Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #158455 in Home Improvement
• Brand: Coleman
• Model: PMA525500

Features

• 5500 running watts/6,875 max watts
• Tecumseh 11 HP engine
• 5-gallon tank provides 9.5 hours run time at 50% load
• Includes pneumatic wheels and handle kit
• Four 120volt and one 120/240-volt outlet

From the Manufacturer
This Tecumseh powered 11hp Coleman Powermate portable generator boasts 5500 watts of continuous power and 6,875 watts of maximum power. The unit has a 5 gallon gas tank which provides up to 9.5 hours of run time at 50% load. The overhead valve engine provides improved fuel efficiency, longer life, less noise, and easier maintenance. The Premium Plus 6,875 watt generator has an easy start engine with a run stop switch offering seamless operation. The Premium Plus 6,875 generator has cast iron sleeves on the engine to provide extra protection from wear and tear. This generator has a control panel with four 120-volt outlets and one 120/240-volt locking outlet with circuit breaker protection allowing for portable power anywhere you need it. Enjoy the ease of the patented Cordkeeper which keeps cords plugged into the outlet. This generator is backed with a 2 year limited warranty. It is supported by the Powermate Corporation toll-free 24/7 consumer hotline 800-445-1805.

Customer Reviews

Good homeowner security for power outages
I actually purchased one of these generators shortly after Katrina hit the gulf in prep for a natural disaster with an extended power outage. I've not had one yet where it lasted long enough to need it, but my brother ~10 miles away had one for a full week in Dec 2006 (and luckily had a generator). In Dec 2007 another county in my state had power out for a full week due to a main transmission tower coming down, so those things have shown me no one is invincible to power outages. The hardware stores quickly ran out of generators each time a crisis came, so if you're smart you'll not wait for the crisis to come before considering getting prepared.
When I began shopping for a generator, I quickly found the minimum power/price ratio is 10watts/$1. If you want one with features like electric start or over 8,000 watts (which is where electric start becomes standard), expect the price ratio to be more. I actually got this thru Costco who sold it for $550. They recently quit selling this unit (at least locally for me), so don't necessarily expect it there.
As far as it's performance goes, I just ran it for a couple hours to break it in with some space heaters plugged in for a load. It started for me within 2 pulls. I'm sure some would say it's pretty loud, but noise becomes of little significance to me after the power has been out for 24+ hours and I'm becoming concerned with things like the food in the fridge going bad, etc. This unit comes with 25 amp circuit breakers, so it actually can put out the continuous 5500 watts they say it can (whereas I've seen other generators labeled like "5200 watts" but have 20 amp breakers, so if you run the math 240V*20A=4800Watts). Since a generator like this weighs over 100 lbs, having the wheels so you can move it like a wheelbarrow saves your back. Otherwise the product description tells the rest and I see nothing unexpected to report.
If you're going to store a generator like this for long periods, they recomend doing the following before storing it to minimize problems: Use gas additives to minimize varnish buildup, close the gas valve and drain the carb of gas (or burn all the gas out of it), pour 1 tablespoon of oil into the engine thru the spark plug hole, and slowly crank the engine till it's on the compression stroke (so the valves are closed).
Since I'm pretty sure this can power anything I'd need in my house, I have no fear of a power outage lasting over 24 hours.

Toll Free Number NOT 24/7 like described
The description for this product says:

"It is supported by the Powermate Corporation toll-free 24/7 consumer hotline 800-445-1805."

This is not true - I just called the number above at 6:45 pm EST on a Friday night and I got a recording pushing me to their website. Why is this important? Because their manuals don't tell what type of electrical receptable the generator has on it. Electricians need to know which type of plug configuration it is according to NEMA ( like L5/20R or L6/30R or ???) They need this information so they can make their own cables. Poorly documented.