A Generator Thread for Preppers

Self | 31 July 2012 | Lurker

[Chode]

i agree with all you said... i just need to know i will have fuel for my generator when there's no power at the gas station

[Lurker]

Indeed it is. But I like to think what I’ve got going on here is pretty slick, still. One thing’s for sure, it’s way ahead of what my neighbors have done.

LOL.

[BobL]

“Indeed it is. But I like to think what I’ve got going on here is pretty slick, still. One thing’s for sure, it’s way ahead of what my neighbors have done.”

Sure...but in most parts of the country, having an extra 20 lbs. of rice puts you light years ahead of your neighbors.

But keep up the great work - prepping is ABSOLUTELY CRITICAL, especially when we keep running $1T deficits every year.

There is still an outside chance that things will change in this country before we have to collapse - and we’ll know that within a year.

[Kartographer]

DONE!

Preppers’ PING!!!

[Lurker]

LOL, you’re quite right about the rice thing. I appreciate the encouragement. I’m sure others have done this already and probably better than I did.

But that’s what I love about these threads, I always learn something.

[BobL]

Yea, there are others that also do a good job. But they’re human - so they cannot post 24/7. Having more people join in is only better.

[nascarnation]

Propane in tanks will last a very long time (decades perhaps?) with no intervention.

Long term diesel fuel needs to be treated with biocide because bacteria will grow in it.

The automatic transmissions we ship to the Army as service backups often are in storage for long periods and we have to treat the ATF with biocide.

http://www.powerservice.com/bk/

[PA Engineer]

Here is a link that most preppers may find useful. Every device with a motor should have LOCKED ROTOR CODE LETTERS.

This is the "inrush" values which can be significantly higher than the wattage required to run the motor. You can visualize this with a garden hose analogy. When you first turn the water on, you have to fill up the hose first with water before you can begin watering.

This is useful for both generator sizing and inverters. Specifically if you have a deep well in the range of 3/4HP. You will need to size up in order to handle the starting wattage.

Hope this is helpful.

[cva66snipe]

I have a 4200 watt Coleman portable I picked up from a relative. It is my main back up should I need it. My secondary back up and the one I use first in an outage is a simple 500 watt 12 volt to 120 volt inverter. I have about 6 deep cycle batteries thanks to my wife getting new wheelchair batteries periodically and I keep them charged. For a few lights and a laptop that will do for 6-8 hours per batter easy. In event of longer outages the batteries can also serve to service & rest the generator.

Now for stowing ideas. Mine sits on my front porch. I keep it amongst a few odds and ends stored there. But it's inside a wooden cover built to look like a work table and has stuff laying on top of it. It's more secure there than inside a garage or shed where thieves would look for it.

[Chode]

thx for the tip! but the propane set up costs $$$ i don't have, but i DO have the generator and the diesel is filled every year... and the cost of a large propane tank isn't cheap and renting one costs money too

but for people that heat with propane it's the hot setup

[nascarnation]

I’m sure if you turn over your diesel supply yearly, you’re in good shape.

[Sarajevo]

The 1800 rpm units are more expensive because the engine has to be larger, but you really have no choice here.

Any suggestions? Brand Names?

[Lurker]

Thank you VERY much. That’s extremely good information.

[OneVike]

Thanks Lurker, great job that is very much appreciated.

I was already plan on purchasing a bigger generator, because mine cannot run the water pump. When power goes out I can run the fridge, TV, and some lights but that’s about it.

I had been talking to some neighbors about switching it to propane and thanks to you I now know what I need.

I live in the country with no natural gas, so propane is the cheapest I can get away with, but it’s better than gas.

I have copied your prepper list and will be checking it often.

thanks for all the work and investigation you did.

God bless you and yours.

Chuck

[SVTCobra03]

Diesel has even more energy than gasoline.

Diesel is louder and harder to start in the winter.

[goodnesswins]

I hope you are right....the 50lbs of Rice we have could go bad...plus I have 20Lb of Jasmine rice that I think WILL go bad....(don’t eat much in the way of carbs)

[Sarajevo]

Great thread! I have a simple gas powered Honda 1000W generator that is also used to charge car batteries, run electric tools beyond extension cord range from the house, and camping. It will only handle the fridge and freezer though. I’m need to size up so I can power the well pump too.
everything else is just gravy.

[Lurker]

Dear Sir,

I’m very pleased I could,be of service. That’s why I wrote it. Please do be sure not to really solely on my research. As we’ve seen I’ve gotten a couple of details wrong. LOL

Good luck.

[alfa6]

At one time the best RV genesets were made by Onan.

I think that Onan is now parts of Cummins.

Regards

alfa6 ;>}

[Sarajevo]

Diesel is louder and harder to start in the winter.

In Afganistan, I would tape a couple MRE handwarmers around the fuel filter and let them do their thing. If your batteries are good, your diesel should start with no problem.