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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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Price history for the Generac GP6500
Highest Price
$899.00
Lowest Price
$668.80
Current Price
$668.80

Description

Zoom on the Generac GP6500

In short, the Generac GP6500 is a portable generator adequately designed for:

  • Food truck owners who do not wish to see their business interrupted under any circumstances
  • Homeowners who want to be able to use the most necessary devices in their household, even during a blackout
  • Professionals who want to ensure that a power failure will not prevent them from working

In the forthcoming sections, you'll delve into its power characteristics, the various outlets it offers, its overall portability, and the additional features it boasts.

Power & Run Time

The Generac GP6500 in use

The Generac GP6500

The Generac GP6500 houses a 389 cc Generac OHV 4-stroke engine, which provides 120/240V, consumes gasoline and delivers a running wattage of 6,500W along with a peak wattage of 8,125W.

This generator starts operation using a manual recoil starter system.

The fuel capacity of 6.9 gallons allows the GP6500 to operate for around 10.5 hours at 50% load with a full tank (fuel consumption around 0.66 GPH).

As the GP6500 has a high THD (<20%), it is not recommended to use it to power sensitive electronic devices.

Outlets

The control panel provides the upcoming 5 AC outlets:

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

With its twist-lock L14-30R receptacle, the GP6500 is configured to be transfer switch ready, allowing straightforward connection to your breaker box to supply backup power to your home during outages.

Portability

With its L27.2 x W27 x H26.5 in dimensions, the open frame structure of the Generac GP6500 provides stability, simplified maintenance access to components, and better air cooling than enclosed units. This type of design is ideal for tough environments and heavy outdoor use.

Despite its weight of 172 lbs, the generator is considered 'portable,' signifying its capability to be moved, albeit its heaviness may hinder easy transport. Nevertheless, it can still be moved quite conveniently with the help of its wheel kit (⌀9.5") and its folding handle, once it is placed on the ground.

Features

Panel of the Generac GP6500

The GP6500's control panel

One of the many GP6500's features is the digital data center, included in its control panel, which conveniently provides information on the lifetime run hours and thus, helps you monitor its activity and status.

Benefiting from its built-in fuel gauge, the generator allows for easy and immediate gas level inspections.

Considering security aspects, the generator boasts an overload protection (circuit breaker) and an automatic low oil shut-off, offering peace of mind throughout 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.

While the standard documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), helpful for starting the device promptly, come with the Generac GP6500, the following accessories are also included: 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
SeriesGP
Other model numbers76802
UPC696471075120

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.

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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 generator size calculator.
ItemRunning WattsStarting Watts
At homeSump pump (1/2 hp)10502150
Furnace fan (1/2 hp)8752350
Refrigerator (energy star)1921192
Electric range21002100
Washing machine9001650
Set of 5 LED light bulbs5555
Total5172 W6647 W
For campingRadiant heater13001300
RV refrigerator180600
Hair dryer18001900
Electric grill16501650
Satelite receiver250250
Total5180 W5600 W
For workTable saw18004500
Air compressor (1 hp)16006100
Bug zapper8080
Total3480 W7980 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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