Product Description

DC Output: 12V, 8 AMP/ Displacement: 63ml/ Engine: 2 horsepower/

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #12446 in Lawn & Patio
• Brand: Blue Max
• Model: GEN 1250
• Dimensions: 14.40" h x 14.70" w x 17.10" l,

Features

• Engine: 2 horsepower
• DC output: 12-Volt
• 8-Amp
• Starting system: recoil
• This item is not for sale in California/non CARB compliant

From the Manufacturer
Engine: 2-Horsepower, DC Output: 12-Volt, 8 AMP. Starting system: recoil. This item is not for sale in California/Non CARB compliantWeight-40.75;Height-14.40;Length-17.10;Width-14.70

Customer Reviews

Decent product for the price, but beware defects.
I've only taken this thing tent camping once (in Oct 2007), but it did work to my expectations. Make no mistake, it is NOTHING FANCY. But considering you could buy about SEVEN of these puppies for the same price as ONE Honda EU1000i, I thought I would give it a shot. So far, I'm pleased.

My least favorite thing about it is that you've got to pre-mix the oil into the gasoline, like you do with some lawnmowers. The special "two-stroke" oil comes in a little bottle, and you pour a small amount (read directions) into the gasoline canister before filling the generator's tank with the mixture. The oil itself is not expensive, but they don't sell it just anywhere; you gotta go to a decent hardware store (i.e. I couldn't find it at Target, but I did find it at Lowe's). So far, this is the only real drawback I experienced; and frankly, it's not that bad.

The unit weighs about 40 lbs. That puts it in the lightest class of generator that I could find. There may be a couple out there that are slightly lighter - but not by more than a few pounds.

Starting up the unit requires about five steps done in order. For some people, 5 steps is about 3 or 4 steps too many, so if you're not mechanically inclined, I'd keep the instructions handy (page 9) until its operation becomes second nature to you. Again, it's really not that bad.

We ran it for about 1.5 tanks of gas, occasionally stopping and restarting when we left the camp site for a bit. Usually, it started on about the 3rd pull. One time it got fussy and I had to pull it about 7-8 times, but that was just one of the starts.

As for the noise, it's not too bad either. It's just slightly louder than the EU1000i, and you could buy a truckload of earplugs with the $650 you'll save. Of course, instead of earplugs, I just bought one of those orange utility extension cords and placed the generator off to the side of my camp site (about 20 feet away). The noise was barely noticable, and certainly didn't hinder a normal conversation.

In short, this is a decent product for the amazingly cheap price tag, and it opened up so many new options for our campsite. If it craps out on me, I'll be sure to update my review to let y'all know!

UPDATE #1 (May 2008): Sad to report that this item was stolen from my toolshed. While I was pretty ticked off about it, I've got to laugh just a little. If I had I bought the much more expensive model (which I almost did), I'd be in tears right now. As it is, I just decided to buy another one of these. That, and to put a better lock on my shed.

UPDATE #2: Received my new "replacement" generator, and... it was defective. A sizable dent in the casing that houses the spindle, which prevents the spindle from moving (thereby preventing the unit from staeting). I guess this is the risk of buying the less expensive model. My recommendation to you: make a full visual inspection of your new unit BEFORE you fill 'er up with gas. You cannot ship a generator that has already been fueled - even if you empty the tank.

UPDATE #3 (June 2008): Why did Amazon raise the price of this item?? When I bought it, it was about $115, and it looks like they pushed it up to $145 - no small increase. My original review was titled "Decent product for the price," but now that I've experienced a did, AND they price went up, I've changed the title to what you now see above. I should also note that there are 2 other generators for sale on Amazon in the same weight class which used to be slightly more expensive than this one, but which are now slightly cheaper. I don't remember the brand, but they look almost like this one, except one is green and the other is yellow. Do a search for "camping generators" and all three come up.

Small Generator
I wanted a small quiet generator to run a couple of fans and accessories.
This is quiet enough that at 50 feet away it is barely noticeable. It is a 2 cycle motor so requires a pre-mix and the tank is under a gallon, but that is approximately 4 hours with a light load. I would recommend this for anyone not needing over a kilowatt output and can refill every four hours. The pre-mix gasoline should be considered a deciding factor for those not familiar with it.

Works well once you've repaired shipping damage.
I bought this unit specifically as a mid watt power source in case of 9/11 shenanigans. It arrived at my place in a box and appeared well packaged. It would not start. I then went forth with diagnostics. As with any engine check fuel, air and spark first if it won't start. Turns out it was delivered with a broken spark plug.Started right up when I replaced it. Runs well with synthetic 2 cycle oil 50 to 1. Does exactly what its advertised to do- 800 w continuous, 1250w for short bursts. It will run a 12 amp circular saw for short jobs. Except for a stripped handle screw, no other problems. I recommend this product only for people with some mechanical knowledge. If you buy it make sure it works immediately! If you save it unused for an emergency you may be unpleasantly surprised, or if you take it camping without tools or parts.