Generator

[Kewlworm]

Ok, hurricane season will be here in less than 2 wks and I don't have a generator.

I am planning to get one and was wondering does anyone know a good brand that's under $600. I will be running the fridge, multiple home apps. like TV, lamps, and fans...plus 2x8.5watts powerhead, and 1 or 2 x 80watts T5 for my tank. What wattages do I need?

Thanks!

 

[nyvp]

any of those 5500 ones will be fine

 

[Treeman]

I would try and find one that has a Honda motor.

Northern tool has some at good prices.

 

[Treeman]

But, I don't think you will find a 5500 under $600. Even with a Briggs engine. I personally would not buy a briggs engine. They are just not dependable.

www.northerntool.com

 

[Delsfishes]

I work at honda and I can tell you that those generators are super expensive they are great quality(its honda) but remember you are using this a few months of the year if any. I would go with and 5500 like nyvp said briggs and stratan makes most of them and they cost around 549.00 or something like that. But if you have the money and dont care about price go with the honda silent generator. Something like a 5500 will cost you over 1000.00


Good luck

 

[Ludwigia73]

Check out Pep Boys... I got mine last year just before the hurricane. It's a Wen brand. 5500 watts, $371. It saved my tanks for 10 days without power. roughly 10 gallons of gas a day, close to full load. Looking at the engine, it's the spittin image of a honda engine, I think it's the same carb from the honda. I know, I rent pressure washers and generators, so I know honda engines. I do agree though that if you can find a honda, buy a honda.

 

[bawla47]

i 2nd pepboys if your a little strapped for cash. i paid 300 for a 3000 watt generator.

isnt the best quality, but it has worked damn good so far. it has about a months use so far between the last few years.

it ran my whole tank, including chiller, fridge, several lights and a tv.

 

[Treeman]

I did not mean a Honda generator. I meant a Honda engine. You will pay a couple hundred more but it is well worth it. You will know what I mean when the power goes out and the Briggs won't start and you have to work on it for an hour to get it going. I have had numerous water pumps and generators and the only ones I have had a problem starting are the Briggs.

I have 2 water pumps that have the black Honda engine that have worn out the pumps a couple of times. All I have had to do to the engines is change the oil and plugs a couple of times.

 

[Rogger Castells]

What ever you decide to buy take advantage of the hurricane supply tax free special the goverment is putting out effective 5/21 to 6/1, I believe you can buy any generator up to $1000 tax free, that is a good deal.
BTW I spotted a few nice generator at BJ's yesterday, every king you can imagine and need

 

[Ludwigia73]

Treeman is right, I should have specified. Honda engine is exactly what I meant. Having to rent approx 10 tools with honda engines every day, I've come to realize that the Honda is the most reliable on the market. Plus, if it doesn't start, I can have it started inside of 2 minutes almost no matter what's wrong. Looks great in front of customers, and could mean the difference between a 4 degree temp drop and a 5 degree temp drop.

 

[gabrito]

how about a boat battery with an inverter? would that work for circulation and heater for a few days?

 

[Kewlworm]

Thanks all for your help!

BTW, how about coleman 5000w?

Thanks!

 

[reefsahoy]

yes hondas are the best but i've had briggs and no problem so far. most lawn mowers are briggs and they seem reliable.

 

[p4ck37p1mp]

I have the Coleman 5000w, got it two years ago. Its always started right up and I've never had a problem with it. I do run mine every few months, then turn off the fuel valve and let it run until it dies. Thats the key with any little used gasoline engine, don't leave gas in the lines/carbs as it turns to varnish.

 

[goda]

i have a coleman or somthing that is 10 years old. is never serviced.. and still runs like new

 

[Dactyl]

bawla, thanks for the tip. that inexpensive generator is pretty rockin.

 

[Ludwigia73]

Pep Boys is having a huge sale on generators. Mostly off brands, but some still good and cheap.Just remember one word... loud!

 

[Pico Keeper]

You can buy a small muffler for them and have them welded or clamped on. They quiet the generators quite a bit. You can also add resonators they make it even more quiet.