Generators

Phila PD · #1 09-18-2009, 02:41 AM

I need a extra Generator or two as spares for my two bug out locations. Now I can spend a small fortune on some name brand generators or go with the China made versions of Honda brand generators which is call KingCraft. Now the parts are interchangeable between the Honda and the KingCraft so I'M told and remember these are back up generators to the well maintained ones in place. Has anyone used or have comment about KingCraft Generators?

This is what I'M looking at,

http://www.aldifoods.com/us/html/off...3_ENU_HTML.htm

Iraq Ninja · #2 09-18-2009, 03:36 AM

Interesting subject. I have no idea about your China generator, but recently came across this interesting one...

http://www.tacticalpower.com/rugged_...r_20-0121.php#

I guess you could consider it a bugout gen.

Navigating Collapse · #3 09-19-2009, 10:21 PM

Everything I've heard about genny's is that Diesel is the way to go.

This could be another great thread. A generator is something on my "when I get a lot more money" list, but it's on my prep list, nonetheless.

Diesel and Solar = Post-Apocalyptic Lap of Luxury

Phila PD · #4 09-19-2009, 11:56 PM

These Generators are for my Bug-out locations and are only back-ups to the main units in place. I considered Diesel but there are no local sources near my bug-out locations except truck stops on major hwy some distance from me. I would not venture anywhere near these people magnet hot spots during a SHTF event so smaller sources are much better for tactical reasons. I keeps at least two 50 gallon fuel barrels filled and treated at each location and I have two more empty encase the need arises to have extra fuel on hand. I already have a solar system in place which can handle lighting and water pump needs. I went and picked two of the listed generators up since I can return them within 120 days for a full refund to do a decent eval and see if they are junk or hidden treasure.

I may have forgotten to add they retail for $199.99 each.

kmrtnsn · #5 09-20-2009, 12:35 AM

You in Pennsylvania? Is your house heated by home heating oil? If so, go Diesel. You can run your generators on that.

Navigating Collapse · #6 09-20-2009, 12:39 AM

$199.00 is a steal for a decent generator.

I'll do some homework, but if I'm not mistaken, diesel is easier/safer to store, and easier to treat.

There's a product out there that extends storage time indefinitely. I'll have to dig up the book that I found it in, but I'll post it when I relocate it.

Phila PD · #7 09-20-2009, 03:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kmrtnsn

You in Pennsylvania? Is your house heated by home heating oil? If so, go Diesel. You can run your generators on that.

My Primary home is in Philadelphia, In state bug-out is in Wayne's county and the deep woods retreat is in the state of Maine just below the Canada boarder. My primary is Natural gas and wood, Wayne's county and Maine is Propane and Wood. No oil at any of my locations. So far the one generator I'M testing has been running for 9 hours on a single 4 gallon tank at 50% load at 19amps, 2390 watts. She has been running smooth and noise out put is about 54 decimals, I have a hush kit which should drop the noise to around 30.

perna · #8 09-20-2009, 06:52 AM

If you live where it gets cold diesel might sound good but have you ever tried to start anything diesel in freezing temps? So unless you keep it inside and warm you will be screwed when you need it. Diesel gels in the cold and trying to start one in the cold is near impossible. Thats why people have block heaters for their cars or keep them in a heated garage.

03humpalot · #9 09-20-2009, 11:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by perna

If you live where it gets cold diesel might sound good but have you ever tried to start anything diesel in freezing temps? So unless you keep it inside and warm you will be screwed when you need it. Diesel gels in the cold and trying to start one in the cold is near impossible. Thats why people have block heaters for their cars or keep them in a heated garage.

While very true they do sell fuel treatment additives in most gas stations in the snow belt for treating diesel. My truck (06 Dodge Diesel) has been down to 54 below and started with no issues.

Phila PD · #10 09-20-2009, 01:42 PM

The test generator ran for 10 hours 16 minutes at just over 50% load before running out of fuel. On board fuel tank is 3.89 gallons and the printed run time at 50% was 10 hours so the generator lived up to its advertised run time. Power output was steady and the generator hummed along without surging. Two things I would like to see up-graded is the fuel capacity and output, 3.80 gallons is not a lot of fuel and while I can replace the current tank with a after market plastic 5.5 gallon version for $22.00 I think it should already be done by the manufacturer. Second all the cloned versions of this generator seem to offer 3500 watts surge, 3000 watts normal for a 6.5 HP OHV engine, this version runs at 3250 watts surge and 2750 watts normal a little under what the others offer in the same size package. The saving grace of this generator is that it only costs $199.99 were all the others in the same class run in the $349.99 to $419.99 range. I'm about to fuel up the second generator and give her the same running load as the first but I'm adding a hush kit to the exhaust to see how well the noise level is reduced and what affect it may have on run time if the kit affects the motors compression, I'll post results later.

kmrtnsn · #11 09-20-2009, 02:07 PM

I know a few people in Maine with 275 Gallon home heatng oil (#2 Diesel) tanks in their houses or garages but the house heat has been converted to gas.

drrufo · #12 09-20-2009, 02:12 PM

I don't know where you are, but I checked CraigsList for Orange County CA after my neighbor bought a 10k generator.
I found several gens, the one I would buy is 5k contractor gen for 400.00$. It would have to run before I bought it but that seems a good price for something I won't want to use. EVER!

kmrtnsn · #13 09-20-2009, 02:34 PM

Don't buy a generator off of Craigslist unless the seller can provide you the original receipt. Craigslist is the worlds largest market for stolen goods.

Jack-O · #14 09-20-2009, 10:43 PM

1- costco is your friend
2- Gas is fine. Diesel is better ONLY if you use that fuel as a matter of course, otherwise it's just a hassle in practice. they are also twice the price and twice the weight.
2a- if bad things were to happen you could always make a gas genny run on propane or NG or even alcohol. A diesel would run on bio diesel, kerosene, mineral spirits and even fuel oil with a little dilution and mixing.
3- PRI-G is the best gas treatment product on the market. Seek it out, mail order it if necessary
4- I have a chinese 4500w made by jiang dong engines. Never heard of them but that thing runs like a champ and always starts easy. AWESOME!!!
5-sometimes the low oil pressure sensor will go out and keep your genny from running. learn how to bypass it, and just keep an eye on oil levels. Best Mod I didt to it.

I run a contracting business and have used many generators. Dont rule the cheap stuff out unless you are not mechanically proficient or need a really good warantee.

kmrtnsn · #15 09-20-2009, 10:50 PM

Jack-o, the only difference between #2 diesel and home heating oil is the color of the dye.

Phila PD · #16 09-20-2009, 11:38 PM

Generator #2 results,

Test generator #2 ran for 09 hours 21 minutes at just over 50% load before running out of fuel. This generator had a no-name hush kit attached which may have resulted in the 55 minute less run time but I'll have to run the same generator without the kit to see if the running time improves. Noise out put was 59 decimals without the kit and 34 with. Chong Qing Dajiang Power Equipment Co. LTD manufactured these generators, they are said to also manufacture motors for Coleman and Honda.

ColdDeadHands · #17 09-22-2009, 08:41 AM

We have a Coleman 5500 Watt generator and I won a nice small Cummins generator 2 years ago. Here's some info on the portable Cummins P1700i. We use the Coleman quite often during power outages, it has never given us any problems but it's loud as hell.

Skintop911 · #18 09-22-2009, 10:43 AM

I have Troy-Bilt generators, ~3500 watts, gas powered. I went back and forth on wattage, type of fuel, and all the related minutiae. In the end, I just picked a major manufacturer's model with decent wattage at or about the price I wanted to pay. They've run well through various extended outages during deep blizzard conditions (-20 to -40 degrees). They're kept outside but sheltered, with ducted exhaust, and have always started on the first or second pull. Using gas has allowed me to rotate fuel stores between mowers, generators, and cars with regularity. I don't own a thing that's diesel, so that would've been another layer of prep entirely. I keep siphon pumps with the generators so that I can grab fuel from wherever it's found when needed.

If I were to buy another one, as a replacement or additional unit, I'll look for a quieter and more portable unit. One of the 1500-2k watt Hondas seem to fit the bill.

Cold Zero · #19 09-22-2009, 10:50 AM

The Honda Generators have a reputation for being the quietest Generators. They also tend to be pricey. But, you can never go wrong with anything that Honda makes. MHO.

Iraq Ninja · #20 09-22-2009, 11:37 AM

Shall we talk about wood gasifiers connected to generators?

I have been watching "The Colony" on TV and noticed they built one to run their generator. I have a feeling it is not as easy as they made it out to be. Still, when your fuel is gone, it is a great option.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wood_gas_generator