Generac GP17500E (Discontinued)
The Generac GP17500E (5735) is a powerful open frame generator with a rated wattage of 17,500 W and a starting wattage of 26,250 W. (Read full specs)
This product has been discontinued. We've kept this page live for reference.
If you were hoping to purchase it, you might want to take a look at the Generac GP18000EFI, which offers similar specs.
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Description
The most powerful portable generator on the market is an exceptional value. Powerful enough to start many 5-ton air conditioning units and can provide power for up to 16 circuits.
Zoom on the Generac GP17500E
In summary, the Generac GP17500E is a powerful portable generator especially useful for:
- Professionals who want to ensure that a power failure will not prevent them from working
- Homeowners who wish to power almost all appliances in their house under any circumstances
In the forthcoming sections, you'll delve into its power characteristics, the various outlets it offers, its overall portability, and the additional features it boasts.
Power & Run Time
The Generac GP17500E
Running on gasoline, the Generac GP17500E utilizes a 992 cc Generac OHVI 4-stroke engine to deliver 120/240V, offering a running wattage of 17,500W and a starting wattage of 26,250W.
This generator is started via a user-friendly and hassle-free electric starter (battery included).
The fuel capacity of 16 gallons allows the GP17500E to operate for around 10 hours at 50% load with a full tank (fuel consumption around 1.6 GPH).
As the GP17500E exhibits a THD of less than 20%, which is high, it is best avoided for powering sensitive electronic devices.
Outlets
The control panel is equipped with the following 8 AC outlets:
Furthermore, it showcases 1 DC outlet: there's a 12V 10A receptacle with which charging your batteries is made easy.
Though it may not be labeled as 'RV Ready,' this Generac generator offers the benefit of hassle-free RV connectivity through its L5-30R receptacle, allowing you to easily power your RV with the assistance of an L5-30P to TT-30R adaptor. Besides, equipped with a twist-lock L14-30R receptacle, the GP17500E is engineered to be transfer switch ready, enabling simple hookup to your breaker box to provide backup power for your home during blackouts.
Portability
With a size of L48.5 x W31 x H39.5 in, the Generac GP17500E features an open frame design, providing stability and simplified maintenance access to components, enhancing air circulation. The design is ideal for rough environments and demanding outdoor use.
With a weight of 390 lbs, the generator is still labeled as 'portable,' denoting its ability to be moved, although its heaviness might restrict easy portability. However, its challenging mobility is solved by its wheel kit (⌀12.3") and its handle, which will ease its displacement, once it is on the floor.
In addition, the device is equipped with a lift hook on the top of its frame, which provides extra safety during the loading, unloading and transport of the generator.
Features
The GP17500E's control panel
The control panel of the GP17500E includes a digital data center, which assists you in monitoring its status and activity, as it provides information on the lifetime run hours.
The built-in fuel gauge of the generator ensures simple and quick gas level assessments.
From a security point of view, the generator is equipped with an overload protection (circuit breaker) and an automatic low oil shut-off, giving you a peace of mind during use.
Besides the usual set of documentation and owner's manual (opens in a new tab) to get you promptly started, Generac also included a tool kit in the GP17500E's packaging.
Product Videos
The Generac GP17500E versus other generators
The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Generac GP17500E compare to generators of similar power (between 14000 and 22000 W).
- Weight-wise, the Generac GP17500E has only 390 lbs, which renders it one of the lighter generators which produce 14000 to 22000 rated watts. If you are mindful of weight, the Westinghouse WGen14500TFc is among the top contenders in this power range, with a dry weight of 348.3 pounds.
- At a 50% load, the GP17500E offers around 10 hours of runtime on a full tank, placing it within the average autonomy range among generators of similar power level. Furthermore, considering the run times, one of the generators which have a roughly same power output, with the highest autonomy, is the Westinghouse WGen20000, as it provides around 11 hours.
- Run time is a key metric, but it's dependent on the generator's fuel tank capacity. Therefore, discussing fuel efficiency is necessary for a complete understanding. Among generators of similar output, this generator ranks somewhat poorly in fuel efficiency, with an estimated consumption of 1.6 GPH at a 50% load. If minimizing fuel usage is one of your key priorities, the Westinghouse WGen14500DFc is one of the most efficient devices with similar power output, with a gasoline consumption of only 0.95 gallons per hour.
The bottom line
- GFCI Outlets
- Impressive quantity of AC outlets
- 5 different AC outlet types
- Electric start
- Lightweight for its kind (390 lbs)
- Made in USA
- Decent run time
- No recoil back-up
- No remote start
- Low fuel efficiency
Do you own the Generac GP17500E 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 | Gasoline |
| Engine | 992 cc Generac OHVI 4-stroke |
| Starting system | Electric |
| Warranty | 2 years |
| Voltage | AC: 120/240V 60 Hz, DC: 12V |
|---|---|
| Running watts | 17,500 W |
| Starting watts | 26,250 W |
| Running amps (@120/240V) | 145.8/72.9 amps |
| Peak amps (@120/240V) | 218.8/109.4 amps |
| Run time @50% load | 10 h |
| Run time @25% load | Unknown |
| GFCI outlets | Yes |
|---|---|
| Covered outlets | No |
| Automatic Voltage Regulation | Yes |
| AC outlets |
|
| DC outlets | 1x 12V 10A receptacle |
| Data center | Lifetime run hours |
| Indicators | No |
| Fuel tank | 16 gal |
| Fuel gauge | Yes |
| Weight | 390 lbs |
|---|---|
| Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | 48.5 x 31 x 39.5 in |
| Noise (lower limit) | Unknown |
| THD | < 20% |
| Compliance | EPA |
| Security | Low oil and overload protection |
| Spark arrestor | Yes |
| Neutral | Bonded to frame |
| Accessories included | Tool kit, battery, and wheel kit |
| Country of origin | USA |
| Other model numbers | 5735 |
| UPC | 696471057355 |
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.
About Generac
Generac Power Systems is an American based generator and power equipment manufacturer, founded in 1959. As its name suggests, the main focus of Generac are power generators, and other related electric equipment, such as switches, paralleling systems and small engines. The company has several manufacturing facilities based in the US, thus, their products are engineered and built in the USA. However, their components can be a mix of domestic and foreign parts.
Warranty Information
The Generac GP17500E 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 Generac generators, please consult Generac's warranty policies (opens in a new tab). Alternatively, you can also contact their Customer Support: 1-888-GENERAC (888-436-3722).
Questions & Answers
What can it power?
| Item | Running Watts | Starting Watts | |
|---|---|---|---|
| At home | AC (10,000 BTU) | 1500 | 2200 |
| Electric fry pan | 1500 | 1500 | |
| Microwave (1000 watts) | 1500 | 1500 | |
| Dish washer | 1500 | 3000 | |
| Sump pump (1/2 hp) | 1050 | 2150 | |
| Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 | |
| Clothes dryer | 5400 | 6750 | |
| Clothes iron | 1270 | 1270 | |
| Set of 5 LED light bulbs | 55 | 55 | |
| Total | 13967 W | 15467 W | |
| For work | Electric welder | 9000 | 9000 |
| Table saw | 1800 | 4500 | |
| Air compressor (1 hp) | 1600 | 6100 | |
| Grinder | 1400 | 2500 | |
| Bug zapper | 80 | 80 | |
| Total | 13880 W | 18380 W |
What is the noise rating of the GP17500E?
Due to the lack of standardization in noise emission measurement, Generac does not provide their units' noise levels.
User Reviews
Great whole house generator. The battery doesn’t last and the onboard charging system will trip out if the battery is too low and blow the 10A glass fuse killing the generator until you replace the fuse, frustrating problem if you don’t know what to look for. I have to keep my jump pack on the battery and plug my jump pack into the generator in order to keep it running. I also found if you run a generator in a semi enclosed area it gets over heated and the voltage regulator gets overwhelmed and in my case was sending out 150v instead of 120. Once I moved the generator to a cool area it was fine. I ran my house (3900sq ft, with a full inlaw, off a 50 amp feed to my panel) for 4 days during the 2026 North East Blizzard, non stop, used 200 gallons of gasoline but kept my whole house going and warm. My double oven functioned as it should as well as every other electric thing in my home. I use a 100’ 4 wire extension cord as to keep the generator away from my house, it is loud but luckily my neighbors don’t live too close. Do not plan on moving this generator with a full tank of gas, at 400lbs it’s hard enough to move as it is. I do recommend this generator and would feel confident in my wife or children to be able to hook it up in time of need if I’m not around.
GP17500E purchased 2016 is a Great Product in all respects.
EXCEPT TIRES.
Tires are rated for maximum load of 320 Lbs.
The generator weighs 390 Lbs.
Gas is 6 Lbs a gallon. It holds 16 Gal of gas. 6×16=96Lbs.
390+96 Lbs= 496 total weight
What is up with that?
That may be why my tires keep going flat. My generator is stationary and not moved, sitting on concrete pad.
Generac replaced two wheels and they sent the exact same wheels with tires.
No help they go flat also.
Found out yesterday from GENERAC parts, they are now going to use solid wheels which will fit my generator.
However, I am concerned about excessive vibration with solid wheels not handling the vibration as like the tubeless tires I have.