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)
Page Content
Description
Zoom on the Ryobi RYi6522
In a few words, the Ryobi RYi6522 is a portable inverter generator perfectly suited 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 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 Ryobi RYi6522's design includes a gasoline-fueled 298 cc OHV 4-stroke engine. With a 120V output, it gives a running wattage of 5,500W and also a peak wattage of 6,500W.
Enjoying a noise rating of 72.3 dBA (just slightly more noisy than a shower), this inverter generator gets running thanks to a standard recoil pull-rope starting mechanism.
With a full tank, the RYi6522 can operate for around 8.5 hours at 50% load (fuel consumption around 0.47 GPH), thanks to its fuel capacity of 4 gallons.
Thanks to its low <5% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD), the RYi6522 produces a clean sine wave output, making it safe for your sensitive electronics when utilizing the AC outlets.
Outlets
The control panel provides the upcoming 6 AC outlets:
It also sports 1 DC outlet: there's a 5V USB port (USB-A) designed for hassle-free charging of various electronic devices such as smartphones and tablets, ensuring uninterrupted usage.
Equipped with a TT-30R receptacle (TT representing 'Travel Trailer'), this Ryobi generator is RV Ready, ensuring compatibility with recreational vehicles. In addition, as it features a twist-lock L14-30R receptacle, the RYi6522 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
With a size of L24.4 x W20.9 x H22.5 in, the Ryobi RYi6522 features an open frame design, providing stability and simplified maintenance access to components, enhancing air circulation. The featured design is ideal for the outdoors and all tough environments.
Though weighing 118 lbs, the generator remains classified as 'portable,' indicating its capability to be moved, though its weight could pose transport challenges. Nonetheless, the limited maneuverability is compensated for by utilizing its set of wheels (⌀10") and its folding handle, which facilitates shifting once the generator is set on the ground.
Features
Integrated into the control center of the RYi6522 are a convenient meter, showing voltage, frequency, and lifetime hours metrics, facilitating the monitoring of its status and activity.
In addition to this info, several light indicators serve to show you when the generator is on overload, its oil levels are insufficient and the generator is ready.
From a security standpoint, the generator is furnished with an automatic low oil shut-off and an overload protection (circuit breaker), ensuring peace of mind during operation.
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).
- When it comes to weight, the Ryobi RYi6522 tips the scales at just 118 pounds, making it one of the lighter inverter generators in the 5000 to 6000 rated wattage range. Weight-conscious users may find the Pulsar PGX60BiSRCO appealing, as it is one of the top contenders in this power range, weighing just 93.5 pounds.
- In comparison to generators with a similar running wattage, this inverter generator's lowest emitted noise of 72.3 dBA can be considered noisy. If you'd like a less noisy alternative, the Honda EU7000iS is a strong contender. It boasts a noise rating of 52 dBA, placing it among the quietest generators in its power category.
- Since the RYi6522 boasts with a run time of around 8.5 hours at 50% load, it can be safely judged as a device of a higher run time than most inverter generators of a comparable output. Concerning the run times, one of the several devices with a comparable output, offering the highest autonomy, is the Briggs & Stratton Q6500 QuietPower, which is able to run for 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. Compared to similar devices, this inverter generator is less fuel-efficient than most: it burns around 0.47 gallons of gasoline per hour at a 50% load. If minimizing fuel usage is one of your key priorities, the DuroMax XP7000iHT is one of the most efficient devices with similar power output, with a gasoline 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
- In the expected price range
- CO DETECT technology
- GFCI Outlets
- RV Ready
- Inverter
- Lightweight for its kind (118 lbs)
- High run time
- No electric start
- No parallel ports
- On the noisy side (72.3 dBA)
- Low fuel efficiency
Features and Specifications
| Inverter | Yes |
|---|---|
| Parallel capable | No |
| RV ready | Yes |
| Fuel | Gasoline |
| Engine | 298 cc OHV 4-stroke |
| Starting system | Recoil |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| Voltage | AC: 120V 60 Hz, DC: 5V |
|---|---|
| Running watts | 5,500 W |
| Starting watts | 6,500 W |
| Running amps | 45.8 amps |
| Peak amps | 54.2 amps |
| Run time @50% load | 8.5 h |
| Run time @25% load | Unknown |
| GFCI outlets | Yes |
|---|---|
| Covered outlets | Yes |
| Automatic Voltage Regulation | Inverter |
| AC outlets |
|
| DC outlets | 1x 5V USB port (USB-A) |
| Data center | VFT |
| Indicators | Low oil, overload and output ready |
| Fuel tank | 4 gal |
| Fuel gauge | No |
| Weight | 118 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% |
| Compliance | EPA |
| Security | Low oil and overload protection, CO monitoring |
| Spark arrestor | Yes |
| Neutral | Bonded to frame |
| Accessories included | Oil, tool kit, and wheel kit |
| UPC | 046396052193 |
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 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?
| Item | Running Watts | Starting Watts | |
|---|---|---|---|
| At home | Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 |
| Hair dryer | 1800 | 1900 | |
| Electric grill | 1650 | 1650 | |
| Waffle iron | 750 | 750 | |
| Total | 4392 W | 5392 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 |
Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.



