Sorry it didn't work out for you Lee Ann, I couldn't be more pleased with mine. Maybe you just got a bad one, it happens. Don't care to try a different one??
Actually, I am pretty philosophical about it. We don't have a spill-less gas can. Right now, I smell a bit like a gas station. I can taste the fumes. I had wondered how and where to carry the gen (the 825 is very tight, not much room for one except maybe one specific compartment. And I worried about the smell in the truck). I do want to find a way to power up the AC and micro when off the grid, since we have those luxuries. That is why I am considering alternatives. But I am okay with this. That, plus neither my husband nor I wants to have to do the pull cord or lift the gen.
We're good with it. I tried and am happy I can say I tried it out without eliminating the option.
Lee-Ann