Dewalt DXGNR6500 - 6500/8750W Portable Generator
The Dewalt DXGNR6500 is a portable open frame generator with a rated wattage of 6,500 W and a starting wattage of 8,750 W. (Read full specs)
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Description
The 6500 Watt Portable Gas Generator is powered by a 389cc engine with low oil shut off which protects the engine from damage. CO-Protect Technology automatically shuts down the generator if carbon monoxide levels become unsafe or rapidly increase. This generator is equipped with covered outlets to help protect it from even the toughest jobsites and features heavy duty wheels for transportation and durability. The 7.5 Gal. steel fuel tank provides up to 10 hours of runtime at 50% load. The 1 ¼” steel tube frame helps protect it from jobsite conditions.
Zoom on the Dewalt DXGNR6500
In short, the Dewalt DXGNR6500 is a portable generator adequately designed for:
- Food truck owners who do not wish to see their business interrupted under any circumstances
- Homeowners in need of an emergency backup power for their essentials
- Professionals who want to ensure that a power failure will not prevent them from working
Over the following sections, you'll uncover its power characteristics, the selection of outlets it offers, its overall portability, and the supplementary features it includes.
Power & Run Time
The Dewalt DXGNR6500's engine, 389 cc Dewalt OHV 4-stroke, fueled by gasoline, can deliver 120/240V. It provides a running wattage of 6,500W and reaches a peak wattage of 8,750W.
Its starting mechanism relies on a classic hand-operated recoil starting mechanism.
The DXGNR6500 boasts a fuel tank capable of holding 7.5 gallons, allowing it to run continuously for around 10 hours at 50% load (with fuel usage averaging around 0.75 gallons per hour).
Outlets
The control panel is equipped with the following 5 AC outlets:
Due to the featured twist-lock L14-30R receptacle, the DXGNR6500 is transfer switch ready: you may connect it to a breaker box to power your household during a power outage.
Portability
Measuring L27.2 x W27.1 x H25.8 in, the Dewalt DXGNR6500 showcases a classic open frame layout, offering stability and simple maintenance access to components, while facilitating air circulation. The featured design is ideal for the outdoors and all tough environments.
Despite its weight of 165 lbs, the generator is considered 'portable,' signifying its capability to be moved, albeit its heaviness may hinder easy transport. Nonetheless, the limited maneuverability is compensated for by utilizing its wheel kit and its folding handle, which facilitates shifting once the generator is set on the ground.
Features
The control panel of the DXGNR6500 includes a digital data center, which assists you in monitoring its status and activity, as it provides information on the lifetime run hours.
Equipped with a built-in fuel gauge, the generator facilitates swift gas level checks.
From a security standpoint, the product offers an overload protection (circuit breaker) and an automatic low oil shut-off, allowing you to use it with a peace of mind.
The DXGNR6500 also benefits from Dewalt’s CO Protect carbon monoxide shutdown. If CO levels become unsafe or rapidly increase, the generator is automatically shut down.
Besides the usual set of documentation and owner's manual (opens in a new tab) to get you promptly started, Dewalt also included some oil in the DXGNR6500's packaging.
The Dewalt DXGNR6500 versus other generators
The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Dewalt DXGNR6500 compare to generators of similar power (between 6000 and 7000 W).
- Weighing in at 165 lbs, the Dewalt DXGNR6500 fits within the expected weight range for devices producing 6000 to 7000 rated watts. If weight is your top priority, one of the champions in this power category is the Pulsar PGDA70BiSCO, weighing just 118 pounds.
- As the DXGNR6500 offers around 10 hours run time on a full tank at a 50% load, it falls within the average autonomy range among the generators of a similar power. If concerned with autonomy, one of the products of a comparable power output, which offers the highest run time, is the Pulsar PG7500, boasting with around 13 hours.
- Run time is a key metric, but it's dependent on the generator's fuel capacity. Therefore, discussing fuel efficiency is necessary to get the full picture. This generator is rather wasteful, compared to other devices within the aforementioned output range, when it comes to gasoline consumption, as it reaches roughly 0.75 GPH at a 50% load. If minimizing fuel usage is one of your key priorities, the Pulsar PGDA70BiSCO is one of the most efficient devices with similar power output, with a gasoline consumption of only 0.42 gallons per hour.
Price comparison
As you can see from these interactive charts, when compared to other 6000-7000W generators, the Dewalt DXGNR6500 is on the cheap side of the price range.
It can therefore be a really good buy if you're looking to acquire a budget generator.
The bottom line
- Inexpensive
- CO Protect technology
- GFCI Outlets
- Decent weight (165 lbs)
- Decent run time
- No 50-amp output
- No electric start
- Low fuel efficiency
Features and Specifications
| Inverter | No |
|---|---|
| Parallel capable | No |
| RV ready | No |
| Fuel | Gasoline |
| Engine | 389 cc Dewalt OHV 4-stroke |
| Starting system | Recoil |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| Voltage | AC: 120/240V 60 Hz |
|---|---|
| Running watts | 6,500 W |
| Starting watts | 8,750 W |
| Running amps (@120/240V) | 54.2/27.1 amps |
| Peak amps (@120/240V) | 72.9/36.5 amps |
| Run time @50% load | 10 h |
| Run time @25% load | Unknown |
| GFCI outlets | Yes |
|---|---|
| Covered outlets | Yes |
| Automatic Voltage Regulation | Yes |
| AC outlets |
|
| DC outlets | No |
| Data center | Lifetime run hours |
| Indicators | No |
| Fuel tank | Steel, 7.5 gal |
| Fuel gauge | Yes |
| Weight | 165 lbs |
|---|---|
| Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | 27.2 x 27.1 x 25.8 in |
| Noise (lower limit) | Unknown |
| THD | Unknown |
| Compliance | CARB |
| Security | Low oil and overload protection, CO monitoring |
| Spark arrestor | Yes |
| Neutral | Bonded to frame |
| Accessories included | Oil and wheel kit |
| Other model numbers | PMC166500 |
| UPC | 696471074529 |
We've taken extra care to research and verify each of the specifications above. That said, occasional mistakes or omissions are still possible. If you spot any missing or inaccurate information, feel free to suggest a correction so we can address it.
About Dewalt
DeWalt is a well renowned, US-based, tool and power equipment company, founded in 1922 by Raymon DeWalt. DeWalt is nowadays a subsidiary of the Stanley Black & Decker corporation, owns 7 manufacturing facilities in the US and offers a large selection of products, from screwdrivers to portable generators. DeWalt’s portable generator line consists of conventional, open designs of various outputs, some of which are powered by Honda engines. However, unlike many of their tools, they are apparently not all made in the US and are manufactured under license by Generac.
Warranty Information
The Dewalt DXGNR6500 is covered under a warranty for up to 3 years. This warranty may be limited and may not cover all parts of the generator.
For more information about the warranty of Dewalt generators, please consult Dewalt's warranty policies (opens in a new tab). Alternatively, you can also contact their Customer Support: 1-800-4-DEWALT (800-433-9258).
Questions & Answers
What can it power?
| Item | Running Watts | Starting Watts | |
|---|---|---|---|
| At home | Microwave (1000 watts) | 1500 | 1500 |
| Dish washer | 1500 | 3000 | |
| AC (10,000 BTU) | 1500 | 2200 | |
| Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 | |
| Blender | 400 | 850 | |
| Radio | 100 | 100 | |
| Total | 5192 W | 6692 W | |
| For camping | RV AC (11,000 BTU) | 1010 | 1600 |
| RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
| Hair dryer | 1800 | 1900 | |
| Electric grill | 1650 | 1650 | |
| Blender | 400 | 850 | |
| Radio | 100 | 100 | |
| Set of 5 LED light bulbs | 55 | 55 | |
| Total | 5195 W | 5785 W | |
| For work | Table saw | 1800 | 4500 |
| Air compressor (1 hp) | 1600 | 6100 | |
| Reciprocating saw | 730 | 960 | |
| Bug zapper | 80 | 80 | |
| Total | 4210 W | 8710 W |
What is the noise rating of the DXGNR6500?
Due to the lack of standardization in noise emission measurement, Dewalt does not provide their units' noise levels.
How much oil does it take (Asked January 24, 2021)
Engine oil capacity is 1.06 qt.
Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.




User Reviews
I am one of the many who bought one of these during a power outage. (Buy your gens before power outages.) Although I’m not sure how well it will work in the long-run, I can tell you first impressions and what I’ve looked up since I’ve impulse-purchased it.
First impressions: Comes with not enough oil to fill the crankcase. Seriously. You’ll need some more of whateveryouhave in your garage. It starts right up on first or second pull with the choke on. Run it with the idle control on and it will bog down on you while you try to warm it up, so I suggest starting with the idle control OFF to let it come up to temp. Otherwise, you plug something in and it works great! Nearly instantaneous throttle control and it doesn’t even flinch when you add extra loads to it. I only wanted it to run a few essentials at the house… maybe MAYBE a central AC unit but we’ll see what she can handle. Ran it for about a half hour before the power came back on. Go fig. Happy with what she was able to do, though.
I do want to talk about the parts and pieces that make it up. This is essentially a GP6500 Generac, except a different faceplate, and somewhere or other they advertise their partnership with Generac to produce it. I hear Generac is a good brand and they pretty much dominate a large portion of the market, so that’s alright with me, except you’re paying Dewalt prices for a Generac. Just get a Generac. I think that model is electric start as well.
It uses a Lifan 389cc engine which is sort of the Ford/Chevy/Chrysler of the small engine department. All the cheaper gens use Lifan, so it’s at least a fleet motor…works great and haven’t heard many problems, but it doesn’t sound as good in my head as Honda or Briggs. It also sucks down gas. Look up consumption on an inverter gen or literally any other gen, and then look at this one. It sucks down gas.
Regrets? Would have loved to have gotten electric start, and there’s no easy aftermarket kit for this thing. This is my first generator, and damnit, you try telling your pregnant wife how to start one of these suckers up when you’re out of the house. Remember, you have to start it the first time, then, according to the manual, every time you refuel. If I had shopped around more, for the same price tag, Westinghouse seems to produce similarly-priced non-inverter models with features like dual fuel, or you can even get inverter models that are much quieter. It is LOUD.
All that being said, I’m looking at it now and it feels like a solid part of the family. I’m sure if I keep running it every few months to run the hedge clippers it’ll keep working great and be ready for the next power outage.
This unit starts easily with a pull cord. With the choke properly set, it starts on the 1st pull most of the time. It is a heavy unit but is still portable thanks to a folding handle and large diameter rubber tires that do not require any air. Adding fuel is a little bit difficult as the fuel fill is near the center of the top of the unit. The fuel fill is large diameter and filling is easy if you use a large funnel. The tank holds about 7.5 gallons and there is a fuel level indicator, that lest you know what fuel is remaining. We have let it run up to about 9 hours without refueling. It would be great if you could add fuel without shutting the unit off, but the users manual strongly recommends that you turn the unit off and let it cool for a few minutes before refueling and restarting to prevent fires..
The outlets are covered with soft rubber covers but are still readily accessible. There are two 110v duplex outlets with an overload breaker on each one, plus a 3 prong, 208v, twist lock outlet.
The only negative I have found in the short time we have had this is the noise level is pretty high. If possible, I would like to add an optional muffler (if I can find one), and possibly build a sound deadening enclosure in the future.