Portable generators

[bulldogcountry1]

I’ve been holding out for years because I just haven’t had the need for one. Power outages more than a few hours only occur about once every few years. I can’t recall the last one that was over a day. I believe it was in winter, and that’s much easier to tolerate.

Let’s face it, though, it’s going downhill fast. I’m finally ready to get a portable generator so I can run a small AC window unit, a fridge, and watch some sports (if that ever happens again).

Any recommendations on size? Connection to house? Fuel type? I have a 250 gallon propane tank, and I kind of like the idea of having that option, should there be a gasoline shortage.

 

[DesotoCountyDawg]

I have a smaller Honda one that works great for power outages. I can run the fridge and freezers, run some lights, run my internet router, and watch a little TV.

 

[cowbell88]

I bought one the week after the Easter storms. Got a champion 3600 with electric start and also key fob start/stop. Ran it a couple of times trying it out on various appliances , worked fine.

Champion and Generac both make a 5500 dual fuel model. Runs on gas and LP.

 

[JesterB]

Not very portable but I’m in early stages of building a listeroid diesel 7kw gen for the camp house. It will be set up to run on waste veggie oil. This week’s power from last week’s fish fry.

 

[MarriedtoStateGrad]

I’ve been holding out for years because I just haven’t had the need for one. Power outages more than a few hours only occur about once every few years. I can’t recall the last one that was over a day. I believe it was in winter, and that’s much easier to tolerate.

Let’s face it, though, it’s going downhill fast. I’m finally ready to get a portable generator so I can run a small AC window unit, a fridge, and watch some sports (if that ever happens again).

Any recommendations on size? Connection to house? Fuel type? I have a 250 gallon propane tank, and I kind of like the idea of having that option, should there be a gasoline shortage.

I got a Generac. It is not portable, but from your intended use it would work. My Generac allows me to have AC or heat and I can watch tv an use the internet. The generac senses when the power cuts off and comes on by itself. It has software to require a staged boot up so it can run more since AC coming on draws a lot of power. Mine runs on natural gas so I don't have to fight lines at a gas station after a hurricane [like after Katrina].

 

[Shamoan]

I have a champion 2000w. It can be set up in parallel if needed and it’s like 1 or 2 dba louder than the Honda at 40% of the price. I’m a little jealous of the Honda’s, but I’ve had mine for about-10 years and it’s as good as new.