NorthStar Trifuel Generator packs 13,000 surge watts and 10,500 continuous watts! Switches effortlessly from gasoline to dry fuel without powering off and starts fast and easy in all weather. Cast iron sleeve. Rubber isolation mounts dampen vibration for smooth operation. Easy access control and outlet panel. Control panel has push to reset circuit breakers. Long-term storage fuel-drain valve quickly drains fuel for storage. Surge Watts: 13,000, Rated Watts: 10,500, Engine Displacement (cc): 614, Engine: Honda GX620 OHV, Gross Torque: 32.5 ft-lb at 2,500, Rated Watts LP: 9600, Rated Watts NG: 8400, Run Time: 10 Hours at 1/2 Load, Receptacles (qty.): 7, Noise Level (dB): 79, Fuel Type: Gasoline, Propane, or Natural Gas, Fuel Capacity (gal.): 10, Start Type: Electric, Low Oil Shutdown: Yes, Battery Required: Yes, Battery Included: No, Dimensions L x W x H (in.): 36 x 24 x 26 Four 20 Amp 120V receptacles Requires battery, Item# 31868
Average Customer Rating:
4.9 out of 5
Rating Summary
(24 reviews)
5 stars
21
4 stars
3
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
0
24 of 24 (100%) customers would recommend this product to a friend.
Clark in Alabama,November 4, 2009
By colglazierfrom Mobile, Al
"I bought this generator about a year ago and Absolutely love it. I have used it on Natural gas and gasoline. I have a 5000 square foot home with two central air conditioners and the generator does not hardly make a sound when they cut on. You do need the wheel kit for sure. I bought ramps for my truck and I can load it with just a little help."
What is your level of technical expertise?:
Professional
Propane option makes this generator GREAT!,July 20, 2009
By Powermwtfrom Northern California
Reviewer Images (click to see full-size image)
(Click anywhere inside this popup to close it)
"I bought this 13000 watt tri-fuel generator back in 2008 and have used it during power outages we get here in the country all year. I have a 500 gallon propane tank... so plenty of fuel. You need to make sure you have the correct size hose for the generator as size is a function of how long your hose is. I hook up the 30 and 50 amp circuits to separate panels for the house and deep well pump. I needed this size generator as my pump motor is large to accommodate the fire sprinklers in my home. I also bought a 1500# capacity wagon from Northern to set the generator on and it can be moved from where I store it in the shop to the propane tank area. Oh, to move this generator around a 2 ton engine hoist will lift it into the bed of a pickup. Fuel consumption is as advertized and as the other reviewers have noted it is loud, but not too loud to tolerate. Starting was easy using gas and changing over to propane was smooth."
What is your level of technical expertise?:
Professional
Generator purchased,March 24, 2009
By bobmazz64from We live in New Hampshire
"Purchased this generator couple of years ago and have used it numerous times. I live on a dead end street and have had many power outages due to down trees and winter storms. I consider this type of generator extremely reliable due to the Honda engine. We have had no problems what so ever with this generator. I have recommended it to several friends. I'm exremely pleased with this generator."
What is your level of technical expertise?:
Home Handyman
Excellant Generator,March 23, 2009
By Hammarfrom Bainbridge, PA
"Honda engine is great. Would buy this item again. I use this as backup for my ranch house. Has no issues running everything. Only issue was a rubber gasket on the valve cover. Cheap fix"
What is your level of technical expertise?:
Home Handyman
power up,November 18, 2008
By crudehaulerfrom KANSAS
"I HAVE THIS UNIT AND I WOULD NOT BE WITHOUT ONE AGAIN. WE HAD A BAD ICE STORM LAST YEAR AND THANKS TO THIS UNIT WE WAS ABLE TO STAY WARM WHILE POWER WAS RESTORED THANKS NORTERN."
What is your level of technical expertise?:
Home Handyman
20hp trifuel generator,November 18, 2008
By busmasterfrom Rural North Dakota
"I bought this product in July of this year (2008) and used it to power a remote deep well in a pasture used to water livestock. The generator used about 3/4 gal/per/hr and run perfect. The Honda engine started easily, runs a bit noisy but not that bad, out in the boonies it don't matter, at the farm yard its not a problem either, runs quieter than a tractor powered pto generator. We will be useing the generator to power drag augers and blowers in the feed yard and grain bins, and will also be used for standby power for the yard, house, shop and well. The option to use LP or gasoline is one of the main reasons we purchased it, we won't have to worry about stale fuel when it sits for extended periods as a standby power source. The control panel is easy to use with ample outlets for 120v or 240v. The 10 gallon fuel tank allows for extended run times. The hour meter helps keep track of service intervals, service to the engine is simple and it is easy to get to the oil drain and filter. The price for the amount of power it produces is great, we did a lot of comparison with others and this was the choice, and a good one. Only one draw back and thats the weight, the way we use it, thats not a problem, its on our trailer and we cart it around wherever."
What is your level of technical expertise?:
Professional
Paid for itself,November 18, 2008
By RenaissanceManfrom Rural America
Reviewer Images (click to see full-size image)
(Click anywhere inside this popup to close it)
911 Paint Job
"I bought this generator back in 2004 as a backup to our rural power system. We live in rural America and lose power more often than we should. We had lost power something like 12 times in the prior 2 years, one time for 3 days due to an ice storm. Electricity is our only utility, so it is essential for water, heat, and lighting. Preparing for the next winter, I wired in the generator and connected the auxillary Propane fuel tank. I tested the system and like others found the 20 hp engine to be loud. I fabricated an exhaust extension out of 1-1/2" pipe and then used a flexible exhaust pipe and automotive muffler toboth vent and quiet down the installation. The exhaust is very hot, so routing does take some thinking about proximity of combustible surfaces.
Sure enough winter brought another major ice storm. 7 days without commercial power. By pre-planning power requirements and building a switching schedule, we were able to keep the contents of the freezer, refrigerator, turn on a few lights, the TV, and run the 220V well pump intermittently. We had added a set of propane logs, and made it through the 7 day outage without a hitch.
So how did it pay for itself? Besides being able to run water and not letting the pipes freeze, not losing the contents of the freezer or refrigerator, and not having to get a motel room.
If those examples weren't enough, later that year we were doing a paint job on a classic car. As luck would have it, while we were just starting the clear coat on the car, somebody about a mile way clipped off a power pole with their car. If you are familiar with 2 stage paint, you know what a disasterous situation this put the paint job $$$$ in. It took about 2 minutes to change over to the generator, which ran the compressor and lights, we finished the paint job. That one job paid for the generator.
Total confidence in this generator and the backup service it provides."
What is your level of technical expertise?:
Home Handyman
Surprised,September 29, 2008
By SUPER536from Charenton, LA
"Back in 2005 after a near miss from Hurricane Katrina and not so for Hurricane Rita, I wanted something a little more than my 40 yr. old 4000 watt generator after being out of power for 3 days. I did some research and decided on the trifuel 13,000 watt. I had a double throw switch installed and from there installed the 50 amp. power inlet box. After a direct hit from hurricane Gustav, I wasted no time hooking it up. With only 1.5 hrs. of run time on it, I did not know what it could do. It actually started up my 5 ton central [by mistake] on gasoline. When hooked up to a 3/4" natural gas line, it ran 3 small 110 window unit ac's, all lights, ceiling fans, refrig and freezer, microwave, etc. If I thought I needed more power like washing clothes and drying, I would switch to gasoline. After 72 hours of virtually nonstop running, it used abt. 10 gals. of gasoline and abt. $65 worth of natural gas. The Honda was impressive. Since, I've installed a digital tachometer to tell how much load is being put on it. I feel well equiped to handle the next storm."
What is your level of technical expertise?:
Home Handyman
Loads of Power,September 23, 2008
By MDFAvionicsfrom Humble, Texas
"I’ve owned this generator for over 2 years. Its first test was hurricane Ike. We were without power for 8 days straight. I tied into my natural gas meter for fuel (1” line). The generator performed excellent. Even with 80% BTU power from using natural gas, the unit powered the whole house including a 5 ton A/C unit, one refrigerator, and a freezer. It is loud, but with numerous generators running in close proximity, it did not stand out. I would recommend the tri-fuel feature highly. The 20hp engine and powerful generator were able to handle loads in excess of 35 amps. If complete house power is needed, this generator is the one for the job."
What is your level of technical expertise?:
Professional
All day work,August 22, 2008
By bearmollyfrom Dallas, Tx
"I bought this Generator about seven months ago. I mainly use this product to run my office trailor. This product is heavy so i made a platform the same level as the tailgate in my truck for easy loading, and unloading. The generator is fairly loud but for a commercial job site that doesnt matter much. So i use this product 8 hours a day."
What is your level of technical expertise?:
Professional
Ready For next Storm,August 18, 2008
By MCPOfrom Southern Mississippi.
"I bought this Generator. I have used it with Gas so far and it runs and works flawlessly. I had to ride out Katrina on the Coast and did not have a big enough portable Generator (Tri-Fuel) now I am ready for the next storm. The only reason I did not give the genearator 5 stars is that I have not ran it on Propane yet. That will be later this week. I had a propane tank and quick disconnects installed."
What is your level of technical expertise?:
Home Handyman
labsolute no complaints with this generator,August 11, 2008
By larryrichmond2from richmond, va
"bought mine 8 years ago, have had to use it three times for major outages lasting up to 9 days, gas consumption averaged about 18 - 19 gallons a day in hot weather and it supporting a 5 ton A/C in 98 degree weather (when A/C was on, everything else but few lights were off). It is noisy but it is a 20 HP engine - have rigged a 6 ft pc of flex SS exhaust line that attaches quickly and runs down into a car muffler i keep under the generator shed and boy that made a heckuva difference - - wish it had an oil cooler for a little longer life - the hot weather running at full power are a drain on it and the generator but for the money, i've looked at it from every angle and this was the most bang for the buck - when engine runs it's Honda estimated life of 2500 hours, a new engine is approx $1200 - still cheaper than going diesel. would definitely buy again oh, the natural gas is not really a workable alternative fuel - power output goes down 20% and you need a hellacious NG supply line. Propane is more workable and now that northern has 40 gal Propane tanks, i'll be getting a couple for long term fuel storage"
What is your level of technical expertise?:
Professional
help in a storm,April 23, 2008
By torpfrom Florida
"I used this generator for 6 days following hurricane Katrina, and 14 days following hurricane Wilma. It performed flawlessly. It starts readily, and is easy to maintain. All controls and functions are right where you need them. The convenience of Tri-fuel is a lifesaver following a storm."
What is your level of technical expertise?:
Home Handyman
love the generator, be prepared to give it wheels,January 24, 2008
By thebossfrom valdosta, ga
"Had mine for almost a year. Used it more than most generators get in a lifetime. The generator is great. Runs anything i can get it close to. Initially bought to power my deep well 240v pump and does it without hesitation but it has come into service so many other times that I had not imagined when entertaining it's purchase. It powers my 30a welder. It can power my plasma cutter and compressor at the same time. the engine cranks first time and runs smooth. I've not used the lp/ng as a fuel yet, but plan to. I have no complaints and would buy it again without hesitation. there's nothing like a HONDA engine and lot's of connectivity options.
this generator will not get any awards for it's subtleness at about 600 lbs and the sound levels when it is running. If you want a generator that's gonna be used in a subdivision, or in cases that you don't want everyone to know what you're doing, then keep looking for enclosed models or consider one of the new generators with inverter capabilities that can run at lower rpms. either way, i'd recommend a honda/northern product.
It came with a wheel kit. which is just what it says - a kit, that has wheels in it. Don't expect that you're gonna be satisfied moving this thing around alot using that "wheel" kit. Tires are too small and can't take the load of this heavy generator. Bearings gave up on the wheel kit eventually and this was after northern replaced them because the tires ruptured under the strain. I've thrown the free kit in the trash and welded myself a smail trailer together that get's the generator higher off the ground with tires that can take the load."
What is your level of technical expertise?:
Home Handyman
Product Design,January 23, 2008
By tjamanfrom Houston, Tx
"The Tri-fuel generator is well designed and the layout and accessability of equipment seems to be well thought out. I pruchased the cover for the generator which did not fit too well (A little tight at lift handle end. More material to allow velcro to match up would have been an improvement.). The generator starts and runs well and electrical loading is very consitantly even. Haven't yet tried to use with natural gas. I'm going to add a battry trickle charger next."
What is your level of technical expertise?:
Professional
When the power goes down, lyou don't frown,January 21, 2008
By breezefrom FLORIDA
"It sure is nice to have peace of mind when you know the power is going out. I had the Northstar 8000 w before I got this one. If you have the choice, trust me, go trifuel. You will save hours waiting for gas at the local station. With the quick release it becomes even easier. This it a pretty powerful little unit. It will power lights, tv, computers, refridgerators and even one small a/c. Use your gas for all heating and cooking needs. I can't say how dependable this unit is because I only used it for about 36 hours. I'm planning on the Honda engine to hold up."
What is your level of technical expertise?:
Home Handyman
when in need,January 21, 2008
By mitch007from marengo Ohio
"just like you to know that the northstar generator has save me a lot. living out in the back woods of Ohio a wind storm always ment lost of power, in the summer its not so bad but the winter it gets cold real fast and sometime it takes a day or two to get power back. so the generator has a great importance to me and my family"
What is your level of technical expertise?:
Home Handyman
January 21, 2008
By coldinidahofrom Coeurd'alene, Idaho
"I've had this generator for 2 years+ now and its been extremely reliable. I use it several times a year as a backup generator for my home. It has no problem powering my 5k home with septic, water supply and radiant heat pumps. Also in addition my 2 fridges and 1 freezer. It always starts right away. My problem with the generator is the fact you must use at least a 100 gallon propane tank to use the propane feature. I mist that in the sales literature somewhere. I will also admit the machine is awfully loud but I'll take loud over a dark house."
What is your level of technical expertise?:
Home Handyman
Great portable generator,October 29, 2007
By Trace3249from Virginia
"Purchased the generator about a year ago and have used it twice. Generator works great! It will run anything I need in my house. Only complaint is that it is loud but about average for a portable unit. Uses very little oil. Basic maintenance and it will run great for you."
What is your level of technical expertise?:
Home Handyman
Backup Generator,October 29, 2007
By tikiBarber01from Miami, Fl
"This unit has the power to kick over a 1 ton AC and spare power for a fridge. The unit is heavy and is quite loud. Must use propane tank setup for ideal design and extended power."
What is your level of technical expertise?:
Home Handyman
