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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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
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:
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
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
- Inexpensive
- COsense® technology
- GFCI Outlets
- Decent weight (172 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 Generac OHV 4-stroke |
| Starting system | Recoil |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| Voltage | AC: 120/240V 60 Hz |
|---|---|
| Running watts | 6,500 W |
| Starting watts | 8,125 W |
| Running amps (@120/240V) | 54.2/27.1 amps |
| Peak amps (@120/240V) | 67.7/33.9 amps |
| Run time @50% load | 10.5 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, 6.9 gal |
| Fuel gauge | Yes |
| Weight | 172 lbs |
|---|---|
| Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | 27.2 x 27 x 26.5 in |
| Noise (lower limit) | Unknown |
| THD | < 20% |
| Compliance | EPA, ANSI/PGMA G300-2023 |
| Security | Low oil and overload protection, CO monitoring |
| Spark arrestor | Yes |
| Neutral | Bonded to frame |
| Accessories included | Oil, funnel, and wheel kit |
| Country of origin | Vietnam |
| Series | GP |
| Other model numbers | 76803 |
| UPC | 696471108279 |
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 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?
| 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.
Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.



