which portable generators do people have

[3930dave]

There are other considerations that Southerners don稚 usually have experience with.

After Hurricane Sandy, there were lots of people with the cheap construction generators who ran out of fuel after a few days. There was no fuel within 50 miles.

We plan for an 8 day outage because in the snowbelt during a northeaster, no power means no travel, no heat means frozen pipes means water damage. Our tenants turned down the heat and went away during a cold snap and the damage was $17,000.

C'Mon Gman.... Winter's a laff a minute !

frozen pipes in the garage - Pelican Parts Technical BBS

(Pic's been around a very long time......)

Rgds, D.

 

[buickanddeere]

How do you prevent floods into the buildings ?

 

[Industrial Toys]

I too was going to mention peoples choices and priorities. But an Escalade or Granite Counter top really does quite little to enhance the quality of life. Having some serious back up power, on the other hand, mostly for a hobby, can really pay off and put quite a smile on ones face when things go dark.

Maybe kind of like asking what's a better buy? Some Fine Italian Gucci (sp?) loafers or a sturdy high quality pair of work boots?

 

[90cummins]

I too was going to mention peoples choices and priorities. But an Escalade or Granite Counter top really does quite little to enhance the quality of life. Having some serious back up power, on the other hand, mostly for a hobby, can really pay off and put quite a smile on ones face when things go dark.

Maybe kind of like asking what's a better buy? Some Fine Italian Gucci (sp?) loafers or a sturdy high quality pair of work boots?

Well put!!
90cummins

 

[RSKY]

I too was going to mention peoples choices and priorities. But an Escalade or Granite Counter top really does quite little to enhance the quality of life. Having some serious back up power, on the other hand, mostly for a hobby, can really pay off and put quite a smile on ones face when things go dark.

Maybe kind of like asking what's a better buy? Some Fine Italian Gucci (sp?) loafers or a sturdy high quality pair of work boots?

We gave a high price of our quartz counter tops. They are used every day. Installer took a screwdriver and used it to scrap the tags off. Wife nearly stroked out but he laughed and was making a point. They are indestructible in anything near normal use. On the other hand a generator, in my location, is something to prevent a minor inconvenience. In my 63 years there has only been one instance that the power was off for more than a half day. We survived for four days with a 2000-watt generator. Then for two more weeks with a 4000-watt one. Both were cheap Chinese built generators that were shut off once every two or three days to change the oil.

After the 2009 ice storm people around us bought and installed whole house systems that cost them a month or more income. Why would somebody do that? I have other uses for my money. I can get by with my $630 Sam's Club special. I will take care of it. Change the oil twice a year and only burn no-alcohol fuel. I will drain the carb every time it is stored for more than a few days. It will last me as long as I need it.

In my location I just don't need an expensive generator. And buying one just so I can say I have a (fill in your favorite brand name) is a waste on money. Now, if I used it all the time in a camper, or on a job site I would buy a brand name, quietest, most fuel efficient, longest lasting one made. But I don't have those needs.

RSKY

 

[John White]

About seven years ago we had a major power outage (storm) in our area. (two weeks) No elec. for stations to run pumps, stores were hauling meat and produce out with forklifts and dumping it in dumpster. Had a 7k gen to run lights and friges. Had to shut every thing off to run well pump. Used about 5 gal or more a day. Getting fuel was a real hassle. I ran on to a construction light tower. It had been in a accident and destroyed two of the four lights, knocked one fender off and tires bad. It has a 4 cyl Kubota, 8 K. Leroy Sumer gen. I got it for around $1,100. Set of new fenders off E-bay about $50. A couple of tires. It sure is a nice set up. Very fuel efficient and quiet. If needed I can tow it out of the shop raise the tower and light up the whole back yard. I usually keep at least 15 gal of diesel in cans and I have three pieces of eqpt. that I could siphon fuel out in a emergency, probably 100 gal. A lot of people in my area have lift stations or aerators or mound systems for their septic. Talk abut a smelly mess. Glad I have a gravity flow.

 

[Industrial Toys]

Nice setup. Those light tower machines make me salivate!

What can I say? People are just different. I know a guy with indoor and outdoor pools, tennis court, indoor and outdoor riding arena and a golf course! But he doesn't think he "SHOULD" have to spend money on back-up power. The utility should fix any issues in a hurry. In fact, he cannot understand why they don't feed an area from more than one direction? Too funny!

And YES, a gravity septic system is a big plus. Don't understand people who build in a swamp, relying on sump pumps or the sewage pump thing. Nuts! Talk about building a trap!

 

[Sawyer Rob]

We gave a high price of our quartz counter tops.
RSKY

There's the REAL waste of money...

A couple sheets of ply and a sheet of Formica will do the same job for WAAAAAAY less money... lol

SO, YOU waste your money on counter tops, I waste MY money on a better generator!

SR

 

[dragoneggs]

There's the REAL waste of money...

A couple sheets of ply and a sheet of Formica will do the same job for WAAAAAAY less money... lol

SO, YOU waste your money on counter tops, I waste MY money on a better generator!

SR

:drink:

 

[two_bit_score]

To each his own with how he chooses to spend his own money. It's just good that we have money to spend and choices to make.

TBS