Firman WH03242 4000 Watt Dual Fuel Inverter Generator - Unboxing, Initial Start and Testing

This Firman generator was on sale at Costco (purchase time Mar 2022), we wanted a generator which could handle our RV, including running the 13,500 BTU Air Conditioner. We unbox it, conduct the initial start up in both Gas and LPG (Propane) and test to see if the generator can handle the RV and air conditioner, Spoiler Alert - It can!
Other KZbinrs on their channels, commented about this rig being loud, I have an old Predator 2500 which is about the same sound level, if not louder.
Background Music -
Hot Rod - Purple Planet Music
Philly Crew -

[@jchoward6451]

Rob, thanks so much for posting. We bought this model from Costco last year sometime, only now tried starting it. Naturally, nothing worked. Your video showed me the battery connector, a big "ah HAH!!" moment. I musta' missed that step in the initial instructions, but at least I still had the side cover off from filling oil. Went from "oh sheiser" to YAHOO!! thanks to your video. Cheers!

[@RobC41]

@jchoward6451 Great deal! I hope you find your generator a good purchase! We are still happy with it.

[@nicolettechristina1862]

Great video thank you!! We just bought ours. This was so helpful. Pull start instructions start at 9:24 Electric push start instructions start at 9:56

[@shojus]

I own the same generator and have been extremely happy so far. I am running strictly off of propane for now, cause that allows me to store a lot of propane instead of gas that has the potential to get water in it. Thanks for the detailed review! 👍

[@RobC41]

Thanks for commenting and sharing your experience with this generator. Glad to hear you are happy with it. Me as well!

[@RobC41]

Shojus, since you are primarily using propane, can you answer a question travis lavender asked above. How long can you run this generator on propane? I'm assuming he is talking about a 20 lbs bottle?

[@shojus]

@@RobC41 I answered it to the best of my knowledge. Thanks for trying to get questions answered, that's being a great content creator 4 sure, so good on you!

[@glr]

This step-by-step video is exactly what I needed. First time using a generator OR propane and need to be prepared to set this up in the dark.

[@newbigjon]

Great detail, loved the practical aspect of this walkthrough

[@lindseyowoo4018]

Huge help getting us set up and started. Thank you!!

[@gratefulbutterfly13]

First of all, thank you very much for taking time out to do this video as a woman I like reading but my understanding with some things can be a little difficult for me, so I appreciate you showing each part as you go through unboxing and hooking up the propane and the gas and making sure we are aware of certain connections that we may overlook so thank you again For all of your help and your knowledge🕉☮️🦋🤗

[@RobC41]

Thank you for your kind words and taking the time to comment. Happy the video was helpful.

[@mr.duanesharpe]

Why do you have to say “as a woman” as if you can’t do what men do. IJS. We are all capable of learning woman/man. Yea

[@fredregimbeau9334]

Thank Rob! Perfect unboxing and step by step first start!

[@bandck8752]

Thanks Rob just bought one at Costco in Canada and watched this excellent informative video which i liked how u explained everything several times, appreciate it, oh and hi from Ontario Canada ,

[@RyD-i3n]

Huge help! Thank you so much sir!

[@RobC41]

You're welcome ,sir! Thanks for viewing and commenting

[@ericg5877]

Awesome man thank you for this video . After hurricane Ian I realized the most important things to power was 1) My well pump, 2) My refrigerator. As long as I got food and water I can wait a week or two before power comes back Ian was a disaster and we had power in 3 days. If it powered the AC for your RV, I'm sure a 1HP water pump is a joke to this generator

[@RobC41]

Eric G, agreed, this generator should handle well pump and frig with ease.

[@Mi_Tony]

Great video! Bought mine at Costco as well. Being delivered today. Already have gas mixed with stabilizer so I’ll be ready when it gets here.

[@kevinshea5819]

Lol. Just got mine 10 hours ago..

[@Mi_Tony]

@@kevinshea5819 still hasn’t been delivered. Got sent on a mini tour of Michigan. Was in town and then it wasn’t. Missloaded at the UPS hub that’s literally 3 miles away. Should be here today according to UPS. 😂

[@RobC41]

@@Mi_Tony Hope you get it soon, if you haven't already and enjoy the purchase!

[@TurboDV8]

Interesting your observation that you have to press hard on the starter button. I watched several videos on this model generator before I purchased mine, and nobody seemed that they had to get into an awkward position or press really hard at a certain angle on the switch. Then I bought mine, and I experienced what you experienced. Thinking it was a cheap Chinese switch that just needed some breaking in, I unhook the battery and cycled the starter switch 30 or 40 times. Went to hook the battery up, the starter switch seem to work normally, but the next morning was right back to his old Antics. So I returned it and purchase another one. The new one doesn't require any hard pushing or pressing up on the switch at a certain angle like my first one, and apparently yours does also. Just definitely some quality control issues in this 25-cent switch

[@RobC41]

Hello TurboDV8 and thanks for commenting. Yes, I find your observations interesting and having me wonder if taking back my generator and trying another would have solved the hard to press button?? I recently came back from a RV trip boondocking and used the generator more than ever, everyday for a week! The button isn't too bad or I'm getting use to it. Maybe like you mentioned, it is breaking in??? You might be on to something as others commenting on this generator has not mentioned the hard to push start button deal.

[@semimba]

thanks! the instructions said nothing about the battery connection. I will check that out shortly

[@RICHTHERAPY]

Nice job covered the essentials.

[@ElaineToombs]

This video helped me with the setup of my brand-new Firman generator. Thank you, I just subscribed!!!

[@RobC41]

Glad it helped! Thanks for subscribing!

[@pjoneal12]

I shake my oil too bro. That's the correct way to do it.

[@chrisfrost5646]

Thank you for the video. Very informative.

[@cristinalusardi2857]

Muchas gracias por éste magnífico video.

[@FrankMelendez-k1n]

Thank you for the well done video. Really helped me out.

[@Guitarded1000]

Very helpful! Thanks for making the video

[@RobC41]

Glad it was helpful!

[@TJ-hd5ym]

Right on!

[@bobcausey1997]

Nice bit of kit

[@angelguajardo5518]

Very helpful thank you.

[@MrRChitty]

Great video. You can also do this with ECO mode on. I've used similar designed generators and they all have been successful in starting that 13.5k AC unit without any issue.

[@RobC41]

Good to know, I have not attempted to run the AC in Eco mode.

[@jaimelirizarry4335]

Dear Rob Please do the sound level test, so I can decide to buy for use at my apartment's porch. Blessings

[@RobC41]

@Jaime Irizarry, I will see what I can do. The best I have is a sound meter app on my phone. I think I saw a video with a good sound test on a comparison test with other generators, if I find it, I will link it.

[@jaimelirizarry4335]

@@RobC41 Oh! thank you Rob for your kind prompt response. Yes, you are right and because in that video the unit resulted with significantly more noise than specs and in very limited number of reviews out there, such as in the Costco site there is counter argument reporting as sufficiently quiet and even suggesting improper setting by others reporting as noisy, I would love to get another opinion. Blessings

[@RobC41]

@@jaimelirizarry4335 I attached a link which I just found, I hadn't viewed previously. I think the KZbinr does a great job comparing 3 generators with similar specs. kzbin.info/www/bejne/rYSon6yXp9mjgqc You mentioned this was going on an apartment porch, I can see the need for getting a quiet rig. In the case of a power outage, I don't think your neighbors will worry about noise? With that said, everything I have read is the Firman is louder than most. My personal opinion, I don't think the difference is significant. Good luck on the decision.

[@planchik]

great and concise video. thank you. do you have to empty the gas tank on it along with oil if you're not going to be using it for a long time? or do you just turn it on every so often to make sure operation?

[@RobC41]

Great Question! If anyone has a better method, please share. Normally I would turn off the gas supply and let the gas run out of the carb bowl. I believe this is not an option on this unit. When turning the knob to LP gas the generator almost immediately shuts off. I try to start the unit at least every month. I have added Sta-bil to the gas and had to use Seafoam as the it started running rough, this did return the running to normal. This action was performed a couple of weeks ago. I have done nothing with the oil to date. Thanks for viewing the video and taking the time to comment!

[@planchik]

@@RobC41 i appreciate the response. do you pour seafoam straight into the gas tank and let it run until it runs out of gas or can you leave the seafoam inside the tank?

[@RobC41]

@@planchik I pour the seafoam right into the tank and attempt to get the ratio - gas to seafoam correct. The gas capacity is 1.8 gallons. I also try to run some fresh gas as well. Right now I'm paying for not running it as much as I should with a stumbling idle. I'm going to switch to propane to see if there is a difference. I also changed the oil for the first time, video of fails and lessons learn to be released soon. I only have 7 hours on the generator and it is just a little under a year old

[@planchik]

@@RobC41 Rob I really appreciate the tips. Good to know about the stumbling idle, I'll keep mine running at least once a month, maybe twice for 10 minutes each time just to keep it going.

[@bradmeyer5542]

@@RobC41 Think it did mention in the manual they recommend you run it for at least 30 minutes each month anyway just to condition it.

[@travislavender744]

Just curious how long it runs on a bottle of propane? I have heard 3 hrs. Any info would be appreciated.

[@RobC41]

Hello Travis, I haven't ran the generator much on propane so I can't answer your question. If I run into a video which addresses this I will add the link, sorry.

[@shojus]

Expect about 1 gallon per hour under a 50% load, so a 20lb tank holds about 4.6 gallons of propane when 100% full. So you can expect a FULL 20lb propane tank to last around 5-6 hours of constant use if running the generator at 50% of it's actual power output. Now, if you are running air conditioning, heat and all kinds of household items that are making your generator run at it's highest output, than expect that 5-6 hours to be cut in half! Most of the time your generator will only be running at around 50% if that, and I have ran at least 8 hours with one FULL 20lb tank just using the basics. Hope this helps a little...

[@prepsolar787]

hello. does your take a few seconds for the display to turn on?

[@RobC41]

@@prepsolar787 yes, 7-10 seconds

[@bradmeyer5542]

@@shojus Isn't that the point of the ECO mode as well; to extend the fuel life?

[@nellybelly623]

Thank you. Sounds like you live in a bird sanctuary. 😉

[@RobC41]

Agreed, the birds wanted to get in on the action during the video. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@jaimelirizarry4335]

@@RobC41 Dear Rob Please do the sound level test, so I can decide to buy for use at my apartment's porch. Blessings

[@glr]

Those birds sounded totally exotic to me in California. I imagined this was filmed in the tropics😎😎.

[@palpal8058]

Thank you ✌️

[@RobC41]

You're welcome! Hope you "liked" the video and "subscribed" to the channel. Either way, thanks for watching and taking the time to comment.

[@palpal8058]

@@RobC41 to you know what's that carburetor adapter used for and when to use it?

[@RobC41]

@@palpal8058 This is only a guess but I have seen videos where they mention adjusting the carburetor for running the generator at high altitudes.

[@nelsondodds2039]

Thanks for the review. Any thought on what the run time on a tank of gas is? (Obviously depending on the load it’s pulling). Maybe a rough estimate..? Thanks again.

[@RobC41]

Hello Nelson, This is straight from the Firman web site - With a 1.8 gallon tank, this beauty will run for 9hrs. Our Max Pro Series 193cc. Personal Experience - I now have 11 hours run time on the unit and used about 3 gallons, no more than 4. Yes this is a rough estimate and have about 1 gal left in the tank. I have added Seafoam to the tank to aid in long duration intervals between starts

[@nelsondodds2039]

@@RobC41 thank you sir!

[@bradmeyer5542]

I read on reddit that one user just ran it for a few hours under ZERO load just to break it in, but I didn't see any mention of that in the instruction manual. Any thoughts on that?

[@RobC41]

I think that is a great idea. I pretty much followed that with the out of box review. I might have fell a few minutes short as I took it to the RV to see if could handle the air conditioner.

[@bradmeyer5542]

@@RobC41 Sounds good. On my next off day, I'm gonna play around with it and see what happens.

[@RobC41]

@@bradmeyer5542 For what it's worth, we boondocked in FL and had to run the generator daily, it did us proud. On the break-in, I think the most important thing is to change the oil often, especially the first one, do it early to remove all the metal particles etc. from the break-in. After that, the starting the gen at least once a month. I'm not sure 30 minute run time is necessary but if the manual states that, who I'm I to argue. Good Luck with your rig!

[@seangholipour3884]

Hi, can you power a house with this generator? What kind of cord and plugs do you need to do that if so? Thanks

[@RobC41]

Sorry for the late response, I doubt you can power up a house with this generator. I wouldn't know about how to wire it up to do so. My application is to power up my RV for boon-docking and emergency home use during a power outage to keep refrigerator going, lights, charging phones etc. I'm sure there are KZbin videos addressing your question. Thanks for viewing and commenting!

[@jimmymancheron2919]

I shake my oil to.... dont know why but..... i shake it ;)

[@slimfastsubaru2043]

Yeah the battery start doesn't work I push it to 1 and it does nothing. Pull cord start works fine.

[@RobC41]

Did you try to re-seat the battery connection inside the access panel? Check to see if any of the pins are bent or pushed out. The push to start button (position 1) is really hard to fully depress. Sometimes using my thumb helps. Nice, the pull to start is working for you, good luck with the push to start action!

[@slimfastsubaru2043]

@@RobC41 no I did not, it works now thank you.

[@RobC41]

@@slimfastsubaru2043 That is good news! Hope you "liked" the video and please consider subscribing the to channel.

[@TurboDV8]

​@@RobC41 the first one of these generators I purchased had a ridiculously difficult to push starter button. I returned it, and purchased another one. The replacement is a completely different animal. It's not hard to press it all, you don't have to press up in an awkward angle and break your finger

[@RobC41]

@@TurboDV8 I hear you and glad the new unit was easier to start using the push button electric start. You sharing this information might help others experiencing the same issue. Thanks for commenting!

[@prepsolar787]

hello does yours take a few seconds for the display to turn on?

[@RobC41]

Manny, I haven't noticed but I need to start it soon and I will pay attention and report back to you.

[@RobC41]

I haven't had the opportunity to fire up the generator but I found this video on KZbin - kzbin.info/www/bejne/qnuTkKKLe7qEh7M It looks like it took approximately 7-10 seconds for the display to show a reading.

[@tmlewis4242]

Try not standing in front of the generator.

[@RobC41]

I can do that, thanks for the tip!

[@delynnaddams8774]

Where is the 10 digit serial number?

[@RobC41]

Looks like it is on top of the generator according to page five of the owners manual. Here is the online link for the manual - cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0527/3350/9822/files/WH03242_Manual_English_REV03.pdf?v=1663710339 My generator is not handy at the moment but I will verify when I get the chance. Also if it is not there look at the bottom of the near the wheels, a picture on the web site has a white tag looking deal in that area.

[@delynnaddams8774]

I found it on the box.

[@RobC41]

@@delynnaddams8774 That will work too!

[@juniorayala3149]

So this takes the whole oil it come with?

[@RobC41]

Yes, it did for me. Nothing wrong with adding a little at a time to be safe and not overfill

[@juniorayala3149]

Thank You