Champion 5500W Dual Fuel Open Frame CARB
#10 in Mid-sizeFull review
A dual-fuel open-frame inverter for California RV owners and campers who want clean power and propane on a budget. Too loud for quiet campgrounds.
Tractor Supply $799$799
The Champion 5500W Dual Fuel Open Frame CARB is the better inverter generator overall, rated 3.5 to 3.3. The Champion 5500W Dual Fuel Open Frame CARB leads on fuel options. The Champion 5500W Open Frame CARB costs $100 less ($699 vs $799).
Champion 5500W Open Frame CARB
#14 in Mid-sizeFull review
A gas-only open-frame inverter for California RV owners who want clean power for a 30 A RV at a low price per watt.
Amazon $699$699
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 5500W Dual Fuel Open Frame CARB for fuel options (gasoline or propane vs gasoline only).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every mid-size inverter generator; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | Champion 5500W Dual Fuel Open Frame CARB | Champion 5500W Open Frame CARB |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.5/5 | 3.3/5 |
| Value 30% | 88 $0.20 per running watt | 94 $0.17 per running watt |
| Quiet 20% | 0 70 dBA at light load, maker rating | 0 70 dBA at light load, maker rating |
| Run time 15% | 58 13 hours on a tank at 25% load | 58 13 hours on a tank at 25% load |
| Fuel options 10% | 70 gasoline or propane | 0 gasoline only |
| CO safety 10% | 100 shuts off when carbon monoxide builds up | 100 shuts off when carbon monoxide builds up |
| Warranty 10% | 50 3-year warranty | 50 3-year warranty |
| Starting 5% | 0 pull start only | 0 pull start only |
Specifications
| Champion 5500W Dual Fuel Open Frame CARB | Champion 5500W Open Frame CARB | |
|---|---|---|
| Output | ||
| Gasoline | 4,000 W running, 5,500 W starting | 4,000 W running, 5,500 W starting |
| Propane | 3,600 W running, 5,500 W starting | - |
| Outlets | 2 × 120 V, TT-30 (RV) | 2 × 120 V, TT-30 (RV) |
| Parallel capable | Yes | Yes |
| Total harmonic distortion | under 3% | - |
| Price per watt | $0.20 | $0.17 |
| Fuel and run time | ||
| Fuel | Gasoline, propane | Gasoline |
| Tank | 2.9 gal | 2.9 gal |
| Run time (gasoline) | 13 hr at 25% load | 13 hr at 25% load |
| Run time (propane, 20 lb tank) | 16 hr | - |
| Engine | 224 cc | 224 cc |
| Noise and safety | ||
| Rated noise (light load) | 70 dBA | 70 dBA |
| CO shutoff | Yes | Yes |
| CARB compliant | Yes | Yes |
| Build | ||
| Starting | Recoil (pull) | Recoil (pull) |
| App | No | No |
| Wheels | No | No |
| Dimensions | 21.3 x 17.9 x 17.9 in | 21.3 x 17.9 x 17.9 in |
| Weight | 84.7 lb | 81.6 lb |
| Warranty | 3 years | 3 years |
| Released | 2025-12 | 2026-06 |