Backup/camping generator

[Trbo323]

Ok, after our latest power scare we are looking for a generator but, I have very little experience with them. Basically, growing up my dad bought one off of a neighbor while he was drunk for $100.... And that's about it. That little generator lasted forever even though we didn't use it much

Now, I'm a grown up! But our house has no secondary heat when the power is out.

So, our ideal scenario is being able to run 1 fridge, 1 oil heater and 2 space heaters

Roughly 1500w each as long as the oil heater is not on full blast. So 6000w total ideal, if something like that is out of our price range then I can cut out the 2 space heaters to bring it down to 3000w total

Next requirement, propane. I am absolutely running on propane. Lots of reasons why but just trust me that they are good. We will likely also use it for camping so it needs to be portable as well

The biggest thing I'm running into is I have no idea what brands to look into. Since it will be a backup in case of emergency I need something reliable. I've been eyeing firman for a while but wanted to see if you guys had some ideas

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[Super Nova]

I've heard Generac is good but I haven't verified that or know if they even have a portable propane model so not much help for ya.

[Blackmagic71]

I’ve got this:

https://www.amazon.com/DuroMax-XP550...87835812&psc=1

It’s easy to use, works well, and dual fuel.

The one thing I don’t care for is it’s exceptionally loud.

[Toestr]

I am absolutely running on propane. Lots of reasons why but just trust me that they are good.

Hank Hill level discount?

[Trbo323]

I've got this:

https://www.amazon.com/DuroMax-XP550...87835812&psc=1

It's easy to use, works well, and dual fuel.

The one thing I don't care for is it's exceptionally loud.

Hmmm, might not be the best then. I'd rather not upset our neighbors

Hank Hill level discount?

One of the reasons yes. When you can get propane for $1.80 a gallon and just drive it to your own house it certainly helps.

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[Trbo323]

I've heard Generac is good but I haven't verified that or know if they even have a portable propane model so not much help for ya.

Not sure why I hadn't thought of them. I see them all the time for standby generators

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[Blackmagic71]

I should have gone with something like this:

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Westingh...0DFc/318060927

Maybe a little lower power than you want, but it “should” be relative quiet and dual fuel.

[Trbo323]

I should have gone with something like this:

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Westingh...0DFc/318060927

Maybe a little lower power than you want, but it “should” be relative quiet and dual fuel.

Hmmm, I'll keep that one in mind, 3500w on propane

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[THE_Incredible_Hulk]

I have one of these: https://www.harborfreight.com/5000-w...epa-71367.html

First I had the 3500 (starting) watt version but after the 5000 starting watt version was released and on a good sale I got it and sold the 3500 watt one. It's quiet and dual fuel.

[Tarsun2]

you can always buy a gas generator and convert it to propane.
also, think of how youre going to connect everything to the generator.
another thing to consider is that running watts and starting watts are 2 different things; as well as generator output and peak output. (just some things to consider).
if youre considering connecting the generator to the house, youll want to know the difference between floating ground and bonded ground.

would you consider a Mr. Buddy propane heater? i believe on the newer ones, you can run them indoors.
something that i have my eye on currently is a "chinese diesel heater".

[Trbo323]

you can always buy a gas generator and convert it to propane.

While true I don't see the benefit. The multi fuel models are not really more expensive than their gas only counterparts. If I do a conversion I then wouldn't know the wattage the generator can handle because lpg is less energy dense than gasoline. If I had a generator given to me. Maybe that's a different story but I don't see any benefit to buying one then turning around and converting it

would you consider a Mr. Buddy propane heater? i believe on the newer ones, you can run them indoors.
something that i have my eye on currently is a "chinese diesel heater".

Technically you can but you also have to have a window open for venting. Kind of defeats the purpose and I'm not a huge fan of burning propane in a bedroom while I sleep regardless of the vent situation

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[Riot]

People poo-poo Harbor Freight, but they’re idiots, (sorry if anyone did above, I didn’t read), because those HF Predators are good!

I needed a quiet one for campgrounds with my camper and I had used my buddies 3500W(?) one and you literally couldn’t even hear it running just outside the window. It did plenty for my small camper. So, I waited for a sale and paid like $450 (versus the comparable Honda close to or over $1k). Anyways, they make a larger version of this in 5500W that I would recommend looking into, it takes gas OR propane, which was another nice selling point.

It you don’t need the “quiet” version, it’s probably even less money. Point is, don’t sleep on those predator motors, they’re legit.

[BLachance75]

I'd look into dual or tri fuel so that you have the options if needed. I bought a gas generator and wish I would've gotten dual fuel. I bought it during a major outage so I didn't have many options.

My generator is 6800 watts running and 8500 watts startup. It is kinda loud and I use about 5 gallons of gas every 8 hours when it is running full blast. I strategically point the exhaust away from the house and put up a piece of plywood to also help direct the noise away.

The first time I used it I ran a bunch of extension cords all over and it works but it is a pain. After that I wired an outlet to the outside of the house so I can back feed into my panel. I know this isn't necessarily the best way but I have it on a separate breaker that is always off. When I need to use the generator I turn off the house main and turn on the generator breaker so I'm not back feeding into the system.

A neighbor has a similar sized Honda generator and it is noticeably quieter then my generator. It was also way more expensive than my generator.

[BLachance75]

People poo-poo Harbor Freight, but they’re idiots, (sorry if anyone did above, I didn’t read), because those HF Predators are good!

It you don’t need the “quiet” version, it’s probably even less money. Point is, don’t sleep on those predator motors, they’re legit.

I've heard good things about the Predator generators as well. The Super Quiet ones are a great deal compared to Honda.

Trbo323 they are 20% off today, Wednesday 2/19

[Trbo323]

Those of you that have them, how long have you been using the predator generators and how much use do they get?

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[Riot]

My personal experience is limited. I’ve only used the one mentioned above that one time. However, I purchased it knowing that my friend used and abused it regularly for at least two seasons with no issues. The reviews on them are pretty stellar too, which I found comforting.
Unfortunately, that’s the best I got for ya…

Good luck!