ShortlistShortlistedRemoved from shortlist 11
Price alert for: walmart.com
Amazon 
Walmart 
Acme Tools 
eBay 
The Home Depot Page Content
Description
Zoom on the Ford FG5250PBE
In summary, the Ford FG5250PBE is a portable generator especially useful for:
- RV travellers looking for even more independence
- People occasionally participating in sporting competitions, open-air performances and outdoor festivals
- Homeowners who want to be sure of their ability to power their fridges, cooking tools, heating and lighting equipment during power failures
The following sections will present you in detail its power characteristics, the different outlets it offers, its overall portability, the extra features it benefits from, and any relevant emission compliance details.
Power & Run Time
The Ford FG5250PBE
The dual-fuel technology of the Ford FG5250PBE allows for an output of 120/240V and provides superb power and versatility. If gasoline-powered, the device provides a running wattage of 4250W and a starting wattage of 5250W. If propane-powered, it gives 3800 rated watts and 4750 starting watts.
Ford’s patented Switch & Go technology allows you to switch from propane to gasoline or from gasoline to propane while the generator is running.
With a noise rating of 76 dBA (less noisy than a shower), the generator features a conventional pull-start mechanism, but also a simple and elegant electric starter (battery included).
As for its running time, the FG5250PBE, along with its 4 gallons fuel capacity, can run for around 11 hours at 50% load with a full tank filled with gasoline (fuel consumption around 0.36 GPH). If propane is used, it can operate for around 9 hours (estimation based on a 20 lbs tank - propane consumption around 0.52 GPH).
Outlets
The control panel features the following 4 AC outlets:
This Ford generator is RV Ready, as it features a TT-30R receptacle (TT stands for 'Travel Trailer'). In addition, as the FG5250PBE holds a twist-lock L14-30R receptacle, it is transfer switch ready: you'll easily be able to connect it to your breaker box to power your home during a power outage.
Portability
The design of the Ford FG5250PBE is a typical, open frame, with the dimensions of L28 x W20 x H20 in, offering support and stability and enabling the possibility of raising it above ground level. The device has been designed for tough environments and demanding outdoor use.
While the generator is considered to be technically 'portable' (in the sense that you can move it), manually lifting and transporting it may be challenging, due to its high weight of 115 lbs. However, its challenging mobility is solved by its wheel kit (⌀8") and its folding handle, which will ease its displacement, once it is on the floor.
Features
The FG5250PBE's control panel
One of the many FG5250PBE's features is the data center, included in its control panel, which conveniently provides information on the lifetime run hours and thus, helps you monitor its activity and status.
The generator includes a built-in fuel gauge, a quick, easy and convenient method of checking the device’s gas level.
Security-wise, this product benefits from an overload protection (circuit breaker) and an automatic low oil shut-off, which gives you a complete peace of mind when using it.
Apart from the typical documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), which lets you start it right away, the Ford FG5250PBE also is packed along with the following accessories: tool kit, funnel, propane hose and oil.
Emissions
The Ford FG5250PBE is CARB-compliant. It can therefore be sold and purchased in all 50 states, including California.
Moreover, it features a spark arrestor and thus, may be used in forested areas.
The Ford FG5250PBE versus other generators
The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Ford FG5250PBE compare to generators of similar power (between 3500 and 4500 W).
- Since the generator weighs in at a dry weight of 115 lbs, the Ford FG5250PBE belongs in the expected weight range for devices which can produce between 3500 and 4500 rated watts. If weight is your top priority, one of the champions in this power category is the WEN GN400i, weighing just 66.1 pounds.
- When compared to devices able to produce a similar running wattage, this generator and its lowest emitted noise of 76 dBA is on the noisier side. If you’d prefer a less noisy device, one of the most quiet devices, which share the same power range with this one, is the Cummins Onan P4500i, whose lowest noise levels reach just 52 dBA.
- As far as autonomy is concerned, providing around 11 hours of runtime with a full tank at a 50% load, the FG5250PBE falls into the low end in comparison with other devices of a comparable power output. Concerning the run times, one of the several devices with a comparable output, offering the highest autonomy, is the Honda EB4000X, which is able to run for around 16 hours.
- Even though run times are undoubtedly important, they are dependent on the fuel capacity to a large extent. For a more wholesome picture, we must take into consideration the fuel consumption of the generator. This generator has an estimated fuel consumption of roughly 0.36 GPH (gallon per hour) at a 50% load, rendering it somewhat average compared to devices of a similar output. If you are concerned with gasoline efficiency, having a fuel consumption of just 0.17 GPH, the Westinghouse iGen4200 is a device you should look out for.
Price comparison
As you can see from this interactive chart, when compared to other 3500-4500W generators, the Ford FG5250PBE 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
- Several accessories included
- RV Ready
- Electric start
- Dual Fuel
- Switch & Go technology
- Decent weight (115 lbs)
- Decent fuel efficiency
- No remote start
- On the noisy side (76 dBA)
- Relatively low run time
Features and Specifications
| Inverter | No |
|---|---|
| Portable | Yes |
| Parallel capable | No |
| RV ready | Yes |
| Fuel | Dual Fuel (gasoline/propane) |
| Engine | 224 cc Ducar OHV 4-stroke |
| Starting system | Recoil, Electric |
| Voltage | AC: 120/240V 60 Hz |
| Gasoline | Propane | |
|---|---|---|
| Running watts | 4250 W | 3800 W |
| Starting watts | 5250 W | 4750 W |
| Running amps (@120/240V) | 35.4/17.7 amps | 31.7/15.8 amps |
| Peaks amps (@120/240V) | 43.8/21.9 amps | 39.6/19.8 amps |
| Run time @50% load | 11 h | 9 h * |
| Run time @25% load | N/A | N/A |
| GFCI outlets | No |
|---|---|
| Covered outlets | Yes |
| Automatic Voltage Regulation | Yes |
| AC outlets |
|
| DC outlets | No |
| Data center | Lifetime run hours |
| Indicators | No |
| Fuel tank | 4 gal |
| Fuel gauge | Yes |
| Weight | 115 lbs |
|---|---|
| Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | 28 x 20 x 20 in |
| Noise (lower limit) | 76 dBA |
| THD | Unknown |
| Emissions | CARB |
| Security | Low oil and overload protection |
| Spark arrestor | Yes |
| Neutral | Bonded to frame |
| Accessories included | Oil, funnel, tool kit, propane hose and battery |
| Warranty | 2 years |
Unlike many websites, we did our best to research each of the specs above. That being said, we are not immune to making the occasional mistake or omission. Should you notice any missing or incorrect values, don't hesitate to suggest improvements so we can address the issue.
* Propane runtime is our own estimation, 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 FG5250PBE is covered under a warranty for up to 2 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 Ford Customer Support: 1-866-591-8921.
Questions & Answers
What can it power?
| Item | Running Watts | Starting Watts | |
|---|---|---|---|
| At home | Sump pump (1/2 hp) | 1050 | 2150 |
| Furnace fan (1/2 hp) | 875 | 2350 | |
| Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 | |
| Clothes iron | 1270 | 1270 | |
| Total | 3387 W | 4862 W | |
| For camping | Radiant heater | 1300 | 1300 |
| RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
| Hair dryer | 1800 | 1900 | |
| Radio | 100 | 100 | |
| Total | 3380 W | 3800 W | |
| For work | Table saw | 1800 | 4500 |
| Reciprocating saw | 730 | 960 | |
| Total | 2530 W | 5230 W |
Does this generator include any cables? (Asked January 30, 200)
This unit doesn't come with any cables. It comes with oil, funnel, propane hose + regulator, and a tool kit to install the handle, wheels, etc.
Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.
I bought the Ford FG5250PBE Generator – new in the box. Nowhere in the instruction manual does it list the model of the battery nor it’s voltage. Phone calls and emails to the manufacturer have all gone unanswered. I know this generator is manufactured by Pulsar.