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Description
Zoom on the Ford FG5250PBR
In a nutshell, the Ford FG5250PBR is a portable generator mostly geared towards:
- 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
Thanks to its dual-fuel technology, the Ford FG5250PBR 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.
With a noise rating of 76 dBA (less noisy than a dishwasher), the generator features a conventional pull-start mechanism, but also a convenient and easy-to-use electric starter (battery included). Moreover, to offer you even more convenience, the FG5250PBR can also be remotely started (key fob included).
Regarding its running time, the FG5250PBR, with a 4 gallons fuel capacity can operate for around 11 hours at 50% load with a full tank of gasoline (fuel consumption around 0.36 GPH). When using propane, it can run for around 9 hours (estimation based on a 20 lbs tank - propane consumption around 0.52 GPH).
Outlets
The control panel provides the upcoming 4 AC outlets:
Thanks to its TT-30R receptacle (TT stands for 'Travel Trailer'), this Ford generator is RV Ready. In addition, as it features a twist-lock L14-30R receptacle, the FG5250PBR is transfer switch ready: in case of a power outage, you will be easily able to connect it to a breaker box and power your household.
Portability
The Ford FG5250PBR has the following dimensions: L28 x W21 x H20 in. In combination with its conventional, open frame design, they provide support and allow the generator 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 108 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 control panel of the FG5250PBR includes a digital data center, which assists you in monitoring its status and activity, as it provides information on the lifetime run hours.
The generator allows for a quick, easy and convenient assessment of its gas level, as it is equipped with a built-in fuel gauge.
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 FG5250PBR also is packed along with the following accessories: propane hose, tool kit, funnel, oil and key fob.
Emissions
The Ford FG5250PBR is EPA-approved and CARB-compliant. Therefore, its sale and purchase are permitted in all of the 50 states, including California.
Moreover, it features a spark arrestor, so it is adequate for use in forested areas.
The Ford FG5250PBR versus other generators
The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Ford FG5250PBR compare to generators of similar power (between 3500 and 4500 W).
- As its weight is 108 pounds, the Ford FG5250PBR falls in the expected weight range of the devices in the 3500-4500 rated wattage category. If you are concerned by weight, one of the champions in the above-mentioned power range is the WEN GN400i, with a dry weight of just 66.1 pounds.
- If compared to generators capable of producing a similar running wattage, this generator with a lowest emitted noise of 76 dBA can be considered somewhat noisy. For those who are looking for a less noisy device, we suggest the Cummins Onan P4500i. With just 52 dBA, it is one of the most quiet devices in this power range.
- Autonomy-wise, with around 11 hours on a full tank at a 50% load, the FG5250PBR is on the low end when compared to other generators of a similar power output. Furthermore, considering the run times, one of the generators which have a roughly same power output, with the highest autonomy, is the Predator 4375, as it provides 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. As this generator uses an estimated 0.36 GPH (gallon per hour) at a 50% load, it finds itself in the average gasoline consumption range of similar products. If you are concerned with gasoline efficiency, having a fuel consumption of just 0.17 GPH, the Westinghouse iGen4200 is a device you could look out for.
Price comparison
As you can see from this interactive chart, when compared to other 3500-4500W generators, the Ford FG5250PBR 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
- Remote start
- Dual Fuel
- Switch & Go technology
- Decent weight (108 lbs)
- Decent fuel efficiency
- 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, Remote |
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 |
Peak 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 | 108 lbs |
---|---|
Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | 28 x 21 x 20 in |
Noise (lower limit) | 76 dBA |
THD | Unknown |
Compliance | CARB, EPA |
Security | Low oil and overload protection |
Spark arrestor | Yes |
Neutral | Bonded to frame |
Accessories included | Oil, funnel, tool kit, key fob, 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 FG5250PBR 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 | Microwave (1000 watts) | 1500 | 1500 |
Electric fry pan | 1500 | 1500 | |
Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 | |
Mixer | 200 | 200 | |
Total | 3392 W | 4392 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 |
Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.