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Generators

Discussion in 'Home Improvement' started by YotaBro, Mar 28, 2021.

  1. Mar 28, 2021 at 7:01 PM
    #1
    YotaBro

    YotaBro [OP] This forum will make me broke

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    Lots of shenanigans.
    What're y'all's suggestions for generators? Thinking of getting one that is multi-purpose. I live in a hurricane area so it would be nice to have one when the power is out. I'd also like to use it when I am camping so somewhat portable. Lastly, I don't have a garage but have a shed. Currently running a super long extension cord to power my tools, etc when working on projects. I entertained the idea of running power to it but it is just too much for how often that I use it. I was thinking of getting a generator that could be sufficient for all of these needs. Any and all input would be great. I have seen the Jackery power stations from all of the overland YouTubers but they seem pricey and wouldn't last long during a hurricane/power outage or run power tools in my shed.
     
  2. Mar 28, 2021 at 7:15 PM
    #2
    831Tun

    831Tun heartless Bastrd

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    TC long travel. Deaver 420 SU leaf packs.
    joonbug, YotaBro[OP] and ColoradoTJ like this.
  3. Mar 28, 2021 at 7:21 PM
    #3
    Tundra234

    Tundra234 New Member

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    Alot of them
    An inverter generator is good for small things but won't power an AC unit. I have an inverter generator, a Coleman 5200 watts gen, and a Cat 6500 watt gen.
     
  4. Mar 28, 2021 at 7:28 PM
    #4
    Tundra234

    Tundra234 New Member

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  5. Mar 28, 2021 at 7:34 PM
    #5
    CCLJ03

    CCLJ03 Tundra forever

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    I used the harbor freight predator 2000w inverter all last summer for my camper. Quiet, starts up on first pull, and runs for like 10 hours on a rank of gas.

    Got it for $450 on sale and it was money well spent!!
     
  6. Mar 28, 2021 at 7:52 PM
    #6
    YotaBro

    YotaBro [OP] This forum will make me broke

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    Lots of shenanigans.
    Excuse me if this is a silly question but what is an inverter generator? Is it a gas-powered one?
     
    831Tun[QUOTED] likes this.
  7. Mar 28, 2021 at 7:59 PM
    #7
    Tundra234

    Tundra234 New Member

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    An inverter generator electronically throttles the engine up and down to meet demand instead of running full tilt all the time. The resulting improvement in efficiency means that you won't have to fill up the gas tank as often. Inverter generators also produce lower emissions and are generally very quiet.
     
  8. Mar 28, 2021 at 8:02 PM
    #8
    831Tun

    831Tun heartless Bastrd

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    Usually gas but delivers clean power w/o fluctuating highs or lows that damage electronics.
     
    joonbug and NewImprovedRon like this.
  9. Mar 29, 2021 at 7:04 AM
    #9
    YotaBro

    YotaBro [OP] This forum will make me broke

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    Lots of shenanigans.
    Thoughts on these 2: Seems to have pretty good reviews.
     
    woods likes this.
  10. Mar 29, 2021 at 7:37 AM
    #10
    Netmonkey

    Netmonkey Don't be a Dumbass

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    Along with these advantages, another very important advantage to an inverter generator is that it produces clean and stable power for sensitive electronic devices. You can plug your phone, computer, tablets, internet router, etc.. directly into it and not have to worry about electrical spikes frying the devices.

    After that storm in Texas that left us without power for 5 days, I went ahead and bought this generator:
    Amazon.com : Champion Power Equipment 200987 4500-Watt RV Ready Portable Inverter Generator, Wireless Remote Start : Garden & Outdoor

    upload_2021-3-29_9-28-40.jpg

    As pricey as it, it is very quiet and very easy to use. I just ran it through its' break-in period and changed the oil in it. It is simple to use and easy to maintain.
    It can run anything that you can plug into a standard 120 volt outlet including a microwave, a refrigerator, space heaters, portal stoves and ovens, and all your rechargeable devices... although, not all at once. You still have to manage the load. I am running a 25', 3 outlet, 10 gauge power line off the 30 amp output. From there, I can split the power off to wherever I need power in the house. This gives me a great piece of mind for the next power outage.
     
  11. Jun 25, 2021 at 9:10 PM
    #11
    Avi8or

    Avi8or New Member

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    I run two Honda EU2200i’s in parallel. Don’t need 240V for my emergency purposes. They will provide 3600 watts continuous and can be easily carried around.
     
    FortyNorth and 15whtrd like this.
  12. Jun 26, 2021 at 12:47 AM
    #12
    ZappBrannigan

    ZappBrannigan The mind is willing but the flesh is weak

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    In the past I have run my office on Honda generators and I have found them to be quite good, quietish and reliable.
     
  13. Jun 26, 2021 at 2:29 AM
    #13
    jsteph89

    jsteph89 The wish list continues to grow

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    Blacked out emblems, Leer 100XL camper shell, Magnaflow exhaust, ProComp 3/1 level kit, 285/55R20 Falken Wildpeaks AT3, WeatherTech mats, full led interior swap,
    I have the Westinghouse 7500/9500 generator. Has started every time for me first try. I start it every 3ish months and let it run for about 20 minutes then shut off the fuel source and let it run out to drain the fuel from the carb.

    C6130DAB-FD1E-471C-B314-9A307359523B.jpg
     
    rebmo likes this.
  14. Jun 26, 2021 at 2:36 AM
    #14
    woods

    woods New Member

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    HARBOR FRIEGHT.

    This is my 1st post, I've been creeping for a while.

    I usually wouldn't recommend HF for anything, but their predator generators are A+. If you want a quiet fancy one, I haven't tried their new ones that someone above recommended. But their traditional predators are the way to go. They are basically a direct knockoff of the timeless Honda motors.

    I built a business and two houses with one, and when it started crapping out I went and got a bigger one. Manager told me "buy the warranty, in two years walk in with this and we will swap it for a new one no questions". So for 100 extra, you get a whole generator free.

    The build period was over 3-4 years and no oil change or anything, always started, always ran. One of the crew took it home for 50 bucks and has it running like new again.

    There are quieter options, but not better.
     
    panicman and Leo's first like this.
  15. Jun 26, 2021 at 5:51 AM
    #15
    ATV25

    ATV25 Young at heart

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    Honda EU series are the only way to go ( if you have the extra coin ). I have a EU2200 and a Cat rp7500. Looking back I should have bit the bullet, spent double the money and gone with the large Honda EU. The Cat is rated as "quiet", that is laughable ! :facepalm:
     
    Last edited: Jun 26, 2021
    woods likes this.
  16. Jun 26, 2021 at 9:21 AM
    #16
    CCLJ03

    CCLJ03 Tundra forever

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    Update on my Harbor Freight Predator 2000…

    It’s bitchin.

    We lost power for about 24 hours a week ago and I ran a fan, sound machine for the baby, router, lamp, 2 phone chargers, and our fridge/freezer on eco mode.

    We have about $3mil worth of breast milk in the freezer so it was defcon 1 around here.

    One tank of gas lasted from 10pm until about 10:30 the next day. That’s on ONE GALLON of fuel.
     
  17. Jun 26, 2021 at 10:25 AM
    #17
    Pmac

    Pmac New Member

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    The smaller units with only the dual 120 v outlets provide 1/2 their power to each outlet. When you join two 2000 watt or so units you generally get one common RV or other 30 amp plug offering all the power. Some may be offering work arounds, but keep it in mind. My 3500 has two 120’s and a common 30 amp built in. I bought a rv plug for it with 3 120 outlets. Where that comes into play is starting compressors, they can pop a smaller units breaker 120 on startup. 30 amp plug fixes that.
     
  18. Jun 26, 2021 at 10:35 AM
    #18
    biebs96

    biebs96 my other truck is a big brown truck

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    I have an Craftsman inverter generator with a Honda motor on it. It has enough power to run both fridges, multiple lights and fans or spacer heater, whichever is applicable.

    I also hook up a tv, fios box in the garage and our wireless router for WiFi in the house.

    C902E758-6C83-404F-BB24-0E7697A96311.jpg
     
    Last edited: Jun 26, 2021
    CCLJ03 likes this.
  19. Jun 26, 2021 at 10:38 AM
    #19
    1stgentundradriver

    1stgentundradriver Each sticker adds at least 5hp

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    Anything Honda, or better, anything fuel injected and not carbureted. That way you can run almost any gas in it with zero issues.

    Another thing about the Honda…resale value. You can easily sell a Honda Generator on Craigslist or marketplace. The harbor freight unit, is still sellable, just not for as much. However I would agree with others that the Honda units are expensive but you do get what you pay for. A reliable, powerful unit that will last darn near forever. We’ve had two eu2000 (i) generators for over 12 years…powered our house with them, countless dunes trips where there is no power, and many many jobs with them. They are really solid units. Ours are carbureted so we run clear gas in them which is magic.
     
    Last edited: Jun 26, 2021
    woods and biebs96 like this.
  20. Jun 26, 2021 at 11:15 AM
    #20
    woods

    woods New Member

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    I honestly think this is a Honda generator with a craftsman logo on it! Not a bad thing IMO.
     
    1stgentundradriver likes this.
  21. Jun 26, 2021 at 11:21 AM
    #21
    biebs96

    biebs96 my other truck is a big brown truck

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    It is actually... shhh
     
  22. Jun 26, 2021 at 11:42 AM
    #22
    1stgentundradriver

    1stgentundradriver Each sticker adds at least 5hp

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    Was it cheaper that way?
     
    biebs96[QUOTED] likes this.
  23. Jun 26, 2021 at 11:46 AM
    #23
    biebs96

    biebs96 my other truck is a big brown truck

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    it was priced slightly less then a normally branded Honda one, yes.
     
  24. Jun 26, 2021 at 11:46 AM
    #24
    1stgentundradriver

    1stgentundradriver Each sticker adds at least 5hp

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    Boy, that’s sweet. If I ever need a new generator and they still make them I’ll be going for that one.
     
    woods and biebs96[QUOTED] like this.
  25. Jun 26, 2021 at 11:48 AM
    #25
    biebs96

    biebs96 my other truck is a big brown truck

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    i picked it up at Lowe’s when they were starting to carry the craftsman brand after Sears closed.
     
  26. Jun 26, 2021 at 11:49 AM
    #26
    biebs96

    biebs96 my other truck is a big brown truck

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    I should add that I also have a 30ft 12 gauge twist lock plug that has three standard outlets on the opposite end.

    it makes bringing power inside the house much easier.
     
    Last edited: Jun 26, 2021
    woods likes this.
  27. Jun 26, 2021 at 12:04 PM
    #27
    Dr Doobie

    Dr Doobie Growing member

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    Well, I live in the sticks up here in Alaska.
    I have went through a lot of generators over the years, running them as my sole source of power.
    And I can tell you from years and years of experience being my own electric company,
    Honda is number 1 for portable generators,
    And if you're looking for a stationary generator, Northern lights is the only way to go, I have run a northern lights 24hours a day for years only shutting down once a week for oil and filter change.
    Hope this helps, good luck with your purchase OP:rasta: cheers
     
  28. Aug 25, 2021 at 12:03 PM
    #28
    Strangebird22

    Strangebird22 New Member

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    I have the Generac version of that craftsman inverter generator. I don't see anywhere that is a Honda engine. Not saying it isn't just wondering why you say it is.

    https://factorypure.com/products/ge...MIjrLNmu3M8gIVXfLjBx1dpweWEAQYAiABEgLAcfD_BwE
     
  29. Aug 25, 2021 at 12:06 PM
    #29
    Sundog

    Sundog Zoom Zoom

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    :rofl:
     
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  30. Aug 25, 2021 at 12:09 PM
    #30
    Danimal86

    Danimal86 Looks clean even when its dirty!

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    Dang, thats pretty wild! Give us the deets on your setup!
     

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