The Best Tri-Fuel Generators that use Gas, Propane and LNG (Liquid Natural Gas)

Last Updated on April 13, 2023 by Rod Olivares

When it comes to finding a generator for your specific needs, having one that can run off of different fuel types can help you stay efficient. Dual-Fuel or hybrid generators are quite common as they allow you to use either gasoline or propane to power up your generator. This is also a great feature to have when gasoline becomes scarce such as during a national disaster.

While propane and gasoline are two great fuels, you can also use natural gas on tri-fuel generators. Tri-fuel generators allow for three different fuels for you to choose from when powering up your generator. By having the choice of gasoline, propane, or natural gas, you can get your generator running just about anywhere.

Today, we are going to look at a few of the most popular tri-fuel generators. We will look at a few different aspects to compare them against each other such as power, outlet selection, and run times.

Winco HPS12000HE Generator

First on the list is the Winco HPS12000HE. Winco is a very popular generator manufacturer that is quite popular for its powerful commercial generators. This HPS12000HE tri-fuel generator is a true testament to Winco’s reputation and offers high power capabilities for the largest of demands.

Power

Featuring a large 688cc Honda GX630 OHV V-Twin 4 cycle engine, this generator is going to produce some very impressive power. You can expect up to 10,800 rated watts and 12,000 starting watts from this generator with gasoline. This is going to be enough power to provide power to most of your appliances during a blackout, get your job site completely powered up, or provide full power to your RV.

Outlet Selection

The outlet selection on the Winco HPS12000HE is going to offer a great variety of tools/electronics to be plugged in. You are going to get your choice of 6 outlets to power up anything from the smallest of electronics to the heaviest of appliances. You can expect to see 4 NEMA 5-20R 20 amp 120VAC outlets, 2 NEMA L14-30R 30Amp 120/240 VAC outlet, and 1 NEA 14-60R 60 Amp 120/240 VAC outlet. This selection is going to be great for any commercial, residential, or recreational use.

Fuel Capacity & Run Time

With this generator being so large, a fuel tank to match completes the package to allow for storage of up to 15 gallons of fuel. This allows for 14.5 hours of runtime at 50% load. This will of course differ when using LPG or natural gas.

Noise Level

This generator is going to be a bit louder than most as it is sporting a larger engine, but the noise level is nothing too drastic. You can expect a 78 dba noise level from this generator, which is a little bit louder than a vacuum cleaner.

Verdict

If you are needing a tri-fuel generator that is going to power up just about anything that you can throw at it, this is your best bet. With over 10,000 running watts, you should have no problem powering your house, RV, or job site all day. With three different fuel sources to choose from, you can keep this generator running all day if you are properly prepared.

Honda EU2200I w/ Hutch Mountain Tri-Fuel Kit

One of the most popular portable generators on the market, the Honda EU2200I has made the list, but it is not a tri-fuel generator from the factory. The Honda EU2200I is actually a gasoline-only portable generator. Instead, you can use a tri-fuel kit from Hutch Mountain to allow for your Honda EU2200i to run on propane and natural gas.

Power

The Honda EU2200I generator is going to come equipped with a fuel-efficient Honda GXR120 engine. This engine is going to deliver 10% more power than the EU2000i generator, bringing the total wattage of the EU2200I to 2200. This is going to be a great power range for light-duty residential or recreational use. Honda made this generator parallel-capable to allow for another EU2200i generator to be hooked up to it for twice the power, up to 4400 watts.

Outlet Selection

With this generator being a smaller size and only producing 2200 watts, you can expect a smaller amount of outlets. A pair of 120V household outlets and a DC 12V battery charging outlet are the only outlets found on the EU2200i generator. Adding another generator with the optional parallel cable will allow you to access another set of household outlets and the ability to charge another battery.

Fuel Capacity & Run Time

The fuel capacity on the Honda EU2200i generator is going to come in at 1 gallon. This is going to allow for 4-9.6 hours, depending on the load that you have on the generator. This is great for keeping items charging overnight or leaving a simple fan running throughout the day. Run times for propane and natural gas are not available from Hutch Mountain.

Noise Level

You will not have to worry about disturbing the neighbors with this generator as the noise level is quite low. You can expect noise levels to range from 48-57 dBa, depending on the load of the generator. Most of the time, it is going to operate on the lower end of that scale.

Verdict

The Honda EU2200i is a customer favorite for a reason. It has all of the great features you would want from a 2000-watt generator while providing unmatched reliability and performance. While it performs spectacularly on gas, having the tri-fuel adapter allows for even more possibilities. This kit can turn your small generator into quite the workhorse to give you on-the-go power, no matter what type of fuel you have. Pair it up in a parallel configuration and you are good to go!

Firman T07571

As one of the most feature-rich generators on this list, the Firman T07571 tri-fuel generator is ready to tackle any residential, commercial, or recreation use you may have. With three different fuel choices and nearly 10,000 starting watts, you can expect this generator to power up just about anything.

Power

Powering up the Firman T07571 generator is a 439cc Tri-fuel engine. This engine is going to put out 9400 starting watts and 7500 running watts for great mid to higher-level power. Firman markets this generator as being best used for large RV’s, work, farm/ranch, and backup power for your home.

Outlet Selection

Looking at the outlet selection, you can tell that this generator is ready to take on more of your larger appliances and tools. As one of the only generators on this list with covered outlets, it already gets added points for protection. On the Firman T07571 generator, you can expect to see 2 5-20R 20A-120V outlets, 1 14-50R 50A-120V/240V outlet, 1 L14-30R 30A-120V/240V twist-lock outlet, and 1 L5-30R 30A-120V twist-lock outlet. These outlets will provide a great selection for smaller appliances up to the larger appliances and tools, including RV power.

Fuel Capacity & Run Time

While you will be able to hook up any size propane tank to this generator while having the option for unlimited fuel with natural gas, you will still have a fuel tank. The fuel tank on this generator is going to have an 8-gallon capacity to allow for 12 hours of run time.

Noise Level

The noise level of this generator is going to be right on par with most generators in its class coming in at 74 dBa. This is going to make it acceptable in most neighborhoods, but you can always add a muffler or deflect the sound to help your neighbors out.

Verdict

Besides having a beautiful color scheme, the Firman T07571 is built to take on just about anything. Covered outlets, never-flat wheels, and a collapsible handle make this generator stand out. The 3-year warranty is also a huge plus as it shows Firman stands firmly behind their products.

Smart Generators STF9375

A lesser-known generator, the Smart Generators STF9375 has made our list as it provides higher level power and features consumers want from a portable generator. While it may be lesser-known, it does feature a Honda GX engine which is well known for its reliability and power output.

Power

The 390cc Honda GX engine on the STF9375 is going to supply this generator with 9375 starting watts and 7500 running watts. This is going to make this generator perfect for just about any use you may need from a generator of this size. It will come equipped with an electric start and a low oil alert system for easier usability and maintenance.

Outlet Selection

Covered outlets make another appearance on the STF9375, protecting the 5 outlets from dirt, debris, and moisture. This makes this generator safer to use in dirtier environments such as a job site. You will get 4 120V 20A household outlets and 1 240V 30A outlet to power up small, medium, and larger tools or appliances.

Fuel Capacity & Run Time

This generator is going to come furnished with a large, 8-gallon fuel tank that will allow for up to 12 hours of runtime at 50% load. This is ideal for all-day use or powering appliances throughout the night, such as an A/C system or furnace. This also makes it ideal for home backup power as you will not have to fill up as often. Of course, you will get to use propane and natural gas for longer run times, but lower wattage ratings.

Noise Level

Unfortunately, noise level ratings for this generator could not be found. However, judging by other generators in its class, we would guess that it would be around 72-76 dBa, which is about average for this size.

Verdict

There isn’t just too much information about this generator, but from what we can see, it has all of the features you would need from a basic generator. It is not going to have all of the bells and whistles that you may be accustomed to on larger generators, but it can certainly get the job done.

Sportsman GENTRI9K

Making its first appearance on our site, Sportsman has made the list with its Tri-Fuel 9000w generator. This generator takes on a unique color, looking like something from a military base while delivering many great features and outlets.

Power

A 15 horsepower, 4 stroke OHV engine powers this generator up to 9000 starting watts and 7200 running watts. This makes it a great contender for any RV, household, and job site needs. While it does not have covered outlets, it is built tough enough to take on most construction jobs or commercial uses.

Outlet Selection

The outlet selection on this generator is pretty impressive as you will get 4 120V outlets, 1 120V RV outlet, 1 120/240V outlet, and 1 12V DC outlet. This selection allows for a variety of different sizes of appliances and tools to be used at the same time.

Fuel Capacity & Run Time

Run times are going to vary depending on what size propane tank you use and if you are connecting your natural gas line to a home or a tank. However, for gas, you will get up to 10 hours of run time at 50% load from the 7.4-gallon fuel tank found on this generator.

Noise Level

The noise level on this generator is a little vague as it says less than 80 dBa, but this does put it at about average on the noise level scale. Most generators of this size are going to be in the mid-70s range.

Verdict

The Sportsman tri-fuel generator lives up quite nicely to its name as it has an outdoor-esque feel to it. The green paint job and rugged build showcase the readiness to take on just about any application. With a great outlet variety, LCD monitor, and built-in wheels, this generator is going to be a great choice for anyone looking for a tri-fuel generator.

WINCO 9,000 Watts Tri-Fuel Pro

For those who are in the construction industry or need a high powered generator for heavy-duty applications, the Winco 9,000 watt tri-fuel generator is your best bet. This generator is built tough to take on just about anything that you can throw at it. It is a great choice for home backup or RV use as well.

Power

Powering up this generator is a 480cc OHV engine from B&S Vanguard. This engine allows this generator to put out a powerful 9000 starting watts and 8000 running watts. This power rating is for gasoline use when used with propane and natural gas, these ratings will be lower. You can enjoy quick and easy startups with the recoil and electric starting systems built into this Winco generator.

Outlet Selection

The outlet selection is about average for a generator of this size. You can expect 5 outlets, but no outlet covers, which is a bit of a disappointment since this generator will most likely be used in commercial applications such as job sites. The outlets you get to choose from will include 1 20A NEMA 5-20 outlets and 1 30A locking NEMA L14-30 outlet. This will allow for just about any size tool or appliance to be powered up or charged up on this generator.

Fuel Capacity & Run Time

The run time on this generator is quite disappointing. With a 4.5-gallon fuel tank, this generator has a smaller fuel capacity than most generators of this size. This results in only 2.7 hours of runtime at full load and 4.5 hours of run time at half load. This leads me to believe that this generator is built to run off of natural gas most of the time.
Noise Level

While the run time is a little disappointing, the noise level is right on par with industry averages. You can expect this generator to operate at 77 dBa, which is slightly louder than a vacuum cleaner.

Verdict

Although this generator looks like it is ready to take on the world, the run time is what kills it for me. It has great outlets, but the low run time and no wheels make the market for this generator very small. This generator is going to be best suited for those who are wanting a generator that is permanently located and hooked up to natural gas for the most time.

Honda Commercial Tri-Fuel Package

Adding another Honda generator to the list, the Honda Commercial Tri-Fuel package is just what you need for your job site. Built to take on some of the most rugged conditions while providing you enough power to get all of your tools running at the same time, this generator package is a contractor’s best friend.

Power

Featuring the iconic 11.7 horsepower Honda GX390 engine, this generator is going to supply you with an impressive 15,000 starting watts and 8,400 running watts. You may have noticed the large difference in power from starting to running watts as this power difference usually isn’t this large on average generators. This shows that this generator is aimed toward powering larger appliances and tools that require larger wattage demands to start.

Outlet Selection

This generator is also going to offer 5 outlets to choose from which seems to be the industry standard for tri-fuel generators. You will get 4 120V 20A outlets and 1 120/240V 30A twist lock outlet on this generator along with protective covers to keep dirt, debris, and moisture out of your outlets.

Fuel Capacity & Run Time

With an 8-gallon fuel tank, you can expect up to 12 hours of run time at 50% load on gasoline. For LPG, you can expect up to 20 hours of run time at 50% load with a 40lb bottle of propane. This makes for a full day of run time at half load in most situations.

Noise Level

This generator is going to fall right in line with most generators of this size when it comes to noise levels coming in at 75 dBa. While noise levels aren’t too much of a concern on job sites, it is a great bonus.

Verdict

If you are in the market for a new generator for your job site or your construction company, this Honda Commercial Tri-Fuel generator is going to be a great choice. Built tough and having all of the great features needed for a generator to be successful in a rugged environment, this generator will keep your tools powered up all day.

Winco HPS9000VE Generator

Last but not least is another great Winco generator. The HPS9000VE tri-fuel generator is going to allow you to keep your job site or construction project powered up nearly all day. With no wheels or tires, this generator is going to be best suited for those who can put the generator in a more permanent spot for weeks at a time. This is certainly not a generator that you will want to have to move around throughout the day.

Power

Featuring a 480cc V Twin OHV Briggs & Stratton Vanguard engine, this generator is going to produce 9000 starting watts and 8000 running watts. This is going to be perfect for powering up multiple large tools on your job site or powering up a combination of tools and lights.

Outlet Selection

To power up all of your tools and electronics on the job site, you are going to need more than just a couple of outlets. This generator is going to provide you with 4 120V 20A outlets and 1 120/240V 30A L14-30 outlet for your larger tool or appliances. This makes a great generator for RVs as well.

Fuel Capacity & Run Time

This generator is going to come equipped with a 7-gallon fuel tank that allows for 7 hours of runtime at 50% load. With propane, you can expect 1.5 gallons per hour at a 50% load. As for natural gas, a 100% load will consume 180 ft³/hr.

Noise Level

Although this generator is built for the worksite and noise levels usually aren’t too much of a concern, this generator is going to have an average noise level. You can expect up to 77 dBa from this generator which will be right on the line of being acceptable in a close neighborhood.

Verdict

When it comes to commercial generators, Winco is one of the industry leaders. This generator is a great example of the quality of their generators and how durable they are built to take on the toughest conditions. While it would have been nice to see covered outlets, wheels, and a handle, this generator is going to be a great choice for just about any construction crew. If you have the room on your RV, it would also be great for some camping applications.

Pramac Tri-Fuel Generator Complete Package

The first tri-fuel generator on our list is going to be the Pramac tri-fuel generator complete package. This generator is ready to take on just about any environment with its rugged construction.

Power

At the heart of the Pramac Tri-Fuel Generator is a powerful 14 horsepower Kohler CH440 OHV engine. It also provides clean electricity to allow you to safely power up your sensitive electronics. When it comes to power levels, you are going to get three different ratings as it has three different fuels. These wattage levels are as follows:

Natural Gas: 7,300 Starting Watts | 6,700 Running Watts

Liquid Propane Gas: 7,500 Starting Watts | 7,000 Running Watts

Gasoline: 7,500 Starting Watts | 7,000 Running Watts

Outlet Selection

With the amount of power that you are getting from this generator, you can expect quite the selection of outlets to come with it. 7000 running watts will power many appliances at once, so having a great outlet selection makes this generator much more useful. On the Pramac Tri-Fuel generator, you can expect 6 different outlets to charge and power the smallest of electronics up to the largest of appliances or tools. These outlets will include 4 120V household-style outlets, a 120V 30A twist-lock outlet, and a 120/240V 30A twist-lock outlet. This selection is ideal for just about any use whether it be residential, commercial, or recreational.
Fuel Capacity & Run Time

While this generator does not have the specs for gasoline fuel tank capacity or run time, it does have a propane run time of up to 24 hours at 50% load when using a 40lb tank. When hooked up to a natural gas source, you can of course use if for however long you would need.

Noise Level

The noise level on this generator is going to be near industry-standard, coming in at around 72 dBa. For reference, this is about the same noise level as a vacuum cleaner. Per industry standards, noise levels are usually measured from 23 feet away.

Verdict

This Pramac generator is an all-around workhorse of a generator. It allows for three different fuel types, has a great outlet selection, and has a great run time. The power levels put it in the upper-middle to higher range when compared to other portable generators. Even though it weighs over 200lbs, the built-in wheels and collapsible handle make it very easy to move around to wherever you need it. The only thing I could point out as a downfall is that it could use covered outlets.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Conclusion – About This Guide

Now that we have discussed what a tri-fuel generator is and looked at some of the top tri-fuel generators on the market, you should have a better idea of what generator might work best for your specific application.

Keep in mind that not all generators can be converted to tri-fuel, so if you are wanting a true, out-of-the-box tri-fuel generator, your best bet is going to be choosing one of the generators above.