Need help deciding on a generator for the home. On a budget :X

[DinkyDau]

Dual Fuel is the way to go but, two things you want to consider 1. How much run time it has with a tank of Ethanol free gas 2. Save them headaches, purchase one that can also be electric start..Biggest thing I can recommend is, always turn the fuel off if it's gas and let the Gen run out of gas when you are done..Oh and also when not in use, hook up a battery tender!

 

[Bubbado52]

Made in China

 

[ReloaderBen]

Dual Fuel is the way to go but, two things you want to consider 1. How much run time it has with a tank of Ethanol free gas 2. Save them headaches, purchase one that can also be electric start..Biggest thing I can recommend is, always turn the fuel off if it's gas and let the Gen run out of gas when you are done..Oh and also when not in use, hook up a battery tender!

Good advice. I also run mine gen set on a regular basis just to ensure it will crank when needed. And make sure you hook up a load of some kind to be sure it is actually making juice. I had one fail years ago and I wouldn't have known until I needed it had I not been doing this.

 

[DinkyDau]

Good advice. I also run mine gen set on a regular basis just to ensure it will crank when needed. And make sure you hook up a load of some kind to be sure it is actually making juice. I had one fail years ago and I wouldn't have known until I needed it had I not been doing this.

I also keep 30 gallons of Ethanol free Regular and I always treat it with Staybil and Sea foam when stored.

 

[bullhog]

Look into a Generac


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I bought a 22KW whole house Generac (garbage) from Lowes (website) was $8,500. installed. Electrician installed. $750. automatic control panel that starts Gen. up and switches the power. Quit doing the weekly automated start ups after 3 months. Had 10 yr. warranty. When I called Lowes Store (Murphy N.C.) they stated that there is nothing they can do because I purchased online? My Generac has killed 3 batteries, 2 motherboards (control panel). This all happened in the 1st year! I now have a very expensive boat anchor... I guess I should try to find an Electrician the would remove the electronics & make it so I could go out there to start it manually...My unit does not have 3hrs. total run time yet...

 

[DinkyDau]

I have had my Champion for 5 years and it has never given me a hard time..It also has a remote start which I don't use, because I always have to turn the fuel line cut off back on to start..I just looked it up and the damn thing is made in China....That won't happen again, I will buy American made and Screw the rest..But I have no complaints about the Genny, just wish it was duel fuel

 

[jeep78]

I started using propane to power my genset 20 years ago. Will never go back to gas, and my genset was originally set up for gas.

Eliminating the carb gets rid of 95% of your small engine problems.

Elect start is a must for us old folks.

 

[Granite3]

Caught this one for $499- Electric start to boot....

https://www.costco.com/firman-7500w-running--9400w-peak-dual-fuel-generator.product.100417697.html

Add a house for it, and get @Darkdiesel to add you a transfer switch if you are on the Northside......

 

[BenKenobi2]

I bought a 22KW whole house Generac (garbage) from Lowes (website) was $8,500. installed. Electrician installed. $750. automatic control panel that starts Gen. up and switches the power. Quit doing the weekly automated start ups after 3 months. Had 10 yr. warranty. When I called Lowes Store (Murphy N.C.) they stated that there is nothing they can do because I purchased online? My Generac has killed 3 batteries, 2 motherboards (control panel). This all happened in the 1st year! I now have a very expensive boat anchor... I guess I should try to find an Electrician the would remove the electronics & make it so I could go out there to start it manually...My unit does not have 3hrs. total run time yet...

That is awful. I think IF i do buy this one, what I save I'm gonna purchase the 2 year Home Depot replacement plan. I thought Generacs were good. Did you try contacting the company directly?

 

[BenKenobi2]

I have had my Champion for 5 years and it has never given me a hard time..It also has a remote start which I don't use, because I always have to turn the fuel line cut off back on to start..I just looked it up and the damn thing is made in China....That won't happen again, I will buy American made and Screw the rest..But I have no complaints about the Genny, just wish it was duel fuel

LOL. I don't think any generator is made in the USA and if its I bet you its gonna cost a good bit.
My dream would to be get a Honda generator that was assembled here. Maybe one day.

For now I think I'll get this Sportsman and buy the 2- year replacement plan for an extra 40 bucks. If my parent's don't use it I sure will one day. Thank you for the tip about the battery tender. I'll have to look into those as well.

I'm not a huge electrician person. I don't have a transfer plug or any of that fancy stuff. If my parents were to use it, they would probably just run an extension cord but what is a proper gauge cord that will accommodate something like a fridge?