Champion 5000-Watt Tri Fuel
#2 in SmallFull review
A small tri-fuel generator for a house with a natural gas line or an RV owner who wants fuel options. It powers a fridge, sump pump and lights, but not 240 V loads.
Amazon $688.04$688.04
The Champion 5000-Watt Tri Fuel is the better portable generator overall, rated 4.2 to 4.1. The Champion 5000-Watt Tri Fuel leads on fuel options and starting. The Champion 5000-Watt RV Ready CARB wins on home hookup and value. The Champion 5000-Watt RV Ready CARB costs $188.05 less ($499.99 vs $688.04).
Champion 5000-Watt RV Ready CARB
#4 in SmallFull review
The cheapest way in this group for a California buyer to back up a few house circuits through a 240 V transfer switch. It also runs a 30 A RV.
Tractor Supply $499.99$499.99
Prices were last checked October 28, 2026 and are subject to change; the price and availability shown by the retailer at the time of purchase apply.
Which should you buy?
- Choose the Champion 5000-Watt Tri Fuel for fuel options (gasoline, propane or natural gas vs gasoline only) and starting (push-button electric start vs pull start only).
- Choose the Champion 5000-Watt RV Ready CARB for home hookup (240 V outlet for a transfer switch vs 120 V 30 A outlet only (no 240 V)) and value ($0.12 per running watt vs $0.17 per running watt).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every small portable generator; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | Champion 5000-Watt Tri Fuel | Champion 5000-Watt RV Ready CARB |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 4.2/5 | 4.1/5 |
| Value 30% | 71 $0.17 per running watt | 90 $0.12 per running watt |
| Run time 15% | 100 14 hours on a tank at 50% load | 100 14 hours on a tank at 50% load |
| Fuel options 15% | 100 gasoline, propane or natural gas | 0 gasoline only |
| Home hookup 15% | 40 120 V 30 A outlet only (no 240 V) | 100 240 V outlet for a transfer switch |
| CO safety 10% | 100 shuts off when carbon monoxide builds up | 100 shuts off when carbon monoxide builds up |
| Warranty 10% | 67 3-year warranty | 67 3-year warranty |
| Starting 5% | 80 push-button electric start | 0 pull start only |
Specifications
| Champion 5000-Watt Tri Fuel | Champion 5000-Watt RV Ready CARB | |
|---|---|---|
| Output | ||
| Gasoline | 4,000 W running, 5,000 W starting | 4,000 W running, 5,000 W starting |
| Propane | 3,600 W running, 4,500 W starting | - |
| Natural gas | 3,240 W running, 4,050 W starting | - |
| Outlets | 2 × 120 V, TT-30 (RV), L5-30 | 2 × 120 V, TT-30 (RV), L14-30 |
| Transfer switch ready | 120 V only (L5-30) | Yes, 240 V |
| Full power at 120 V | No | Yes |
| Price per watt | $0.17 | $0.12 |
| Fuel and run time | ||
| Fuel | Gasoline, propane, natural gas | Gasoline |
| Tank | 5 gal | 4.7 gal |
| Run time (gasoline) | 14 hr at 50% load | 14 hr at 50% load |
| Run time (propane, 20 lb tank) | 10.5 hr | - |
| Engine | 224 cc | 224 cc |
| Noise and safety | ||
| Rated noise | 68 dBA | 68 dBA |
| CO shutoff | Yes | Yes |
| CARB compliant | No | Yes |
| Build | ||
| Starting | Electric and recoil | Recoil (pull) |
| Wheels | Yes | No |
| Dimensions | 24.6 x 25 x 22.2 in | 23.2 x 18.3 x 20.2 in |
| Weight | 135 lb | 106 lb |
| Warranty | 3 years | 3 years |
| Released | 2023-09 | 2023-12 |