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DuroMax is a well-known manufacturer in the affordable electric generators market. DuroMax offers a wide range of products including pressure washers, water pumps, engines, and portable electric generators.
Quality is a high priority for DuroMax as all products are manufactured to the strictest guidelines and go through countless testing in all phases of production.
The DuroMax XP4850EH is a portable electric generator from the DuroMax line. It is not only affordable but is also packed with features.
This product is built to provide users with all that they require. It gives out a surge power of 4850W and can power a continuous load of 3850W.
The entire unboxing and initial setup including detailed overview of each and every part can be found in this video.
Article Outline
Design, Dimensions & Weight
The quality of any generator can easily be determined from its frame. The DuroMax XP4850EH has a frame made of 1 inch heavy duty steel. This can withstand any amount of rough use.
The engine is mounted to the frame with four point isolation motor mounts for smoother and quieter operation.
We reviewed a few other generators which were in the same power range as the DuroMax XP4850EH. The table given below will give you an idea of where this product stands when compared to the others in the market.
Table: Weight comparison
As you can see in the table, the DuroMax XP4850EH is a bit on the heavier side when compared to some of its competitors.
But the included wheel kit helps for easy movement thus enhancing the portability of this unit when compared with some other units of the same category which have to be carried around even if lighter than the XP4850EH.
The generator also comes with a wheel kit included in the box.
This wheel kit contains two extra-large 8” pneumatic, knobby style, solid fill tires, and flip-up stow away handles. Dimensions- Length- 23.2 Width- 17 Height- 17 Weight- 130 lbs
Power Output / Generation
Any equipment is only as strong as its core and the DuroMax XP4850EH does not disappoint here. It features a 7 horsepower, air-cooled, overhead valve engine.
The engine is cast-iron sleeved and is 210 cc. It is built to offer more power and longer lasting durability. It delivers a peak of 4850 surge watts and a 3850 constant.
This amount of power is sufficient to handle an overhead air conditioner in an RV or to power up most home appliances. From our reviews of this and a few other similar generators, we have made the following table.
Table: Power Output
We can see that the XP4850EH is the best in terms of continuous power output among its competitors. Safety is also a top priority in this unit. It comes with a low oil shut-off sensor to protect the motor.
It also has a built-in voltmeter which displays the output voltage is provided by the unit.
Fuel and Noise
The DuroMax XP4850EH, when operating at full load, produces 69 decibels of noise. This is similar to other generators in this category.
The generator achieves this noise level by the use of four-point isolation motor mounts and through the use of the attached oversized muffler which helps reduce noise levels.
As per our reviews of the DuroMax XP4850EH and a few other generators of the same power output range in the market, we have prepared a comparison table of the noise output from these generators.
Table: Noise Output
This table clearly shows that the DuroMax XP4850EH produces the least amount of noise among its competitors from other brands.
The noise performance of this generator is good for its price. The DuroMax XP4850E requires oil without which the generator will automatically shut down.
It has a capacity of 20 fluid oz. DuroMax recommends using SAE 10W-30 motor oil for general use. This oil also has to be changed regularly for healthy functioning of the engine.
The schedules for an oil change are given in an upcoming section.
NOTE: Please do not dispose of used motor oil in the trash or down a drain. Call your local recycling center or arrange for oil disposal by an auto garage.
This oil can be refined, reconditioned and reprocessed to become usable again.
This generator is a hybrid. This means that the generator can run on fresh, unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87 or higher as well as propane.
The generator has a 4-gallon gasoline tank. This fuel is enough to run the generator for 12 hours at 50% load. This generator can also run for 20 hours on propane at 50% load.
This generator is not CARB compliant and cannot be used in the state of California.
The table below shows the number of hours the DuroMax XP4850EH and some of its competitors can operate at 50% load on a full tank.
Table: Hours of Operation
The DuroMax XP4850EH can operate for the longest time when compared to some of its competitors. This feature is desired during power outages as frequent refueling will not be required.
We have created a table which provides details on what type of fuel is used by different generators which are in this category.
Table: Fuel types
The DuroMax XP4850EH runs on both gasoline and propane. If you require more flexibility in terms of the type of fuel then the DuroMax XP4850EH is a great choice.
The fuel capacity of the DuroMax XP4850EH is compared to a few of its competitors in the market in the table given below.
Table: Fuel tank capacity
As you can see, this generator has a decently sized gasoline tank which is at par with some of the higher rated generators of the same brand, but it has failed to meet the capacity of some of its competitors from other brands.
But the generator can also run on propane which comes in tanks of different sizes.
Display & Control Panel
Without power outlets, a generator is useless. This section will discuss the parts of the display and control panel. Below is an image of the control panel of the DuroMax XP4850EH.
- Engine Key- Used to start or stop the engine.
- Oil Alert Lamp- Lights up when the oil level in the engine is low.
- Volt Meter- Displays output voltage of the generator.
- DC 12V Output- Provides 12V DC power.
- 120V 20A AC Receptacles- Provides 120V AC power at 20A.
- 120/240V 30A AC Receptacles- Provides 120V or 240V AC power at 30A.
- AC Voltage Selector Switch- Used to select between 120 or 240V outputs.
- Main Breaker- Cuts power to all the receptacles if an overload or short circuit occurs.
- Ground Terminal- Used to ground the generator using a grounding rod.
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Startup and Shut down
Starting and shutting down this generator is a breeze due to the built-in the electric start. Also since this is a hybrid generator, it can run on propane and gasoline. A different procedure is required to start the generator for different fuels.
Operation using Gasoline
Startup
- Push the AC circuit breaker to the OFF position.
NOTE: The generator may be hard to start if a load is connected.
- Turn ON the fuel valve.
- The choke lever must be set in the CLOSED position.
- Insert key and turn to START position. After the engine starts, turn to the RUN position.
- After a couple of minutes, move the choke lever half way to the OPEN position. Wait for a few seconds and then move the choke lever to the OPEN position.
Shutdown
- Turn off, then unplug all connected electrical devices.
- Switch the circuit breaker to the “OFF” position.
- Allow the generator to run for several more minutes with no electrical devices connected. This helps stabilize the temperature of the generator.
- Set the engine switch to the “OFF” position.
- Turn the fuel valve to the “OFF” position
Operation using Propane
Startup
- Push the AC circuit breaker to the OFF position.
NOTE: The generator may be hard to start if a load is connected.
- Turn the fuel valve to the OFF.
- Connect the propane gas hose to the regulator/decompression valve.
- Connect the propane collar to the gas supply and then turn on the propane gas supply.
- Press the button on top of the pressure release valve two or three times.
- The choke operates differently on propane gas.
- If the engine is warm, open the choke halfway, wait for a few seconds and open the choke completely.
- If the engine is cold, open the choke completely.
- Insert key and turn to START position. After the engine starts, turn to the RUN position.
Shutdown
- Turn off, then unplug all connected electrical devices.
- Switch the circuit breaker to the “OFF” position.
- Set the engine switch to the “OFF” position.
- Turn the propane gas supply off.
- An online user manual for this generator can be found here.
Additional Features
This generator includes an idle control switch which when switched ON lowers the RPM to idle when no power is being used.
When power is used, it automatically raises the RPM to respond to the load and then lowers it again when the load is removed. This feature saves fuel and reduces noise when not at full load.
Warranty/Repairs
All DuroMax generators have a 30-day replacement warranty and carry a full 1-year parts warranty for commercial and home uses.
Parts are not charged during the warranty period.
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 1-800-629-3325 Monday -Thursday 6 am to 7 pm, Friday 6 am to 5:30 pm. PST
Below is a table of comparison of the warranty provided for different generators of the same category as the DuroMax XP4850EH.
Table: Warranty Period
The Honda EG4000CL has a 3-year warranty as compared to the 1-year warranty on all DuroMax and DuroStar generators in the table above. But the Honda generator costs a lot more than the other generators.
Care and Maintenance
Proper and regular maintenance will ensure that your DuroMax XP4850EH runs at its best which not only helps reduce pollution but also ensures long life and gives you a trouble-free service.
Given in this section is the service schedule prescribed by DuroMax.
Before each use
- Check engine oil
- Check air cleaner
After every 20 hours or 1 month
- Change engine oil
After every 50 hours or 3 months
- Change air cleaner
After every 100 hours or 6 months
- Clean sediment cup
- Clean-adjust spark plug
- Clean spark arrester
- Clean fuel tank and filter
After every 300 hours or 12 months
- Replace spark plug
- Check-adjust idle speed
- Check-adjust valve clearance
After every 500 hours
- Clean combustion chamber
After every 24 months
- Check fuel tube and replace if necessary
Pros/Cons
No product is perfect. Everything has its own pros and cons. Some pros and cons for the DuroMax XP4850EH are listed in this section.
Pros
- Can run on two fuels- This generator can run on propane or gasoline. In times of disaster when one type of fuel may not be available, this generator can still be run using the other type of fuel, thus providing power to the user.
- Electric start- Electric start is a huge boon to this generator. Elderly users cannot use the recoil start and therefore have to rely on the electric start.
- Included wheel kit- The included wheel kit contains two all-terrain solid filled wheels which never run flat. Due to these, there will be no issues with moving the generator.
Cons
- Heavy- This generator is heavier than most other generators which provide the same output. Therefore, customers might face issues while lifting it. But for moving it around, the included wheel kit is more than enough.
- 12V DC outlet providing higher voltage output- The 12V DC outlet seems to be providing around 18V as mentioned in one of the videos in the above section. It is recommended to check the outlet before connecting any devices to it.
Pricing
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Our Recommendation
We have provided the following ratings for the DuroMax XP4850EH based on lots of factors.
These ratings are meant only to give the reader an approximate idea about where the product stands in the market and are not to be used as the sole reason to accept or to reject a particular model of a generator.
Please choose an appropriate product based on your needs and your budget.
- Price- This generator is a good value for money. It has almost all the commonly desired features.
- Performance- This generator performs quite well and without any issues.
- Ease of use- This generator has a clearly labelled control panel and is easy to use. It also has electric start.
- Noise- Even though the noise output is a little on the higher side.
- Fuel tank capacity- This generator can run in both gasoline and propane. Gasoline is limited but propane tanks of any size can be connected to this unit thus eliminating the tank capacity restriction.
Overall – This generator is an excellent value for money. It provides most of the features one would expect from a generator of this kind.
Recommended Accessories
There are a few accessories that you can get for this generator.
XPSGC storage covers The XPSGC storage cover from DuroMax fits the XP4400EH snugly and protects the generator from the elements when it is not in use.
XP3130RV adapter The XP3130RV adapter helps to connect the XP4400EH directly to an RV.
FAQS
20 oz. of 10W30
The propane goes through a ‘pot’ which allows for priming. This ‘pot’ also acts as a regulating valve and should shut the propane flow if the generator shuts off.
No it does not.
Yes it does.
No it does not have a propane gauge on the generator. The gauge should be on the tank.
Yes it will.
A high altitude jet will be required above 5000 feet.
To switch from gasoline to propane, all you have to do is flick a switch.
No it is not.
Yes it can. A copper tube has to be installed directly through the air filter into the carburettor.
No it does not.
Attach a #12 gauge or lesser value wire to the provided ground lug nut, then to a long copper grounding probe driven into the earth.
No it does not.
No it cannot as it is not CARB compliant.
No it does not.
It depends on the size of the AC. If the starting capacity requirement of the AC is higher than the output capacity of the generator, then it cannot.
Summary
The DuroMax XP4850EH is a hybrid, dual fuel generator which can run on either liquid propane or gasoline. This feature makes this generator very convenient to use.
With a 4850W surge power output and a 3850W continuous output, this generator can be used as a backup source to power essential home appliances during a power outage.
It can run for up to 20 hours on a single tank of propane at 50% load. It can also be used to power your RV when you are out on the road. Because of its never flat wheels, it can be moved around without hassle in campgrounds.
It is a good generator for its price. It provides many features and performs at par with some of its competitors.
