Generators That Run on Natural Gas: Tri Fuel Models Compared
Most dual fuel generators run on gasoline and propane only. Generators that run on natural gas as well are sold as tri fuel models. This guide covers the tri fuel models in our comparison tool and what Champion’s manual says about connecting to a natural gas supply, using figures retrieved on 5 November 2026.
Safety first
Natural gas is flammable and explosive. Champion’s tri fuel manual says natural gas has an odor added so leaks can be detected, that it is lighter than air and collects in high areas, and that a leak means you must turn off the gas supply immediately. Never run a generator indoors, and do not improvise a fuel-system change. We do not give conversion instructions, and the do-it-yourself methods that earlier versions of this page described have been removed. Gas connections should be made or checked by a licensed gas fitter and must follow the maker’s instructions and local codes.
Tri fuel models in our database
| Specification | Champion201602 5000W Electric Start Tri FuelPortable | Champion201121 8000W Electric Start Tri FuelPortable | Champion201438 10000W Electric Start Tri FuelPortable |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price and ownership cost | |||
| Listed price (USD, estimate) | Not publishedChampion's product page does not state a price | Not publishedChampion's product page does not state a price | Not publishedChampion's product page does not state a price |
| Price per rated watt (derived) | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Warranty | 3 years limited, plus lifetime technical support | 3 years limited, plus lifetime technical support | 3 years limited, plus lifetime technical support |
| Maintenance | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated |
| Oil capacity | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated |
| Power | |||
| Rated output by fuel |
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| Starting or surge watts | 6,250 W | 10,000 W | 12,500 W |
| Fuel types | Gasoline / Propane / Natural gas | Gasoline / Propane / Natural gas | Gasoline / Propane / Natural gas |
| Engine | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated |
| Displacement (cc) | 292 cc | 459 cc | 500 cc |
| Runtime, fuel use and running cost | |||
| Fuel tank (gal) | 7.7 gal | 8.5 gal | 7.7 gal |
| Runtime on a tank, as stated |
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| Fuel use, as stated | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated |
| Fuel per kWh (derived) | 0.257 galgasoline at 50% load, from tank size and stated runtime | 0.17 galgasoline at 50% load, from tank size and stated runtime | 0.193 galgasoline at 50% load, from tank size and stated runtime |
| Fuel cost per kWh at your price (derived) | |||
| Fuel cost per hour at that load (derived) | |||
| Size and comfort | |||
| Weight (lb) | 152 lb | 208.3 lb | 231 lb |
| Dimensions | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated |
| Noise (as stated) | 74 dB(A) at 23 ft | 74 dB(A) at 23 ft | 74 dB(A) at 23 ft |
| Starting method | Electric | Electric, Recoil | Electric |
| Features | |||
| Inverter output | No | No | No |
| Total harmonic distortion | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated |
| Automatic voltage regulation (AVR) | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated |
| CO sensor shutdown | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Transfer switch ready | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated |
| Parallel capable | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated |
| Outlets and connections | Not listed on the page reviewed | Not listed on the page reviewed | Not listed on the page reviewed |
| Fit | |||
| Suited to | Essential circuits, Emergency backup, Construction and jobsite | Home backup, Emergency backup, Construction and jobsite | Home backup, Whole-house power, Emergency backup |
| Also worth knowing | Runs on gasoline, propane or natural gas; 25 ft natural gas hose with NPT adapter included; run time on natural gas not stated | Runs on gasoline, propane or natural gas; 25 ft natural gas hose kit and a 6 ft propane hose with regulator included; run time on natural gas not stated | Runs on gasoline, propane or natural gas; 25 ft natural gas hose kit included; run time on natural gas not stated |
| Honest take | |||
| Advantages |
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| Drawbacks |
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| Source | |||
| Where the figures come from | Champion Power Equipment product pageRetrieved 2026-11-05 | Champion Power Equipment product pageRetrieved 2026-11-05 | Champion Power Equipment product pageRetrieved 2026-11-05 |
| Model | Gasoline running W | Propane running W | Natural gas running W | Natural gas as % of gasoline (derived) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Champion 201602 | 5,000 | 4,500 | 4,050 | 81% |
| Champion 201121 | 8,000 | 7,200 | 7,000 | 88% |
| Champion 201438 | 10,000 | 9,000 | 8,000 | 80% |
On all three, natural gas gives the lowest running watts of the three fuels. Size your load against the natural gas figure if that will be your fuel. Champion does not state a natural gas run time on these pages, because the supply is a household line and not a tank. Each model includes a 25 ft natural gas hose kit, and Champion does not state the supply pressure or regulator details on the pages we read.
What the manual says about connecting
These steps are from the Champion 201121 manual, and your own manual takes precedence:
- Use pipe sealant, joint compound or Teflon tape where the adapter fitting meets the supply line, but not on the flare connection to the hose.
- Connect the hose to the generator’s quick connect inlet and pull on it to confirm it is secure.
- Open the supply and check every connection for leaks with soapy water. Bubbles mean a leak: turn off the supply and do not start the generator. If a leak continues, contact a qualified technician.
- Never place the hose in the path of the muffler exhaust.
The generator has a fuel select dial with gasoline, propane and natural gas positions. Champion’s CO Shield shuts the engine off if carbon monoxide builds up, and Champion says it does not replace a CO alarm.
Gasoline and propane dual fuel models
The dual fuel models in our database, such as the Westinghouse WGen7500DF and Champion 201278, state ratings for gasoline and propane only. We found no natural gas rating for them in the sources we used. Third-party conversion kits exist, but we have not reviewed them or any manufacturer approval of them, so we cannot say whether a kit is safe or covered by a warranty. Ask the maker before changing the fuel system.
What we could not verify
- Natural gas prices and savings. We have no sourced prices, so we make no cost claims. Earlier versions of this page said natural gas is cheaper and burns more efficiently, and we could not support that.
- Supply pressure and pipe size. Champion’s pages do not state them. Ask a licensed gas fitter.
- Prices. Champion states none.
- Other brands. We did not add tri fuel models we could not source.
Related guides
- Dual fuel generators compared
- Propane generator guide
- Standby generators on propane or natural gas
- Generator load calculator
Frequently asked questions
Can a dual fuel generator run on natural gas?
Not the gasoline and propane models in our database, which state no natural gas rating. Tri fuel models such as the Champion 201121 are built for it.
Does a generator make less power on natural gas?
On the three Champion tri fuel models, yes. Natural gas gives 80% to 88% of the gasoline running watts (derived).
Can I convert my generator myself?
We do not advise it. Fuel-system changes affect gas pressure, leaks and carbon monoxide. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and use a licensed gas fitter.
