Ford FG18KVTWTCO - 14500/18000W Tri Fuel Generator With Remote Start
The Ford FG18KVTWTCO is a powerful open frame tri-fuel generator with a rated wattage of 14,500 W and a starting wattage of 18,000 W. (Read full specs)
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Description
Zoom on the Ford FG18KVTWTCO
In short, the Ford FG18KVTWTCO is a powerful portable generator adequately designed for:
- Professionals who want to be able to deliver results, even during a power failure
- Homeowners who want to be able to use the most necessary devices in their household, even during a blackout
In the sections ahead, the power characteristics, availability of various outlets, the portability, and any additional features of the device shall be discussed.
Power & Run Time
The Ford FG18KVTWTCO
The Ford FG18KVTWTCO delivers 120/240V and is equipped with a tri-fuel technology, enabling it to operate on gasoline, propane, or natural gas. When powered by gasoline, it achieves a running wattage of 14,500W and a peak wattage of 18,000W. Switching to propane provides 13,000 rated watts and 16,200 peak watts, while natural gas operation delivers 11,600W of rated wattage and 14,400W of starting wattage.
This generator features an intuitive and practical electric starter (battery included). Additionally, the FG18KVTWTCO may be remotely started, enhancing user convenience (key fob included).
Concerning its running time, the FG18KVTWTCO, featuring a 10.5 gallons fuel tank, can continuously run for around 10 hours at 50% load with a full gasoline tank (consuming fuel at approximately 1.05 gallons per hour). Alternatively, when utilizing propane, it offers around 3 hours (estimation based on a 20 lbs tank - propane consumption around 1.57 GPH) of runtime.
Outlets
The control panel includes the following 7 AC outlets:
Moreover, it comes equipped with 2 DC outlets: there's two 5V USB ports (USB-A) with which you may charge electronics, for example mobile phones or tablets, conveniently.
While not classified as 'RV Ready,' this Ford generator can still provides the advantage of RV connection via its L5-30R receptacle, ensuring power supply to your RV with an L5-30P to TT-30R adaptor. Besides, equipped with a twist-lock L14-30R receptacle, the FG18KVTWTCO is engineered to be transfer switch ready, enabling simple hookup to your breaker box to provide backup power for your home during blackouts. The unit also features an ATS plug, which makes it compatible with automatic transfer switches.
Portability
With its L35.4 x W24.4 x H33.5 in dimensions, the open frame structure of the Ford FG18KVTWTCO provides stability, simplified maintenance access to components, and better air cooling than enclosed units. The design is ideal for rough environments and demanding outdoor use.
Since the generator weighs 348.3 lbs, it could be potentially be difficult to manually lift it and transport it, even though it is technically considered to 'be portable' (in the sense that it is movable). Nevertheless, it can still be moved quite conveniently with the help of its wheel kit (⌀12") and its folding handle, once it is placed on the ground.
A lift hook located on the top of the frame offers an additional safety feature while facilitating the transport, loading and unloading of the generator.
Features
The FG18KVTWTCO's control panel
Integrated into the control center of the FG18KVTWTCO are a convenient meter, showing voltage, frequency, and lifetime hours metrics, facilitating the monitoring of its status and activity.
The generator allows for a quick, easy and convenient assessment of its gas level, as it is equipped with a built-in fuel gauge.
As far as security is concerned, the generator can be used with a peace of mind, as it features an overload protection (circuit breaker) and an automatic low oil shut-off.
The unit also benefits from Ford's CO Sentry carbon monoxide detection. The sensor monitors for the accumulation of poisonous carbon monoxide gas around the generator, and shuts down the engine is increasing levels of CO gas are detected.
With the basic documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), letting you start the generator quickly, the Ford FG18KVTWTCO also comes with several accessories, including: funnel, battery charger, key fob, propane hose, oil and tool kit.
The Ford FG18KVTWTCO versus other generators
The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Ford FG18KVTWTCO compare to multi-fuel generators of similar power (between 10000 and 14500 W).
- With a weight of 348.3 lbs, the Ford FG18KVTWTCO is notably on the heavier side among multi-fuel generators in the 10000-14500 rated wattage range. Regarding dry weight, one of the champions in the same power range is the Genmax GM12000XiT, with a dry weight of only 194 lbs.
- The FG18KVTWTCO provides around 10 hours of runtime at a 50% load on a full tank, placing it within the average autonomy range among similar multi-fuel generators. Concerning the run times, one of the several devices with a comparable output, offering the highest autonomy, is the DuroStar DS14000iX, which is able to run for around 12.5 hours.
- Run time is a key metric, but it's dependent on the generator's fuel capacity. Therefore, discussing fuel efficiency is necessary to get the full picture. This generator has an estimated fuel consumption of roughly 1.05 GPH (gallon per hour) at a 50% load, rendering it somewhat average compared to devices of a similar output. If you wish to acquire one of the most gasoline efficient products of this power range, the WEN TF1450X, with a fuel consumption of 0.68 GPH could be in your good books.
Price comparison
As you can see from these interactive charts, when compared to other 10000-14500W generators, the Ford FG18KVTWTCO is on the average side of the price range.
Therefore, this generator nicely fits in the expected budget for this kind of product.
The bottom line
- In the expected price range
- Tri-fuel
- CO Sentry technology
- Several accessories included
- GFCI Outlets
- 4 different AC outlet types
- ATS plug
- Remote start
- Decent run time
- Decent fuel efficiency
- Natural gas hose not included
- No recoil back-up
- On the heavy side (348.3 lbs)
Do you own the Ford FG18KVTWTCO and agree (or disagree) with these strengths and weaknesses?
Let us know and write your own review.
Features and Specifications
| Inverter | No |
|---|---|
| Parallel capable | No |
| RV ready | No |
| Fuel | Tri-Fuel (gasoline/propane/natural gas) |
| Engine | 713 cc Ducar OHV V-Twin |
| Starting system | Electric, Remote |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| Voltage | AC: 120/240V 60 Hz, DC: 5V |
| Gasoline | LPG | NG | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Running watts | 14,500 W | 13,000 W | 11,600 W |
| Starting watts | 18,000 W | 16,200 W | 14,400 W |
| Running amps (@120/240V) | 120.8/60.4 amps | 108.3/54.2 amps | 96.7/48.3 amps |
| Peak amps (@120/240V) | 150/75 amps | 135/67.5 amps | 120/60 amps |
| Run time @50% load | 10 h | 3 h * | N/A |
| Run time @25% load | Unknown | Unknown | N/A |
| GFCI outlets | Yes |
|---|---|
| Covered outlets | Yes |
| Automatic Voltage Regulation | Yes |
| AC outlets |
|
| DC outlets | 2x 5V USB port (USB-A) |
| Data center | VFT |
| Indicators | No |
| Fuel tank | 10.5 gal |
| Fuel gauge | Yes |
| Weight | 348.3 lbs |
|---|---|
| Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | 35.4 x 24.4 x 33.5 in |
| Noise (lower limit) | Unknown |
| THD | Unknown |
| Compliance | EPA, ANSI/PGMA G300-2023 |
| Security | Low oil and overload protection, CO monitoring |
| Spark arrestor | Yes |
| Accessories included | Oil, funnel, tool kit, key fob, battery charger, propane hose, battery, and wheel kit |
| UPC | 814726029401 |
We've taken extra care to research and verify each of the specifications above. That said, occasional mistakes or omissions are still possible. If you spot any missing or inaccurate information, feel free to suggest a correction so we can address it.
* Propane runtime is our own estimate, based on a 20 lbs tank and NIST 1994 GGE (Gasoline Gallon Equivalent) formula: 5.66 lbs of propane = 1 gal of gasoline.
About Ford
Even though Ford is most commonly known for Henry Ford's Ford Motor Company, the historically renowned US-based car manufacturer founded in 1903, its trademark appears on various other products, including power equipment. Ford Power Equipment sells affordable portable generators, water pumps and pressure washers. While generators are licensed under the Ford trademark, they are in fact manufactured and distributed by Pulsar Inc., which manufactures its products in Asia. However, the company promises great customer service, pre-delivery testing, and their products receive overall very good reviews.
Warranty Information
The Ford FG18KVTWTCO is covered under a warranty for up to 3 years. This warranty may be limited and may not cover all parts of the generator.
For more information about the warranty of Ford generators, please contact the Pulsar Customer Support: 1-866-591-8921.
Questions & Answers
What can it power?
| Item | Running Watts | Starting Watts | |
|---|---|---|---|
| At home | AC (10,000 BTU) | 1500 | 2200 |
| Microwave (1000 watts) | 1500 | 1500 | |
| Electric fry pan | 1500 | 1500 | |
| Dish washer | 1500 | 3000 | |
| Sump pump (1/2 hp) | 1050 | 2150 | |
| Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 | |
| Electric range | 2100 | 2100 | |
| Hair dryer | 1800 | 1900 | |
| Blender | 400 | 850 | |
| Set of 5 LED light bulbs | 55 | 55 | |
| Total | 11597 W | 13097 W | |
| For work | Electric welder | 9000 | 9000 |
| Table saw | 1800 | 4500 | |
| Reciprocating saw | 730 | 960 | |
| Total | 11530 W | 14230 W |
Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.
