Portable Generator Recommendations???

[Orlando]

Just had the power off again after a storm, seems like it happens a couple times a year anymore. It was only off 24 hrs but with a freezer full of beef I was starting to get concerned.
Anyone have any recommendations for a portable generator, brands etc? My pockets arent deep enough for a permanant whole house generator, just looking for something affordable, portable. Like to be able to run a few lights, furnace, fridge, etc
Thanks guys

[jbkf1003]

Honda small engines are the top of the line, their generators are no different (But I won't buy a honda, just like won't buy a toyota...), but Generac is more than acceptable. I have had a 4000W Generac since 2006 and it still runs like a champ.

Justin

[timshufflin]

Are you looking for 220 or 110? If you can stand 110, I love my Kipor. Very quiet for camping and starts when I need it. It's now about 8 years old and running strong. It's a Honda clone for less than half the money.

[timshufflin]

If going 220 I have a Craftsman cheap that is a 6000 watt unit I converted to propane and it runs directly off my pig. I think that has been going strong now for 10 years.

[melloman]

Do yourself a favor and install a transfer switch tied into circuits in your home. Beats running extension cords into the house. Couldn't tell you what make mine is but its 6000 watt, tri fuel capable (propane, NG or gasoline) with a 11 HP Honda engine. Black Honda, not Red Honda; pretty loud but I point the exhaust away from the neighbors and don't run it late at night or real early in the AM. I can run my fridge, microwave, boiler, about 60% lights and outlets too.

[LEAD POISON]

I have a Honda portable .15 & 30 amp outlets. It does all I need. Will run my travel trailer refer, tv, micro wave,etc.
I strap it on my ATV. I use all my electric tools in the woods. It's so quiet nobody hears it.
I carry it in the back of the truck in winter, plug a battery charger in to it.
I will say I have not used it here at home, But I have a pig tail made to do so, for emergencies.
It would probably run the old ladies giant vibrater, MAYBE.

[Orlando]

Just going wit 110, I looked at Hondas but Damn they are pricey. I wondered about the Generacs, I think the engines are all made in China anymore which I'm not thrilled about

Hey LP, I would look into a bigger generator, ya gotta keep the ball and chain happy

[timshufflin]

Just going wit 110, I looked at Hondas but Damn they are pricey. I wondered about the Generacs, I think the engines are all made in China anymore which I'm not thrilled about

Hey LP, I would look into a bigger generator, ya gotta keep the ball and chain happy

Yah, that's the reason I got my kipor 3000. I would do honda but not if I can get the same for less money.

This baby handles my 5th wheel air conditioner and that's all that matters.

http://www.hitchsource.com/generator-3000-watts-p-33923.html?gclid=CjwKEAjwjN2eBRDbyPWl0JLY5lYSJACPo 0Ui-e30HmCqwlBgM2PN_myFNxvxxqBS2EExdg1EXq187hoC_onw_wc B

You may or may not have a 220 well pump though or heating. I would want a 220 unit if that's the case. If you run such a unit on LP or NG then most any of them do good.

[jak]

Get the biggest generator you can afford. It's better to have excess wattage than not enough. Get the total wattage of all the appliances, lights, etc you want to run and go from there. Also be sure to include the "start-up" wattage of appliances.
I agree with mellowman and get the transfer switch. It wouldn't be fun trying to run extension cords from the generator to the house in the middle of a blizzard.

I have a very old 6000W Briggs & Stratton generator. (The instructions gives estimated wattage of various items. One such item listed is a black & white TV !!!!!) I use the 240V twist lock and run it to the transfer switch where it splits the 240V to 2-120V circuits. Each 120V circuits has 3 breakers on it. The hardest part was figuring out the wattage of all the things I wanted to hook up and to balance the load on the circuits.

[Orlando]

No well pump,I'm on town water. Thanks for the link

[toolman]

10 years ago I bought a 5000 watt (rural king) throw away to take to job site. Saved my money up . And bought a Honda suit case type. And paid big money for it. And after ten years the cheap one runs just as good. But bought the Honda because it is a lot quieter. Cheap one is very,very loud. But runs like a champion...

[toolman]

Honda small engines are the top of the line, their generators are no different (But I won't buy a honda, just like won't buy a toyota...), but Generac is more than acceptable. I have had a 4000W Generac since 2006 and it still runs like a champ.

Justin


I love Toyota... The plant here in southern Indiana has brought tons of JOBS and money to our area. And has supplied me with alot of construction work... But I guess GM has taken all of my taxes for the bailout. So I don't like gm or dodge. But of course I have always been a FORD man!!! In my blood...

[Orlando]

Just like Honda, It drives the economy around here.

[Brinks352]

Last year we had to buy a generator due to storms, power was going to be out for 4 to 5 days. We went with a Generac 7500e. If I remember correctly the price was $999

http://www.generac.com/all-products/generators/portable-generators/gp-series/gp7500e

It is a bit on the loud side but could not afford the ultra quiet Honda for $3000. Have it hooked up to the house and it will run everything just fine.

[LEAD POISON]

http://www.sears.com/generac-ix2000-watt-inverter-generator-non-ca/p-07141684000P?sid=IMx20120601x002000-LawnGarden-activeusers&redirectType=SRDT

I'm just passing this along, I know nothing.:p