Back up generator?

[Wildcat]

Hello all. :D

I guess this is as good a first post as any.

I'm contemplating getting a small power generator, but I'm not sure what would be best. I'd like to run a few lights, a few appliances, and a small electric heater to keep the water pipes from freezing.

Can I get by with 3000 watts?

Propane vs gasoline?

Any ideas?

TIA

[Chuck]

You can get by with one that small if you don't try to use it for everything at once. I wouldn't try to run a freezer and fridge at the same time. If you keep a freezer full you should only have to run it a few hours a week. As you open space in it fill the empty space with containers of water. You might also consider a small 12v lighting system to cut the demand on the generator.

We live almost 70 miles from the nearest road or power grid all of our food is dehydrated or canned. This eliminates the need for refrigeration. Dehydrating takes less storage space and retains more nutrients than canning.

I'm kind of wondering off topic here yes it will work.

[Wildcat]

Thanks Chuck, yeah I'd figured on not being able to run several items at once. This is to be used only for emergencies (like the ice storms we've had 2 years in a row) I figure I can figure out how much besides the fridge it can handle and go from there. I don't need it for heat really, our fireplace does a good job keeping the ground floor warm. In a pinch I figure I'll close off the upstairs portion of the house and we'll sleep in the living room.

[Maximilian]

This one is on sale at Costco and I am gonna get it.

Cummins Onan

http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11245396&cm_mmc=BCEmail_262-_-Banner-_-7-_-CumminsOnan6500_BCEmail_262

http://content.costco.com/Images/Content/Product/249373.jpg

Anyone have anything good to say about this one?
Was thinking of getting it.


Specs.
5000 Running Watts, 5500 Peak Watts
9 Hour Continuous Operating Time (At rated load)
Electric and Manual Start (Battery not included)
13 HP, 4-stroke Overhead Valve Engine
Large 6.5-Gallon Fuel Tank
Versatile 120V GFCI Protected Duplex,
120/240V 30 Amp 4-wire Twist Lock Receptacle (NEMA L1430), and Grounded 120/240V Receptacles
Automatic "Low-oil Shutdown"
Integral Battery Tray
Heavy-duty Cast Iron Cylinder Sleeve
Circuit Breaker Protection
Dual Element Air Cleaner
Full Perimeter Safety Frame
Generator Dimensions: 26.8" L x 21.3" W x 21.7" H
Weight: 185 lbs.
Wheel Kit (included)
Nylon Weather Resistant Cover: 29" L x 23" W x 24" H
25' Heavy Duty Power Cord with 10/3 gauge wire
2 Year Limited Warranty
EPA Certified Emissions

[Falls_Tech]

I bought a Mitsubishi 1800 watt genny back in 1999. I've got it on the back screened/glassed in porch. Drilled a hole through the wall near the floor. Ran two 14 gauge extension cords through it. It powers the fridge, lights, tv, fan etc. I've got a kerosene heater for backup heat.

[Doc1]

An alternative power source all preppers should adopt is a good inverter set up. Do this in addition to your generator.

An inverter allows you to produce 115 volts AC from your vehicle's 12 volt system.

Get something substantial.

You've probably all seen the small inverters that plug into a cigarette lighter, allowing you to run laptops and small appliances. They can be handy, but they will only handle tiny loads.

Many vehicles can be upgraded by installing a high output alternator. This, combined with a large inverter can do serious work. I installed a custom-rewound 200 amp alternator on my little diesel pickup and - when needed - this can feed a 3000 watt continuous/6000 watt surge inverter. After Katrina, this rig operated a freezer, chainsaws and other power tools, microwave and even (with difficulty) my well pump.

Properly thought out, an inverter set up can offer an additional, economical source of 115 VAC power. It may be only a useful backup to tour generator, or serve in its stead.

Best regards
Doc

[momof23goats]

An alternative power source all preppers should adopt is a good inverter set up. Do this in addition to your generator.

An inverter allows you to produce 115 volts AC from your vehicle's 12 volt system.

Get something substantial.

You've probably all seen the small inverters that plug into a cigarette lighter, allowing you to run laptops and small appliances. They can be handy, but they will only handle tiny loads.

Many vehicles can be upgraded by installing a high output alternator. This, combined with a large inverter can do serious work. I installed a custom-rewound 200 amp alternator on my little diesel pickup and - when needed - this can feed a 3000 watt continuous/6000 watt surge inverter. After Katrina, this rig operated a freezer, chainsaws and other power tools, microwave and even (with difficulty) my well pump.

Properly thought out, an inverter set up can offer an additional, economical source of 115 VAC power. It may be only a useful backup to tour generator, or serve in its stead.

Best regards
Doc

your right Doc1, my hubby has a good sized alternator, and an inverter, for just that reason.
plus we have a gennie, it runs our fridge, one of the freezers, and lights, and tv, all at once, but usually, I unplug the freezers, and only plug them in a hour a day, this will keep things frozen. if yo u don't open them.
and we usually watch movies or some thing. it also runs my puter.