DuroMax XP12000EH Generator Review
Product Description
Powerful DuroMax Engine
The DuroMax XP12000EH is equipped with a powerful DuroMax, 457cc OHV engine that can deliver up to 12,000 peak watts and 9,500 running watts with gasoline, and 11,400 peak watts and 9,025 running watts with propane. This engine provides the reliability and durability needed to handle heavy loads from lights and refrigerators to air conditioners and power tools.
Dual Fuel Technology
The XP12000EH comes with dual fuel technology that allows you to operate it using either propane or gasoline. This feature gives you the freedom and flexibility of fuel choice, and it automatically shuts off the generator when it senses low oil to protect your investment.
Plenty of Power
With 12,000 peak watts and 9,500 running watts, this unit can handle heavy loads from lights and a refrigerator to a home air conditioner and high amperage power tools.
Maximum Power
Featuring DuroMax MX2 technology, the XP12000EH provides maximum power from each of the 120-volt receptacles. You can choose to operate the generator at both 120V and 240V simultaneously or at 120V only with full power.
Powering Everyone Anywhere
Like all DuroMax generators, the XP12000EH is EPA and CARB approved for use in all 50 states, making it an ideal choice for those living in areas prone to storms and natural disasters.
Detailed Safety Instructions
The XP12000EH comes with a detailed safety instruction manual that covers everything from safe handling to maintenance and servicing. It’s essential to read and understand this manual before operating the generator to ensure your safety and the longevity of the unit.
Overall, the DuroMax XP12000EH is a reliable, powerful, and versatile generator that can be used for home backup or RV camping. With its dual fuel technology, MX2 technology, and safety features, this generator is a great investment for anyone looking for a powerful and flexible backup power source.
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Installation and Setup
Setting up the DuroMax XP12000EH Generator can seem daunting at first, but with some patience and careful reading of the user manual, it can be done with ease. In this section, we will cover the key elements of installation and setup, including delivery inspection, wheel and handle bar installation, choosing propane as fuel, easy starting, and battery charging and replacement.
Delivery and Inspection
When the generator arrives, it is essential to check it thoroughly for any damage during delivery. Many users have experienced difficulty with delivery of the unit, with some reporting dented or torn cardboard boxes. It is important to examine the unit closely for any signs of physical damage.
Wheel and Handle Bar Installation
The generator is shipped with solid plastic wheels to be installed upon arrival. Some users have reported issues with the quality of these wheels, causing them to go flat and wear quickly. We recommend replacing them with pneumatic tires to avoid any issues down the line. Installation of the handle bars is straightforward, but may require some additional tools.
Choosing Propane as Fuel
The XP12000EH boasts dual fuel technology, allowing users to choose between gasoline and propane as fuel sources. While both options have their advantages, many users prefer propane due to its lower emissions and ease of storage. It is important to follow the specific instructions provided in the user manual when converting the unit to propane.
Easy Starting
This generator features an electric start feature, which can be a big advantage for those who struggle with starting generators using pull-cords. Our research showed that the generator starts quickly and easily using the electric start, however, users may have difficulty with the pull-cord start.
Battery Charging and Replacement
The generator comes with a battery to power the electric start feature. It is important to keep this battery charged and replace it as needed to ensure the smooth running of the generator. Some users have reported issues with the battery charging indicator coming on even though the generator has been running for days. It is important to follow the maintenance instructions carefully to avoid potential issues.
Overall, setting up the XP12000EH Generator requires attention to detail and patience, but the payoff is a powerful and reliable portable generator that can meet your heavy-duty power needs.
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Performance and Usage
Running Heavy Loads
The Duromax XP12000EH generator is incredibly powerful and can handle heavy loads with ease. With 12,000 starting watts and 9,500 running watts, this unit can handle heavy loads from lights and a refrigerator to a home air conditioner and high amperage power tools. So you can power virtually your whole house with it.
Use During Hurricane
The generator has proven to be effective during times of natural disasters like hurricanes. One user shared their experience with Hurricane Ian tearing through Florida, leaving their town without power. Our whole town is dark, but our home was lit up like a Christmas tree. Every light on. The generator kept the AC on, providing a comfortable living space.
Propane vs Gasoline
While the XP12000EH can run on either propane or gasoline, it’s highly recommended to use gasoline instead of propane for better performance. A 20lb propane tank couldn’t keep the AC on. Also, a separate cable is required for use with propane, adding an extra expense. It’s more expensive and not as effective as gas fuel.
Tire Quality and Replacement
The quality of the tires is a little underwhelming, but they serve their purpose. They are most suitable for flat surfaces. If you plan on transporting the generator over rough terrain, you may consider getting better quality tires as an upgrade.
Working on the Base
The base frame is quite solid and should hold up well over time. Some users recommend getting a rubber mat under it to reduce noise and keep it in place. Another user mentioned that the instructions say to remove orange shipping brackets, but they were actually red.
Battery Connection Issues
Some users have mentioned having issues with battery connectivity. The generator does not come with a battery, so you’ll need to purchase one separately. Make sure to connect the negative ground wire to the battery and adjust the idle on the carburetor if the engine revs up then dies down.
In conclusion, the DuroMax XP12000EH is a great generator for power backup at home during natural disasters and power outages. It can handle heavy loads, is flexible in terms of fuel choice, and is easy to use. Although there are some minor issues to keep in mind, it’s a reliable and cost-effective alternative to bigger standby generators.
Pros
Powerful performance
The DuroMax XP12000EH generator is powered by a powerful DuroMax, 457cc OHV engine, providing peak wattage of 12,000 and running wattage of 9,500 with gasoline, and peak wattage of 11,400 and running wattage of 9,025 with propane. With this much power, the unit can handle heavy loads from lights and refrigerators to air conditioners and high amperage power tools.
Dual fuel technology expands fuel choice
One of the major advantages of the DuroMax XP12000EH is its ability to run on both gasoline and propane. It allows for the freedom and flexibility of fuel choice, which expands its usability during power outages. This dual fuel technology also protects the investment by automatically shutting the generator off when it senses that the oil is low.
EPA and CARB approved for all 50 states
The DuroMax XP12000EH is EPA and CARB approved for use in all 50 States, which means it meets the standards for air quality set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the California Air Resource Board (CARB). The product is compliant with all the environmental regulations, making it a safe and eco-friendly product.
MX2 technology maximizes power output
With DuroMax MX2 technology, users can get the maximum power from each of the 120 volt receptacles. It allows for the choice between operating the generator at both 120 V and 240 V simultaneously, or at 120 V only with full power. This technology ensures users can get maximum power output without compromise.
Relatively easy to maneuver
Despite its size and power, the generator is relatively easy to maneuver. The package includes tools for installing handles, wheels, etc. and a funnel for filling oil, which makes the installation process straightforward. The unit rolls pretty easily with handles on and is ready to provide power wherever needed within minutes of installation.
Overall, the DuroMax XP12000EH generator is a reliable and efficient unit that meets the needs of every home. Its dual fuel technology expands fuel choice, MX2 technology maximizes power output, and it’s EPA and CARB approved for all 50 states. With easy maintenance and installation, this generator is ideal for all those looking for a portable power backup during power outages or emergencies.
Cons
Tire quality and durability
One issue that some customers have reported is related to the tires of the DuroMax XP12000EH generator. In some cases, the plastic wheels that come with the generator may go flat easily under the weight of the unit. This can be a hassle, especially if you need to move the generator around frequently. One solution is to replace the plastic wheels with pneumatic tires, which will provide greater stability and durability.
Inaccurate hardware list
Another issue some customers have faced is that the hardware list provided in the instruction manual may be inaccurate or not detailed enough. This can make it a bit of a challenge to assemble the generator properly, especially if you are not particularly handy or experienced with these kinds of DIY projects. However, with a little patience and attention to detail, most people should be able to figure it out eventually.
Need for additional tools
A related issue is that you may need to purchase additional tools or equipment in order to properly install and operate the generator. For example, you may need to buy a power inlet box or a temporary power cord to connect the generator to your home or RV. Additionally, you may need a manual interlock kit to meet code requirements, as well as various other tools and accessories.
Loud noise level
As with any portable generator, the DuroMax XP12000EH does make a fair amount of noise when it’s running. This can be especially loud if you are in close proximity to the generator, or if you are using it in a quiet residential neighborhood. Some people may find this noise level to be a bit of a nuisance, so it’s something to keep in mind if you have sensitive ears or live in a neighborhood with strict noise ordinances.
Battery connection and charging issues
Finally, some customers have reported issues with the battery connection and charging system on the DuroMax XP12000EH generator. Specifically, some people have had trouble getting the generator to start using the electric ignition system, and have had to resort to using the manual pull cord. Additionally, the battery charger may not always work as expected, and you may need to purchase a separate trickle charger to make sure the battery stays charged.
Conclusion
Overall great performance and reliability
We are thrilled by the performance and reliability of the DuroMax XP12000EH generator. It has proven itself as a versatile and dependable option for both home back up and RV use. The dual fuel technology allows for flexibility with fuel choices, which is crucial when it comes to power outages and emergencies. The generator can handle heavy loads, making it a solid investment for those in need of high power loads. The DuroMax MX2 technology ensures maximum power output, with the flexibility to operate at both 120V and 240V.
Recommended for use during emergencies
We highly recommend the DuroMax XP12000EH generator for use during emergencies due to its excellent performance and reliability. It’s EPA and CARB approved for use in all 50 States, making it a great investment for all households that may experience power outages.
Long term durability remains to be seen
While we have seen no issues with the DuroMax XP12000EH generator to date, long term durability remains to be seen. The plastic wheels may not be strong enough to support the weight of the generator. Additionally, some customers have reported issues with starting the generator and oil spillage. However, these issues are minimal compared to the overall performance and functionality of the DuroMax XP12000EH generator.
In summary, the DuroMax XP12000EH generator is a great investment for all households, especially during emergencies. While we are yet to see the long term durability of the generator, we are confident that it will serve households well and provide them with a dependable source of power for years to come.
