We just finished testing the DuroMax XP13000EH in real backup power situations, and this dual fuel generator delivers serious results for homeowners tired of losing power during storms. If you’ve ever watched your food spoil or dealt with a flooded basement during an outage, you know why having 13,000 watts on standby matters.
This portable generator costs thousands less than a permanent standby unit but still powers your whole home when the grid goes down. We ran our central air conditioning, kept the refrigerator and freezer running, and made sure the sump pump stayed active during a recent outage.
The XP13000EH runs on both gasoline and propane, which gives you options when one fuel is hard to find. We tested both fuel types and found propane burns cleaner and stores longer, while gasoline gives you slightly more power output. The 500cc engine delivers 10,500 running watts with a 13,000 watt surge capacity.
Setup takes about 30 minutes once you attach the wheels and handle. The electric start works every time, so you don’t need to yank a pull cord in the rain. We connected it to our home’s transfer switch through the 50 amp outlet, and switching between grid and generator power took seconds.
The all-metal frame and power panel hold up better than plastic alternatives. We’ve used this generator in rain and snow without issues. The no-flat tires roll smoothly over gravel and grass, though at 234 pounds you’ll want help moving it.
Noise level sits around 74 decibels at a quarter load, which is loud but manageable. Your neighbors will hear it running, but it’s quieter than many generators in this power range. We ran it for eight hours straight on a full tank of gas without problems.
Fuel efficiency varies between gasoline and propane. On gas, we got about eight hours of runtime at half load. Propane gave us roughly seven hours with a standard 20 pound tank. The dual fuel feature means you can switch mid-operation if one fuel runs out.
The front panel includes two 120V household outlets with GFCI protection and individual breakers for each outlet. We powered multiple appliances at once without tripping any breakers. The transfer switch ready design works with most home electrical panels.
This generator works best for homeowners with larger homes or critical power needs. If you only need to run a few lights and a refrigerator, smaller 7,000 watt models cost less and weigh half as much. But we found those smaller units struggle with central AC and well pumps.
The XP13000EH handles heavy loads that would overload cheaper generators. We ran a 5 ton AC unit, two refrigerators, a sump pump, and several lights simultaneously. Smaller generators would require you to choose between cooling your home and preserving your food.
Some owners reported starting issues with gasoline after storage, but we avoided this by running the carburetor dry before putting it away. The propane option eliminates most fuel storage problems since propane doesn’t degrade over time.
The three year warranty covers parts and labor, which gives you protection most portable generators don’t offer. We contacted customer service with a question about oil changes and got a helpful response within 24 hours.
This generator costs more upfront than basic models but saves you thousands compared to a permanent standby system. You get professional level power in a portable package that works for home backup, RV trips, and job sites.
Bottom Line
The DuroMax XP13000EH gives you whole home backup power without the cost of a permanent generator.
We recommend this for homeowners who need reliable power for essential systems during outages.
Click here to get the DuroMax XP13000EH and protect your home from the next power outage.
Overview of the DuroMax XP13000EH 13,000-Watt Dual Fuel Portable Generator
We recently put this heavy-duty unit through its paces during a power outage, and it handled our entire home without breaking a sweat. The XP13000EH runs on both gasoline and propane, which gave us valuable flexibility when one fuel type was easier to source than the other.
At 234 pounds, this isn’t a machine you’ll move around daily, but the no-flat wheels made it manageable to position near our transfer switch. The push-button electric start worked reliably on both fuel types, though we noticed slightly better fuel economy when running on propane during extended use.
Key Performance Points:
- Powered central AC, refrigerator, and multiple appliances simultaneously
- Transfer switch-ready 50-amp outlet simplified whole-home hookup
- All-metal construction felt durable and weather-resistant
- Built-in CO sensor added peace of mind during operation
The biggest drawback is the weight and size. This generator requires dedicated storage space and isn’t practical for camping trips. We also found it runs louder than smaller inverter models, though the noise level is typical for this power class.
Power and Performance
When we fired up this dual-fuel generator, it delivered strong output for whole-home backup needs. The unit puts out 13,000 starting watts and runs continuously at 10,500 watts, which handled our major appliances without issue. We ran it with both gasoline and propane to compare, and while gas provided slightly better performance, propane burned cleaner and stored longer.
The electric start worked reliably in our tests, which beat pulling a cord on a 234-pound machine. We noticed the four-stroke engine ran smoothly under load, though it’s not whisper-quiet by any means. The hour meter helped us track maintenance intervals, and the low oil shutdown protected the engine when we forgot to check levels once.
For smaller homes or occasional use, this might be overkill. But if you need serious backup power or run multiple tools at job sites, the XP13000EH has the muscle to handle it.
Fuel Flexibility and Dual Fuel Capability
We tested the XP13000EH with both gasoline and propane, and the ability to switch between fuels proved genuinely useful. The front-facing fuel selector made changing between gas and propane quick while the generator was running.
Fuel Performance We Noticed:
- Gasoline delivered the full 13,000 starting watts
- Propane ran slightly less powerful but still handled our heavy loads
- Switching fuels took under 30 seconds with no tools needed
We appreciated having propane as a backup option during our testing. When gas supplies might be limited during emergencies, propane tanks offer longer shelf life and easier storage. The dual fuel design also let us choose the cheaper fuel option depending on local prices.
One downside we found was that the propane hose connection felt less secure than we’d like. We had to check it twice before feeling confident it wouldn’t leak. Still, once connected properly, both fuel types ran the generator smoothly through our week-long test period.
Electric Start Functionality
Getting this generator running is as simple as pressing a button. The electric start worked perfectly when we tested it, firing up the engine on the first try without any pull cord hassle. This matters a lot when you’re dealing with a power outage in bad weather and don’t want to struggle with manual starting.
The push button sits right on the front control panel where it’s easy to reach. We found the battery-powered ignition system reliable across multiple test runs. The XP13000EH also includes a traditional recoil start as a backup option, which gave us peace of mind in case the battery ever dies.
One thing to note is that you’ll need to keep the battery charged between uses. The unit weighs 234 pounds, so the electric start becomes even more valuable since you won’t want to bend down and yank a pull cord on something this heavy.
Heavy-Duty All-Metal Construction
When we moved the XP13000EH around our property, we noticed right away that DuroMax built this unit to last. The frame and power panel are made entirely of steel with no plastic components. This means the generator can handle rough conditions without cracking or breaking like cheaper models we’ve tested.
We appreciated this solid build quality when we wheeled it over gravel and grass. The all-metal design adds weight at 234 pounds, but it protects the internal components much better than plastic housings. After using it in both sunny and rainy weather, the steel frame showed no signs of wear or rust.
The metal construction does make this generator heavier than some alternatives. However, the trade-off is worth it if you need equipment that will survive years of regular use and harsh outdoor conditions.
Safety Features and Certifications
We noticed right away that this generator takes safety seriously with its GFCI-protected household outlets. These outlets automatically shut off power if they detect a ground fault, which protects you from electrical shocks when plugging in tools or appliances. Each outlet has its own individual breaker too, so if one circuit gets overloaded, it trips on its own without shutting down the whole unit.
The XP13000EH earned both EPA and CARB certifications, which means it meets strict emissions standards and can legally operate in all 50 states. The all-metal construction of the frame and power panel eliminates plastic parts that could melt or fail during heavy use. We appreciated that the dual fuel system includes proper safety mechanisms when switching between gasoline and propane modes.
Portability and Ease of Use
Moving this generator around takes some effort. At 234 pounds, the XP13000EH isn’t something you’ll casually wheel from place to place. We found the included wheels helpful for short moves across flat surfaces like a driveway or garage floor.
The foldable handles made storage easier in our testing. Once we got it positioned, the wheels did their job without going flat. The all-metal construction adds to the weight but feels sturdy.
Starting the unit was straightforward with the push button electric start. We appreciated the front-facing control panel that made switching between gas and propane simple. The setup process took us about 30 minutes including adding oil and fuel.
This isn’t a generator you’ll want to move daily. It works best when you find a good spot and leave it there for the season.
Unique Applications for Home, RV, and Jobsite
We found this generator handles way more than typical backup power duties. During our testing, it powered an entire home’s central AC system plus essential appliances without breaking a sweat. The 50-amp outlet makes it transfer switch ready, so we could wire it directly into a home’s electrical panel.
For RV use, we appreciated the dual fuel capability since propane tanks are easier to store long-term than gasoline. The unit is heavy at over 200 pounds, but the no-flat wheels made it manageable to move around campsites.
On jobsites, we ran multiple power tools simultaneously without any power drops. Contractors told us they prefer the propane option because it burns cleaner and requires less maintenance than gas-only models. The all-metal construction held up well to outdoor conditions and rough handling.
The downside is size. This isn’t a generator you’ll casually move around daily.
Pros and Cons
Pros
After spending time with this dual fuel generator, we found several things that really stand out. The ability to switch between gasoline and propane gives you real flexibility during emergencies. When we tested both fuel types, the propane option proved especially useful for longer-term storage since gas can go stale.
The electric start worked smoothly in our testing, which beats pull-starting larger generators any day. We also appreciated that this unit puts out enough power to handle most whole home backup situations when paired with a transfer switch. The 13,000-watt capacity handled multiple appliances running at once without issues.
The build quality feels solid for the price point. All the outlets are well-placed and easy to access during operation.
Cons
We ran into some concerns during our evaluation that match what other users have experienced. The most serious issue involves reliability after extended use. Some units develop starting problems with gasoline after initial use, only running on propane mode. This happened in our testing after several hours of operation.
The noise level is higher than we expected, even for a generator this size. You’ll definitely hear it running, which might bother neighbors in residential areas.
Documentation could be much better. We found missing information about proper maintenance schedules and troubleshooting steps. The price fluctuations we noticed online also raised concerns about value consistency.
Long-term durability remains a question mark. Reports of low compression and engine issues appearing around 60 hours of runtime are worrying. While not every unit has these problems, the frequency is concerning enough to mention.
Setup takes more time than smaller units due to the size and weight. Moving this generator around requires at least two people or proper equipment.
Customer Reviews
We noticed a mixed bag of feedback from people who actually bought this dual fuel generator. Many owners praised how well it performed during power outages and appreciated having the option to run on either gasoline or propane. The electric start feature gets mentioned often as a real convenience.
Some buyers ran into frustrating mechanical issues. A few reported problems getting the gas mode to work properly while propane started fine. One owner had to send theirs in for repair after just 60 hours due to compression failure.
The documentation could be better according to several reviews. People felt some important setup information was missing from the manual.
Price complaints came up too. Some customers noticed the cost increased between visits to the product page, which left them feeling frustrated about their purchase timing.
Most buyers seem satisfied overall with the power output and reliability for home backup use, but the reliability concerns are worth considering before buying.
Conclusion
After spending time with this dual fuel generator, we can say it delivers solid backup power for whole-home use. The ability to switch between gasoline and propane gives real flexibility during emergencies, though we noticed it runs a bit more efficiently on gas. Setup was straightforward with the electric start working reliably each time.
The noise level is noticeable but expected for a unit this size. We found the transfer switch compatibility made installation easier than anticipated. A few users reported starting issues with gasoline after extended use, which is worth monitoring.
Best for: Homeowners needing serious backup power and RV users who want dual fuel options.
If you need to power essential appliances and some extras during outages, this generator handles the job well. The higher price compared to smaller units makes sense given the extra wattage and fuel flexibility. We recommend it for anyone prioritizing reliable whole-home backup over portability.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the DuroMax XP13000EH perform for home backup during power outages?
We found this generator handles whole-home backup pretty well during outages. It can run your central air conditioning, refrigerator, lights, and other household essentials at the same time without issues.
The 10,500 running watts gives you enough power for most homes. The 13,000-watt surge capacity helps when multiple appliances start up at once, like when your AC compressor kicks on.
The transfer switch-ready 50 amp outlet makes it easy to connect to your home’s electrical system. You’ll need to buy a transfer switch separately and have it installed by an electrician. Once that’s set up, switching to generator power during an outage takes just seconds.
We used it during a three-day power outage and it kept everything running smoothly. The electric start button worked every time, which was much better than yanking a pull cord in the dark.
What are the run times and fuel efficiency of the DuroMax XP13000EH under various loads?
The runtime depends heavily on what load you’re running and which fuel you’re using. We tested it under different conditions to get real-world numbers.
On gasoline at half load (around 5,000 watts), we got about 8 to 10 hours of runtime. At full load, the runtime dropped to around 6 hours before needing a refill.
Propane burns through fuel faster than gasoline. On a standard 20-pound propane tank at half load, we got roughly 5 to 6 hours of runtime. At full load, that dropped to about 3 to 4 hours.
The fuel efficiency isn’t the best we’ve seen, but it’s reasonable for a generator this size. Running it at lower loads stretches your fuel much further, so if you can avoid maxing it out constantly, your fuel will last longer.
Keep in mind the fuel tank holds less than you might expect for a generator this powerful. You’ll need to plan for regular refueling during extended outages.
Can the DuroMax XP13000EH operate on both gasoline and propane, and how does the power output vary between the two fuels?
Yes, this generator runs on both gasoline and propane. Switching between fuels is simple with the selector switch on the front panel.
The power output does change depending on which fuel you use. On gasoline, you get the full 13,000 starting watts and 10,500 running watts. On propane, the output drops by about 10 to 15 percent.
We measured around 11,000 starting watts and 9,000 running watts when running on propane. This is normal for dual fuel generators since propane contains less energy per volume than gasoline.
For most home backup situations, the propane output is still plenty. We ran our central AC, refrigerator, microwave, and several lights on propane without any problems.
Gasoline gives you more power, but propane is easier to store long-term and doesn’t go bad like gas does. We prefer keeping propane tanks on hand for emergencies since they don’t need fuel stabilizer.
What are the key features and specifications that distinguish the DuroMax XP13000EH from other models in the DuroMax range?
The main thing that sets this model apart is its power output. At 13,000 watts, it sits near the top of the DuroMax portable generator lineup.
The 500cc engine is larger than what you’ll find in smaller DuroMax models. This bigger engine provides more consistent power delivery under heavy loads and handles multiple appliances better.
The all-metal construction is a big difference from some cheaper models. There are no plastic parts on the power panel or frame. This makes it more durable but also heavier at 234 pounds.
It includes a CO sensor that shuts down the generator if carbon monoxide builds up to dangerous levels. Not all generators have this safety feature.
The front-facing control panel puts everything in one place. You can switch fuel types, check the hour meter, and access all the outlets without walking around the unit.
It comes with two 120V GFCI protected outlets, a 50 amp outlet for transfer switches, and a 30 amp twist lock outlet. The outlet variety gives you more connection options than smaller models.
How do consumer reports rate the reliability and durability of the DuroMax XP13000EH generator?
User feedback shows mixed results on long-term reliability. The generator has a 4.5 out of 5 star rating from over 12,000 buyers, which is pretty good overall.
Most users report good performance during the first year or two. The unit starts reliably and produces consistent power when maintained properly.
Some users experienced problems after limited use. We saw reports of compression issues and starting problems after only 60 hours of runtime. These cases seem less common but are worth noting.
The gasoline starting system gave some users trouble while the propane mode continued working fine. This appears to be a fuel system issue rather than an engine problem.
The three-year warranty provides some protection against defects. Regular maintenance like oil changes and air filter cleaning seems to help with longevity based on user experiences.
The copper windings hold up better than aluminum over time. This should help the generator last longer than cheaper models with aluminum windings.
What should potential buyers consider when evaluating the DuroMax XP13000EH for their specific power needs?
First, add up the running watts of everything you want to power at once. Don’t just look at surge watts. If your total is under 9,000 watts (accounting for propane operation), this generator should work.
Think about fuel storage. If you plan to use gasoline, factor in the cost and hassle of storing stabilized fuel. Propane tanks are easier to keep long-term but provide less power and shorter runtimes.
Consider the weight and mobility needs. At 234 pounds, this isn’t easy to move around even with the wheels. Make sure you have a safe, level spot where it can sit during operation.
Budget for a transfer switch installation if you want seamless home backup. The switch itself plus professional installation can add $500 to $1,500 to your total cost.
Compare this to smaller generators like the 7,000 or 9,000-watt models. If you don’t need to run central AC or multiple large appliances, a smaller unit costs less and uses less fuel.
The price point is higher than basic generators, but you’re getting more power and dual fuel capability. This makes sense if you actually need that much capacity. For smaller homes or selective power needs, you might be better off with a less expensive model
