Look for a used 5500 Generac on Facebook Marketplace. Because so many people forget maintenance, you can often find a "non-starting" unit for $150. Clean the carburetor ($15 for a rebuild kit), and you have a $700 generator for a fraction of the price. Disclaimer: Wattage needs vary by appliance brand and altitude. Always consult a licensed electrician before connecting a generator to your home's panel.
However, a common complaint regarding the 5500 Generac engine is the noise . At 23 feet, it registers roughly 84 dBA. That is about as loud as a city traffic jam. If you are camping, your neighbors will know you are there. If you are working on a construction site, no one will bat an eye. This is the million-dollar question. With 5,500 running watts, you are in the "sweet spot" of portable power. You are not in the tiny 2,000-watt camping class, nor are you in the heavy 15,000-watt industrial class. 5500 generac
Almost every owner report confirms that the plastic fuel float on the GP5500 sticks. You will look at the gauge, see "Half tank," and run out of gas 20 minutes later. Solution: Use a wooden dipstick or shake the tank. Look for a used 5500 Generac on Facebook Marketplace