In the course of your search for a new portable generator, you may have come across the Generac 5978 GP7500E. In this review, we will give you all the information you need to make an educated decision about whether this is the right generator for you. We will give details about the engine, power output, tank capacity, fuel economy, runtime, dimensions, weight, and much more. We will also show you how this model stacks up against its competitors and what consumers are saying about this specific model. Want to skip the details? See a summary of the Generac 5978 generator here.
Generac 5978 7500-Watt Gasoline Portable Generator Review
Description and Specifications
This generator comes with a single touch electric start for hassle-free and quick startup. There is also a backup recoil pull start. It has an hour meter, low-oil shutdown, and covered outlets. The convenient fold-down locking handle and never-flat wheels make wheeling it around easy and provide compact storage. For added durability, it has a heavy-duty hardened steel cradle. The generator comes equipped with circuit breaker-protected outlets that guard against overloads and a regulation system for the voltage. It also comes with a low-tone muffler to ensure quiet operation.
Engine and Power Output
Equipped with Generac’s air-cooled 420cc OHV engine, this generator provides 9,375 starting wats and 7,500 running watts. Its engine runs at 3,600 rpms. The engine is splash lubricated, which increases its performance and lifespan. The power output of this generator is enough to run several large appliances simultaneously. For example, it could easily operate your house lights, refrigerator, TV, and AC all at once. However, it is important to calculate the running and starting wattages of your specific appliances.
Tank Capacity, Fuel Economy, and Runtime
This Generac 5978 model comes with a 7.5-gallon fuel tank, which can run for up to 12 hours, and a fuel gauge. The fuel economy is estimated to be around 1.33 gallons per hour at the max output and 0.68 gallons per hour at 50% output.
Breakdown of the Control Panel and Outlets
The control panel has everything you need to power most appliances and devices. It has a simple layout and includes the following:
- One 120/240V 30A L14-30R Twist Lock Outlet
- One 30A 2P
- Two 120V 20A 5-20R Duplex GFCI Outlets
- A Battery Charger Input Jack
- Two 20A 1P Circuit Breakers
- A Start/Run/Off Switch
- An Hour Meter
The hour meter makes it easy to keep track of maintenance intervals, and the battery charger input jacks make it easy to keep the electric battery for the starter charged.
Dimensions and Weight
The 7500E is a bit on the heavy side at 197 pounds. The unit has a length of 28.8″, a width of 27.25″, and a height of 25.75″. When extended, its length is 45.38″. This GP7500E is actually a bit lighter than many other models of similar power output and dimensions.
Noise and Safety
The noise level for the 7500E has not been tested. However, the low-tone muffler cuts the noise levels down significantly. Some reviewers say that it is a little too loud while others say it is louder than some other models but not irritatingly so. This generator comes with a low-oil shutoff and overload protection that keep it from becoming damaged. The outlets come with a cover to keep them free of debris from the environment and rugged conditions. The generator does not come with a carbon monoxide detector.
Portability of the Generac 5978 7500-Watt Gas Portable Generator
This generator is quite large and, at 197 pounds, heavy for a portable generator. But that is to be expected for its power output and size although it is a few pounds lighter than most other models of similar power output and dimensions. The never-flat wheels and folding handle make moving it around your home or campsite or into a trailer fairly easy. The hardened steel cradle provides a strong and convenient way for two people to pick up and move the generator around or place it in the back of a truck.
Certifications and Warranty
The GP7500E is CSA certified, meaning that it has been tested against the North American standards for compliance, safety, and accountability. It is not CARB certified, so it cannot be sold or used in the state of California. This model also comes with a two-year limited parts-only warranty and a one-year limited parts and labor warranty.
Common Problems and Parts
Some reviews indicate that the screw for the carburetor was loose or the choke was missing. A few other reviewers had issues where the valves would get stuck open, and the generator would backfire, die, and not restart. A very small number of consumers reported that the engine exploded, sending oil shooting out. However, most of the consumers who have reviewed this generator are satisfied with their purchase.
Additional Features
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | 4-stroke |
| Engine Displacement | 420cc |
| Amperage | 62.5A @ 120V |
| Running Watts | 7,500 |
| Peak Watts | 9,375 |
| Fuel Type | Gas |
| Tank Capacity | 7.5 gal. |
| Max. Runtime | 12 hours |
| Dimensions | 28.8″ x 26.8″ x 26.0″ |
| Weight | 210 lbs. |
| Noise Level | 70-75 dBA |
| Certifications | CSA Certified, EPA Approved |
| Warranty | 2-years parts |
Price
The majority of consumers agree that the price for this generator is reasonable and competitive with generators that have a similar power output. The unit does not come assembled out of the box, so that is something you will want to consider before making a purchase.
How Does the Generac 5978 Compare With Its Competitors?
What Are Consumers Saying About the Generac 5978
Most consumers report that they are happy with the overall quality for the price. Some said it was too loud but not excessively so. People were generally happy with the power output of this model and reported that it makes a great backup generator when there is a power outage or when out camping. The power output of the GP7500E is enough for most outdoor activities or job sites.
Here are some of the pros and cons reported by those who have bought the GP7500E.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Good portability system
- CSA Compliant
- Large fuel tank
- Solid steel frame
- Foam air filter that can be washed
- Easy to access in-line starter fuse
Cons
- A bit loud
- Not CARB compliant
- Heavy
- Does not charge the starter battery
- Does not include an extra fuse
Additional Resources
Is the Generac 5978 for You?
If you are looking for a portable generator that has a higher output but a competitive price point, then this generator might be just right for you. It is easy to use and start and comes with basic safety features, like low-oil shutoff and circuit breaker-protected outlets to shield the generator from damage. It does not have a carbon monoxide detector, and it is not CARB compliant. So, if you live in California, this generator is not for you.
It is on the heavy side. The fuel efficiency is decent for a generator of this size. Overall, this generator provides good value for the price and can power several large appliances. The portability kit that comes with it makes wheeling it around easy despite its weight, and you won’t ever have to worry about a flat tire thanks to the solid 9.5″ never-flat wheels.
If you only need to power a few things that do not require many watts, you may want to look into a model with less power output. This will offer you a lower price and better fuel efficiency in most cases. When choosing a generator, it is important to know what the total running and starting watts are for the appliances you want to power. After you have these numbers, choosing a generator becomes a bit easier.
Generac 5978 7500-Watt Gasoline Portable Generator
Why Choose Generac?
Generac has been specializing in emergency power generation for more than 50 years. Since 1959, the company has strived for consistent innovation. This has led to advanced technological solutions for more efficient and reliable generators. The high quality, reliability, and competitive price points have led many mission-critical industries such as hospitals, data centers, and emergency services to choose only Generac generators for their portable and emergency power needs.
Generac offers solutions for home, commercial, and industrial power needs. The manufacturer has taken what it has learned about the needs of homeowners and applied some of the features from its line of industrial generators to residential models. This has led to innovative at-home generators that homeowners can count on. Their portable generators are great for both at-home backup power and power on the go. The versatility, quality, and reliability of the Generac brand have made it the go-to brand for backup power needs.
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FAQs
Generac states that only 10W-30/SAE30 oil should be used in the GP7500E.
The wheels on this Generac 5978 model are 9.5″. They are solid, never-flat wheels that ensure reliable portability.
The maximum run time of the GP7500E is 11 hours at 50% output. It can run much longer than this if you are using less than 50% of its max power output. At 50% power usage, this generator will consume about 0.68 gallons of gasoline per hour.
Any type of regular gasoline can be used in this generator. You should not put mixed gas or diesel into this generator.
Yes. All generators manufactured by Generac are tested in the factory. The engines are oiled before they leave the facility.
Yes, with 7,500 running watts and 9,375 starting watts, this generator can power several large appliances. To know what you can run with this generator or what size generator you need, you will need to sum up the starting watts and running watts of each appliance you want to run on the generator and ensure the total of each is less than the max output of the machine.
No, you must charge the battery regularly in order to maintain efficiency. The generator does not charge its own battery while running.
The electric starter battery for this model is 12 volts.
No, this Generac model is not CARB compliant and cannot be sold or used in the state of California.