Should I Get A Second Generator?

[fried1765]

Hey everyone, I’m kind of a “gadget/toy” person and generators are one of my favorite things. I just like the feeling of comfort knowing I have one, should I ever need. Right now, I have a large Generac 8000/10,000w portable that I keep on hand for powering my whole house should I ever need it. It’s nice to have, but loud and definitely not as portable as you’d think. It’s big and incredibly heavy. It’s pretty much just dedicated for the house.

Lately, I’ve been thinking about buying a small inverter generator. Something easier to transport, more quiet, something that I can store on a shelf out of the way. Something I could take with me camping or out to my hunting land if I needed power somewhere remotely. Or just something I could loan to a neighbor without sacrificing my own means of power.

I’ve been seeing these Sportsman brand inverters and they’re incredibly affordable. I live in the Midwest, so tornado/storm and ice are the only things that could affect my power, so generators are not a tool that gets much use. And like I said, I already have a large generator already.

So right now I’m looking at the Sportsman 1000w surge and 800w running for a crazy price of $157 and only weighs 21lbs. Or the slightly larger Sportman 2200w surge and 1800w which is also dual-fuel and can use propane for $300 and weighs 45lbs. The larger one is about double of everything that the smaller one is, including weight. I’m just trying to decide if the smaller one will fit my needs better or if I should sacrifice on weight and get the 2200w version.

For camping use, it would only be needed for heat and lights. Pop-up camper and I only go when it’s cool or cold. I wouldn’t need a unit to pull an air conditioner. But I would need a unit that could pull an electric heater. I know so could supplement with gas heat, if I needed to. I’m thinking the 1000w unit would be fine for my uses as a “second gen” and for a loaner. I’m thinking portability ranks pretty high for a benefit considering I already have a lunker of a gen in the shop. But I could be swayed toward the 2200w unit also.

I have 3 generators.

A 6500W ovhd valve water cooled Honda (great machine)

A 3500W Honda powered Porter Cable (nice)

And a sweet little Yamaha 2800W inverter type (superb).

The 2800W Yamaha inverter type would likely be fine as a backup.
In my case I need the 3500W Porter Cable to run my 220V well pump.

 

[Olympus]

Yes, I can read. Can you? :confused2:

I’m not worried about what my neighbor can and can’t run when using MY generator. A free generator of any size is sure better than none at all. I’m not basing any decision on what a neighbor who didn’t plan ahead might want to run.

 

[Olympus]

I’d like to stay at or under $300 since we’re not talking about it being my primary generator.

Another option would be the 1000w inverter for portability and being able to use sensitive electronics for $157 and then also a regular frame style 2000w generator for $150. That would give me two extra generators, 3000w, and still be at $300 total.

 

[Groo]

The 1000w version wont power power tools, like a sawzall, so I'd get the 2000w version

 

[Olympus]

The 1000w version wont power power tools, like a sawzall, so I'd get the 2000w version

That would make a difference to me. I was thinking the 1000w model would be handy to take out to my hunting land and use for power tools if I wanted to build like an elevated box blind. My Milwaukee sawzall is 12 amps I think. But if it wouldn’t power my tools, I wouldn’t like that.

 

[bigtiller]

So right now I’m looking at the Sportsman 1000w surge and 800w running for a crazy price of $157 and only weighs 21lbs. Or the slightly larger Sportman 2200w surge and 1800w which is also dual-fuel and can use propane for $300 and weighs 45lbs. The larger one is about double of everything that the smaller one is, including weight. I’m just trying to decide if the smaller one will fit my needs better or if I should sacrifice on weight and get the 2200w version.

Doesn't everybody have 3?

At those prices, buy both! Needs change. With 3 generators, you'll be prepared for anything.

 

[kirkawilson]

The Briggs & Stratton Q6500 inverter has 240V connector...only portable inverter generator I've found with 240...but no electric start.

 

[Industrial Toys]

Even utilities use a lot of cordless tools out in the field. They mostly ask for generators and inverters to charge their packs and run their computers.

Who uses a corded sawzall anymore?

My friend sells a big city power utility a lot of little Yahmaha generators. Apparently they are quite good.

I have a little Yanmar 3.7 air cooled diesel that I consider MY portable. Takes two real men to lift it. It's super reliable and will start after months of no use, sitting in below zero cold. But I have to admit, those little suitcase (high quality) gas generators are sweet!

 

[nap61]

I bought a 1000w HF gen to use to make coffee for a Pancreatic Cancer function. I have two commercial (60 cups each) that I use. I couldn't get them to perk to make coffee. I finally looked at the labels and discovered the they were each 1000w - DUH.
I bought an 8400 w unit for the next year. I just look at a SMALL electric heater and saw the it was 1500w. You can't do much with 1000/2000w; maybe run some lights.

Norm

 

[Larry Caldwell]

In your situation, emphasize "portable." It's great to have a generator you can pick up with one hand for remote power. You need one large enough to run a circular saw or drill motor, but small enough to really be portable. The 800w unit won't do it. The 1800 w unit might do it as long as the circular saw doesn't pull more than 15 amps. It's great to have something you can toss in the back of the pickup with some lumber and actually get some work done.

OTOH, the little camper jobbie is pretty handy too. I have one that will run the travel trailer just fine on long duck hunting trips. With propane range, hot water and furnace, all you need is something to run the furnace fan and a couple light bulbs. 800w will also run any energy star freezer or refrigerator, one at a time. Mine is a 1200/1000w 2-cycle that will run 4.5 hours on a gallon of fuel.