Posted: 1/2/2013 5:50:18 PM EDT
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I would appreciate a link to the comprehensive generator thread.
I don't want to be 'that guy' so I'll browse the thread before asking but FWIW I'm looking for a <$300 generator for a 3-7 day weather related SHTF to power a 2 bdrm apartment (fridge, heater, etc). It could be kept on a private 2nd floor balcony so theft isn't a HUGE concern. |
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Quoted: Sounds like what you want is a Champion. Its simply the best low cost generator on the market. More money, you can do better but for the money, you simply can't beat the Champion line of generators. Tj 3500 watt "weekender" from Cabelas goes on sale from time to time for $319 or so. 110 power, cover, and wheel kit: http://www.cabelas.com/product/Champion-3500-Watt-Generator-Weekender-Package/909433.uts?Ntk=AllProducts&searchPath=%2Fcatalog%2Fsearch.cmd%3Fform_state%3DsearchForm%26N%3D0%26fsch%3Dtrue%26Ntk%3DAllProducts%26Ntt%3Dchampion%2Bgenerator%26WTz_l%3DHeader%253BSearch-All%2BProducts&Ntt=champion+generator&WTz_l=Header%3BSearch-All+Products 3500 watt 220V version on sale at Tractor Supply for $299. Doesn't include wheel kit ($45) or cover ($24), but it does have a 220V output, which the Cabela's unit does not. This is the one I purchased a couple months ago. http://www.tractorsupply.com/champion-power-equipment-trade-3500w-4000w-portable-generator-4434023 |
| I got the Tractor Supply version due to the 220v outlet. Using an interlock kit I can backfeed my house. I'm also working on converting it to burn propane and natural gas. Propane stores indefinitely and is much safer to keep a couple 100lb propane tanks around than gasoline. |
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Quoted: is a 3000/3500 what I need? Sounds good Based on what you're needs are in the 1st post, I think 3500 may actually be overkill. However, I think that's a "sweet spot" in the $/kw for these units. For a 2 bedroom apartment, a 1500W unit may be all you need. Keep in mind, though, most microwaves, space heaters, etc are 1500W -each-. You would only be able to run that 1 item with a 1500W generator. Not that the microwave is running 24/7, but something to keep in mind. I've got my 3500W unit set up to backfeed my house on the 220 side, through a suicide cord. It won't run everything at once, but based on my testing, it'll run 'enough' to keep us comfortable, taking warm showers, and keeps food from spoiling. |
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Quoted: I got the Tractor Supply version due to the 220v outlet. Using an interlock kit I can backfeed my house. I'm also working on converting it to burn propane and natural gas. Propane stores indefinitely and is much safer to keep a couple 100lb propane tanks around than gasoline. Do you have a link to info on the propane conversion? I'm sure google could find it, but since we're talking about it anyway... ;) |
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Helpful Links form my genny searching on the internetz:
RV.net 3000 Watt Generator (Champion) thread all 981 pages worth Propane Conversion of a 3000 Watt Champion Generator US Carb These guys are the go-to source for parts and propane conversion kits. I bought a 3500 watt Champion at Cabela's (110/120v only) and I am now saving the funds to add a manual transfer switch to the house. My only 220 appliances are the clothes dryer (too many watts for my genny) and the AC unit (again, too many watts for my genny). I'm happy with my 110/120 v choice. I plan to be able to run my refrig, furnace fan, microwave, computer, lights, TV, and other small stuff. I think I can even run my washing machine. NOT ALL AT THE SAME TIME though. It may take some crafty switching of circuits in and out of the loop, but I think it can be done and again this is only for short term power outage needs, not the Zombie Apocalypse. Lots of info out there. But start by doing a tally of all the appliances/utilities you would like to run and how may watts each unit uses. You can find the tags on the units or Google up the model numbers to find the info from the manufacturer. I would have been overloading a 2000 watt inverter and a 5000-7500 watt genny would have been able to run everything at once but the noise, fuel consumption, and initial cost would have killed it for me. The Champion 3500 watt genny fits my short term outage needs and fell into my lap with a nice deal on a post-black Friday deal. With a small apartment you can save even more money by just dragging extension cords everywhere and not ding a transfer/interlock switch install. But quality cords of a heavy enough gauge so as not to rob your self of power or risk fire/heat issues. |
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If you go with something like the Champion 3500 (or even a Honda or Yamaha inverter) you pretty much need to forget about running your central AC. In Texas where it's hotter than hell in the summer, go buy a $99 window unit to keep on standby to keep one room cool for sleeping or whatever. If you have gas heat, you can make it work. If you have electric heat, forget it. Find yourself a nice dearborne propane heater to keep on standby.
I like the Champion though. |
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Quoted: I would appreciate a link to the comprehensive generator thread. I don't want to be 'that guy' so I'll browse the thread before asking but FWIW I'm looking for a <$300 generator for a 3-7 day weather related SHTF to power a 2 bdrm apartment (fridge, heater, etc). It could be kept on a private 2nd floor balcony so theft isn't a HUGE concern. Unfortunately we don't have a "comprehensive generator thread", though we need one badly. Something like ar-jedi's ham radio 101 thread would be outstanding. I'd be willing to help edit/compile, but no idea how to get this started and I'm not a subject matter expert. |
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If you are running it on apartment balcony then you are going to need a small, quiet generator since that is probably a fire code violation. Also I'm guessing that you will have limited gas storage in an apartment. Inverter generators are thriftier with gas than most. Look at the champion 2000 inverter generator. Its going to be closer to $500-600.http://www.amazon.com/Champion-Equipment-73536i-Generator-Compliant/dp/B0041K09D8
If you can spend $900 you can get a Honda eu2000i which is the benchmark for inverter generators. Someone posted a link to refurbs that were cheaper. |