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)

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Generac GP17500EGenerac GP17500EGenerac GP17500E

This product was discontinued. For your convenience, we decided to leave this page up.
If you were looking to purchase it, you may want to have a look at the Generac GP18000EFI, which has similar specs.

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 a nutshell, the Generac GP17500E is a powerful portable generator mostly geared towards:

  • Professionals in need of safely powering high-intensity work or lighting equipment
  • Homeowners who wish to power almost all appliances in their house under any circumstances

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

The Generac GP17500E in use

The Generac GP17500E

Generac GP17500E runs on gasoline, powered by a 992 cc Generac OHVI 4-stroke engine, delivering 120/240V, boasting a running wattage of 17,500W alongside a starting wattage of 26,250W. The impressive running wattage makes this unit the 3rd biggest portable generator currently on the market.

This generator gets running thanks to a simple and elegant electric starter (battery included).

Thanks to a fuel capacity of 16 gallons, the GP17500E can operate for around 10 hours at 50% load with a full tank (fuel consumption around 1.6 GPH).

As the GP17500E has a high THD (<20%), it is not recommended to use it to power sensitive electronic devices.

Outlets

The control panel provides the upcoming 8 AC outlets:

Duplex 120V 20A (5-20R) GFCI
Duplex 120V 20A (5-20R)
Two 120V 30A (L5-30R) receptacles
120/240V 30A (L14-30R) receptacle
120/240V 50A (14-50R) receptacle

Furthermore, it showcases 1 DC outlet: there's a 12V 10A receptacle with which you may charge your batteries with ease.

Despite not having the 'RV Ready' status, this Generac generator provides the benefit of convenient RV compatibility through its L5-30R receptacle, enabling you to easily power your RV using 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

Measuring L48.5 x W31 x H39.5 in, the classic open frame construction of the Generac GP17500E provides stability while enabling convenient maintenance access to components and adequate air cooling. This type of design is ideal for tough environments and heavy outdoor use.

Although this generator is technically considered 'portable' (in the sense that it can be moved), its 390 lbs make it incredibly difficult to manually lift and transport. Nevertheless, the restricted maneuverability is counteracted by its wheel kit (⌀12.3") and its handle, enabling easy shifting once the generator is set in place.

A lift hook located on the top of the frame offers an additional safety feature while facilitating the transport, loading and unloading of the generator.

Features

Panel of the Generac GP17500E

The GP17500E's control panel

Featuring a digital data center on its control panel, the GP17500E offers you convenient access to essential information about the lifetime run hours, facilitating effective monitoring of its activity and status.

With its built-in fuel gauge, the generator provides quick and convenient gas level checks.

As far as security is concerned, the generator comes with an automatic low oil shut-off and an overload protection (circuit breaker), providing 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 20000 W).

  • Considering its weight, the Generac GP17500E registers at a modest 390 pounds, placing it among the lighter generators in the 14000 to 20000 rated wattage selection. If weight is an important consideration for you, the Genmax GM17000iE stands out as one of the top contenders in this power category, with a dry weight of 308.6 pounds.
  • As the GP17500E offers around 10 hours run time on a full tank at a 50% load, it falls within the average autonomy range among the generators of a similar power. For those prioritizing autonomy, the Westinghouse WGen14500DFc could be considered, as it offers one of the longest run times among generators with similar power output, reaching around 11 hours.
  • While the run time is an important parameter, it is dependent on the fuel tank's capacity and thus, doesn't say much on its own unless we consider fuel consumption as well. This generator reaches an estimated fuel consumption of 1.6 GPH (gallon per hour) at a 50% load, making it average, for the previously mentioned wattage range. If you're placing a high priority on fuel consumption, the Westinghouse WGen14500DFc, with a low fuel consumption rate of 0.95 GPH, could be an option to consider.

The bottom line

STRENGTHS:
  • GFCI Outlets
  • Impressive quantity of AC outlets
  • 5 different AC outlet types
  • Electric start
  • Lightweight for its kind (390 lbs)
  • Made in USA
AVERAGE SPECS:
  • Decent run time
  • Decent fuel efficiency
WEAKNESSES:
  • No recoil back-up
  • No remote start

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

General
InverterNo
Parallel capableNo
RV readyNo
FuelGasoline
Engine992 cc Generac OHVI 4-stroke
Starting systemElectric
Warranty2 years
Power
VoltageAC: 120/240V 60 Hz, DC: 12V
Running watts17,500 W
Starting watts26,250 W
Running amps (@120/240V)145.8/72.9 amps
Peak amps (@120/240V)218.8/109.4 amps
Run time @50% load10 h
Run time @25% loadUnknown
Features
GFCI outletsYes
Covered outletsNo
Automatic Voltage RegulationYes
AC outlets
  • 1x Duplex 120V 20A (5-20R) GFCI
  • 1x Duplex 120V 20A (5-20R)
  • 2x 120V 30A (L5-30R)
  • 1x 120/240V 30A (L14-30R)
  • 1x 120/240V 50A (14-50R)
DC outlets1x 12V 10A receptacle
Data centerLifetime run hours
IndicatorsNo
Fuel tank16 gal
Fuel gaugeYes
Misc
Weight390 lbs
Approx. dimensions (L x W x H)48.5 x 31 x 39.5 in
Noise (lower limit)Unknown
THD< 20%
ComplianceEPA
SecurityLow oil and overload protection
Spark arrestorYes
NeutralBonded to frame
Accessories includedTool kit, battery, and wheel kit
Country of originUSA
Other model numbers5735
UPC696471057355

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.

Spec Improvement×

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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?
Examples of items that can be simultaneously powered.
The examples below are based on a maximum load of 80% and estimated wattages. For a more accurate estimation, use our wattage calculator.
ItemRunning WattsStarting Watts
At homeSump pump (1/2 hp)10502150
Furnace fan (1/2 hp)8752350
Refrigerator (energy star)1921192
Clothes dryer54006750
Electric range21002100
Hair dryer18001900
Electric grill16501650
Washing machine9001650
Total13967 W15442 W
For workElectric welder90009000
Table saw18004500
Air compressor (1 hp)16006100
Grinder14002500
Bug zapper8080
Total13880 W18380 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.

Generac GP17500E
8.8 Total Score
1 review
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Price
7
Value
8
Quality
10
Performance
10

User Reviews

  1. 4.4
    Price
    70
    Value
    80
    Quality
    100
    Performance
    100

    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.

    + PROS:
    • Great product
    - CONS:
    • Tires
    Helpful(6) Unhelpful(0)You have already voted this

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