Review of the DuroMax XP4400E Open Frame Portable Generator

Should You Buy It?

Key Points about the DuroMax XP4400E

Overview of the Generator

The DuroMax XP4400E is a single fuel medium-powered generator with the benefit of an electric start. It's fairly compact and, at 122lbs, not the most difficult to move around given its wheels and extendible handle.

It certainly has enough output to power appliances from lights, a refrigerator and a home air conditioner, as well as high amperage power tools. So it's a good solution for some home backup and jobsite work.

Control and Features

The control panel can vary slightly in its layout, as shown immediately above. But its common feature is a key-operated electric start, which is backed up by a manual pull recoil cord.

Whatever the layout, the control power panel has a selection of outlets including 2x120v household GFCI outlets and 1x120/240v 30A twist lock outlet, protected by circuit breakers. There is a voltmeter and 12v DC posts for charging an external battery. A selection of compatible extension cords and adapters can be seen here. An analog gauge displays the voltage being generated at any particular time when the generator is operating.

DuroMax's MX2 technology allows you to use the two 120v receptacles at 120v and 240v simultaneously. Alternatively, you can use them individually at 120v on full power, for example, with an RV.

There is just one warning LED on the panel, which warns of low oi. When this lights up the engine will automatically shut down to prevent damage. This sensor also prevents you from starting the unit until the oil has been brought back to the right level.

All DuroMax generators are certified by the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) and are CARB (California Air Resources Board) Compliant. So you can use them in all 50 states. 

Supplied as standard are an oil funnel, a spark plug wrench, a tool set, a wheel kit and DC cables for the 12v outlet.

DuroMax offer a 3-year warranty on this generator.

For a look at the manual for this model, go here.

This model has no carbon monoxide (CO) sensor.

Power Output

A DuroMax 210cc OHV engine provides an output of 4400 starting watts and a running power of 3500 watts.

With traditional generator technology, this model cannot provide you with the features of an inverter. So if you plan on using it to power sensitive electronics you'll need an uninterruptible power supply (UPS/line conditioner) to help protect from potentially damaging voltage spikes.

Also, bear in mind that the output numbers do not take account of climatic conditions and altitude, which can have a big impact on the performance of any generator.

Weight

The unit is fairly heavy with a dry weight of 122lbs. But it comes with a set of never-flat rear wheels and a foldable handle to aid transport. Never-flat wheels have their pros and cons and are not liked by some owners because they can easily warp, crack, and even break.

Noise Level

Usually measured at 23 feet, the sound level of 69dB for this model is about as loud as a dishwasher.

What Most Buyer Like Most

The majority of owners recommend this generator. It's ideal, small enough and easy to use, and it can run for 14 hours on 5 to 6 gallons of gas. They see it as an inexpensive, relatively low-end alternative solution representing great value for money. While it won't run your whole house, it has enough power to keep more than just very basic appliances going when needed, if only for a limited time. At least one buyer thinks it's overkill for the camper.

Most owners have no difficulty in getting the generator ready for operation immediately after delivery. And it more often than not fires up immediately, with the engine running smoothly afterwards.

Regular maintenance, such as keeping it full of oil and running it for 30 to 60 minutes each month, extends the unit's life. One owner says they would have had to spend a lot more money to get a generator of materially higher quality. So this generator may still be the better deal even if it only lasts for a 'moderate' lifespan.

What Some Buyer Like Less

Although the warranty length is good, owners really don't like having to pay freight costs when being obliged to send a faulty unit back to DuroMax for repair, especially when the generator is still under warranty.

Owners advise a thorough read through of the instructions, because they say that most up-to-date manual is not always included in the box. 

Another notes the instructions don't warn you about having to connect the negative battery cable when first preparing the generator. They also remind new owners to remove the shipping braces prior to start up, as this is not made clear.

One owner recommends you buy the additional wheels and feet kit to make it easier to transport. And, they add, you'll need a special adapter cable to connect this unit to the RV inlet.

A few owners received a damaged unit on delivery. Occasionally though, they doubt the damage was caused by rough handling in transit because there appeared to be nothing wrong with the box. So they assume it most likely occurred at the factory, raising some doubts about quality control at the point of manufacture. 

While some buyers think the unit isn't as loud as they would have expected, most say it's a lot noisier than the advertised 69dB. But this is probably true of all generators, not only in this price and power class. However, most are willing to accept the noise for the price paid and its overall good value.