Generac 5500XL

It really has the power that I need to run my heater, well, tv, Two fridges, Lights & Micro. I did have some problems with the brushes in the first year but when fixed has given me the power I need. Good on fuel too. Wish it had solid tires instead of the air tires but it is still a great Gen.

I got this unit in 1998. I got it for y2K. It was not needed but I wired it into my first house and it could power all of the essentials of that small ranch house. It will not power everything in the current house, but it is only a small generator. It easily picks up lights, the fridge and forced hot air furnace. Everything that you would need for a winter power outage. For the second house, the power requirements are a bit different. Unfortunately I have, and sometimes need, a .5 HP sump pump. This starts and stops a lot when the ground is saturated after a really bad storm(exactly the time when you need a generator.) The sump pump unfortunately needs 2100 watts to start and that sucks up a lot of power from one leg of the generator(2750 total watts capability) That means that when we fire up the generator, we need to start the sump pump first, then fire up the fridge on the opposite circut then add the other items in the house. Once the big items are running, this unit performs well carrying the base load. It just cant take the entire load at start up at once. Execute the planned start up and everything goes well.

As a side note, if you had a deep well pump, or an electric water heater, you would have to manage the load just like I do with my sump pump.

I would recommend this unit again to anybody. It has take care of us during every winter storm so far.

Purchased my Generac 5500XL with a Generac transfer switch back in 1999 after having suffered a flooded basement when the electric went out for four days in the winter. Can't run a sump pump without the power. Now, the sump pumps, refrigerators, freezer, furnace and a couple of lighting circuits (including the TV outlet) are powered by the unit. Keep it in a Suncast Horizontal Garden Shed (4-1/2 ft. x 3 ft.) which has two swing out doors and a top that tilts up, so it gets plenty of air circulation when it's running. In the winter when it's snowing or anytime when it's raining I can keep the top lowered, prop the doors open and let it run; it's protected from the elements. When the electric goes out, I plug it in to the box mounted on the outside of the house, start it up (1 pull most of the time, 2-3 pulls at the most) and flip the transfer circuit switches. In our neighborhood, the power can go out 3 to 4 times a year, so having the unit has been a lifesaver. It has run flawlessly for twelve years during these outages, often for several days at a time. Only wish it had a option of electric start so my wife could feel more comfortable using it when I'm not around. Being a commercial unit, it has a higher sound level than some others, but it's reassuring to hear it running and know it's doing its job. I would definitely recommend this model. At the time I bought it I thought it was a little pricey, but it has saved me much more in value over the years, that its cost has been well amortized. It has a long life ahead of it still.

This generator is awesome! I have owned this generator for 12 years. This thing starts by the 3rd pull in any weather (1 or maybe 2 pulls in spring/summer). I keep stable in the tank and when I'm done using it, turn the gas off and let the carb run dry. I have only had one problem with this and that was because the power to the house was restored and the wife turned the power on from the utility, with the generator still hooked into the system and running. OOPS!

A set of brushes later, it has run like a top. Only a 4 star rating because of the lack of hour meter, wheel kit and electric start.

I have had this model for 10 years and have done nothing but change spark plug every couple of years and change the oil and filter once or twice a year. The recoil rope did break this year, but I cant complain on a ten year old generator now. It is a bit noisy, but they all are,, I like the idle feature on it. Most newer generators dont have that option.

The Generac 5500XL is a great Generator it works flawlessly. and it runs about 16 hours on a tank of gas. I would buy another if I needed it. and the best thing about it. It was built in the USA. the engine is one of the best Briggs and Stratton has ever built I would buy another if I need it. Thanks Generac.

Generac 5500XL - My neighbor got this unit and broke it in as directed. He ran his fridge, TV, fan and 2 lights.

His next door neighbor ran the same appliances, also we ran extention cords across the street to my house and I ran TWO refrigerators TWO fans 3 lights and a Big TV with satelite.

The generator ran at mid power most of the time, and when several things started at once it did just fine.

Fuel consumption after break-in with this load was better than advertised. We got 10 hrs on 4 gallons. Power came back after 44 hours and I saved 200.00 in food. The three of us split the fuel cost. As soon as I can I will buy one of my own so I can add a window A/C.

I give this unit my best recomendation.