Generator questions!

[clisbyclark]

I've never had one but after seeing videos from Helene survivors, I have decided that I should get one.

Primary use will be keeping the refrigerators and maybe a few other small items running in a power outage. No stove or A/c.

Secondary use would be either camping or working where there's no power.

I'm pretty sure I want dual fuel as I almost always have propane and gas is a pita to store and keep fresh but I could always siphon some out of the truck if needed.

Right now, I am thinking it may be better to get a pair of 2-3000 watts and run separately or parallel as opposed to one big unit because it would be so much easier to just take one unit if I'm working or camping, plus I could loan one to family if shtf.

For those who have more experience do I seem to be on the right track or way off base?

Any brand to look for or avoid?(I know Honda is great but $$$!)

Is there anything else I didn't mention but should know about?

As always, thanks in advance!

 

[Just1more]

Get a transfer switch installed on your house so so aren’t trying to run extension cords to those vital appliances.

 

[clisbyclark]

Get a transfer switch installed on your house so so aren’t trying to run extension cords to those vital appliances.

Thanks! I'm talking to an electrician friend about that. Looks like a great idea!

 

[Henry Bowman]

I have a nice Power Horse in the 4000 range but since I got old it's too much for me to move around by my self. I live on a hill and have to pull it down hill to use it and up hill to store it. I was looking fora smaller unit and found some on Ebay that are refurbished. I got one of those and it's in the 3500 range. Easier for me to move around. When I was using the Power Horse it was enough to run two freezers and a fridge along with small appliances and lights. Gasoline is not as convenient but propane goes too fast to be economical for extended use. You really don't need a huge generator to do what you want to do

 

[Just1more]

Thanks! I'm talking to an electrician friend about that. Looks like a great idea!

I can switch from the breaker panel to up to 6 seperate circuits. I have two fridge/freezers and two stand alone freezers. I can run together on my generator

 

[basstracker89]

Having a lighter weight unit as you age would be helpful. My unit weighs @ 180lbs dry. But I have a tractor with a loader. So I use it to get it on and off my truck. I did install wheels and handles as well. So I can wheel it around the house as needed. Funny thing is, I've never needed it at home since I bought it @ 25yrs ago. I like the idea of having single and 2 pole capability, but that does add weight, cost and size. Mine's a Generac. But lets face it, Honda is the best

 

[clisbyclark]

I can switch from the breaker panel to up to 6 seperate circuits. I have two fridge/freezers and two stand alone freezers. I can run together on my generator

What size generator?

 

[Just1more]

What size generator?

6000 W continuous. 7500 W surge.

 

[BHPSteel]

Size is going to be dependent in the total current you want to pull. Go add up the total number of amps of all the gear you want to have running at the same time.

The smaller the unit you get, the lighter it will be, and the less fuel it'll use.

 

[basstracker89]

Size is going to be dependent in the total current you want to pull. Go add up the total number of amps of all the gear you want to have running at the same time.

The smaller the unit you get, the lighter it will be, and the less fuel it'll use.

True on smaller unit. This is where Honda really shines