Generac GP6500 Spec Review

In summary, the Generac GP6500 is a portable generator especially useful 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 in need of safely powering high-intensity work or lighting equipment

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

Power & Run Time

The Generac GP6500

The Generac GP6500's core is the 389 cc Generac OHV 4-stroke engine, which runs on gasoline. With an output of 120/240V, it provides a running wattage of 6500W and a peak wattage of 8125W.

The generator features a simple traditional pull-start mechanism.

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).

The GP6500 is unsuitable for the powering of sensitive electronic devices due to its relatively high THD (<20%).

Outlets

The control panel provides the upcoming 5 AC outlets:

Because the GP6500 is equipped with a twist-lock L14-30R receptacle, it is transfer switch ready: it can power your home during a power outage, as it can be easily connected to your breaker box to power your household.

Portability

The Generac GP6500 has the following dimensions: L27.2 x W27 x H26.5 in. In combination with its conventional, open frame design, they provide support and allow the generator to be raised above ground level. The featured design is ideal for the outdoors and all tough environments.

Even though this device may be technically portable (as in movable), manipulation and transportation without special equipment can be a challenge, as it weighs 172 pounds. Nevertheless, thanks to its wheel kit (⌀9.5") and its folding handle (a decent solution to its lack of maneuverability), the generator can be easily moved, once placed the ground.

Features

The GP6500's control panel

Monitoring of the GP6500's status and activity is made possible by a digital data center, which provides information on the lifetime run hours and is one of the features of its control panel.

Thanks to a built-in fuel gauge, the generator allows you to quickly, conveniently and easily check the gas level at a glance.

As for its security measures, the device features an automatic low oil shut-off and an overload protection (circuit breaker), letting you use it with a peace of mind.

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 minitgate CO poisoning. It’s a welcomed additional security feature, but don’t forget to always take your generator outside (opens in a new tab).

Besides the classic documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab) to get you promptly started, the Generac GP6500 also comes with some accessories: oil and funnel are included.

Emissions

The Generac GP6500 is EPA approved, but NOT CARB-compliant. Thus, it cannot be purchased or sold in California.

However, it features a spark arrestor, which makes it suitable for use in forested areas.