Duromax XP13000EH Review – Best Dual Fuel Backup Generator
I have been using my new Duromax XP13000EH since April 2023 during power outages and camping trips only, and just like the Duromax XP12000EH, this elder brother is solid, reliable, and powerful in every way.
Before this, I had another XP13000EH back in Hurricane Matthew’s days in Florida. I didn’t have much choice back then; I bought it because I was stuck in Florida and I needed something to run my small house at full power due to outages. I put this dual-fuel generator under hell for 5 full days, and it helps up quite well.
This Duromax XP13000EH review is based on noise tests, durability, fuel-efficiency tests, load tests, and its performance as a home backup generator. I have used it for 4 months to gather data for this review.
Quick Review Of Duromax XP13000EH
Duromax XP13000EH Review
I was running AC, 2 refrigerators, water heaters, lights, and some other appliances nonstop. Out of all of my Duromax generator reviews, the XP series is my favorite.
XP series generators of Duromax are designed for handling heavy-duty work. These are such good machines that I have rarely seen any complaints about voltage spikes, maintenance problems, motor windings, and fuel efficiency.
Unboxing Experience of XP13000EH:
My Duromax XP13000EH arrived within 8 days and it was undamaged. The shipping guys were professionals.
The assembly was neat and simple. You just have to install the handle, plug in the battery, wheelsets, and a couple of screws.
The following things were included in the package:
- Oil funnel
- Spark plug wrench
- Toolset
- Wheel kit and handle
- User manual
The generator is not included in the package.
Design DuroMax of XP13000EH:
It weighs 234 pounds so forget about picking it up. To maneuver it, the design includes a nice set of wheels and foldable handles.
Just like Duromax XP12000EH, it is all metal construction with a very durable frame.
It is RV-ready, you have your main 50amp RV plug, 30amp outlet, 120V outlets, a 12V plug to charge batteries, a couple of breakers, a battery switch, a push button, and an idle control button on the control panel.
I like that this big-ass generator included an idle control to save fuel and reduce noise when the load is not high.
I would suggest getting a trickle charge when the battery is not in use or storage.
The only problem I see with the design is the handle next to the muffler. It gets too hot when the generator is in use. I hope they improve this in their future models. I 8/10 for the design.
Noise Test of Duromax XP13000EH:
DuroMax installs quality mufflers in their open-frame generators to suppress noise, but these models are always going to be a bit noisy.
Unlike XP12000EH which has a 457cc engine, this model has a 500cc engine so I thought it was gonna be a bit loud.
To verify my doubt, I conducted a noise test from 5 feet and 30 feet under no load just like I did with XP12000EH.
- From a distance of 5 feet under no load, the noise levels were 90 to 91dB
- From a distance of 30 feet under no load, the noise levels were 76 to 78 dB.
Surprisingly, it wasn’t as bad as I thought. The noise levels were marginally higher than XP12000EH. If you keep the generator 30 to 50 feet away from the house, I don’t think it will disturb you. 7.5/10 for the noise.
Runtime Test of Duromax XP13000EH:
This dual-fuel generator can run for 8 hours at 50% load on gasoline, and 6 hours at 50% load on propane according to the manufacturer.
I conducted a runtime test of my own by putting the generator under 52% load.
- On gasoline, the generator ran for 8.3 hours at 52% load.
- On propane, the generator ran for 6.5 hours at 52% load.
I wasn’t surprised by the results, I knew these Duromax generators are extremely fuel-efficient but I had to take a reading due to the lack of data available on the internet. 8.5/10 for fuel efficiency.
Load test:
So after using Duromax XP13000EH for an entire month for my RV, I conducted a load test as soon as I had some free time.
So first on gasoline, I ran a standard fridge, microwave oven, a coffee maker, a 10,000 BTU AC, a printer, a computer, lights, and a small dryer.
The total running watts are 10400. The generator managed to run everything. I pushed it further to 10580 watts before the overload alarm.
On propane, I cut off some load to only 9500 running watts. It ran everything at 9500. The maximum I got on propane was 9970W which is pretty cool.
I only pushed my Duromax XP13000EH to get data for the test. Otherwise, I only keep it running at 55 to 60% load. 10/10 for the load test.
If you going to get the maximum out of your generator, then I would advise cutting off a load of the sensitive appliance.
The harmonic distortion of these big models fluctuates from 12 to 20% depending on the load.
During my Duromax XP13000EH review, I also checked the THD with my harmonic analyzer. It was 15% at 90% load. At 50% load, it was around 9% which is acceptable.
Performance of Duromax XP13000EH Dual-Fuel Generator
Just like its younger brother XP12000EH, this generator has been able to run everything during power outages. On gasoline, I normally ran it at 60% power and 55% on propane.
I also tested the voltage recovery time and it recovers in a flash. This ability comes in handy when you are suddenly going from high to low, or low to high load.
If the sound bothers you, make a soundproof box like it did. It significantly cuts down the noise levels.
One time the power was gone for 3 straight days. I ran the whole house AC, a separate 30-amp line for the fridge, a freezer, and some basic equipment.
Duromax XP13000EH dual-fuel generator ran everything like a charm. I didn’t notice any bad vibrations or changes in noise patterns.
Another thing I mention is that oil has to be changed every 20 hours which is lame.
9/10 for the performance.
Who Should Buy Duromax XP13000EH
If you are looking for a solid portable home backup generator that can also be used for camping, you should buy a Duromax XP13000EH dual-fuel generator. This generator has excellent fuel efficiency, it isn’t too loud, and it is equipped with a 500cc engine that can generate 3600 RPM.
- If you are looking for a smaller unit go for DuroMax XP5500EH
What I Like
What I don’t
Alex Black is a seasoned electrical engineer with a remarkable 8-year track record specializing in appliances, generators, and transfer switches. With extensive hands-on experience in the field, Alex possesses a deep understanding of electrical systems and their intricate workings. Throughout their career, Alex has consistently demonstrated expertise in designing, troubleshooting, and maintaining various electrical appliances.