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The Rainier R12000DF is a dual fuel (gas or propane) generator that is one of the largest you’ll see among portable generators. It doesn’t come with a transfer switch, but you’ll probably want to get one to take full advantage of all that this machine can power in your home.
Rainier is the first generator-producing company I’ve come across that seems to be basically an Amazon store. They do have a website, but virtually everything there redirects you to an Amazon page. Not that that’s bad or a problem; it’s just different.
If you’re in a hurry and just want to check the pricing and availability of the Rainier generator at Amazon, you can click (or tap) the link just below.
Two Fuel Options for Your Power Supply
The “DF” of the R12000DF refers to the dual fuel nature of this (almost literal) beast. You can use regular gasoline or opt for propane to add to the 6.6 gallon tank.
If you choose to use gasoline, you can expect 12,000 peak watts and 9500 running watts. With propane, you get a tad less – 10,800 peak watts and 8550 running watts. That’s still plenty to run just about anything you’d like.
This can give you 17 hours of run time at ¼ load (12 hours at ½ load). Rainier claims you can get even more out of this 457cc overhead valve (OHV), 4-stroke engine, if you switch it up between the two types of fuel.
You can monitor fuel consumption using the built in fuel gauge. The R12000DF generator also has an automatic low-oil shutdown feature, automatic voltage regulator, and an overload protection alarm. It’s all designed to keep both you and your portable generator safe.
Two Options for Starting
As with many of these larger generators, you get an electric starter, with a recoil pull cord as a backup. You should normally be able to get it going at the flip of a switch.
Once it’s running smoothly, you’ll hear it rumble with a volume of at least 72 decibels. (I’m not sure if that was measured at the usual 23-foot distance.) It will be louder the closer you get and the closer to maximum capacity that you use it.
Outlets on the main panel include the following.
- Two 5-20R 120 Volt, 20 Amp, GFCI Household Outlets
- One L5-30R 120 Volt, 30 Amp Outlet
- One L14-30R 120 Volt, 30 Amp Outlet
- One 14-50R 120/240 Volt, 50 Amp Outlet
- Two Grounding Ports
This is all close to the “VFT Display” control panel. I assume the V stands for Volts, and the F stands for Frequency. But I’m not sure what the T means.
Additional Features, Specs, and Warranty of the Rainier R12000DF
This model is both EPA and CARB compliant. It’s both RV ready and transfer switch ready. You’ll be able to use this machine just about anywhere you can transport it.
It comes with two 10-inch polyurethane wheels and two foam grip handles to help keep this 196 pound monster mobile.
The battery is included (not always true with smaller models), but if you intend to use this in higher altitudes where the air is thinner, you’ll need to purchase and add a carburetor kit.
Rainier recommends you add SAE 10W30 oil to the 1.1 quart tank. There is a manual fuel shutoff valve. You also get a spark plug wrench and propane hose in the box – both nice touches.
The unit measures 29 inches in length by 24.5 inches in width by 24 inches in height. The length increases to 37.5 inches when you extend the handles.
I found some confusion regarding the warranty. In one place, Rainier says you get a 1 year residential warranty and a 6 month commercial warranty. In other place, I found that a flat 3 year warranty is the norm.
If you’re at all concerned about the length, I recommend you contact Rainier. The company seems to regularly answer questions asked about their products at Amazon itself.
Conclusions about the Rainier R12000DF
Owners like the R12000DF both for its overall power capacity and for the dual fuel capability.
You’re not going to buy this because you want a quiet or a lightweight machine. You simply can’t get that is a 12,000 watt generator.
If you have a lot of appliances and/or tools to use at the same time, this could easily be the best portable generator for your needs.
See your Rainier R12000DF Dual Fuel Generator at Amazon today.
If you find that the Rainier is unavailable, try the comparable Pulsar 12000W generator instead.
Check out the Pulsar G12KBN 12000W Dual Fuel Generator at Amazon.