Tri fuel · 9,500 W

Generac GP9500E Tri Fuel EFI (8061, 50ST) review: our full analysis

Brand: Generac · Ranked 16th of 174 · Our methodology

7.9/10 Power9.2 Runtime9.2 Noise— Features8.2 Portability6.3 Watts per dollar8.2 Dotted line: average of the 174 models. Relative scores based on specs, no hands-on testing. Where to buy Today's best priceTypical price: $1,200–$1,800 Check best price Affiliate link: As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Key takeaways. The Generac GP9500E Tri Fuel EFI (8061, 50ST) is a tri fuel generator rated at 9,500 running watts and 12,500 starting watts on gasoline, built for RVs and travel trailers, through its 14-50R outlet. It weighs 227.0 lb and runs about 10 hours at half load on a tank. Notable features: a CO shutoff sensor, electric start, a 240 V transfer-switch outlet.

Not clearly published by the manufacturer, take with caution: propane running watts, runtime, noise level.

Pros

  • Electronic fuel injection on a 500cc engine: 10.5 hours at 50% load on gasoline.
  • 9,500 running W on gasoline, 8,550 on propane, 7,000 on natural gas.
  • 14-50R and L14-30R outlets, HomeLink transfer switch compatible; 50-state version.

Cons

  • 227 lb on wheels.
  • Only one 120V 20A GFCI duplex.

Best for

  • RVs and travel trailers, through its 14-50R outlet
  • Home backup through a transfer switch or an interlock kit
  • Running most of a house, well pump included

Specifications

TypeTri fuel (open frame)
Running watts9,500 W gasoline · 8,550 W propane · 7,000 W natural gas
Starting watts12,500 W gasoline · 12,500 W propane · 9,000 W natural gas
FuelGasoline, propane, natural gas
Fuel tank7.5 gal
Runtime14 hours at 25% load · 10 hours at 50% load
NoiseNot published
Weight227.0 lb
Outlets2 × 120 V household outlets (5-20R) · L14-30R 30 A 120/240 V twist-lock · 14-50R 50 A 120/240 V
Transfer switch readyYes
StartElectric push-button + recoil
CO shutoff sensorYes
Parallel capableNo
EmissionsCARB and EPA compliant
Engine500 cc
Warranty3 years
Generac GP9500E Tri Fuel EFI (8061, 50ST)9,500 running W · Tri fuel · typical price $1,200–$1,800 Check price and availability

Who is it for?

The Generac GP9500E Tri Fuel EFI (8061, 50ST) is mostly suited to:

  • RVs and travel trailers, through its 14-50R outlet.
  • Home backup through a transfer switch or an interlock kit.
  • Running most of a house, well pump included.
1

What will a 12,500-watt generator run?

The Generac GP9500E Tri Fuel EFI (8061, 50ST) delivers 9,500 W continuously and up to 12,500 W for a few seconds to start motors on gasoline. On propane, the manufacturer rates it at 8,550 running watts (12,500 W starting), 10% less. On natural gas: 7,000 running watts (9,000 W starting). It handles 14 of the 14 loads on our typical list one at a time; add up the running watts of everything you run together, plus the extra starting watts of the biggest motor.

ApplianceRunning / starting wattsWill it run?
Wi-Fi router and modem20 W / 20 W✅ Yes
CPAP (no humidifier)50 W / 50 W✅ Yes
Laptop or TV150 W / 150 W✅ Yes
Full-size refrigerator700 W / 2,200 W✅ Yes
Chest freezer500 W / 1,500 W✅ Yes
Furnace blower (1/2 HP)800 W / 2,350 W✅ Yes
Sump pump (1/2 HP)1,050 W / 2,150 W✅ Yes
Microwave (1,000 W)1,000 W / 1,000 W✅ Yes
Space heater1,500 W / 1,500 W✅ Yes
Window AC (10,000 BTU)1,200 W / 3,600 W✅ Yes
RV roof AC (13,500 BTU)1,800 W / 2,800 W✅ Yes
Circular saw1,400 W / 2,300 W✅ Yes
Well pump (1 HP, 240 V)1,000 W / 4,000 W✅ Yes
Central AC (3-ton, soft start)3,800 W / 5,500 W✅ Yes

Typical figures; check the label of your own appliances. One load at a time: add up everything you run together.

Generac GP9500E Tri Fuel EFI (8061, 50ST)9,500 running W · Tri fuel · typical price $1,200–$1,800 Check best price
2

Fuel tank and runtime

The fuel tank holds 7.5 gallons of gasoline. The manufacturer quotes 14 hours at a quarter load. At half load, it runs about 10 hours on a full tank. That is about 0.71 gallon per hour at half load, or 17 gallons for a full day of running, so plan your fuel storage for a multi-day outage. On propane, a standard 20 lb tank holds about 4.7 gallons of LP; propane does not go stale, which makes it the easiest fuel to stock.

Fuel tank7.5 galgasoline
At 25% load14 hoursmanufacturer figure
At 50% load10 hoursmanufacturer figure
Fuel per day≈ 17 gal24 h at half load
3

Noise level

The manufacturer does not publish a noise figure for this model. Open-frame generators of this size typically run around 70 to 76 dB(A) at 23 feet; our noise score treats a missing figure as below average.

4

Can you connect it to your house?

Its panel offers 2 × 120 V household outlets (5-20R), L14-30R 30 A 120/240 V twist-lock, 14-50R 50 A 120/240 V. The 14-50R outlet supplies 120/240 V, which is what a manual transfer switch or an interlock kit with a power inlet box connects to, installed by a licensed electrician. Never backfeed the house through a wall outlet.

5

Starting, safety and warranty

It has electric push-button start, with a recoil cord as backup. A CO shutoff sensor stops the engine if carbon monoxide builds up around it; it does not replace distance (20 feet from the house) and CO alarms indoors. It is listed as CARB compliant, so it can be sold in California. The warranty runs 3 years (residential use).

6

Typical price $1,200–$1,800: good value per watt?

Relative to its running watts, the Generac GP9500E Tri Fuel EFI (8061, 50ST) scores 8.2/10 on value: a good result. Generator prices on Amazon move a lot, especially before hurricane season: check the current price before you buy.

Generac GP9500E Tri Fuel EFI (8061, 50ST)9,500 running W · Tri fuel · typical price $1,200–$1,800 Check best price

Our verdict on the Generac GP9500E Tri Fuel EFI (8061, 50ST)

The Generac GP9500E Tri Fuel EFI (8061, 50ST) scores 7.9/10 and ranks 16th out of 174 generators analyzed. Its strengths: electronic fuel injection on a 500cc engine: 10.5 hours at 50% load on gasoline; 9,500 running W on gasoline, 8,550 on propane, 7,000 on natural gas. It is best suited to RVs and travel trailers, through its 14-50R outlet and home backup through a transfer switch or an interlock kit.

Generac GP9500E Tri Fuel EFI (8061, 50ST)9,500 running W · Tri fuel · typical price $1,200–$1,800 Check best price

Featured in our rankings

Sources

Frequently asked questions

Will the Generac GP9500E Tri Fuel EFI (8061, 50ST) run a refrigerator?

Yes: its 9,500 running watts and 12,500 starting watts cover a full-size fridge, including the compressor's startup surge.

Can the Generac GP9500E Tri Fuel EFI (8061, 50ST) power a house?

It can back up the essentials through a transfer switch or interlock kit connected to its 14-50R outlet. With this power, that includes most of a typical house.

How long does the Generac GP9500E Tri Fuel EFI (8061, 50ST) run on a tank?

About 10 hours at half load according to the manufacturer, and 14 hours at a quarter load.

Does the Generac GP9500E Tri Fuel EFI (8061, 50ST) run on propane?

Yes, it is tri fuel: 8,550 running watts on propane and 7,000 on natural gas.

Is the Generac GP9500E Tri Fuel EFI (8061, 50ST) quiet?

The manufacturer does not publish a noise rating.

Generac GP9500E Tri Fuel EFI (8061, 50ST)9,500 running W · Tri fuel · typical price $1,200–$1,800 Check best price

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