The DuroMax XP4400EH Dual Fuel Portable Generator Review

Summary

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The DuroMax XP4400EH dual fuel portable generator is a perfect way to get the power you need when and where you need it. From protecting your family when there is a power outage at home to taking that power on the road in your RV.

Offering the convenience of gasoline fuel, but also the possibility of using propane, powering the engine throughout the year is no problem. High mobility, electric key start, and several safety features make this generator easy to use for everyone.

What’s in the box?

• DuroMax XP4400EH multi-fuel generator
• Instruction manual
• Wheel kit and handles
• Set of tools – spanner, spark plug wrench and screwdriver

Gas Specifications

The fuel tank as a 4-gallon capacity, and unleaded gasoline, 87 octanes or higher, with 10% or less ethanol is recommended. The fuel cap is attached to the generator with a chain so you don’t drop it or misplace it.

A fuel gauge will turn red as the tank fills up. With a full tank you can power the engine at a 50% load for about eight hours.

Propane Specifications

It only takes a few seconds to switch from gasoline to propane. The flexible line allows you to hook up to any propane tank you have, including the one from your barbecue.

Propane has many advantages when compared to gasoline. It can be stored for years without going bad, and it costs less, which saves you money. Gasoline tends to gum up the engine’s carburetor, making regular maintenance an obligatory task. Propane burns cleaner, and more efficiently.

However, propane engines hate the cold, and it can be difficult to start the generator if the weather is chilly. That is why having a dual fuel generator is always your best choice. Just switch over to the gasoline option and forget about dealing with an engine that refuses to start.

The noise reducing muffler has a built-in spark arrestor. Nowadays, most State Park recreation areas and camping grounds will not allow using a generator that does not include this feature since they can easily cause a fire.

Oil Specifications

Generator ship with no oil in the crankcase, so you must add some before firing up the engine. Unlike other generator models, this one does not include a bottle of oil, so you must have one on hand.

SAE 10W-30 oil is recommended. The engine has an oil capacity of 20 fl. Oz, and measuring the level is easy since the oil cap has a dipstick. Just make sure to have a funnel because the opening is on the engine block, below the panel, in an awkward position; a funnel makes it much easier to pour the oil in without spilling it.

The DuroMax XP4400EH has a built-in safety feature that continuously monitors the oil level in the crankcase. As with any engine, running it with low oil can result in expensive damage. Nothing can break an engine as easily as friction between metal parts, so this is a welcomed feature.

When there is a low oil level a red LED will light up on the generator’s front panel. If no oil is added, the generator will power off automatically.

Engine Specifications

As most DuroMax generators, this one uses an air-cooled engine instead of a radiator with liquid coolant. This makes the engine lighter and requires less maintenance.

The engine is cast-iron sleeved for improved durability and is rated at 7HP with a displacement of 196cc, delivering a peak of 4,400 surge Watts and 3,500 constant Watts.

It is environmentally minded and EPA approved. The exhaust design, coupled with the frame dampening, allows it to run at a comfortable 69 decibels. You will notice that this generator is well built, with a heavy-duty steel frame and four point fully isolater motor mounts which make the engine run smoother and quieter, reducing vibrations to a minimum.

Power Outlets

There are two 120 Volt, 20A, 60Hz single phase standard household outlets and one 120/240 Volt, 60Hz single phase twist-lock. You can power up anything from small refrigerators and microwaves to air conditioners or small sump pumps.

All DuroMax generators include an exclusive RV switch. It is a power amp boost that harnesses all the power of the generator. This is done by combining the two 15 amps/120-volt circuits into one single powerhouse 30-amp circuit that delivers double the 120-volt power for heavy loads. This is perfect for using commercial tools, electric pumps, or to satisfy any RV demanding power needs.

A set of 12v DC charging posts provide DC output for charging car-type batteries or running small DC powered devices.

The panel has an analogue voltmeter so you can easily monitor the voltage output.

Electric Ignition

The XP4400EH dual fuel portable generator includes an electric starting mechanism. All you need to do is turn the key to the ON position to fire up the engine. If the battery is discharged and this is not possible, you also have a recoil start; just pull for a quick and reliable start every time.

The battery is charged automatically once the generator is running and a recharge indicator will light up on the generator’s panel. Once it is full, the light will turn off.

Wheel Specifications

Every XP4400EH dual fuel generator comes with a portable wheel and handles kit at no extra cost. The no-flat semi-solid all-terrain tires ride like air tires but are stronger and last longer since they are made from solid rubber.

The handles make it easier to lift up the generator and move it to your desired spot. Once you are set, fold down the handles to take up less space.

Maintenance

Even if you are not familiar with maintaining an engine, you will have no problems with the XP4400EH. The instruction manual includes a maintenance schedule and following it is simple and straightforward.

Oil should be changed after 20 hours of usage, and the spark plug inspected after 100 hours. The air cleaner can be removed by unhinging a pair of clasps and can be washed in household dish detergent with warm water.

There is also a fuel filter cup that keeps any dirt or debris from entering the engine and can be cleaned with a rag or brush.

If you are comfortable servicing engines, there is a section which details how to change the carbon brushes and the AVR instead of paying a technician to do it for you.

PROS

• Dual Fuel
• High Mobility
• Simple maintenance program
• One-year warranty
• Heavy-duty steel frame protects the engine

CONS

• No remote starting
• No built-in hours of usage counter

Our DuroMax XP4400EH Ratings

Reliability

Having the flexibility of deciding whether to use gasoline or propane as fuel means that your generator will start easily no matter the season or the weather. The electric starting mechanism makes turning on the engine as simple as turning a key, while the recoil backup takes one pull to get the generator running.

Noise

The noise muffler and an idle control which holds RPM at constant levels even when the generator is operating under heavy loads help keep the noise level at an acceptable rate. It is not exactly silent, but you can maintain a normal conversation even with the engine running nearby.

Maneuverability

The solid rubber tires and carrying handles make transporting the generator easy and requires hardly any effort. Even though it weighs 128lbs, you will barely notice it when you are moving it. The set of support legs keep the generator level once you set it up.

Maintainability

A regular maintenance schedule is provided in the instruction manual and is simple to follow. If you are a more advanced user, there are other maintenance tasks you can perform to keep the generator in top shape which are also explained in the manual.

Value

There are several other generators available with similar prices as the XP4400EH. However, you will have a hard time finding one that offers the convenience of being able to use both gasoline and propane. This makes the DuroMax an excellent machine and deserves a perfect value rating.

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XP4400EH Generator Specifications Summary

AC Rated Wattage	3500W
AC Surge Wattage	4400W
AC Rated Voltage	120/240V
AC Rated Frequency	60 Hz
AC Phase	Single
DC Voltage	12V
DC Amperage	8.3A
Dimensions (in.)	Length x Width x Height 23.2 x 17 x 17
Engine Type	4-Stroke OHV Forced-Air
Ignition System	Non-Contact Transistor
Displacement	210cc
Starting Type	Electric
Fuel Tank Capacity	3.96 US Gal. (15L)
Oil Capacity	20 fl. oz. (0.6L)
Run Time @ 50% (Gasoline)	12 hr.
Run Time @ 50% (Propane)	16 hr. (5 Gallon)