[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] The first thing I noticed when receiving the generator. It is heavy and the packaging met the needs so it was protected during shipping. There was even a couple strips is 1/2” wood to protect the parts. You will need a couple people to load it into a pickup bed. The first thing I do with all equipment is read the manual and check for missing parts. One very small issue, the bolts in the parts list did not match what was shipped. There were 4 of the M8 bolts and the list showed 8. There were 2 bolts in the. Kit that were not on the parts list but matched where they were needed to be installed. This is not an issue with the unit at all but I do like when the parts list matches what is sent. On to assembly. There isn’t a lot to do to get the unit ready for use. Bolt on the wheels, frame feet and handle. Then add oil and install the included battery and it’s ready for use. The tires are run flat tires and once mounted with the feet the unit sits level. After turning on the breakers and filling with gas I hit the electric start and it fired right up on the second try. I plugged it into my 5th wheel camper. I used my sure protector and it did not show any faults. I then turned on every light, refrigerator, microwave, exhaust fans, two air conditioners, and the furnace. The unit had no trouble at all keeping up with the load in fact pretty much seemed to just idle through. The unit is a tri-gas unit. I plugged in the easy quick connect propane hose and hooked it up to a 20lb propane bottle. I turned the fuel selector knob from gas to propane and it switched flawlessly with just a slight hesitation. I didn’t notice any interruptions with the loads when it switched. After letting the unit set for a few days I pulled it out of the garage and rolled it outside. The very sturdy u shaped handle is great and makes rolling it around a breeze. The temperature was 45 degrees so cool but not cold out. I wanted to try starting with the pull cord. It is a big engine to pull start (500cc) and it started on the second pull. It may have fired on the first pull had I anticipated the force needed to pull it. I let it warm up and plugged in my welder. I don’t typically use a welder on a generator but it is a need occasionally. My welder is a Vulcan Mimas 215, I’d prefer a Miller or Lincoln but I work with what I have. I used it to weld using.30 flux core on 3/16” steel. A little heavier than suggested on 120V power. As soon as I started welding it tripped the 120V GFI reception the generator. Usually I don’t plug into a GFI receptacle for welding but I reset it so I could see if it would actually run my welder. The second time it didn’t trip and yes ran my welder as well as if plugged into shore power. I don’t know why the receptacle didn’t trip the second time but it held. Al in all I love this generator and am anxious to get a transfer switch set up on my electrical panel for the house. And have back up power during a power outage and have a good outlet to run and exercise this beast with a good load on it monthly. The noise this unit produced was not that bad, a lot quieter than others I’ve dealt with.

I bought this unit for backup power 9 months ago. I run it 30 minutes every month. The last time I started it, it leaked a gallon of gas around the generator. Had I not checked after 5 minutes running, I am sure my building and surrounding buildings would have gone up in a huge fire. Needless to say, I returned the unit for a refund. I can't recommend this without knowing what the problem with the generator is! Never, never, another gasoline generator.

I live in the Northeast corridor and have decided this wacky weather is no fun w/o electricity. Purchased the GP6500E w/ manual transfer kit. Assembly was easy. Started right up w/ the electric ignition. Contracted a local electrician to install the transfer box. Straight forward and no surprises, other than needing a 60 amp main breaker. Electrician commented on the box and said the set-up was pretty slick. Prepared and waiting for Mother Natures next haymaker.

Unit came with a dead battery and defective. Tried charging it with the charger they sent with it and it did absolutely nothing. Put in on a real battery charger and that didn't work. Generac said to put this generator in the trunk of my car and take it to a dealer. I certainly can't do that; it's too heavy and it won't fit. I called an authorized Generac dealer and she said most Generacs come with dead batteries. Even her replacement battery is frequently DEAD. This is the last time I purchase anything from Generac as their product quality is much lower than in years past. NEVER get a generator that can't be started manually with no battery. I will try a Dewalt or Kohler product next time.

At this time all I have to go on is the initial set up as I bought this for power outages in our home. If it works as nicely when we have a outage as it did in set up it will give my wife and I a peace of mind which we have not had since we bought a home in this area.

Bought this unit during a major power outage following a wind storm. Easy to set up, but unit didn't like full choke setting to start in high temp. Used 2 120V outlets for my house. One to connect to a strip to power freezer, modem & router in basement. Also ran sump pump b4 connecting to freezer. Connected 2nd outlet to strip on 1st floor to run fridge, LCD TV and fan. Let one of my neighbors use 3rd 120V outlet to run his fridge & freezer. Heard change in pitch of generator, when a compressor powered up. Unit worked without problem for 10½ hours, when commercial power came back up. Used about a full 7.2 gal tank. Very pleased with performance. It was a little noisy in the room next to the deck, where it sat, but not unbearable.

We chose the 6500E over other models due to it's many positive reviews from multiple sites and its features for the price. I especially like the number of available 20 amp outlets plus the 20 foot power cord. I specifically wanted the electric start and the automatic voltage regulation, and the rubber outlet covers are a great addition! Cons: The set-up instruction card had several minor errors and omissions. For example - the set up instructions did not mention that the fuel line was disconnected at the shut-off valve and needed to be connected by the owner. Good thing I saw it during my initial inspection. Suggestions: An onboard voltage meter (and maybe a manual voltage adjustment) would be a great addition, so the output voltage can be monitored without needing a separate meter. And it would be nice to have an onboard power meter showing amperage draw. But, for the price this model is perfectly adequate for our needs. Unfortunately, the week we received our generator, the price dropped $50. Wish I had waited one more week.

I bought it for emergency power for when our tree lined street takes out the power lines. I've only run it for a few minutes so far, to test the breaker box connection. It ran the well pump, furnace, and a few lights without issue. There will be enough power in reserve to keep us comfortable if we have another snow disaster this winter.

The GP8000E works well for running our whole house. We had an outage for 2 days and were able to run our whole house without any issues. We have a well water pump, AC, refrigerator, freezer, lights, etc. We did not encounter any issues. The portability works well for moving and storage.

I was contacted by a neighbor that our area had lost power, and bought a GP6500 on my way home. I followed the operator manual, it started right away and I was able to save the food in our freezer and fridge. In my mind it has paid for itself. This is just the right size to cover critical needs during summer and winter storms.