3 Generator Pro Tips (from a mini-Prepper)

Matt shows us how you can easily and affordably set yourself up for success during the next power outage.
Learn more about the generator I’m using here:

Champion Dual Fuel 4500w

Gen Tent for this Generator

100lb Propane Tank

30lb Propane Tank

Post It Extreme Notes

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[mlaga]

LiFePO4 batteries and solar panels are getting cheaper over time. Combine that with a small backup generator that you can keep loaded up to 75%+ while charging the battery for peak fuel efficiency and you have a quite good hybrid setup that is very efficient with fuel usage and batteries that will last a long time.

[smilingeyes]

Consider adding a generator inlet port. Makes powering the house much simpler. There are automatic transfer switches available, but a manual setup with a simple breaker panel interlock is perfectly functional and relatively inexpensive. It's not as convenient as an automatic system, sure, but it's functional, reliable, and far less costly to implement.

I have a Champion 8750 inverter model with a manual inlet port on a 50A breaker. I can power the entire house no prob, though I am limited to one high draw device at a time (A/C, oven, or dryer). Iron Box even makes a 30A/50A adapter cable so I was able to set up the inlet box with a 50A connector. The circuit's capacity far exceeds my generator's power production, but the setup gives me plenty of headroom and the ability to easily upgrade to a larger generator without the need for wiring revisions. My total investment, including the generator, is a smidge under $2000. A side benefit of going this route is having a semi-portable generator to use for other things.

[betterthanalemur]

Great tips all around! Another protip would be to stock up on oil and filters. Some of these units spec an oil change every 24-48 running hours.

[michigunder]

Take note: The generally available standard (not inverter) portable generators produce horrible power; THD (total harmonic distortion) bad enough to cause damage to electronics. They're still marketed for home backup (with a transfer switch) but what home doesn't include electronics? Pretty much every appliance and HVAC system now have sensitive electronics. I purchased the Tri-Fuel Champion generator and couldn't use it because all of my battery backup UPSs were complaining about the power and wouldn't recharge. Oddly enough, I own a 20+ year old Troy Built generator that provides power with a significantly lower THD. I've since discovered that The Generator Bible does a good job of evaluating and reviewing generators and gives a THD measurement for each.

[alchemistTi]

Wish you would have talked about transfer switches

[chrisjohansen]

Be sure to check the manufacture date stamped on the tank. After 5(?) years they can't be refilled unless they are re-certified, which in my experience has been pretty close to the cost of a new tank. If you buy a tank that is four(?) years old you just doubled your cost of the tank in one year. Can't recall the recertification duration but I bought a new grill from Home Depot once that only had a year before it not refillable.

[snowgorilla]

A tip from Canada, spend the extra few bucks and start BIG. You will not save any money by cheaping out only to discover that you can not run - - -, and now you have to by a bigger unit, ask me how I know x3

[sleze]

Don't forget about getting a transfer switch installed so you can just plug in to that outside the house. Need an electrician to do the hook up.

[JasonW.]

The only good time to deal with an emergency is before it happens.
If you need a generator, it is highly likely that so does your entire city.

[TheKingOfInappropriateComments]

As someone who has survived direct hits from 3 major hurricanes, portable generators are for amateurs. You can only store so much fuel and then you fly through it very quickly, even if you're just running a portable AC and a refrigerator. Then what? You have to drive all over town looking for a gas station or propane cylinder exchange that has power, is open, and doesn't have a long line? No, no, that's stupid. Here's the way the pros do hurricanes; Evacuate. No matter what. Hurricanes are no fun. They're terrifying. You can be injured or killed. Don't check out of your hotel until power comes back on at home.
Where I live now, we get power outages, primarily in the winter. I have propane for heat and a battery bank for refrigeration and whatever minor 120v usage. And a fleet of milwaukee m18 lanterns that light up the place for days. You can wait to do the laundry. Hot water stays hot for about 2 days. Take very quick showers. Portable generators are just one more thing that has to be maintained. And you have to run them periodically. Who's got time for that? Also go solar if you've got the budget for it. Then you can laugh at all this generator silliness.

[olemissjim]

Matt. You need to look at Tesla tile roofing and powerwalls. Infinite supply, no fuel, 250 year life tiles

[TrogdorBurninor]

Project Farm did some testing on stabilizers, and the best of them were still pretty bad on carburetors. Additionally, gas just doesn't last over the sort of timescales a generator is used on, ethanol-free or not. I think like you I'd go with propane on a dual-fuel.

[TRYtoHELPyou]

90 gallons of diesel and a 7500 watt motorhome generator on standby, always. Have 15kWh of battery and 13kW of inverter as well, coupled woth (eventually) the 7500 watts of solar panels i have yet to install 😅. Be ready indeed!

[IDavidBowie]

Hey Matt how are you having those 100lb tanks filled? Can you transport them in the back of a truck? I’ve never owned propane tanks that big but would love to have this setup for my parents in AZ.

[balzacq]

I'm not a full-on prepper either. I refer to myself as "prep-ish". 😀

[robertdean]

Whole house generator is the way to go. I have a general with Honda quiet run engine. It runs entire house. We used the natural gas setup for generator. We also have 80 gallon water heater and gas logs in the fireplace that are heat generating logs( no glass cover) and both are on natural gas. HVAC also on natural gas. Total cost with transfer switch and install was 16 thousand and worth every penny. Our power grid is horrible where we live and a horse fly could fart next to powerline and power goes out.

[davidm.]

Another tip, buy a 4' yard/earth anchor and cement it in the ground with 2 bags of quickrete. This gives you a solid anchor point to security chain the generator to deter thieves.

[b_lumenkraft]

The worst outage i ever experienced was 15 minutes. That was like 2 decades ago. The European power grid is rock solid.

[sweetsuccesstrading]

You can get a 500-1000 gallon tank set at your home and not have to worry for a Very long time. You can rent them by the year for about $75. Or Buy one for around $900.

[markroper]

Good info! I have a basic generator and also a portable butane burner to cook on. I bought a case of the cans of butane and combined were under $50. Have a great week!