Generator for Food Truck

W hen you’re using a food truck, therefore running a food-related business, it is important for you to have your own source of power. While some locations might provide you with it – fairs or carnivals – some will not. So, investing in a generator will not only allow you to function independently, but it will be a life-saver, as well, when the next power cut strikes. However, you might wonder which is best for your business, as several appliances will require enough power to work. Therefore, to help you decide, we offer you our best recommendations.

Top 9 Generators for Food Truck Comparison

Photo	Product Name	Fuel Tank Capacity	Power	Running Time	Engine Type	Highlight	Warranty	Price
Best Overall	1. DuroMax XP12000EH	8.3 gallons	11.400W 12.000W	7.2 hours 8.83 hours	18HP, 457cc OHV	MX2 Switch	3 years	Check Price
Our Choice	2. Westinghouse WGen7500DF	6.6 gallons	8550W 9500W	11 hours 11 hours	420cc OHV 4-stroke	Automatic Low Oil Shutdown	3 years	Check Price
Best for Propane Fuel	3. All Power America APG3590CN	5 gallons	10.000W	8.5 hours	15 HP, 420cc 4-stroke OHV	Voltmeter	2 year	Check Price
Best for Gasoline Fuel	4. A-iPower Corp SUA12000E	7 gallons	12.000W	9 hours	Single-phase, 60HZ, 459cc/16hp, 4-stroke OHV engine	Automatic Low Oil Shutdown	2 years	Check Price
	5. Pulsar PG12000B	8 gallons	10.800W 12.000W	10-11 hours 12 hours	57cc, Single Cylinder, 4-Stroke, OHV	Automatic Low Oil Shutdown	2 years	Check Price
	6. Rainier R12000DF	6.6 gallons	10.800W 12.000W	11 hours 1 7 hours	457cc OHV 4-stroke engine	Overload Protection Alarm	1 year	Check Price
	7. Champion Power Equipment 100165	6.1 gallons	8400W 9375W	5.5 hours 8 hours	439cc OVH 4-stroke	IntelliGauge VoltGuard	3 years	Check Price
Best Budget-friendly	8. Duromax XP4850EH	3.96 gallons	4608W 4850W	8.92 hours 10.42 hours	7 HP, 212cc OHV 4-stroke	MX2 technology	1 year	Check Price
	9. Westinghouse iGen4500DF	3.4 gallons	4050W 4500W	18 hours 14 hours	224cc, 7.3 HP, OHV 4-stroke engine	LED data center	3 years	Check Price

1. DuroMax XP12000EH

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It offers versatility and power, allowing you to connect several equipment pieces at the same time, which will help keep your business going. It can be used with dual fuel, either propane or gasoline, and it has a capacity of 8.3 gallons for a gasoline tank and 40 gallons for a propane tank. It measures 26 inches in height, 30 inches in width and 22 inches in length, and it has a weight of 236 pounds. It is EPA and CARB certified, and it has a limited warranty of 3 years.

Power and Running Time

It features 12000 starting watts and 9500 running watts when used with gasoline, and 11400 starting watts with 9025 running watts when used with propane, thus it can support heavy-loads, allowing you to connect your equipment. Furthermore, it has a 457cc engine, with 4-cycle air-cooled spark-ignition, and it comes with both electric and recoil start, to allow you to start it either way. It is able to function 8.83 hours on gasoline at ½ load, and 7.2 hours on propane at ½ load.

Control Panel

It includes two 120V/20A outlets, one 120V/30A twist lock outlet, one 120/240V 30A outlet, and a 50A heavy-duty outlet to allow you to power other items. Additionally, it comes with a voltmeter, a circuit breaker to keep it safe in case of sudden surges, and a low oil indicator – for better maintenance and idle control. Moreover, it has a unique MX2 switch, which, will double your 120V amperage when used with heavy loads.

Design

It has a heavy-duty frame made from metal, with fully isolated motor mounts and a muffler which will provide you with a relatively quiet, 74 dB, operation. It is easy to transport and move around thanks to its solid-fill, durable tires and included handle-kit it comes with.

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2. Westinghouse WGen7500DF

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It measures 27.25 inches in length, 26.25 inches in width and 26.25 inches in height, and it weighs 194 pounds. It is able to work with both propane and gasoline, thus it provides you with versatility when using the fuel you want. It features 9500 peak watts and 7500 running watts when using gasoline while it has 8550 peak watts and 6750 running watts when using propane. Additionally, it has a fuel tank capacity of 6.6 gallons, and it is capable of running 16 hours at only 25% load with gasoline, and 11 hours at 50% load with gasoline, while with a 20-pound standard propane tank, it can run 11 hours when 25% loaded.

It has a strong 420cc OHV 4-stroke engine, which is capable of generating 3600rpm, and a low operation volume, of 74 dB. It features 3 ways to start the engine up push-button electric, recoil and remote, thanks to the start key fob it comes with. It has one 120/240V 30A (L14-30R) twist-lock outlet, two duplex 120V 20A GFCI (5-20R) outlets, two 5V USB ports, and an ST switch outlet. Additionally, all outlets are covered, to protect them from elements, and it has an automatic low oil shutdown system, which will automatically turn the unit off when the oil level is too low, a digital hour meter and a voltmeter.

Furthermore, it comes with a single handle made from foam grip, and thanks to its large, 10-inch diameter and 2.5-inch wide wheels made from sturdy polyurethane; you won’t have to worry about moving it around or maneuvering it with ease. EPA, CARB, and CSA compliant, it has a 3-year warranty and nationwide customer service support.

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3. All Power America APG3590CN

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It measures 29 1/2 inches in length, 23 inches in width and 22 inches in height, and it weighs 208 pounds. It has a fuel capacity of 5 gallons, and its power can reach a peak of 10.000W and a running power of 7500 watts. Additionally, it comes with a silent operation, reaching a maximum of 75 dB, and it is C.A.R.B compliant as well as EPA and CETL certified, so it will burn clean, without smoke or smell.

It has a strong and powerful engine, with 15 HP, 420cc 4-stroke OHV, air-cooled; at it can run 8.5 hours with only 50% load. While the low oil shut down function it comes with is not automatic, it will stop the fuel flow from going through the unit if the engine is not running. Moreover, it comes with an hour meter and a voltmeter, so you’ll be able to schedule the next maintenance.

It also has an electric start button and a backup recoil start in case it won’t start. EPA certified, it has 4 AC 120V outlets, one 120V twist-lock outlet, one 120/240V twist-lock outlet and one 12V DC outlet. Thanks to its handles with slip-free grip and its large, never-flat wheels, you won’t have to worry about moving it around, as it allows you do to do hassle-free and effortless. It has a limited 2-year residential warranty from the moment of your purchase.

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4. A-iPower Corp SUA12000E

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It measures 27.6 inches in length, 27.2 inches in width and 25.6 inches in height and it is a bit on the heavy side as it weighs 206 pounds. It packs 12.000 starting watts, and 9000 running watts, to provide you with enough power supply for all the appliances you’ll need, and it comes with a keyless, one-touch button for a quick startup. It has a recoil start, as a backup safety method in case the electrical start won’t work, and it comes with a heavy-duty 1.25-inch diameter, tubular frame, for increased time resistance. To allow you easy transportation from, it has large 9.5-inch solid wheels, and a factory built-in transportation handle to ease the overall transport procedure.

It comes with a single-phase, 60HZ, 459cc/16hp, 4-stroke OHV engine, which is equipped with an automatic low-oil shutdown safety measure, and with an automatic voltage regulator to prevent it from sudden power surges. For increased convenience, it comes with an oil supply in the package, and the oil gauge comes with a depth stick, so you’ll be able to correctly measure the oil level inside.

It works on gasoline, and it comes with a large, 7-gallon tank, which can provide you with 9 hours of work, at a 50% load. Thanks to the fuel gauge placed conveniently right on top, you’ll be easily able to check it, while thanks to its ergonomically angled control panel provide you with hassle-free access. It also comes with several GFCI protected outlets, to allow you to easily connect multiple appliances at the same time. It has 4 NEMA 120VAC 20A GFCI-protected outlets, 1 NEMA 120/240VAC 30A L14-30R twist-lock outlet, 1 NEMA 120/240VAC 50A 14-50R industrial-grade outlet, and a 12VDC 8.3A adapter plug for battery charging, which is equipped with a multifunction port with USB-ready.

Thanks to its digital hour meter you’ll be able to monitor the running times and plan the maintenances, while thanks to its weatherproof cover, there will be no circuit breakers or switches left at nature’s mercy. It has a relatively quiet operation when placed at 23 ft. away, 78 dB, and it comes with a manual and detailed graphic set-up instructions to provide you with a swift installation. It comes with a limited 2-year warranty from the moment of your purchase.

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5. Pulsar PG12000B

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It measures 28.5 inches in width, 22.2 inches in length and 21.8 inches in height, and it has a weight of 209 pounds. It can be used with dual fuel, thus you can use it with propane as well as gasoline, and it packs 12.000W peak and 9.500W rated power on gasoline and 10.800W peak and 8.550W rated power on propane thanks to its, CARB approved, 457cc, single cylinder with 4 strokes OHV engine. Therefore, you can easily connect more than one appliance at once, in order to keep your food business going. It is able to function 12 hours with 50% load of 8 gallons of gasoline, and around 10-11 hours with 50% load of a propane tank.

It comes with an easy to use fuel switch which will allow you to easily transition from one type of fuel to the other without interruption, while its durable steel frame will make sure it will last you a long time. Additionally, it comes with 10” never-flat tires, as well as convenient drop-down handles, thus it provides you with an easy way of storing and maneuvering it around. Moreover, it has both electric and recoil start, to provide you with a backup way of getting it to work, and it comes with 4 120V 20A AC outlets, 1 120V/240V 30A twist lock outlet, 1 120V/240V 50A outlet and 1 12V DC output, while thanks to its low oil sensor, it will automatically shut itself off if the need arises.

It comes with an overload circuit protection which will make sure that the generator, as well as your appliances, is safe even if there are sudden spikes. Moreover, it has an hour meter which will tell you how long you’ve used it and automatic voltage regulation for increased safety. It comes with a relatively silent operation only 74 dBs, and with a 3 in 1 digital voltmeter. It also comes with a propane hose and regulator to allow you quick and hassle-free use. It comes with a limited 2-year warranty on generator engine components and parts only, and with a limited 1year warranty on alternator components parts and labor, from the moment of your purchase.

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6. Rainier R12000DF

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It measures 27.2 inches in length, 26.1 inches in width and 26 inches in height and it weighs 200 pounds. It features a dual fuel system, sustained by either propane or gasoline, and it features an electric and recoil start-up systems. Additionally, it has a fuel tank size of 6.6 gallons, and it can run up to 11 hours on a 20-pound propane tank, and up to 17 hours, at 25% load with gasoline. It has a relatively silent functioning 72dB and it is EPA and CARB compliant.

It features 12000 peak watts and 9500 running watts while on gasoline and 10800 peak watts with 8550 running watts on propane. It has a strong and powerful 457cc OHV 4-stroke engine, which comes with an automatic low-oil shut down function which will turn the unit off when the oil level is too low. It also has a fuel gauge, which will allow you to see with only a glance, as it is color-coded if it has enough fuel. Even more, it comes equipped with an overload protection alarm and a VTF data center for increased precision when using it.

It features several plugs, to allow you to connect multiple gadgets at the same time: two 120V 20A 5-20R GFCI outlets, one 120V 30A L5-30R outlet, one 120/240 V 30A (14-30R) and one 120/240 50A (L14-50R) outlet. Moreover, it comes with durable 10-inch wheels, which will allow you to move it easily from one place to another in spite of its weight, and two foam-grip handles for increased convenience and hassle-free maneuverability. It comes with a limited 1-year warranty from the moment of your purchase.

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7. Champion Power Equipment 100165

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It measures 27.8 inches in length, 27.3 inches in height and 23.8 inches in width, and its weight is 207 pounds. Additionally, it has a relatively silent operation, 74 dB, and it comes with an intelliGauge which will keep you informed about voltage, hertz and run-time hours, to allow you to monitor the power output and maintenance intervals. Even more, it comes with ColdStart Technology, which provides you with an optimized start, quick and reliable, even in cold weather.

It comes with a powerful 439cc OVH 4-stroke, air-cooled engine, with a toggle switch, and it has a low-oil shut-off function and a cast iron sleeve for durability. EPA and CARB approved, it has both electric and recoil start options, as well as a wireless remote to allow you to start it from a distance. It has a fuel tank capacity of 6.1 gallons; it comes with a durable steel frame, and a portable U-shaped folding handle with never-flat tires to allow you to move it hassle-free.

It has one 30A 120/240V L14-30R outlet, one 50A RV 120/240V 14-50R outlet, one 30A RV 120V TT-30R and four 20A GFCI 120V 5-20R outlets, to allow you to connect several devices at the same time. It reaches 9375W at peak and 7500W when running on gasoline, and 8400W at peak, with 6750W when running on propane. Additionally, it comes with a trusty Volt Guard with a built-in surge protector to prevent any types of overloads. It comes with an included engine oil canister and with a limited 3-year warranty from the moment of your purchase.

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8. Duromax XP4850EH

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It measures 24 inches in length, 17 inches in width and 17 inches in height, and it weighs 127 pounds. It features a heavy-duty steel frame with a fully isolated motor, thus it features a relatively silent operation at 69 dB. It features wheels and handles, thus you don’t have to worry about moving it around despite its weight.

It comes with a powerful 7 HP, 212cc OHV 4-stroke engine, which provides you with 4850 peak watts and 3850 running watts on gasoline, and 4608 peak watts and 3658 running watts on propane. It can work around 10.42 hours at a half load of gasoline and 8.92 hours on a half load of propane, thus it is perfect for any small food-truck business. It has a gasoline tank capacity of 3.96 gallons, and it can support a 20-gallon propane tank.

It features MX2 technology, which allows you to choose on what voltage the unit can operate, as it can function at both 120V and 240V simultaneously. Additionally, if you prefer it to work only at full power, it can do so, at 120V. Moreover, it comes with low-oil shutoff protection, which will make sure to immediately turn it off when the oil level is low. Even more, you don’t have to worry about sudden power spikes, as it comes with a surge-arrest feature which will protect it from sudden power surges.

The control panel provides you with plenty of outlets – 2 120V household GFCI, and one 120/240V 30A twist-lock outlet, as well as a voltmeter and 12V DC charging posts. It comes with several accessories, to allow you to quickly put it together and use it. It comes with a 30-day replacement warranty and a limited 1-year warranty for parts, from the moment of your purchase.

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9. Westinghouse iGen4500DF

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It can be used with dual fuel, thus it allows you to pick between gas or propane, and it measures 24.5 inches in length,17.5 inches in width, 20 inches in height, and it weighs 104.1 pounds. It comes with telescopic handles, which can reach a length of 46 inches, to allow you to easily move it around, while its large 5.5-inch diameter and 1.5-inch thick wheels will help you transport it anywhere you need to.

It comes with a strong, 224cc, 7.3 HP, OHV 4-stroke engine, which provides up to 4500 peaking watts and 3700 running watts on gas and 4050 peaking watts, and 3330 running watts on propane. It comes with a large tank, 3.4 gallons (13 liters), thus it can be used up to 18 hours at 25% load gas tank, and 14 hours of 25% load propane tank. Thus, it is a great choice for any small food-truck business.

The control panel it comes with is easy to read and use, offering you quick access to the fuel selector switch, the electric start, as well as the efficiency mode switch. Furthermore, it provides you with several outlets, to allow you to connect multiple appliances at the same time. Thus, it has a 120V AC 30A TT-30R outlet with cover, two 120V AC 20A 5-20R outlets with cover, a 5V DC USB port with cover, as well as a 20A and 30A circuit breakers.

It features an LED data center, which will tell you using light dots how much fuel it is left, as well as the power output. Moreover, it comes with an automatic rotating digital display, which will inform you about the remaining running time, the power output, the fuel level, voltage and lifetime hours, through numbers. Plus, you can start it remotely, thanks to the remote control it comes with, and it has a limited warranty of 3 years from the moment of your purchase.

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Troubleshooting

Problem	Solution
Battery is dead	Almost all generators come with a recoil start. This is your back-up if the electric start does not respond. It is recommended to replace the battery at least every 3 years, so you won’t run into troubles later. However, if you’re right in the middle of a crisis, start it with the recoil and let it function. The battery should recharge itself as it works, enough to start it electrical after some time.
Appliance won’t start	Plug it directly into the generator or use extension cords rated for your load. Additionally, make sure the generator can support the appliance you want to use it with.
It worked and it suddenly stopped.	Depending on how many appliances you’re using, you might have overloaded it. Plug some of them out, and try again.
The voltage from the AC outlet is too low	Make sure the generator runs at the rated speed. Additionally, make sure the slip rings are clean and check the connections between pins on the regulator. If it doesn’t solve the problem, ask for professional help.
It runs rough and/or smokes, even after it had been warmed up	The electric automatic choke might not be opening, or opening improperly. It might also be caused by fouled spark plugs.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Conclusion

Keeping all the appliances you need, connected at the same time, requires a powerful generator. While all the above-mentioned products are fully capable of supplying you with plenty of electricity, some differ from the others through some features:

Best Overall : DuroMax XP12000EH
DuroMax XP12000EH provides you with the ability to choose the fuel you want to use, gasoline or propane, while its large tank will supply you with several hours of continuous work. It features MX2 Switch, which will make sure to double the 120V amperage when it’s used with a heavy load and it comes with a voltmeter, as well as a low-oil indicator for increased safety. It provides you with 2 options to start it up, electric and recoil, and it comes with several plugs, to allow you to connect multiple appliances at the same time. Moreover, it provides you with a silent operation, as well as an easy way to transport it around, thanks to its large wheels.

Our Choice : Westinghouse WGen7500DF
Also working with 2 types of fuel, gasoline or propane, therefore allow you to pick your favorite, Westinghouse WGen7500DF offers a large autonomy on both fuels. It also features relatively silent operation, 74 decibels, and it comes with a generous fuel tank capacity. Compact and easily portable thanks to its large sturdy wheels, it comes with an automatic low-oil shut down as well as a digital hour meter and voltmeter. EPA, CARB, and CSA compliant, the fuel will burn clean, without any residual smell, or smoke.

Best Generator for Propane Fuel : All Power America APG3590CN
If you need a generator that can work only with propane fuel, All Power America APG3590CN is a perfect choice. With a large autonomy, as well as a generous fuel tank, it provides you with plenty of power to connect multiple appliances at the same time. Even more, it comes with an electric start as well as a backup recoil start, while its hor meter and voltmeter will allow you to set a maintenance schedule.

Best Generator for Gasoline Fuel : A-iPower Corp SUA12000E
However, if you’d rather opt for a unit that works only with gas, then you should consider A-iPower Corp SUA12000E. With an powerful 12.000W engine, it comes with a large fuel capacity. 7 gallons, ensuring you’ll have plenty of electric powrr for up to 9 hours. Equipped with industrial-grade outlets, it can support several devices plugged in at the same time , while its automatic voltage refulator will keep it safe form sudden power surgfes.

Best Budget-friendly Generator for Food Truck : Duromax XP4850EH
If you’re on a budget, or if your business is on a small scale, and you don’t need too many appliances turned on at the same time, then you should consider Duromax XP4850EH. It comes with dual fuel capacity, so you can choose between propane and gas, and it works silently at only 69 decibels. Even more, it comes with MX2 technology which ensures it will regulate the voltage only as high as the appliances connected to it needs. Even more, it comes with a surge-arrest feature that will protect it from sudden power surges.