Posted: 8/25/2011 4:32:57 PM EDT
|
Looking for a generator for power outages and/or SHTF. Anything decent for around $500?
How good are the 2,200 watt models at Home Depot for around $500? I rent right now so don't need anything that powers the whole house. Just the fridge, a light or 2 & TV or something |
|
I have two generators, one for the house and one for the lake.
I use a Powermate 5700/7125 for the house and a Generac ix2000 for the lake. The small one works fine to run a refrigerator and a few lights at the lake. The larger one will run about anything I put on it in the house other than the HVAC system or stove. The Generac is small, very portable, convenient, and expensive. The larger Powermate cost less than the Generac which is about 1/3 it's capacity. |
|
http://www.championpowerequipment.com/C46540.php $299 most places imho best bang for the buck. yeah, hondas are quieter, but 3 times as much money. this genny is talked about all over the net and has a huge following. I have this genny and it starts every time and runs fairly quiet and is easy on gas. rated for 85 octane, so its built to run on crappy fuels, like found in third world countries. its a tough lil genny. |
|
Quoted:
http://www.championpowerequipment.com/C46540.php $299 most places imho best bang for the buck. yeah, hondas are quieter, but 3 times as much money. this genny is talked about all over the net and has a huge following. I have this genny and it starts every time and runs fairly quiet and is easy on gas. rated for 85 octane, so its built to run on crappy fuels, like found in third world countries. its a tough lil genny. Thanks for the link. That's the model I have. If anyone is interested in or in need of info on cleaning the carb, I did a write-up on that here. There's a link to download the file in the thread (hosting kindly provided by AR Jedi). One thing I really love about this generator is how easily it starts. |
|
Quoted:
$300-400 will buy you a Champion 3500/4000W generator. I bought a model that can output 120V or 220V. It has served us well so far. There are some very long threads about these on some RV forums. Last year someone posted a sale here on the board, and I bought that exact generator from Tractor Supply Co. for $299.00 delivered. It will run 2 fridges, a couple of lights, a couple of fans, and the microwave (YMMV). It has been great so far. 
|
|
I always go against the flow in these threads - but, Get the smallest generator that you think that you can get away with. They only last as long as you have fuel for them. If you're needing a genset for electricity, the local gas pumps aren't going to be pumping. Note: This advice is for post-shtf situations, not job/worksite requirements. ..and yes, the Honda EU line is VERY good. You can pick up an EU2000 for about $900. |
|
Quoted:
Quoted:
$300-400 will buy you a Champion 3500/4000W generator. I bought a model that can output 120V or 220V. It has served us well so far. There are some very long threads about these on some RV forums. Last year someone posted a sale here on the board, and I bought that exact generator from Tractor Supply Co. for $299.00 delivered. That's a great deal. I think mine was ~$320 several years ago. They are a fantastic bargain. |
|
How does that Champion compare to the Generac 5k or so watt models for around $600? (outside of wattage of course)
& just how noisy is the champion? looks like this champion has been discontinued & now sells for $500 I do see several other champion models on amazon though |
|
Quoted: How does that Champion compare to the Generac 5k or so watt models for around $600? (outside of wattage of course) & just how noisy is the champion? looks like this champion has been discontinued & now sells for $500 I do see several other champion models on amazon though the champion, with the 196cc engine is very quiet. About half as quiet as a 5k generac. the champs with the 196 cc engines are all about the same, with tiny different configurations, some many have battery charger cords and hookups and some may have a wheel kit or another may come with a meter, but they are all almost the same. look at this its 299 not 500. home depot or lowes price for champs is not the best, they are about a 100 more than tractor supply. http://www.tractorsupply.com/home-improvement/generators-accessories/gas-diesel-generators/champion-global-power-equipment-3500w-4000w-portable-generator-4434023 a 5k model is gonna be a noisy gas hog. no matter what brand, unless you get a honda one, then its gonna be a quiet $3000 genny. a very nice and quiet $3000 genny that will last forevor. Ive had a 5000/6500 model genny, and i think its overkill. they use major amounts of gas a day and all you need to power is a fridge and maybee an a/c and some lights, the rest of the power is being wasted. the 3500 is a great balance of enough power for a fridge, a deep freezer and lights and TV, and at night you can unplug the deep freezer and run either the furnace blower or a window a/c unit depending on seasons. if you get a champ genny, i know you wont be sorry. they have awesome cust service and parts are easy to get. i have had mine for 3 years, and its never needed parts, but i do have 100 hours on mine, from usage during outages and also monthly running. |
|
Quoted:
I always go against the flow in these threads - but, Get the smallest generator that you think that you can get away with. They only last as long as you have fuel for them. If you're needing a genset for electricity, the local gas pumps aren't going to be pumping. Note: This advice is for post-shtf situations, not job/worksite requirements. ..and yes, the Honda EU line is VERY good. You can pick up an EU2000 for about $900. +1 I really like the EU2000 with a EU2000 companion. For a fuel conscious prepper in a suburban environment, it's hard to beat. |
|
dont get me wrong, id love to have the hondas, but i cant see spending 1500-1800 for that pair and then let it sit in my garage for a once a year event. heck, i have not even used mine in 1.5 years. although the owners of hondas will be sittin pretty for longer term events, when everyone else is out of fuel. |
|
Quoted:
I rent right now so don't need anything that powers the whole house. Just the fridge, a light or 2 & TV or something You might also take a look at something a little smaller, like the Champion 42431. It's quite a bit smaller and lighter than the 3-4KW Champions - much easier to carry or store in an apartment - yet will still power a fridge and a couple of CF lights, or a 5000 BTU window air conditioner. Can be had on ebay for around $200, delivered. 
If you move into a house later on, it can serve as a backup to a larger generator. |
|
http://www.powermate.com/generators/product_detail.php?model=PM0435001&cat_id=3&w=59 Paid $425 for mine on sale. I think they are about 500 new. well over 2000 hrs on it and today it started on the 2nd pull ( test run for storm this weekend) after not being started in atleast 10 months.
Its now our back up generator since we bought a bigger one but a great unit all the same. |
|
Quoted:
I always go against the flow in these threads - but, Get the smallest generator that you think that you can get away with. They only last as long as you have fuel for them. If you're needing a genset for electricity, the local gas pumps aren't going to be pumping. Note: This advice is for post-shtf situations, not job/worksite requirements. ..and yes, the Honda EU line is VERY good. You can pick up an EU2000 for about $900. "I always go against the flow in these threads - but," ...me too....
|
|
Quoted:
Quoted:
I rent right now so don't need anything that powers the whole house. Just the fridge, a light or 2 & TV or something You might also take a look at something a little smaller, like the Champion 42431. It's quite a bit smaller and lighter than the 3-4KW Champions - much easier to carry or store in an apartment - yet will still power a fridge and a couple of CF lights, or a 5000 BTU window air conditioner. Can be had on ebay for around $200, delivered. http://img219.imageshack.us/img219/1876/champion1500watt.jpg If you move into a house later on, it can serve as a backup to a larger generator. I am in a house not an apt.
|
|
Just came back from the local HD and it was cleared of most battery's. Nine volts and AA were the last of the pickings.
Didn't even attempt to go by the genny area because of all the panicked buyers. Every gas station was filling vehicles and all out of the lower octane gasoline. Luckily, I use 93, so I filled up my portable 5 gal can with twenty bucks worth. Filled my vehicle a few days ago. This way I can always siphon from there to keep my genny going, if needed. |
|
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
I rent right now so don't need anything that powers the whole house. Just the fridge, a light or 2 & TV or something You might also take a look at something a little smaller, like the Champion 42431. It's quite a bit smaller and lighter than the 3-4KW Champions - much easier to carry or store in an apartment - yet will still power a fridge and a couple of CF lights, or a 5000 BTU window air conditioner. Can be had on ebay for around $200, delivered. http://img219.imageshack.us/img219/1876/champion1500watt.jpg If you move into a house later on, it can serve as a backup to a larger generator. I am in a house not an apt. OK, then forget everything I suggested. 
|
|
Quoted:
dont get me wrong, id love to have the hondas, but i cant see spending 1500-1800 for that pair and then let it sit in my garage for a once a year event. heck, i have not even used mine in 1.5 years. although the owners of hondas will be sittin pretty for longer term events, when everyone else is out of fuel. Just get one EU2000. You'd be surprised how little electricity you can get away with when you need to. I have my actual requirements whittled down to where I can satisfy my needs with an EU1000 that I picked up off of Ebay. I can plug in my fridge, a small window unit A/C, and a lamp simultaneously. ...and that thing sips fuel. |
|
My $.02.....IF you can find one,I'd recommend an Onan Electric Plant,out of an old RV. I have had several,and currently own a 4000 watt model. It came out of the old Mtr Home with an hour meter and had just 140 hours on it. People rarely use them.
Why these,you may ask? 1st the oolder Onan twin cyl opposed engines are bullet proof,do to speak. 2ndly....much like the 14KW 4cyl Diesel genset I built,it is a 4 Pole unit. This is important because a 4 pole genset only runs at 1800 RPM vs the typical homeowner/contractor units,which are 2 pole and must run at 3600 RPM. 4 pole getsets: are quiet,sip fuel,and last much longer. Hope this helps someone. |
|
Just started my Champion 4500 (the one I posted earlier in this thread for $299.00 delivered) after six months of sitting in the Nevada heat (with a full fuel tank and Stabil).
It started on the first pull... and I'm Friggin' amazed! It is now running a TV, two fridges, a 100w lamp, my computer, and a large fan. Like I said: I'm Friggin' amazed. BTW: My neighbors might not like me, but my little Genny is doin' the job! 
ETA: 3500/4000 Sorry for the mistake. |
|
Quoted:
Quoted:
Save up, and get an EU2000 for $999. This seems to be the default answer for a lot of folks here. However, I disagree. If you have the means, go for it. If you don't, a Champion can provide good service at a third of the cost. If the SHTF, I don't want a loud generator attracting attention. Worth the extra $500 for that alone, not to mention fuel consumption, quality, etc. I think money can be saved in certain areas, with the genny not being one of those areas. YMMV.
|
| Champion sells inverter generators(1k and 2k models) they are quiet, stackable, light(the 2k model is just as heavy as the honda eu2000 at 48lbs) and can also run in paralell just like the hondas.......and for the price of one Eu2000i you can buy (2) of the Champion inverter gennys.......they are sold at Sams |
|
IMHO-Having 2 smaller sized generators is preferable to one large generator. 2 or more generators give you flexibility, reliability and are more efficient on gasoline. Make one generator an inverter type for your sensitive electronics. Hondas would be nice but they are expensive. Champion and Generac are 1/2 the price of a Honda. There are many other no name chinese generators for even less. Honda makes excellent units built to last. Generac , Champion are a good value. I have one low priced chinese no name and it starts every time. |