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Description
Zoom on the Ford FG5250PBE
In summary, the Ford FG5250PBE is a portable generator especially useful for:
- RV travellers wishing to enhance their freedom and nomad lifestyle
- People occasionally participating in outdoor fairs, festivals or events
- Homeowners who want to be sure of their ability to power their fridges, cooking tools, heating and lighting equipment during power failures
In the sections ahead, the power characteristics, availability of various outlets, the portability, and any additional features of the device shall be discussed, including its emission compliance information.
Power & Run Time
The Ford FG5250PBE
Thanks to its dual-fuel technology, the Ford FG5250PBE delivers 120/240V and offers power and versatility. When gasoline-powered, it benefits from a running wattage of 4250W and a peak wattage of 5250W. When propane-powered, it has 3800 rated watts and 4750 peak 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.
At a noise rating of 76 dBA (less noisy than a vacuum cleaner), this generator can be started via a conventional pull-start mechanism, or a simple and elegant electric starter (battery included).
With a fuel capacity of 4 gallons, the FG5250PBE can operate for around 11 hours at 50% load using gasoline (fuel consumption around 0.36 GPH), or for around 9 hours (estimation based on a 20 lbs tank - propane consumption around 0.52 GPH) using propane.
Outlets
The control panel features the following 4 AC outlets:
This Ford generator is RV Ready, thanks to its TT-30R receptacle (TT stands for 'Travel Trailer'). In addition, because the FG5250PBE is equipped with a twist-lock L14-30R receptacle, it is transfer switch ready: it can power your home during a power outage, as it can be easily connected to your breaker box to power your household.
Portability
The Ford FG5250PBE has a conventional, open frame design, of the following dimensions: L28 x W20 x H20 in, which offers support and allows it to be raised above ground level. This type of design is ideal for tough environments and heavy outdoor use.
Even though this device may be technically portable (as in movable), manipulation and transportation without special equipment can be a challenge, as it weighs 115 pounds. Nevertheless, thanks to its wheel kit (⌀8") and its folding handle (a decent solution to its lack of maneuverability), the generator can be easily moved, once placed the ground.
Features
The FG5250PBE's control panel
Monitoring of the FG5250PBE's status and activity is made possible by a digital data center, which provides information on the lifetime run hours and is one of the features of its control panel.
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 automatic low oil shut-off and an overload protection (circuit breaker).
Along the basic documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), useful for starting the generator right away, the Ford FG5250PBE's package also includes these accessories: propane hose, tool kit, oil and funnel.
Emissions
The Ford FG5250PBE is CARB-compliant. Therefore, its sale and purchase are permitted in all of the 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).
- Having a dry weight of 115 lbs, the Ford FG5250PBE belongs in the expected weight range for generators which produce 3500 to 4500 rated watts. If weight matters to you, one of the champions in this power range is the WEN GN400i with only 66.1 pounds.
- As this generator has its lowest possible noise of 76 dBA, it should be considered noisier compared to its peers of a comparable running wattage. If you are concerned with noise, check out the Cummins Onan P4500i, which is one of the least noisy generators in its power range, with a noise rating of just 52 dBA.
- Regarding its autonomy, the autonomy of the FG5250PBE, reaching around 11 hours at a 50% load, can be considered as low end, compared to other products of a roughly equal output. If autonomy is your priority, one of the devices of a similar power output with the highest run time is the Honda EB4000X, reaching around 16 hours.
- Autonomy holds its importance, however, it is largely dependent on the generator’s fuel capacity and so, it is nonsensible to discuss it without mentioning fuel efficiency as well. 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 wish to acquire one of the most gasoline efficient products of this power range, the Westinghouse iGen4200, with a fuel consumption of 0.17 GPH could be in your good books.
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 | Unknown | Unknown |
| 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, battery, and wheel kit |
| 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 | AC (10,000 BTU) | 1500 | 2200 |
| Dish washer | 1500 | 3000 | |
| Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 | |
| Mixer | 200 | 200 | |
| Total | 3392 W | 4892 W | |
| For camping | RV AC (11,000 BTU) | 1010 | 1600 |
| RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
| Hair dryer | 1800 | 1900 | |
| Blender | 400 | 850 | |
| Total | 3390 W | 3980 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.