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Generac GP6500 - 6500/8125W Portable Generator

The Generac GP6500 (7680) is a portable open frame generator with a rated wattage of 6,500 W and a starting wattage of 8,125 W. (Read full specs)

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Generac GP6500
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Important: TSome serial numbers of the GP6500 are currently being recalled by Generac. Check the official recall notice (opens in a new tab) to find out if your unit is affected.
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Price history for the Generac GP6500

Current price is in the mid range.
Lowest price $639
Highest price $849
Current price $769

Description

Zoom on the Generac GP6500

In a few words, the Generac GP6500 is a portable generator perfectly suited for:

  • Food truck owners who want to ensure that their business is fully self-contained and does not rely on potentially unreliable external power
  • 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

The following sections will present you in detail its power characteristics, the different outlets it offers, its overall portability, and the extra features it benefits from.

Power & Run Time

The Generac GP6500 in use

The Generac GP6500

Running on gasoline, the Generac GP6500 operates with a 389 cc Generac OHV 4-stroke engine, delivering 120/240V, with a running wattage of 6,500W and a peak wattage of 8,125W.

This generator is equipped with a manual recoil starter system.

With a fuel capacity of 6.9 gallons, the GP6500 may run for around 10.5 hours at 50% load with a full tank (fuel consumption around 0.66 GPH).

Considering its high Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) of less than 20%, it is not recommended to rely on the GP6500 for powering sensitive electronic devices.

Outlets

The control panel features the upcoming 5 AC outlets:

Two Duplexes 120V 20A (5-20R) GFCI
120/240V 30A (L14-30R) receptacle

As it features a twist-lock L14-30R receptacle, the GP6500 is transfer switch ready: in case of a power outage, you will be easily able to connect it to a breaker box and power your household.

Portability

At L27.2 x W27 x H26.5 in, the Generac GP6500 boasts a traditional open frame structure, ensuring stability and allowing for convenient maintenance access to components, promoting air circulation. The generator is designed for outdoor use and demanding environments.

Since the generator weighs 172 lbs, it could be potentially be difficult to manually lift it and transport it, even though it is technically considered to 'be portable' (in the sense that it is movable). However, the limited maneuverability is remedied with its wheel kit (⌀9.5") and its folding handle, facilitating convenient shifting once the generator is positioned on the ground.

Features

Panel of the Generac GP6500

The GP6500's control panel

Designed with a digital data center, the control panel of the GP6500 grants you access to crucial data on the lifetime run hours, ensuring practical monitoring of its status and activity.

The built-in fuel gauge of the generator ensures simple and quick gas level assessments.

Regarding security, the generator comes with an automatic low oil shut-off and an overload protection (circuit breaker), providing peace of mind during operation.

The GP6500 also benefits from Generac’s COsense® carbon monoxide monitoring. This technology senses and manages CO output and shuts down the unit when necessary, to protect you from CO poisoning.

Apart from the standard documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab) to facilitate setup, the Generac GP6500 features extra accessories: oil and funnel.

Product Videos

The Generac GP6500 versus other generators

The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Generac GP6500 compare to generators of similar power (between 6000 and 7000 W).

  • With a dry weight of 172 lbs, the Generac GP6500 falls within the expected weight range for generators in the 6000 to 7000 rated wattage. If weight is your top priority, one of the champions in this power category is the Pulsar PGDA70BiSCO, weighing just 118 pounds.
  • At a 50% load, the GP6500 offers around 10.5 hours of runtime on a full tank, placing it within the average autonomy range among generators of similar power level. If runtime is a priority for you, the Pulsar PG7500 stands out as one of the generators with the longest run time in its power range, providing around 13 hours of continuous use.
  • The run time is important, but also hugely depends on the capacity of the fuel tank and doesn't mean much if we don't talk about fuel consumption as well. This generator is somewhat less fuel-efficient than devices of comparable output: its estimated fuel consumption reaches 0.66 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.

Here's a list of the most popular specific comparisons:

Price comparison

As you can see from these interactive charts, when compared to other 6000-7000W generators, the Generac GP6500 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

STRENGTHS:
  • Inexpensive
  • COsense® technology
  • GFCI Outlets
AVERAGE SPECS:
  • Decent weight (172 lbs)
  • Decent run time
WEAKNESSES:
  • No 50-amp output
  • No electric start
  • Low fuel efficiency

Do you own the Generac GP6500 and agree (or disagree) with these strengths and weaknesses?

Let us know and write your own review.

Features and Specifications

General
InverterNo
Parallel capableNo
RV readyNo
FuelGasoline
Engine389 cc Generac OHV 4-stroke
Starting systemRecoil
Warranty3 years
Power
VoltageAC: 120/240V 60 Hz
Running watts6,500 W
Starting watts8,125 W
Running amps (@120/240V)54.2/27.1 amps
Peak amps (@120/240V)67.7/33.9 amps
Run time @50% load10.5 h
Run time @25% loadUnknown
Features
GFCI outletsYes
Covered outletsYes
Automatic Voltage RegulationYes
AC outlets
  • 2x Duplex 120V 20A (5-20R) GFCI
  • 1x 120/240V 30A (L14-30R)
DC outletsNo
Data centerLifetime run hours
IndicatorsNo
Fuel tankSteel, 6.9 gal
Fuel gaugeYes
Misc
Weight172 lbs
Approx. dimensions (L x W x H)27.2 x 27 x 26.5 in
Noise (lower limit)Unknown
THD< 20%
ComplianceEPA, ANSI/PGMA G300-2023
SecurityLow oil and overload protection, CO monitoring
Spark arrestorYes
NeutralBonded to frame
Accessories includedOil, funnel, and wheel kit
Country of originVietnam
SeriesGP
Other model numbers76803
UPC696471108279

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.

Spec Improvement×

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About Generac

Generac Power Systems is an American based generator and power equipment manufacturer, founded in 1959. As its name suggests, the main focus of Generac are power generators, and other related electric equipment, such as switches, paralleling systems and small engines. The company has several manufacturing facilities based in the US, thus, their products are engineered and built in the USA. However, their components can be a mix of domestic and foreign parts.

Warranty Information

The Generac GP6500 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 Generac generators, please consult Generac's warranty policies (opens in a new tab). Alternatively, you can also contact their Customer Support: 1-888-GENERAC (888-436-3722).

Questions & Answers

What can it power?
Examples of items that can be simultaneously powered.
The examples below are based on a maximum load of 80% and estimated wattages. For a more accurate estimation, use our wattage calculator.
Item Running Watts Starting Watts
At home Electric fry pan 1500 1500
Microwave (1000 watts) 1500 1500
Dish washer 1500 3000
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
Bug zapper 80 80
Total 3480 W 7980 W
What is the noise rating of the GP6500?

Due to the lack of standardization in noise emission measurement, Generac does not provide their units' noise levels.

What model of carburetor for the generac generator 5500? (Asked July 04, 2020)

The carburetor part number is 0J2451. You can easily buy it online here on Amazon (opens in a new tab).

How many decibels does this put out (Asked August 09, 2020)

Unfortunately, Generac do not provide information regarding their units' noise rating.

Can it be converted to natural gas , if so where can I get the converter (Asked September 05, 2020)

There are no official conversion kits.

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