural gas watts if that is your fuel: the listings show natural gas lowest on every unit.
- Check the hoses: Champion includes natural gas and propane hoses, and WEN includes a 5-foot LPG hose.
- Count the outlets against the loads: the Pulsar lists a 50A outlet, a 30A outlet and 4 GFCI outlets.
- Weigh the unit: the listings run from 212.3 pounds to 246.9 pounds, with wheels and a folding handle on the Pulsar.
- Check the warranty: Champion and WEN state a 3-year limited warranty, and DuroMax states a 5-year warranty on the XP11000iHT.
FAQ: power away from the grid
What fuels does a tri fuel generator use?
Gasoline, propane and natural gas. The Champion, WEN and Pulsar listings state all 3, with hoses for propane and natural gas on the Champion units.
Does a tri fuel generator make fewer watts on natural gas?
Yes, on every listing that states all 3 fuels. The Pulsar makes 12000 running watts on gasoline, 10,800 on propane and 9,600 on natural gas. Size by the natural gas figure if that is your fuel.
Can a dual fuel generator run on natural gas?
No. The Westinghouse WGen9500DF and the DuroMax XP13000EH run on gasoline and propane only. Natural gas needs a tri-fuel unit or a conversion kit made for the engine.
How far away can I start a tri fuel generator?
The Champion 201423 remote works from up to 80 feet away, and the WEN TF1302X remote works from over 80 feet away. Remote start changes where you stand, not where the generator runs.
What warranty does a tri fuel generator carry?
Champion and WEN state a 3-year limited warranty, DuroMax states a 5-year warranty on the XP11000iHT, and Westinghouse states 3-year limited service, labor and parts coverage. Check the listing for the unit you pick.
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