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Ryobi RYi6522 - 5500/6500W Open Frame Inverter Generator

The Ryobi RYi6522 is a portable open frame inverter generator with a rated wattage of 5,500 W and a starting wattage of 6,500 W. (Read full specs)

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Ryobi RYi6522
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Price history for the Ryobi RYi6522

Lowest price $799
Highest price $999
Current price $999
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Description

Zoom on the Ryobi RYi6522

To sum up, the Ryobi RYi6522 is a portable inverter generator tailored for:

  • RV travellers wishing to enhance their freedom and nomad lifestyle
  • People occasionally participating in sporting competitions, open-air performances and outdoor festivals
  • Food truck owners who do not wish to see their business interrupted under any circumstances
  • Homeowners in need of an emergency backup power for their essentials
  • Professionals in need of safely powering high-intensity work or lighting equipment

In the sections ahead, the power characteristics, availability of various outlets, the portability, and any additional features of the device shall be discussed.

Power & Run Time

The Ryobi RYi6522 in use

The Ryobi RYi6522

The Ryobi RYi6522 houses a 298 cc OHV 4-stroke engine, which provides 120/240V, consumes gasoline and delivers a running wattage of 5,500W along with a peak wattage of 6,500W.

Operating at a noise rating of 72.3 dBA (just slightly more noisy than a vacuum cleaner), this inverter generator starts up with a simple traditional pull-start mechanism.

The RYi6522's fuel tank holds 4 gallons, ensuring uninterrupted operation for around 8.5 hours at 50% load with a full tank (fuel consumption approximately 0.47 GPH).

Sensitive electronics can be safely plugged in the AC outlets, as the RYi6522 produces a clean sine wave, with a <5% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD).

Outlets

The control panel features the following 6 AC outlets:

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

Furthermore, it showcases 1 DC outlet: there's a 5V USB port (USB-A) enabling convenient charging of devices like mobile phones and tablets.

The inclusion of a TT-30R receptacle (TT for 'Travel Trailer') makes this Ryobi generator RV Ready, ideal for providing power to recreational vehicles. In addition, since it features a twist-lock L14-30R receptacle, the RYi6522 is tailored to be transfer switch ready, making it easy to connect it to your breaker box for home power support during outages.

Portability

Measuring L24.4 x W20.9 x H22.5 in, the classic open frame construction of the Ryobi RYi6522 provides stability while enabling convenient maintenance access to components and adequate air cooling. The device has been designed for tough environments and demanding outdoor use.

With a weight of 118 lbs, the generator is still labeled as 'portable,' denoting its ability to be moved, although its heaviness might restrict easy portability. However, the lack of maneuverability can be offset with its set of wheels (⌀10") and its folding handle, which allows for convenient shifting once the generator is placed on the ground.

Features

Panel of the Ryobi RYi6522

The RYi6522's control panel

Included in the control panel of the RYi6522 are a convenient meter showing you voltage, frequency and lifetime hours, essential for monitoring its status and activity.

In addition to this info, when the generator is ready, the generator is overloaded and the oil level is too low, you will be informed by the featured light indicators.

In terms of security, the generator features an overload protection (circuit breaker) and an automatic low oil shut-off, ensuring peace of mind during its use.

It also benefits from Ryobi's CO DETECT technology, which is designed to monitor the level of carbon monoxide present during the generator's operation. If the generator is positioned incorrectly and carbon monoxide levels rise to an unsafe level, the generator will automatically shut down.

Beyond the standard documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab) to assist with setup, the Ryobi RYi6522 ships with supplementary accessories: tool kit and oil.

The Ryobi RYi6522 versus other generators

The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Ryobi RYi6522 compare to inverter generators of similar power (between 5000 and 6000 W).

  • At 118 lbs dry, the Ryobi RYi6522 is consistent with the standard weight profile for inverters ranging from 5000 to 6000 rated watts. In terms of weight, one of the champions in their power range is the Konner & Sohnen KS 6000iES CO, standing at just 86.9 lbs.
  • Among the generators of a comparable running wattage, this inverter generator with a lowest noise of 72.3 dBA can be judged as noisy. If noise level is one your key decisive factors, you may find the Honda EU7000iS appealing. It's rated at 52 dBA, making it one of the quietest generators in its power range.
  • With around 8.5 hours of runtime at 50% load, the RYi6522 provides a higher run time when compared to similarly powerful inverters. Furthermore, considering the run times, one of the generators which have a roughly same power output, with the highest autonomy, is the Briggs & Stratton Q6500 QuietPower, as it provides around 10 hours.
  • While run time is vital, it hinges on the fuel capacity. To grasp the full picture, we must also factor in fuel efficiency. This inverter generator is not fuel-efficient compared to devices of similar output: its estimated fuel consumption stands at 0.47 GPH at a 50% load. If gasoline efficiency is at the top of your list, you may want to have a look at the DuroMax XP7000iHT, which has great fuel efficiency, with a gas consumption of only 0.38 gallons per hour.

Price comparison

As you can see from these interactive charts, when compared to other 5000-6000W inverter generators, the Ryobi RYi6522 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

STRENGTHS:
  • In the expected price range
  • CO DETECT technology
  • GFCI Outlets
  • RV Ready
  • Inverter
  • High run time
AVERAGE SPECS:
  • Decent weight (118 lbs)
WEAKNESSES:
  • No electric start
  • No parallel ports
  • On the noisy side (72.3 dBA)
  • Low fuel efficiency

Do you own the Ryobi RYi6522 and agree (or disagree) with these strengths and weaknesses?

Let us know and write your own review.

Features and Specifications

General
InverterYes
Parallel capableNo
RV readyYes
FuelGasoline
Engine298 cc OHV 4-stroke
Starting systemRecoil
Warranty3 years
Power
VoltageAC: 120/240V 60 Hz, DC: 5V
Running watts5,500 W
Starting watts6,500 W
Running amps (@120/240V)45.8/22.9 amps
Peak amps (@120/240V)54.2/27.1 amps
Run time @50% load8.5 h
Run time @25% loadUnknown
Features
GFCI outletsYes
Covered outletsYes
Automatic Voltage RegulationInverter
AC outlets
  • 2x Duplex 120V 20A (5-20R) GFCI
  • 1x 120V 30A (TT-30R)
  • 1x 120/240V 30A (L14-30R)
DC outlets1x 5V USB port (USB-A)
Data centerVFT
IndicatorsLow oil, overload and output ready
Fuel tank4 gal
Fuel gaugeNo
Misc
Weight118 lbs
Approx. dimensions (L x W x H)24.4 x 20.9 x 22.5 in
Noise (lower limit)72.3 dBA
THD< 5%
ComplianceEPA
SecurityLow oil and overload protection, CO monitoring
Spark arrestorYes
NeutralBonded to frame
Accessories includedOil, tool kit, and wheel kit
UPC046396052193

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 Ryobi

Founded in 1943, Ryobi Limited is a Japanese based manufacturer that throughout its history mainly focused on electrical and automotive components. However, their quite recent power tool branch has proven to be popular for the quality and reliability of its products, which are nowadays found globally on the shelves of popular retailers. Ryobi products are listed to be produced in various locations globally, mainly US, Germany, Japan and China.

Warranty Information

The Ryobi RYi6522 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 Ryobi generators, please consult Ryobi's warranty policies (opens in a new tab). Alternatively, you can also contact their Customer Support: 1-800-525-2579.

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.
Item Running Watts Starting Watts
At home Sump pump (1/2 hp) 1050 2150
Furnace fan (1/2 hp) 875 2350
Refrigerator (energy star) 192 1192
Electric range 2100 2100
Security system 180 180
Total 4397 W 5872 W
For camping Radiant heater 1300 1300
RV refrigerator 180 600
Hair dryer 1800 1900
RV AC (11,000 BTU) 1010 1600
Radio 100 100
Total 4390 W 4980 W
For work Table saw 1800 4500
Grinder 1400 2500
Electric fence (25 miles) 250 250
Drain cleaner 250 250
Bug zapper 80 80
Total 3780 W 6480 W

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