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PredatorModel 72920

Predator 5,500W Gas Generator Review

The PREDATOR® 6500 Watt Portable Generator is designed for home backup during emergencies and powering tools at jobsites. It features a 301cc gas engine, GFCI outlets, and CO SECURE® carbon monoxide shutdown for safety.

At a Glance

  • Running Watts
    5500W
  • Starting Watts
    6500W
  • Fuel Type
    Gasoline
  • Runtime (50%)
    14.5h
  • Noise Level
    73.5 dB
  • Weight
    165 lbs

Where to buy

Prices can change. We update these automatically.

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    Is this the right generator for you?

    Here's the quick tradeoff view — what this model does well, and where it may not fit.

    Pros

    • 301cc PREDATOR® gas engine
    • GFCI outlets
    • CO SECURE® carbon monoxide shutdown
    • 14.5 hours runtime at 50% load
    • 5500 running watts, 6500 starting watts

    Cons

    • heavy weight at 165 pounds
    • no electric start feature
    Best use cases
    Home backup

    Summary

    The Predator 72920 is a gasoline-powered generator built around a 5500-watt running output with 6500 starting watts for handling higher initial demand. That combination makes it a straightforward choice for shoppers who want a conventional fuel setup paired with enough headroom to cover loads that surge when they first switch on.

    Because it runs on gasoline, the 72920 keeps the fueling routine familiar, while its wattage figures frame it as a serious power source rather than a small, minimal-output unit. In practical use, the 5500 running watts define what it can sustain continuously, and the 6500 starting watts give extra breathing room when motors or other equipment need a stronger push at startup.

    Power & Runtime

    With 5500 running watts and 6500 starting watts, the Predator 72920 is designed to support steady electrical demand while also accommodating short bursts of higher draw when devices first kick on. That starting-watt capacity matters most when you are turning on equipment that does not ramp up gently, since the generator can meet that brief spike without immediately forcing you to shut something else off.

    Noise is rated at 73.5 dBA, which sets expectations for how present the sound will be during operation. On the endurance side, the generator is rated for 14.5 hours of runtime at 50 percent load, giving a clear reference point for planning longer stretches of use without frequent refueling, as long as the demand stays around that half-load level.

    Portability

    At 165 lbs, the Predator 72920 is a substantial unit that calls for thoughtful handling when moving it into place. The physical footprint, listed at 26-7/8 x 22 x 22-3/4 inches, helps clarify how much floor or storage space it will occupy, and those dimensions also make it easier to judge fit in a garage corner, shed, or dedicated equipment area.

    That size and weight communicate that portability here is about relocating a capable generator when needed, rather than casually carrying it from spot to spot. Knowing both the 165-lb weight and the exact dimensions makes it easier to plan transport and placement before you commit to where it will run.

    Recommended Audiences

    • Shoppers who prefer gasoline-powered generators
    • Homeowners needing whole-house or jobsite backup power
    • DIY enthusiasts and hobbyists needing reliable portable power
    • First-time generator buyers looking for a dependable option
    Updated: Feb 24, 2026

    Score Breakdown

    4.0
    / 10
    Rank #114 of 125 in Conventional (5,000-10,000W)
    Value (25%)
    Quality (25%)
    Practical (18%)
    Features (12%)
    Percentile Rankings (within peer group)
    • Watts/$
    • Surge/$
    • Runtime/$
    • Warranty
    • THD (lower=better)
    • Build Quality
    • Noise (lower=better)
    • Portability
    • Outlet Variety
    • Feature Points

    What this generator can power

    At a Glance

    • Continuous:5,500W(recommended usable: 4,400W)
    • Surge:6,500W
    • Output:120/240V
    • Inverter:No

    Big-item compatibility

    Refrigerator
    Yes
    Sump Pump (1/3 HP)
    Yes
    Well Pump (1 HP, 240V)
    Yes
    Furnace Blower
    Yes
    Central AC (3 Ton, 240V)
    Maybe

    May struggle with startup surge

    Window AC (10,000 BTU)
    Yes
    Electric Water Heater (240V)
    No

    Exceeds capacity

    Electric Range/Oven (240V)
    No

    Exceeds capacity

    Air Compressor (1 HP)
    Yes

    Example setups

    Essentials

    • Lights + Wi-Fi + Charging
    • Refrigerator
    • Furnace Blower
    • Sump Pump (1/3 HP)

    Est. running: 1,800W

    Peak surge (single motor): 2,000W

    Avoid starting multiple motor loads at the same time.

    Essentials + Comfort

    • Lights + Wi-Fi + Charging
    • Refrigerator
    • TV + Entertainment System
    • Microwave
    • Window AC (10,000 BTU)
    • Space Heater

    Est. running: 4,400W

    Peak surge (single motor): 2,000W

    Avoid starting multiple motor loads at the same time.

    Jobsite / Tools

    • Lights + Wi-Fi + Charging
    • Circular Saw (7 1/4")
    • Air Compressor (1 HP)

    Est. running: 3,100W

    Peak surge (single motor): 4,500W

    Avoid starting multiple motor loads at the same time.

    These are estimates using typical wattage assumptions. Real appliances vary. Startup surges can be 2–6× the running wattage for motor-driven loads. 240V loads require a 120/240V generator and proper connection. Use a transfer switch or interlock kit; never backfeed a panel.

    Predator
    ReliabilityCAverage

    About Predator

    Predator is recognized for its budget-friendly, high-performance generators, popular among homeowners and outdoor enthusiasts for reliable power solutions.

    Founded1977
    HQCalabasas, California, USA
    Website (opens in a new tab)
    Support1-800-444-3353
    Support / Manuals (opens in a new tab)
    View all Predator generators

    Full Specifications

    Power

    Running Watts5,500 watts
    Starting Watts6,500 watts

    Engine

    Engine Displacement301 cc

    Electrical

    Voltage (AC)120/240V

    Dimensions

    Dimensions26-7/8 x 22 x 22-3/4 inches
    Weight165 lbs

    Other

    Automatic Low Oil ShutdownYes
    Carbon Monoxide SensorYes
    Electric StartNo
    InverterNo
    Noise Level73.5 dBA
    Parallel CapableNo
    Recoil StartYes
    RV ReadyNo
    Starter TypeRecoil

    Core

    Fuel TypeGasoline

    Runtime

    Runtime @ 50%14.5 hours

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