I, too, bought this generator in response to a long term loss of power during Hurricane Irene. After spending so much money for a couple of days on dry ice for the refrigerator/freezer, I realized I could spend the same money on gasoline for a generator and have the additional benefit of lights and television, and not to mention being ready for future power losses. The generator was very easy to set up and it started right up with its electric starter. I ran the refrigerator, television, numerous lights, and the washing machine. It has enough power to run the critical circuits in the house and I plan to have an Auto-transfer switch installed in the near future. With some judicious planning, I think I can even start/run the smaller of the two air conditioners serving our house for short periods of time. Complaints (so to speak) - I wish it came with a ground wire for use. For safety reasons, the NEC requires the generator to be properly grounded but I imagine many people ignore this because they are only running the generator for a "short" time. Including a ground wire could serve to place extra emphasis on the safety requirement. Also, I wish Generac was more helpful with information regarding sheltering the generator during operations in inclement weather, and information on noise abatement. I imagine it is mainly due to legal liability concerns, but there are some responsible grown-ups out here using the generator.

I had wanted to have an automatic standby generator; but the installation costs quoted by two different contractors was more than I wished to pay. I decided to replace my existing portable generator with one with electric start so that my wife could start it if we lost power when I was not home. The GP8000E met out needs exactly. I am pleased with the quality of construction and features. Assembly was simple, involving installing the legs and wheels, filling the crankcase with the supplied oil, and filling the gas tank. I didn't need to charge the battery, I just pressed the start button, adjusted the choke, and I was in business.

The area in which I live is always losing power. I was looking for a small generator to just run the essentials, like furnace, air conditioner, refrigerator. But this portable generator runs the whole darn house! Of course, I don't have a very big house, but this is GREAT! And so easy to start! I'm very happy!

I spent the extra couple of bucks to get the electric start model for my wife. I'm in law enforcement and if I'm ever stuck at work during an emergency, I want it to be easy for her to set up and get things going. Right out of the box, set up was easy. Followed the directions and fired it up with the electric start. I let it run for a bit and it didn't seem any louder than any other generator that I've been around. Very happy with it.

Generator was purchased during the Northeast's infamous "end of August 2011 storm" and provided excellent whole house emergency power throughout that week long period, and the subsequent week long storm emergency the following October. The only complaint is that the fuel turn-off valve knob broke off when turned off. Aside from the inconvenience of transporting it back to the dealer, the problem was quickly rectified under guarantee and with out question.

Bought this as a replacement for a Coleman 5500 Vertex that quit producing power. Assembly was straight forward for the wheel kit and handle. Started right up and is noticeably quieter than my old unit. I like the pull cord backup if the battery is dead. Its also nice that is has a fuel gauge. My complaints are the non-charging engine so the battery is only charged from the included 120 volt charger. The other complaint is the electric start switch is on the front panel of the unit and the choke which you have to set before starting and then adjust/turn off upon starting is on the end of the unit. Either move the switch near the choke or add a choke adjustment cable pull on the front panel.

I already had a Generac Pressure Washer and it has worked great so I did some research on their portable generators and they looked like they also had good quality. I purchased one a few weeks ago and it is a very well built generator. It has performed better than expected.

This is an excellent generator for the price. Starting with the person that took my order, he answered every question I had and it took no time at all to get it ordered with a delivery date that was met! Assembly was a snap. It took no time at all! I put 4x4's under the frame then installed the axle brackets and the axle. The tires were just a bit wider than the pallet, so once the tires were installed, all I did was roll the generator off the pallet! It started up easily and all plugs put out the voltage that was labeled! I took it to my deer camp and ran the cabin without a hitch! It is a slight bit noisy, but if I have a choice of noise or no electricity, I will take the noise any time!! I have not run my house with it yet, but that is coming up soon. Living on the gulf coast, you never know when a hurricane will come in on you and I will be prepared!! At this point, I give this generator an A++ rating! Once I run the house on it, I will give an update!

I just purchased the GP17500E, Assembly was straight forward (A 2 man job). The over all design of the generator was well thought out, such as the oil fill area is large enough to fill directly, no funnel needed, also the oil drain is a hose, just unscrew the cap and you are draining the oil, couldn't be easier. Customer Support was very knowledgeable and get this, open 24hrs 7 days a week, I thought my company only did that.. If you order on line just be aware on the shipping method, Box Truck means a 52 foot semi trailer which was to heavy to go up your drive way, I grabbed my neighbor who had a pickup truck, unloaded on to the pick up and brought to the house. It all worked out. The generator started right up.

Can you please tell me how to get a new Battery. For some reason The battery that came with the generator is already worn out, it will not hold a charge. Please give me the Site I can go to to get a new one. Hopefully a new one will last and hold a charge.