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Generac GP3250 (Discontinued)

The Generac GP3250 (5982) is a portable open frame generator with a rated wattage of 3,250 W and a starting wattage of 3,750 W.

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Generac GP3250Generac GP3250Generac GP3250Generac GP3250

This product was discontinued. For your convenience, we decided to leave this page up.
It was replaced by the Generac GP3600. However, you might still find it second hand on eBay, by clicking on the button below.

Description

An affordable solution for recreational applications. Perfect size for tailgating,camping and power tool use.

Zoom on the Generac GP3250

In a nutshell, the Generac GP3250 is a portable generator mostly geared towards:

  • RV travellers wishing to enhance their freedom and nomad lifestyle
  • Occasional participants of outdoor events, competitions, concerts and festivals
  • Handcrafting enthusiasts who wish to work on-the-go
  • Homeowners who want to be sure of their ability to power their fridges, cooking tools, heating and lighting equipment during power failures

The following sections will present you in detail its power characteristics, the different outlets it offers, its overall portability, the extra features it benefits from, and any relevant emission compliance details.

Power & Run Time

The Generac GP3250 in use

The Generac GP3250

The Generac GP3250's core is the 208 cc Generac OHV 4-stroke engine, which runs on gasoline. With an output of 120/240V, it provides a running wattage of 3,250W and a peak wattage of 3,750W.

This generator gets running thanks to a conventional pull-start mechanism.

Thanks to a fuel capacity of 3.5 gallons, the GP3250 can operate for around 9.7 hours at 50% load with a full tank (fuel consumption around 0.36 GPH).

As the GP3250 has a high THD (<20%), it is not recommended to use it to power sensitive electronic devices.

Outlets

The control panel includes the following 3 AC outlets:

Duplex 120V 20A (5-20R)
120/240V 20A (L14-20R) receptacle

Portability

The design of the Generac GP3250 is a typical, open frame, with the dimensions of L22.75 x W22 x H21 in, offering support and stability and enabling the possibility of raising it 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 110 pounds. Nevertheless, it can still be moved quite conveniently with the help of its wheel kit (⌀8") and its folding handle, once it is placed on the ground.

Features

Panel of the Generac GP3250

The GP3250's 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.

From a security standpoint, the product offers an overload protection (circuit breaker) and an automatic low oil shut-off, allowing you to use it with a peace of mind.

As for its accessories, apart from the previously mentioned features, the Generac GP3250 also comes with the basic documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), allowing you to start it right away.

Emissions

The Generac GP3250 is EPA approved, but NOT CARB-compliant. Thus, it cannot be purchased or sold in California.

However, it features a spark arrestor, which makes it suitable for use in forested areas.

Product Video

The Generac GP3250 versus other generators

The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Generac GP3250 compare to generators of similar power (between 2500 and 3500 W).

  • With a dry weight of 110 pounds, the Generac GP3250 finds itself in the expected weight range for generators able to produce between 2500 and 3500 rated watts. In terms of weight, one of the champions in their power range is the Pulsar PGD40iSCO, standing at just 46 lbs.
  • As the GP3250 offers around 9.7 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. If concerned with autonomy, one of the products of a comparable power output, which offers the highest run time, is the Predator 4375, boasting with around 16 hours.
  • The run time is important, but also hugely depends on the capacity of the fuel tank and doesn't mean much if we don't talk about fuel consumption as well. Compared to its peers, this generator is not exactly fuel efficient, compared to similarly powerful devices, with an estimated fuel consumption of 0.36 GPH at a 50% load. If fuel consumption is your top priority, we suggest to check out the Pulsar PGD40iSCO, which has a fuel consumption of only 0.22 GPH and thus, is one of the most efficient devices in our database.
According to our stats, the following comparison is pretty popular: Generac GP3250 vs Generac GP3300.

The bottom line

STRENGTHS:

The Generac GP3250 doesn't have any specs that exceed those of other generators of its class.

AVERAGE SPECS:
  • Decent weight (110 lbs)
  • Decent run time
WEAKNESSES:
  • No data center
  • No electric start
  • Not CARB-compliant
  • Low fuel efficiency

Do you own the Generac GP3250 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
Engine208 cc Generac OHV 4-stroke
Starting systemRecoil
Warranty2 years
Power
VoltageAC: 120/240V 60 Hz
Running watts3,250 W
Starting watts3,750 W
Running amps (@120/240V)27.1/13.5 amps
Peak amps (@120/240V)31.3/15.6 amps
Run time @50% load9.7 h
Run time @25% loadUnknown
Features
GFCI outletsNo
Covered outletsNo
Automatic Voltage RegulationNo
AC outlets
  • 1x Duplex 120V 20A (5-20R)
  • 1x 120/240V 20A (L14-20R)
DC outletsNo
Data centerNo
IndicatorsNo
Fuel tankSteel, 3.5 gal
Fuel gaugeYes
Misc
Weight110 lbs
Approx. dimensions (L x W x H)22.75 x 22 x 21 in
Noise (lower limit)Unknown
THD< 20%
ComplianceEPA
SecurityLow oil and overload protection
Spark arrestorYes
NeutralBonded to frame
Accessories includedWheel kit
UPC069647159823

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 GP3250 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 generator sizer.
ItemRunning WattsStarting Watts
At homeDish washer15003000
Refrigerator (energy star)1921192
Blender400850
Radio100100
Set of 5 LED light bulbs5555
Total2247 W3747 W
For campingRV AC (11,000 BTU)10101600
RV refrigerator180600
Radiant heater13001300
Radio100100
Total2590 W3180 W
For workGrinder14002500
Milk cooler11001800
Bug zapper8080
Total2580 W3680 W
What is the noise rating of the GP3250?

Due to the lack of standardization in noise emission measurement, Generac does not provide their units' noise levels.

What is the gap setting on the valves on a Generac 3250 engine? (Asked May 25, 2020)

Valve clearances are the following: Intake 0.10mm ± 0.02/0.004" ± 0.0008 (cold) — Exhaust 0.15mm ± 0.02/0.006" ± 0.0008 (cold)

Is the output a pure sine wave? (Asked August 25, 2020)

No. This unit's THD is <20%.

What should the spark plug gap be on a 3250 Generac (Asked December 14, 2021)

Spark plug gap should be 0.030 inch.

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