A 2000-watt dual fuel portable inverter generator is a quiet choice for tailgating and camping even though it is too small for powering an RV or for home backup power.

Introduction

Portable inverter generators that produce between 2000 and 3000 starting watts are easy to find. Most brands have models that are powered by gasoline, but dual fuel portable inverter generators in that wattage range are less common.

The Champion Power Equipment 100402 is one of those units that can operate on either gasoline fuel or liquefied petroleum gas. I am going to give a short overview of both the Champion 100402 model and the 2500-watt 200961 model. In addition, I will compare the Champion 100402 to other dual fuel portable inverter generators.

2000-Watt Dual Fuel Portable Inverter Generator

The Champion Power Equipment 100402 model has a 80cc engine with both a 1.1 gallon gasoline fuel tank and an included LPG hose with regulator. The connection port for the LPG hose is on the side of the generator underneath the recoil pull starter rope and the EZ start dial knob. Use this knob to switch between gasoline and propane as a fuel source.

So, how much power does this dual fuel portable inverter generator produce? It provides 2000 peak watts on gasoline and 1800 starting watts on propane. The running watts are 1600 on gasoline and 1440 on propane.

The inverter system cleans up the power to less than 3% THD. You can use it for your sensitive electronic devices. The Champion 100402 has these basic outlets where you can plug in your devices:

• 12V DC automotive outlet
• Parallel capability outlet
• Two 120V 20A 5-20R outlets

Please note that this model does not have USB outlets. Instead, a USB adapter is included in the box.

The Champion 100402 is parallel ready. You can link two of the same units together for double the power. However, you will need two of these generators and the Champion Power Equipment 100468 ParaLINK parallel kit if you want to stack and link them together for extra power.

How long does the Champion 100402 dual fuel portable inverter generator run? Well, it is supposed to run for up to 11 hours at 25% load on gasoline fuel. The runtime for propane is up to 24 hours at 25% load on a 20 lb propane tank. It has an economy mode for improved fuel efficiency and quieter operation. It is said to operate at about 53 dB from 23 feet away, so it is a quiet little portable generator (buy it on Amazon – paid link).

2200-Watt Dual Fuel Portable Inverter Generator

The DuroMax XP2200EH has a little more power to play. The 79cc 4-stroke engine and inverter system produces 2200 starting watts and 1800 running watts on gasoline. The runtime on gasoline fuel at 50% load is just under 7 hours. This model has a 1.2 gallon fuel tank capacity.

This dual fuel model can also run on propane, but then it only provides 2090 peak watts and 1710 running watts. The runtime on propane at 50% load is almost 20 hours. The suggested propane tank size is 20 lb.

If you take a look at another 2200-watt inverter generator, such as the PG2200BiS, then it looks similar to the DuroMax XP2200EH. Well, I think it has many similarities.

For example, the control panel has the same basic layout, buttons and receptacles. Moreover, the specifications are also very similar:

• 2000 surge watts and 1600 continuous running watts on propane
• 2200 starting watts and 1800 running watts on gasoline
• 80cc 4-stroke engine with recoil pull start
• dual fuel capability (propane hose is included)
• fuel tank capacity is 1.18 gallons
• generator operates at 60 dB noise level
• inverter system produces clean and stable sine wave
• one 5V integrated USB outlet
• parallel capability outlets
• two by 120V 15A AC outlets

The DuroMax model that I looked at initially did not have a USB outlet, yet on the manufacturer website the XP2200EH model does have a 5V DC 1.5A USB outlet.

So, which one should you choose? I would probably go for the DuroMax XP2200EH because it is a better known brand, unless the Pulsar PG2200BiS is available at a lower price. However, the suggested retail price will probably be the same because these two dual fuel inverter generators appear to be almost exactly the same.

The DuroMax XP2200EH is a relatively quiet inverter generator for outdoor activities such as camping or tailgating, but it might be too small for emergency backup power. Its noise level is said to be 61 dB when operating under a 50% load (shop now on Amazon – paid link).

Comparison Between 2000-Watt Dual Fuel Portable Inverter Generators

2500-Watt Dual Fuel Portable Inverter Generator

The Champion Power Equipment 200961 provides slightly more power: 2500 starting watts and 1850 running watts when using gasoline fuel. The inverter ensures that the electric power is clean with less than 3% THD.

This model has a 4-stroke 79cc engine with a 1.1 gallon fuel tank, thus the noise level and runtimes are similar to the Champion 100402 model. It has a recoil starter, but it is obviously too small to accommodate an electric starter and battery. If you want a dual fuel inverter generator with an electric starter, then you would have to get a larger unit such as the Champion Power Equipment 200988 that produces 4500 starting watts and 3500 running watts.

The control panel of the Champion 200961 dual fuel portable inverter generator has the following items:

• 12V DC 8A automotive outlet
• 2 x 120V AC 20A NEMA 5-20R outlets
• 20A circuit breakers
• 8A circuit breaker
• AC overload reset
• economy mode
• EZ start dial
• ground terminal (neutral floating)
• low oil light
• parallel operation outlets
• propane hose inlet

All the outlets are covered to protect it from dust and dirt. The Champion 200961 is parallel ready, so you can connect it to another 2500-watt generator with a parallel kit for double the power. A USB adapter is included with the generator because the control panel does not have any USB outlets. A propane hose, engine oil and an oil funnel are also included.

Overall, the Champion 200961 is a quiet 2500-watt dual fuel portable inverter generator. You won’t be able to power much with this size portable generator, thus it is better for outdoor recreation than indoor household appliances (check price on Amazon – paid link).

Conclusion

A 2000-watt dual fuel portable inverter generator such as the Champion 100402 (and the others) is probably the smallest size that you will find that can run on either gasoline or propane. I cannot remember ever seeing a 1000-watt dual fuel portable generator.

Therefore, you should consider buying a 2000-watt dual fuel portable inverter generator because it is the perfect size for taking along on a camping trip or other outdoor adventure together with a 20 lb propane tank. You might also use it to run your refrigerator during a power failure.