Generators can run into a lot of money if you purchase one with a lot of features and gadgets, but you can still find one that is able to do a lot of things and offer many accessories for a reasonable price.

Shortcut to more Generators under $500

Some of the best generators under $500 can be found online and at your local hardware store. Here are a few to consider, they are chosen based on value for money, performance and reliability.

Best Generator with a spark arrestor under $400

This Durostar DS4400 Gas Powered Portable Generator has a quiet exhaust rated at 69 dba with a spark arrestor and it comes with a 7 hp air cooled engine.

It has a low oil shut down that preserves the life of the engine. It is car approved and is sold in all 50 states. It has multiple accessories including a twistlock outlet, two 120 volt 20 amp three prong outlet, and a 120/240 volt 30 amp outlet.

It runs on 3,500 watts rated and 4,000 watts surge. It costs about $400 online and makes this item one of the best generators under $500 on the market. It received 4.5 stars from Amazon reviewers.

Best Generator for the Money

This DuroMax XP4400E Gas Powered Portable Generator is EPA approved yet non carb compliant and not sold in the state of California.It costs about $450 and earned 4 stars from more than 150 Amazon reviewers.

It runs on 3,500 watts continuous and 4,400 watts surge. It has a 7 hp OHV 4 cycle engine and comes with a one year limited warranty. It has a 15 amp circuit breaker and a battery with a charger along with an indicator light when the battery is running low.

There are never go flat tires for easy portability. It weighs about 116 pounds and comes with a four gallon capacity of fuel. It can run up to 8 hours on half load and gas an electrically key start. There is also a volt meter to prevent overloading.

Best Generator with wireless remote control

This Champion Power Equipment 46539 Gas Powered Portable Generator comes with a wireless remote control and an electric start. It is EPA approved and carb complaint, making it available in the state of California.

It has a cast iron sleeve to help preserve the life of the engine and a 196cc OHV engine. It can run up to 12 hours on 50 percent load and weighs about 140 pounds. There is a low oil sensor to prevent engine burn out. A wheel kit is included with its 8 inch wheels. It runs on 3,500 watts rated and 4,000 watts surge.

Other items that come with this generator that makes it one of the best generators under $500 are one 120 volt twistlock, one 120 volt duplex outlet, and one RV receptacle. This item costs just under $500 online and earned 4.5 stars from 80 amazon reviewers.

These are all among some of the best generators under $500 that you could buy. Determine what you are looking for in a generator to decide which one will best fit your needs. They are all from reliable brands that have made a name for themselves for having high quality products.

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When you plan a tailgating party it is ideal to have a generator that you can take with you to give you power for various tools or appliances that you may bring with you.  Take into account if you are just running lights and coffee makers etc, or whether you’ll have a big screen TV or laptop running, if the latter, you may want an inverter generator that kicks out clean power,

Shortcut to more Generators for Tailgating here

To find the best generators for tailgating check online or at your local hardware store. You can read reviews made by consumers who have bought these products and you can determine which one may fit your needs. Here are some good choices.

Best Quiet Generator

This Durostar DS 4000S Gas Powered Portable Generator has an air cooled OHV 4 cycle engine that runs on 4,000 watts surge and 3,300 watts continuous.

It has 4 gallon capacity and can run up to eight hours on half load. It comes with a one year limited warranty and an ez pull recoil start for an easy start. It is EPA approved, but it is non carb compliant and not sold in the state of California.

It has a quiet muffler that runs at 69 dba. It has an automatic oil shut off that helps prevent the life of the engine. It received 4.5 stars from more than 185 Amazon reviewers and costs about $330 online.

Best Generator under $400

This Champion Power Equipment 46533 Gas Powered Portable Generator is another one of the best generators for tailgating parties. It runs on 4,000 watts surge and 3,500 watts rated. It has a 196cc OHV 4 stroke engine that is protected with a cast iron sleeve.

This machine runs up to 12 hours on a full tank of 50 percent load. It weighs about 110 pounds and comes with a two year limited warranty. It is carb compliant being sold in all states.

There are several accessories that come with this appliance including one 120 volt outlet, one 120 volt twistlock, and one RV receptacle. This item is great for using outdoors and at home. It received 4.5 stars from Amazon reviewers and costs around $350 online.

Best Lightweight Generator

This All Power America APG 3004 Gas Powered Portable Generator costs about $150 and comes with a 71cc 1.5 hp two cycle engine. It is considered one of the best generators to buy.

It has a recoil start for easy starting.It has a 1.5 gallons tank and is lightweight at 44 pounds. It low noise level makes this a good choice to use in your home or at a camp site.

It comes with accessories including one 12 volt DC output and a battery recharger. It is compact for easy storage and runs on 1,000 watts surge and 800 watts continuous.

Best Generator with Long Run Time

This WEN 56352 212cc Gas Powered Portable Generator comes with a wheel kit for easy portability and makes it easy to take camping or to a tailgating party. It received 4.5 stars from more than 85 Amazon reviewers which makes this one of the best generators for tailgating.

It has a capacity of four gallons and a fuel gauge to ensure how much gas you still have in the tank. It has an automatic low oil shut down to help protect the life of the engine. It is non carb compliant and is not sold in the state of California.

It has an air cooled 7 hp OHV engine. The machine can run up to 11 hours at half load. It runs 3,500 watts peak and 3,000 watts running. It also has a power indicator light and a digital hour counter.

There are several accessories that come with this item including one twistlock outlet, two 120 volt 20 amp three prong receptacle, and a cigarette lighter style 12 volt DC outlet. It has a two year limited warranty and a one inch tubular frame. It comes with a mobility kit.

These area all among the best generators for tailgating. They are also great for using for your homes and camping. They all offer multiple features that will come in handy when you are in need of extra power.

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