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Description
Zoom on the DuroStar DS5500EH
In a nutshell, the DuroStar DS5500EH is a portable generator mostly geared towards:
- RV travellers looking for even more independence
- People occasionally participating in sporting competitions, open-air performances and outdoor festivals
- 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
In the following paragraphs, we shall explore the power characteristics, available outlets, portability, and any additional features of the device, along with its emission compliance information.
Power & Run Time
The DuroStar DS5500EH
Thanks to its dual-fuel technology, the DuroStar DS5500EH delivers 120/240V and offers power and versatility. When gasoline-powered, it benefits from a running wattage of 4,500W and a peak wattage of 5,500W. When propane-powered, it has 4,275 rated watts and 5,225 peak watts.
With a noise rating of 69 dBA (less noisy than background music), the generator features a conventional pull-start mechanism, but also a simple and elegant electric starter (battery included).
Regarding its running time, the DS5500EH, with a 4 gallons fuel capacity can operate for up to 19 hours with a full tank of gasoline (fuel consumption around 0.44 GPH). When using propane, it can run for up to 15 hours (on a 20 lbs tank - propane consumption around 0.31 GPH).
Since the DS5500EH has a somewhat high THD (<12%), it is advisable to not use it for the powering of sensitive electronic devices.
Outlets
The control panel features the following 3 AC outlets:
Additionally, it features 1 DC outlet: there's a 12V 8A output with which you may charge your batteries with ease.
Since the DS5500EH bears a twist-lock L14-30R receptacle, it is transfer switch ready: it is easily connectible to a breaker box and can power your home in case of a power outage.
Portability
The DuroStar DS5500EH has a conventional, open frame design, of the following dimensions: L25 x W22 x H22 in, which offers support and allows it to be raised above ground level. The design is ideal for rough environments and demanding outdoor use.
Although this generator is technically considered 'portable' (in the sense that it can be moved), its 124 lbs make it incredibly difficult to manually lift and transport. Still, once it is on the ground, its wheel kit (⌀8") and its folding handle can easily solve the issue of low mobility and allow for easy relocation of the device.
Features
The DS5500EH's control panel
The DS5500EH's control center features a convenient voltmeter, which provides an easy way to monitor power output anytime to aid you with the monitoring of its status and activity.
In addition to this info, a light indicator allows you to instantly see if its oil levels are insufficient.
Thanks to a built-in fuel gauge, the generator allows you to quickly, conveniently and easily check the gas level at a glance.
From a security point of view, the generator is equipped with an automatic low oil shut-off and an overload protection (circuit breaker), giving you a peace of mind during use.
Apart from the typical documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), which lets you start it right away, the DuroStar DS5500EH also is packed along with the following accessories: tool kit, funnel, propane hose and battery charging cables.
Emissions
The DuroStar DS5500EH is EPA-approved and CARB-compliant. Thus, selling and purchasing this generator is allowed in each of the 50 states, including California.
Moreover, it features a spark arrestor and thus, may be used in forested areas.
The DuroStar DS5500EH versus other generators
The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the DuroStar DS5500EH compare to dual fuel generators of similar power (between 4000 and 5000 W).
- As its weight is 124 pounds, the DuroStar DS5500EH falls in the expected weight range of the dual fuel devices in the 4000-5000 rated wattage category. In terms of weight, one of the champions in their power range is the Ford FG5250PBR, standing at just 108 lbs.
- This generator has a somewhat average expected noise for its type and power range, rated at 69 dBA. If noise emissions are one of your priorities, you may be interested in the Champion 201003, one of the least noisy generators similarly powerful as this one, rated for 61 dBA.
- As for its autonomy, the DS5500EH, with an autonomy of around 9 hours at a 50% load, is placed on the low end among the generators of its kind. If you consider autonomy on a single full tank as one of the deciding factors, one of the generators in the same power range that offers the highest run time is the Champion 201322, with around 14 hours.
- Even though run times are undoubtedly important, they are dependent on the fuel capacity to a large extent. For a more wholesome picture, we must take into consideration the fuel consumption of the generator. In fact, this generator is not among the most fuel efficient, within the aforementioned wattage range : its estimated gasoline consumption at 50% load is around 0.44 GPH. If fuel consumption is your top priority, we suggest to check out the Pulsar PG5250B, which has a fuel consumption of only 0.33 GPH and thus, is one of the most efficient devices in our database.
Price comparison
As you can see from this interactive chart, when compared to other 4000-5000W dual fuel generators, the DuroStar DS5500EH is on the average side of the price range.
Therefore, this generator nicely fits in the expected budget for this kind of product.
The bottom line
- In the expected price range
- Several accessories included
- GFCI Outlets
- Electric start
- Dual Fuel
- Decent weight (124 lbs)
- Acceptable noise (69 dBA)
- No remote start
- Relatively low run time
- Low fuel efficiency
Features and Specifications
| Inverter | No |
|---|---|
| Parallel capable | No |
| RV ready | No |
| Fuel | Dual Fuel (gasoline/propane) |
| Engine | 224 cc OHV 4-stroke |
| Starting system | Recoil, Electric |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| Voltage | AC: 120/240V 60 Hz, DC: 12V |
| Gasoline | Propane | |
|---|---|---|
| Running watts | 4,500 W | 4,275 W |
| Starting watts | 5,500 W | 5,225 W |
| Running amps (@120/240V) | 37.5/18.8 amps | 35.6/17.8 amps |
| Peak amps (@120/240V) | 45.8/22.9 amps | 43.5/21.8 amps |
| Run time @50% load | 9 h | 8 h |
| Run time @25% load | 19 h | 15 h |
| GFCI outlets | Yes |
|---|---|
| Covered outlets | No |
| Automatic Voltage Regulation | Yes |
| AC outlets |
|
| DC outlets | 1x 12V 8A output |
| Data center | Voltmeter |
| Indicators | Low oil |
| Fuel tank | 4 gal |
| Fuel gauge | Yes |
| Weight | 124 lbs |
|---|---|
| Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | 25 x 22 x 22 in |
| Noise (lower limit) | 69 dBA |
| THD | < 12% |
| Compliance | CARB, EPA |
| Security | Low oil and overload protection |
| Spark arrestor | Yes |
| Accessories included | Funnel, tool kit, propane hose, battery charging cables, battery, and wheel kit |
| UPC | 811640015695 |
Unlike many websites, we did our best to research each of the specs above. That being said, we are not immune to making the occasional mistake or omission. Should you notice any missing or incorrect values, don't hesitate to suggest improvements so we can address the issue.
About DuroStar
The DuroStar brand belongs to DuroMax, a company founded in 2003 and based in Ontario, California. DuroStar generators usually have a DuroMax twin, and only differ in their color scheme and in the factory in which they were produced. While DuroStar generators and engines are manufactured in China, the design and servicing centers reside in the US.
Warranty Information
The DuroStar DS5500EH 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 DuroStar generators, please consult DuroStar's (DuroMax) warranty policies (opens in a new tab). Alternatively, you can also contact their Customer Support: 1-844-DUROMAX (844-387-6629).
Questions & Answers
What can it power?
| Item | Running Watts | Starting Watts | |
|---|---|---|---|
| At home | AC (10,000 BTU) | 1500 | 2200 |
| Electric fry pan | 1500 | 1500 | |
| Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 | |
| Blender | 400 | 850 | |
| Total | 3592 W | 4592 W | |
| For camping | RV AC (11,000 BTU) | 1010 | 1600 |
| RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
| Hair dryer | 1800 | 1900 | |
| Coffee maker | 600 | 600 | |
| Total | 3590 W | 4180 W | |
| For work | Table saw | 1800 | 4500 |
| Reciprocating saw | 730 | 960 | |
| Electric fence (25 miles) | 250 | 250 | |
| Total | 2780 W | 5480 W |
Does the 240 volt outlet have “gfci” on the DS5500EH duro star generator? (Asked December 29, 2022)
It doesn't. Only the duplex 120V provides GFCI protection.
Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.
