The Ford FG5250PBR is a portable open frame dual fuel generator with a rated wattage of 4,250 W and a starting wattage of 5,250 W. (Read full specs)
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Description
Zoom on the Ford FG5250PBR
In summary, the Ford FG5250PBR is a portable generator especially useful for:
- RV travellers who wish to upgrade their experience to another level
- 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
Over the following sections, you'll uncover its power characteristics, the selection of outlets it offers, its overall portability, and the supplementary features it includes.
Power & Run Time
Thanks to its dual-fuel technology, the Ford FG5250PBR provides a 120/240V output and offers both versatility and power. When utilizing gasoline, it delivers a running wattage of 4,250W and a starting wattage of 5,250W. Alternatively, when operating on propane, it provides 3,800 running watts and 4,750 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.
Operating with a noise rating of 76 dBA (less noisy than a shower), this generator offers two starting options: a simple traditional pull-start mechanism and a practical and straightforward electric starter (battery included). Additionally, the FG5250PBR may be remotely started, enhancing user convenience (key fob included).
In terms of run time, the FG5250PBR, boasting a 4 gallons fuel tank, can run for around 11 hours at 50% load on a full tank of gasoline (with fuel consumption averaging 0.36 gallons per hour). Additionally, it provides around 9 hours (estimation based on a 20 lbs tank - propane consumption around 0.52 GPH) of operation with propane.
Outlets
The control panel is equipped with the following 4 AC outlets:
Featuring a TT-30R receptacle (TT for 'Travel Trailer'), this Ford generator is RV Ready, designed specifically for use with recreational vehicles. In addition, the FG5250PBR's twist-lock L14-30R receptacle makes it transfer switch ready, enabling hassle-free connection to your breaker box for powering your home during outages.
Portability
Measuring L28 x W21 x H20 in, the classic open frame construction of the Ford FG5250PBR provides stability while enabling convenient maintenance access to components and adequate air cooling. The featured design is ideal for the outdoors and all tough environments.
Despite its weight of 108 lbs, the generator is still considered 'portable,' meaning it is movable, although its heftiness may restrict portability in certain environments or require additional considerations for transportation and setup. Nevertheless, the restricted maneuverability is counteracted by its wheel kit (⌀8") and its folding handle, enabling easy shifting once the generator is set in place.
Features
For easy status and activity monitoring of the FG5250PBR, its control panel integrates a digital data center, offering insights into the lifetime run hours.
A built-in fuel gauge allows for a quick, easy and convenient check of the fuel level of the generator.
From a security standpoint, the generator is furnished with an overload protection (circuit breaker) and an automatic low oil shut-off, ensuring peace of mind during operation.
Alongside the standard documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab) for quick setup, the Ford FG5250PBR is bundled with additional accessories: propane hose, tool kit, funnel, oil and key fob.
Product Video
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 dual fuel generators of similar power (between 3500 and 4500 W).
- At a weight of 108 pounds, the Ford FG5250PBR places in the expected weight range of the dual fuel generators in the 3500-4500 rated wattage range. If weight is an important consideration for you, the WEN DF402iX stands out as one of the top contenders in this power category, with a dry weight of 66.1 pounds.
- When comparing it to devices with a similar running wattage, this generator's lowest noise level of 76 dBA puts it alongside the noisier units. If you value reduced noise levels, the Westinghouse iGen5000DF could be worth considering. It's one of the quietest generators in its power range, rated at 52 dBA.
- At a 50% load, the FG5250PBR offers around 11 hours of runtime on a full tank, placing it within the average autonomy range among dual fuel generators of similar power level. If run time is one of your main concerns, the Westinghouse iGen5000DF could be worth looking at. It boasts one of the highest run times among units of comparable power, lasting around 15 hours.
- Run times are important, yet thanks to their dependence on the fuel capacity, they should be judged along with the fuel consumption of the device. 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're placing a high priority on fuel consumption, the Westinghouse iGen5000DF, with a low fuel consumption rate of 0.23 GPH, could be an option to consider.
Price comparison
As you can see from these interactive charts, when compared to other 3500-4500W dual fuel generators, the Ford FG5250PBR is on the expensive side of the price range.
While certainly not the cheapest of its kind, purchasing it would most likely also mean enjoying the reliability of a high-end product.
The bottom line
- Dual Fuel
- Several accessories included
- RV Ready
- Remote start
- Switch & Go technology
- Decent weight (108 lbs)
- Decent run time
- Decent fuel efficiency
- On the expensive side
- On the noisy side (76 dBA)
Features and Specifications
Inverter | No |
---|---|
Parallel capable | No |
RV ready | Yes |
Fuel | Dual Fuel (gasoline/propane) |
Engine | 224 cc Ducar OHV 4-stroke |
Starting system | Recoil, Electric, Remote |
Warranty | 2 years |
Voltage | AC: 120/240V 60 Hz |
Gasoline | Propane | |
---|---|---|
Running watts | 4,250 W | 3,800 W |
Starting watts | 5,250 W | 4,750 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 |
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 | 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 the Ford portable generator dual fuel and remote start have its own regulator? (Asked April 09, 2024)
The unit comes with a single-stage regulator.
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