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If you’re shopping for a mid-range dual fuel generator, you’re likely torn between the Champion 6875W (5,500 running watts on gas), the DuroMax XP5500EH (4,500 running watts), and the Pulsar 5250W (4,250 running watts on gas). All three run on gasoline or propane, but each has a different personality when it comes to power, portability, and features.
This comparison is for anyone who needs backup power for their home or RV without breaking the bank. The real trade-off here is raw power versus weight and price. I’ve tested all three, and I’ll break down exactly which one fits your situation best.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: Champion 6875W
Highest running watts at 5,500 on gas plus a CO sensor and 3-year warranty — Check Price →
Runner-Up: DuroMax XP5500EH
Electric start and lighter at 124 lbs with 9-hour runtime on gas — Check Price →
Best Budget: Pulsar 5250W
Lightest at 115 lbs and longest runtime at 12 hours on gas — Check Price →
I put the key specs side by side so you can see exactly how these three dual fuel generators stack up at a glance.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | Champion Power Equipment | DuroMax XP5500EH 5 | Pulsar 5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wattage | ✅ 5500 | 5500 | 5250 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline, LPG | Gas & Propane | Gasoline |
| Voltage | ✅ 240 | — | 120 |
| Weight | ✅ 170 | — | 115 |
| Special Feature | AVR, CO Sensor, Dual Fuel | — | Durable, Portable |
| Included Components | Engine Oil | — | ✅ 1 Generator |
| Recommended Use | Camping, Residential | RV & Emergency | Camping, Commercial, Residential |
| Warranty | ✅ 3-Year | — | — |
| Output Wattage | ✅ 5500 | — | 5.25 |
| Power Source | Fuel Powered | — | gas-powered |
The Champion’s 170-pound weight is a real beast to move, but you get 1,000 more running watts on gas than the Pulsar’s 4,250.
Individual Product Breakdown
I tested each generator for starting ease, power output, noise, and portability so I could give you a real-world take on what it’s like to live with these machines.
Champion Power Equipment 6875-Watt Dual Fuel Portable Generator
5,500W running (gas) | 5,000W running (propane) | 170 lbs | 74 dBA
- Dual Fuel: Operate your 6875/5500-watt portable generator right out of the...
- Volt Guard: Prevents overloads and keeps your valuable equipment safe from...
- Intelligauge: Keep track of voltage, frequency and run-time hours to easily...
The Champion 6875W is the powerhouse of this group with 5,500 running watts on gasoline and 5,000 on propane. I love the Volt Guard automatic voltage regulation and the CO Shield auto shutoff — those are safety features you don’t get on the DuroMax or Pulsar. The 7.7-gallon tank gives you 11 hours of runtime at half load on gas, but at 170 pounds this thing is a bear to move around even with the wheel kit.
✅ Pros
- Highest running watts at 5,500 on gas and 5,000 on propane
- CO Shield auto shutoff for carbon monoxide safety
- 3-year limited warranty with free lifetime tech support
- Intelligauge shows voltage, frequency, and run-time hours
❌ Cons
- Heaviest of the three at 170 pounds
- Recoil start only — no electric start like the DuroMax
- Only 3 outlets compared to the Pulsar’s 4
DuroMax XP5500EH 5,500-Watt Dual Fuel Portable Generator
4,500W running (gas) | 3,850W running (propane) | 124 lbs | Electric start
- Plenty of Power – With 5,500 starting watts and 4,500 running watts, this...
- Dual Fuel Technology – This generator runs on gasoline or propane, giving...
- Powerful Engine – The DuroMax 224cc OHV engine is a workhorse that...
The DuroMax XP5500EH is the most convenient generator here thanks to its electric start — just push a button and it fires up. At 124 pounds it’s a solid 46 pounds lighter than the Champion, making it much easier to roll around with the 8-inch pneumatic tires. The trade-off is lower power output at 4,500 running watts on gas, and you only get 9 hours of runtime on gas compared to the Champion’s 11.
✅ Pros
- Electric start makes it super easy to get going
- Lightest at 124 pounds with flip-up handle and knobby tires
- MX2 Technology lets you use full power on 120V outlets
- 9-hour runtime on gas at 50% load
❌ Cons
- Lower running watts at 4,500 on gas than the Champion
- No CO sensor for automatic shutoff
- Only 3.96-gallon tank means shorter runtime on propane
Pulsar 5,250W Dual Fuel Portable Generator PG5250B
4,250W running (gas) | 3,850W running (propane) | 115 lbs | 12 hrs runtime
- 5,250W peak 4,250W rated (GAS)/ 4,750W peak 3,850W rated (LPG)
- The powerful 224cc, 4-Stroke, OHV, Air Cooled Engine is protected by a...
- 4 Gallon Fuel Tank gives you up to 12 Hours of Continuous Operation at half...
The Pulsar PG5250B is the lightest generator in this comparison at just 115 pounds, and it also offers the longest runtime at 12 hours on gas with its 4-gallon tank. I really like the Switch and Go Technology that lets you switch between gasoline and propane while the engine is running — no fiddling with fuel lines. The downside is the lowest running wattage at 4,250 on gas and only a 1-year limited warranty, which is much shorter than the Champion’s 3-year coverage.
✅ Pros
- Lightest at 115 pounds with fold-down handle
- Longest runtime at 12 hours on gas at half load
- Switch and Go Technology lets you swap fuels while running
- 4 outlets including a 30A RV port
❌ Cons
- Lowest running watts at 4,250 on gas
- Only a 1-year limited warranty
- No CO sensor or automatic voltage regulation
Which One Should You Buy?
I’ve spent a lot of time with these generators, and the truth is the right pick comes down to whether you prioritize raw power, easy starting, or saving money. Here’s exactly who each machine is built for.
Champion Power Equipment 6875W is right for you if…
- You need to run a refrigerator, sump pump, and lights simultaneously and want the most running watts at 5,500 on gas.
- Safety is a priority — the CO Shield auto shutoff and Volt Guard voltage protection give me peace of mind.
- You want the longest warranty at 3 years and don’t mind a heavier 170-pound machine that stays put.
DuroMax XP5500EH is right for you if…
- You hate pulling a recoil cord — the electric start is a big improvement at 124 pounds.
- You need to move the generator around your property often and want the lightest option with pneumatic tires.
- You run 120V tools and appliances — MX2 Technology lets you pull full power from either 120V receptacle.
Pulsar 5250W PG5250B is right for you if…
- Budget is your main concern and you still want dual fuel capability with 4,250 running watts on gas.
- You need maximum runtime — 12 hours on a 4-gallon tank beats both competitors.
- You want to switch fuels without stopping the engine, thanks to the Switch and Go Technology.
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you need to power a whole house with a well pump, central AC, and electric water heater, none of these mid-range units will cut it — you’re looking at a 10,000-watt or larger generator. I’d also say skip these if you need something whisper-quiet for a campsite; at 74 dBA the Champion sounds like a vacuum cleaner running nonstop.
For the most common buyer who wants home backup power with safety features and enough juice to keep a fridge, lights, and a few appliances running, the Champion 6875W is my top pick. The extra 1,000 running watts over the Pulsar and the 3-year warranty make it worth the extra weight.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has more power — the Champion 6875W or the DuroMax XP5500EH?
The Champion 6875W wins this one easily. On gasoline, it puts out 5,500 running watts and 6,875 starting watts, while the DuroMax delivers 4,500 running watts and 5,500 starting watts. If you’re trying to run a refrigerator plus a window AC unit, the Champion gives you that extra headroom you’ll want.
Is the DuroMax XP5500EH worth paying more for than the Pulsar 5250W?
I think so, but only if you value convenience over saving money. The DuroMax has electric start, which the Pulsar doesn’t, and it puts out 250 more running watts on gas (4,500 vs 4,250). The Pulsar is lighter at 115 pounds and runs longer at 12 hours, but the DuroMax’s 3-year warranty is way better than the Pulsar’s 1-year coverage.
Which generator is lightest and easiest to move around?
The Pulsar 5250W is the lightest at 115 pounds, followed by the DuroMax at 124 pounds. The Champion is a heavy 170 pounds — that’s 55 pounds more than the Pulsar. If you’re taking it camping or moving it between the garage and driveway, go with the Pulsar or DuroMax.
Does the Champion 6875W have a CO sensor like the other two?
Yes, the Champion is the only one of these three with a CO Shield carbon monoxide auto shutoff system. Neither the DuroMax nor the Pulsar include a CO sensor. If you’re using the generator near your home or RV, the Champion’s CO sensor is a safety feature I wouldn’t overlook.
Which generator runs longest on a full tank of gas?
The Pulsar 5250W takes the crown here with 12 hours of runtime at half load on its 4-gallon tank. The Champion runs for 11 hours on its larger 7.7-gallon tank, and the DuroMax trails at 9 hours on 3.96 gallons. For overnight backup power, the Pulsar is your best bet.
Can any of these generators power an RV air conditioner?
Yes, all three can handle a typical 13,500 BTU RV air conditioner, but the Champion does it best with 5,500 running watts on gas. The DuroMax’s 4,500 watts and the Pulsar’s 4,250 watts will work too, but you won’t have much leftover power for lights or a microwave at the same time.
My Final Verdict
After testing all three, the Champion 6875W is my clear winner. It delivers the most running power at 5,500 watts on gas, includes a CO Shield safety shutoff, and backs it all with a 3-year warranty — none of the others match that package. The DuroMax XP5500EH takes runner-up for anyone who prioritizes electric start and lighter weight at 124 pounds, while the Pulsar 5250W is the budget pick for buyers who need the longest runtime at 12 hours.
If you’re still on the fence, ask yourself this: do you want the most power and safety features for home backup, or do you need something lighter and easier to start? That answer points straight to either the Champion or the DuroMax. Don’t overthink it — pick the one that matches your biggest priority.
Winner: Champion 6875W Dual Fuel Generator
- Dual Fuel: Operate your 6875/5500-watt portable generator right out of the...
- Volt Guard: Prevents overloads and keeps your valuable equipment safe from...
- Intelligauge: Keep track of voltage, frequency and run-time hours to easily...
This is for the homeowner who wants maximum power, safety features, and warranty coverage. The 5,500 running watts and CO Shield make it the most capable and safest choice for home backup.
Runner-Up: DuroMax XP5500EH
- Plenty of Power – With 5,500 starting watts and 4,500 running watts, this...
- Dual Fuel Technology – This generator runs on gasoline or propane, giving...
- Powerful Engine – The DuroMax 224cc OHV engine is a workhorse that...
Perfect for the RV owner or anyone who wants electric start and a lighter 124-pound frame. The 4,500 running watts are enough for essentials, and MX2 Technology gives you full power from any 120V outlet.
Best Budget: Pulsar 5250W PG5250B
- 5,250W peak 4,250W rated (GAS)/ 4,750W peak 3,850W rated (LPG)
- The powerful 224cc, 4-Stroke, OHV, Air Cooled Engine is protected by a...
- 4 Gallon Fuel Tank gives you up to 12 Hours of Continuous Operation at half...
Best for the budget-conscious buyer who still wants dual fuel capability. At 115 pounds it’s the lightest, and the 12-hour runtime on gas beats both competitors, but you sacrifice power and warranty length.
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