Generac Generator for disaster preparation

[platoonDaddy]

I believe the next target will be the electric grid, therefore I was thinking about a natural gas generator. Currently have a 6250W portable gas and just not comfortable for a disaster.

Therefore do any of you have any comments about Generac Generators?


http://www.amazon.com/Generac-5873-A...4559512&sr=1-4

[docsherm]

I have been looking at getting a generator but I think I am going to go with a diesel one. My truck and my wife's car take diesel and it last a lot longer to store it.

[Just a Jarhead]

With fossil fuel issues from availability, cost, storage, a reasonably sized solar system is my next project along the lines of this guy who posted today at survivalblog.com
http://www.survivalblog.com/2011/08/..._system_b.html

"My home energy backup system was originally conceived to make a little bit of power for a very long time. Rather than backing up the whole house with a generator for a relatively short power outage of just a few hours or days, I wanted a system that would function in an extended power “grid down” scenario. I was working from the self declared principle that when the grid is down at night, a single light bulb makes a huge difference in how you feel. In addition, I wanted to preserve critical refrigeration and freezer functions indefinitely."

[Nathan_Bell]

I have been looking at getting a generator but I think I am going to go with a diesel one. My truck and my wife's car take diesel and it last a lot longer to store it.

If you go diesel, plan on getting a large footprint shelter to go around it. I have a standby diesel and it is LOUD and its sound carries a long way. I hope to have a block shelter around mine by next spring.

[Armati]

Food for thought:

Consider a natural gas or LPG generator. In most cases local utility gas will continue to flow even if power lines are down. A hard wired CNG unit is the way to go if you need to hole up.

LPG units use simple cooking propane tanks. I think most of us here grill and you already have tanks on hand. Just keep a few extra on hand for the geni. LPG is easily obtained, handled, stored and transported. Unlike liquid fuel it does not need fuel stabilizers and will not take on water. For reliability and durability it is very similar to diesel. LPG is the way to go if you are not on utility gas or have a contingency plan to bug-out.

[Just a Jarhead]

If you go diesel, plan on getting a large footprint shelter to go around it. I have a standby diesel and it is LOUD and its sound carries a long way. I hope to have a block shelter around mine by next spring.

Exactly.

"So in the end, solar is expensive and makes a fraction of the power that a generator can for the same dollar investment – but solar will do it quietly and almost forever – even when the fuel supplies run out."

OP you say you believe the next target is the power grid but you don't mention any length of time you want to prepare for. Why a generator? What's the reasoning? I'm curious. What major advantages do you find in one rather than solar? By the time you add up the cost of the generac or other large generator, the cost to hook it up unless you're an electrician, platform, sound dampening surrounding, fuel storage tanks, the cost of fuel, then if you're thinking for anymore than a week or two what if you can't get fuel in a real shtf storm? Why not take that same money & go solar? Even with a LPG unit you're not self sufficient. You're still dependent on the system that is prone to failure.

[SkyPup]

I have a PTO operated 26,000 watt generator for use off one of my diesel tractors or any other portable power source with a PTO, although it takes quite a bit of horsepower to operate it, I do have over 500 gallons of diesel stored. The good thing about a generator is you do not have to operate it all the time, just when you need it....last time I used it for two weeks after two hurricanes went over us and it was a dream compared to anything else available (basically there was nothing anywhere at any price available).

[Thomas M-4]

HATZ makes a Silent Gen Pack with 9KVA out put.
I have been looking at gen set like most in this thread. I ran across the HATZ silent pack looks very interesting. I am $ure it would co$t but if any body is interested.
http://www.hatz-diesel.com/fileadmin...Genset_ENG.pdf

[SkyPup]

I have a Hatz 3,500 watt air cooled generator in my RV and it only sips one gallon per 3 hours full load, it is a real nice but expensive unit.

I have a Mercedes turbodiesel RV, four diesel tractors, three VW TDI turbodiesel cars and a Chevy 3500 turbodiesel, so everything we use is diesel powered.

[Artos]

I work with the company that makes all the generac wire harnesses...from the small 1000w to the huge back ups for hospitals and hotels.

I have been trying to hint / cough / wink for a scratch and dent unit...no dice yet. I would have to have a gas line brought in.

Currently running a 6000w Porter Cable unit but sure would be nice to have the A/C. Last hurricane was 36 hours w/out power and got grouchy pretty quick.