LP5500 Generac Portable Generator

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MDFisherman

MDFisherman

Burning Hunk
Sep 17, 2012
171
So. MD
For a variety of reasons we are considering purchasing the LP5500 portable generator. I was wondering if anyone on here has already purchased one how you like it?

The only negative reviews I have heard are related to being hard to start. (no electric start)

My only other concern was the voltage it put out. I realize this is sub par to an inverter type generator but for the price it seems hard to beat. Has anyone put a volt meter on the 240 side of this generator?


Heres the link below

http://www.amazon.com/Generac-6001-Portable-Generator-Compliant/dp/B00BD615VI




Thank you all in advance. BTW plan B for a large generator would be an EM series Honda.
 
If you have a heated garage or basement to keep it in, then the starting shouldn't be such an issue.

The advantage of propane is that it isn't going to go bad where as if you don't use the fuel up in a gas genny, even when stabilized, needs to be run though something else and new fuel put in periodically.

A disadvantage of propane is it's going to cost a bunch to keep enough tanks around for several days worth of continuous use if you don't have them already.

Also, in the event of an emergency for an extended period of time, I would imagine that it would be easier to find more gasoline somewhere than it would be to find a propane filling station.

I was very tempted to go propane, but then I chickened out and went with a gas 5500 watt unit. The gas unit has been great for me. I fill it up with 91 octane non-ethanol gas and keep stabilizer in it, and keep another 15 gallons of the same fuel around, and make sure I use that fuel somewhere within a year and then refill with more.

Also, no matter what you get, remember just sitting isn't good for them. They should be run periodically for the benefit of the generator itself.

I have a friend with a propane generator, and he is shocked at the amount of fuel it goes through (4500 watt unit for his camper)

pen
 
Generac used to make some pretty good units, tho it seems a lot of their stuff these days is chinese made and hit or miss. If the warranty is good, might be OK.

What are you planning to power with it? 5500 watts gives you a 20A 240V outlet which may be enough, but it depends on your plans for when the power goes out. If this is for home backup, make sure you get the correct transfer / inetrlock.
 
Ad says it has an L14-30, which technically requires 7200 watts to deliver 30A @ 240V. Hmm, not sure I believe that a 5500 W genny will give you 30A. I'd confirm that 100% before buying.
 
Last edited:
I have a different brand but also went with LP. I have four tanks filled which never go bad, and when the power went out and the gas stations couldn't pump, I could still get propane filled :). Tie in a transfer switch to your mains panel and you have full control over what you want run and when. Very convenient and cost effective.
 
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I have a genius solution for you all regarding propane tanks. I have 5 of them and didn't pay squat for them. Find someone with an expired tank. You can find them everywhere...craigslist will have them "Propane tank half-full..free". Use it up and then go to Walmart and do a blue rhino exchange with your old expired tank. Blue Rhino allows you to SELECT the tank of your choice. When they open the cage find the newest tank. Now for $17 (the cost of a tank swap at walmart here in Mass. ) you get a 3/4 full tank that is good for 10+ years. That sure beats paying $30+ for a new tank and then $15 to fill it...and once you use it then fill it :)



BTW
I have a LP generator. I LOVE it. The oil lasts an eternity because it doesn't get dirtied the way a gas generator does. I bought a Sportsman 4000LP a few years ago after losing power too many times. It does what I need..and lasts 10-12 hours continuous on a single 40lb tank.


Because it's 110v only I built my own pass through...they sell male inlets on amazon that you can put in an all weather box outside...I set up 2 of those each wired to an isolated receptacle in my living room. I run 2 20ft extension cords from the generator to the inlets and then plug things in in my house to the single outlet. It comes in handy in the winter when your wood stove is cranking and the power is out and you don't have to crack the slider to run the cords...
 
Around here, it's 5 bucks to take an expired tank in (to a regular propane place) and get it re-certified if it's still in good shape.... Doing so, is why what was just described with blue rhino works.
 
Have you got NG piped in? if so and this for home power when mains are down that is the best option. Cheapest fuel wise also. Propane can be a problem unless there is a exaust heater circuit on the the regulator. Same goes for CNG. Depending on your area temps wise. Piped NG doesn't suffer this.
 
As far as the connection goes, I have a 240 v inlet box that feeds an interlocked breaker. When I need water, I use the big 240 v. generator, and other times I use the little 120 v. generator. I've wired a plug so that the little one feeds both legs; seems to work well-no wires and plugs. Have to watch usage, but that's the case anyway.
 
Phoenix Hatchling said:
I have a different brand but also went with LP. I have four tanks filled which never go bad, and when the power went out and the gas stations couldn't pump, I could still get propane filled :). Tie in a transfer switch to your mains panel and you have full control over what you want run and when. Very convenient and cost effective.
Click to expand...

Which model did you decide to go with? Any problems with the cleanliness of the power it puts out?
 
blades said:
Have you got NG piped in? if so and this for home power when mains are down that is the best option. Cheapest fuel wise also. Propane can be a problem unless there is a exaust heater circuit on the the regulator. Same goes for CNG. Depending on your area temps wise. Piped NG doesn't suffer this.
Click to expand...


No natural gas, I wish. I would run everything off it!!


EncoreInMass said:
I have a genius solution for you all regarding propane tanks. I have 5 of them and didn't pay squat for them. Find someone with an expired tank. You can find them everywhere...craigslist will have them "Propane tank half-full..free". Use it up and then go to Walmart and do a blue rhino exchange with your old expired tank. Blue Rhino allows you to SELECT the tank of your choice. When they open the cage find the newest tank. Now for $17 (the cost of a tank swap at walmart here in Mass. ) you get a 3/4 full tank that is good for 10+ years. That sure beats paying $30+ for a new tank and then $15 to fill it...and once you use it then fill it :)



BTW
I have a LP generator. I LOVE it. The oil lasts an eternity because it doesn't get dirtied the way a gas generator does. I bought a Sportsman 4000LP a few years ago after losing power too many times. It does what I need..and lasts 10-12 hours continuous on a single 40lb tank.


Because it's 110v only I built my own pass through...they sell male inlets on amazon that you can put in an all weather box outside...I set up 2 of those each wired to an isolated receptacle in my living room. I run 2 20ft extension cords from the generator to the inlets and then plug things in in my house to the single outlet. It comes in handy in the winter when your wood stove is cranking and the power is out and you don't have to crack the slider to run the cords...
Click to expand...



Thanks for the info. I was weary of the sportsman and the power they put out. I already have a Honda inverter for all my 120 needs. The new generac stuff does seem a little scary. I would prefer a more reputable name for such an investment.

Does any one have recommendations for a 240V LP generator that they have used with good success?

Thanks to all
 
Kohler = Good, Generac = Junk. (From years of experience servicing them)
 
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