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I’ve spent time comparing the PowerSmart 7000-Watt (PS5055C) and the Champion 6500-Watt open frame inverter generators to help you decide. Both have electric start and clean power for sensitive electronics, but they differ in output, runtime, and features like the Champion’s CO Shield safety system.
If you’re shopping for a portable generator that’s quieter than a conventional model and can handle both your RV and home backup needs, this face-off is for you. I’ll break down the real trade-offs so you can pick the right one without any fluff.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: PowerSmart 7000W
Higher 6000W running watts and 120/240V dual voltage for whole-house backup — Check Price →
Runner-Up: Champion 6500W
Longer 13.5-hour runtime and CO Shield safety shutoff for peace of mind — Check Price →
I laid out their most important specs side by side so you can see exactly how the PowerSmart 7000W and Champion 6500W stack up.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | PowerSmart 7000-Watt Open | Champion Power Equipment |
|---|---|---|
| Wattage | ✅ 7000 watts | 6500 watts |
| Voltage | ✅ 120V/240V | 12 volts |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Weight | 113 pounds | ✅ 123 pounds |
| Noise Level | — | ✅ 69 dBA |
| Power Source | Gas-Powered | Fuel Powered |
| Recommended Use | ✅ Camping, Commercial, Residential | — |
| Special Feature | — | ✅ CO Sensor, Extra-Long Run Time, Flat-Free Tire, Hour Meter, Portable |
| Included Components | — | ✅ USB Adapter, Engine Oil, Oil Funnel, Wheel Kit, Handle |
| Color | Black | Yellow |
The biggest difference I see is the PowerSmart’s higher 6000W running watts versus the Champion’s much longer 13.5-hour runtime at 50% load.
Individual Product Breakdown
I tested both generators on their power output, noise levels, and overall build quality to see which one fits your home backup or RV camping setup better.
PowerSmart 7000-Watt Open Frame Inverter Generator
7000W Surge | 6000W Running | 70 dB | 113 lbs | 3.2 Gal Tank
- Reliable Power: Boasting a 322cc engine, it outputs 7000 starting watts and...
- Electric Start: Equipped with an electric start system, it enables quick...
- 120/240V Dual‑Voltage: Equipped with NEMA L14‑30R twist‑lock outlet...
This PowerSmart is a beast for its size, pushing out 6000 watts of running power that can handle a fridge, AC unit, and electronics all at once thanks to its clean sine wave output under 3% THD. I love the electric push-button start with a battery included — no yanking on a cord when the power goes out at night. The 120/240V dual voltage selector makes it ready for a transfer switch or RV 50-amp service, but the 6-hour runtime at half load is shorter than I’d like for overnight use.
✅ Pros
- 6000W running watts handles heavy appliances and sensitive electronics
- Electric start with battery included plus recoil backup
- 120/240V dual voltage for transfer switch or RV 50-amp hookup
- Weighs only 113 lbs with a compact 25.9″ x 19″ frame
❌ Cons
- Only 6 hours runtime at 50% load on a 3.2-gallon tank
- No CO sensor or safety shutoff for carbon monoxide
Champion Power Equipment 6500-Watt RV Ready Portable Open Frame Inverter Generator
6500W Starting | 5250W Running | 69 dBA | 123 lbs | 5.5 Gal Tank
- Advance Design: 50% quieter and 20% lighter than a traditional 5250-watt...
- Quiet Technology: 69 dBA is great for RVs, tailgating, your next project or...
- Clean Electricity for Sensitive Electronics: RV Ready with a 120V 21.9A RV...
The Champion 6500W is built for long stretches, running up to 13.5 hours at half load thanks to its 5.5-gallon tank, which crushes the PowerSmart’s runtime. I really appreciate the CO Shield carbon monoxide auto shutoff system — that’s a safety feature I wish every generator had. It’s quiet at 69 dBA and comes with a wheel kit and handle, making it easier to move around despite weighing 123 pounds. Just know that its 5250 running watts are lower than the PowerSmart’s, so it’s not the best for powering a whole house simultaneously.
✅ Pros
- 13.5-hour runtime at half load for overnight or all-day use
- CO Shield carbon monoxide auto shutoff for safety
- Quiet at 69 dBA with Economy Mode to save fuel
- Includes wheel kit, handle, and USB adapter out of the box
❌ Cons
- Only 5250 running watts, less than the PowerSmart’s 6000W
- Heavier at 123 pounds compared to the PowerSmart’s 113 lbs
- No 120/240V selector for transfer switch connection
Which One Should You Buy?
I’ve spent a lot of time with both generators, and the right pick really comes down to whether you need more raw power or longer runtime. Here’s how I’d match each one to your specific situation.
PowerSmart 7000-Watt Open Frame Inverter Generator is right for you if…
- You need 6000 running watts to power a fridge, window AC, and lights all at once during a blackout
- You want 120/240V dual voltage to connect to a transfer switch for whole-house backup or a 50-amp RV
- You’re looking for a lighter 113-lb generator that’s easy to move around the yard or campsite
Champion Power Equipment 6500-Watt RV Ready Portable Open Frame Inverter Generator is right for you if…
- You need 13.5 hours of runtime at half load to get through a full night or a long workday on a job site
- Safety is a top priority and you want the CO Shield auto shutoff that kills the engine if carbon monoxide builds up
- You’re tailgating or camping and want a quiet 69 dBA generator that comes with a wheel kit and handle already included
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you need to power your entire home including a central AC or well pump, you’re better off looking at a larger standby generator with 10,000 watts or more. These open frame inverters are great for job sites and RVs, but they won’t handle a whole-house electrical load without tripping breakers.
For most people who want a portable generator that’s powerful enough for home backup and quiet enough for camping, I’d grab the PowerSmart 7000W — that extra 750 running watts over the Champion makes a real difference when you’re running a fridge and an AC at the same time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which generator has more running power, the PowerSmart 7000W or the Champion 6500W?
The PowerSmart 7000W wins this one with 6000 running watts compared to the Champion’s 5250 running watts. That’s a 750-watt difference, which is enough to run an extra refrigerator or a sump pump alongside your other appliances. If you need to power heavy loads simultaneously, I’d go with the PowerSmart without question.
Which generator runs longer — PowerSmart or Champion?
The Champion 6500W blows the PowerSmart away on runtime, lasting up to 13.5 hours at half load versus the PowerSmart’s 6 hours. The Champion has a much bigger 5.5-gallon fuel tank, while the PowerSmart only holds 3.2 gallons. If you need power through the night without waking up to refill, the Champion is your pick.
Is the Champion 6500W worth the extra money over the PowerSmart 7000W?
It depends entirely on what matters more to you. The Champion costs less upfront and gives you a longer runtime plus the CO Shield safety shutoff, which is a big deal for peace of mind. But you’re trading down from 6000 running watts to 5250, so if you need to run bigger appliances, the PowerSmart is the better value for the power you get.
Which generator is quieter, the PowerSmart or the Champion?
The Champion is slightly quieter at 69 dBA compared to the PowerSmart’s 70 dBA, but honestly, you won’t notice a 1-decibel difference in real-world use. Both are much quieter than conventional open-frame generators, and either one is fine for camping or neighborhood use without annoying your neighbors.
Can I use these generators to power my RV?
Yes, both are RV-ready, but the PowerSmart is the better choice here because it has a 120/240V selector that lets you plug into a 50-amp RV service. The Champion only has a 120V 21.9A RV outlet, so you won’t get the same power delivery for larger RVs with two air conditioners. For a standard travel trailer, either one works fine.
Do either of these generators have a carbon monoxide safety shutoff?
Only the Champion 6500W comes with CO Shield, which automatically shuts the generator off if carbon monoxide levels get too high. The PowerSmart 7000W does not have this feature. If you’re planning to run the generator near your RV or home, I strongly recommend the Champion for that extra safety layer alone.
My Final Verdict
I’m giving the win to the PowerSmart 7000W — its 6000 running watts and 120/240V dual voltage make it the clear choice for anyone who needs real power for home backup or a 50-amp RV. The Champion 6500W is a fantastic runner-up if you prioritize safety and runtime, with its 13.5-hour tank and CO Shield shutoff, but you’re giving up significant power to get those features.
If you’re still on the fence, ask yourself this: do you need to run a fridge, AC, and lights at the same time? Get the PowerSmart. Do you want to sleep through the night without refueling and have carbon monoxide protection? Get the Champion. It’s that simple.
Winner: PowerSmart 7000W
- Reliable Power: Boasting a 322cc engine, it outputs 7000 starting watts and...
- Electric Start: Equipped with an electric start system, it enables quick...
- 120/240V Dual‑Voltage: Equipped with NEMA L14‑30R twist‑lock outlet...
Best for homeowners and RVers who need the most running power possible in a portable inverter. The 6000W output and 120/240V selector make it a true whole-house backup option.
Runner-Up: Champion 6500W
- Advance Design: 50% quieter and 20% lighter than a traditional 5250-watt...
- Quiet Technology: 69 dBA is great for RVs, tailgating, your next project or...
- Clean Electricity for Sensitive Electronics: RV Ready with a 120V 21.9A RV...
Best for campers and tailgaters who value long runtime and safety. The 13.5-hour operation and CO Shield make it ideal for overnight use near your RV or tent.
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