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re: 5500-6500 portable generator recommendations.

Posted on 2/18/21 at 3:53 pm to
Posted by Nawlens Gator
louisiana
Member since Sep 2005
5912 posts
Posted on 2/18/21 at 3:53 pm to
Honda inverter is best but expensive. I bought Honda after Katrina (not inverter) and it still cranks first couple pulls. I would buy an inverter generator but my EM5000SX still works great.

This post was edited on 2/18/21 at 7:18 pm
Posted by LSUwag
Florida man
Member since Jan 2007
17725 posts
Posted on 2/18/21 at 3:56 pm to
Whatever you get make sure it’s a duel fuel type. Propane is the way to go.
Posted by EA6B
TX
Member since Dec 2012
14754 posts
Posted on 2/18/21 at 3:59 pm to
quote:

If you can afford it Honda--no doubt about it. I've owned many and this thing cranks in 1 second and purrs like a kitten it's so quiet.


Have run my Hods eu3000i 24 hours a day for as long as 3 weeks. Easily runs a fridge, 8000BTU window unit, TV and lights, we kill the window unit while we use the microwave/ toaster oven and such. 3.4 gal tank, with the load described it will run 12 hours with gas left in the tank. It has been running the blower on my gas furnace for 3 days now. Upgraded from a eu2000 in 2008, it cost 4 times as much as the Chinese copies, but I consider it life support equipment and worth the price.
Posted by alphaandomega
Tuscaloosa-Here to Serve
Member since Aug 2012
15821 posts
Posted on 2/18/21 at 4:37 pm to
quote:

Get a Kohler generator.
Generac has had problems.




I have a 17 year old Generac (22kW) and it has never failed to start when needed. I do what my installer said and change oil yearly or after 100 hours of use.

I also replace the battery every 2 years. Yes I know I am replacing a perfectly good battery but he said that there are more problems with a unit not starting when needed that are caused by a bad or low battery than any other issue.

I just look at it as insurance.
Posted by Teddy Ruxpin
Member since Oct 2006
40160 posts
Posted on 2/18/21 at 5:08 pm to
quote:


I have a 17 year old Generac (22kW) and it has never failed to start when needed. I do what my installer said and change oil yearly or after 100 hours of use.

I also replace the battery every 2 years. Yes I know I am replacing a perfectly good battery but he said that there are more problems with a unit not starting when needed that are caused by a bad or low battery than any other issue.

I just look at it as insurance


How hard is it to change the battery? I'd just keep the extra on hand and replace it when/if the installed one doesn't work. If it doesn't take long.
This post was edited on 2/18/21 at 5:09 pm
Posted by LSUEnvy
Hou via Lake Chas
Member since May 2011
12392 posts
Posted on 2/18/21 at 5:23 pm to
I have that generac and it’s good. I’d also look at champion
Posted by Miketheseventh
Member since Dec 2017
6526 posts
Posted on 2/18/21 at 5:28 pm to
quote:

Generac has had problems.

My mother-in-law has a whole house Generac. That damm thing stays broke more than it runs. She had to go stay with a relative for two days this week because she lost power. What’s the kicker is she has a service contract with them and they still can’t keep it being available when needed
Posted by Scooba
Member since Jun 2013
19999 posts
Posted on 2/18/21 at 5:29 pm to
There’s some older models floating around. Make sure you check out both.




I have the newer model GP6500. Paid $760 for it on Amazon believe it or not. The local stores were all out when I was looking at them at the beginning of June. They delivered it on a pallet from a dedicated LTL.

If I had to buy it again I probably would have spent a bit more and got the 8000. Also consider the electric start and carbon monoxide sensor. The 6500 is available in all the configurations. I opted for the model without the auto shutoff CO Sensor.

We used a Honda inverter during the last storm and yes they are super quiet, but significantly more expensive and no where near the wattage.

If you’re looking to power a tailgate, Honda inverter all the way. If looking to power the majority of the house, generac 6500/8000.
Posted by LSUfootball222
Member since Oct 2009
1164 posts
Posted on 2/18/21 at 5:42 pm to
What’s the big difference between the 6500 and 8000. I know it’s watts but what could you do with the 8000 that you don’t think you could with the 6500

And I’ve read about the electric start but aren’t you screwed if the battery goes out? Or can you still hand crank if the electric goes out
This post was edited on 2/18/21 at 5:44 pm
Posted by TexasTiger89
Houston, TX
Member since Feb 2005
25717 posts
Posted on 2/18/21 at 7:06 pm to
quote:

Also curious about the inverter option as well

Here is a good comparison between a conventional generator and an inverter.

Difference Between Inverter and Conventional Generator
Posted by Scooba
Member since Jun 2013
19999 posts
Posted on 2/18/21 at 7:28 pm to
Watts.

Could run more around the house.

If you have multiple refrigerators or want to run anything producing heat you’ll need more juice. There are calculators online if you Google it; it adds up quick.

Make sure you’re looking at starting watts and not just the running watts.

The 8000 should let you run most of the house for 1/10th the cost of a whole home generator install. Get a small transfer switch wired to the fuse panel and you’re good to go.

I think we used a tank (7gal) per day running the 6500 on and off round the clock.

If you’re not going to wire the gen to the house you’ll want to check the number of available outlets and make sure you have ample heavy duty extension cords.

ETA: Electric start generators will still have a pull cord to start manually. Push button start would be great for a spouse or elderly person but they still need to be comfortable moving and operating it.
This post was edited on 2/18/21 at 7:53 pm
Posted by BayouBengal51
Forest Hill, Louisiana
Member since Nov 2006
6948 posts
Posted on 2/18/21 at 7:31 pm to
I have a briggs and stratton storm responder 5500, that ive had zero issues with. Easy to start and does what ive needed it to do.
Posted by PanhandleDawg
Navarre Beach, FL
Member since Mar 2011
5561 posts
Posted on 2/18/21 at 7:48 pm to
quote:

Honda brand is the best, hands down. Not that generac isn’t good, but if you want the absolute best, it’s going to be Honda.




Hands down!
Posted by Spasweezy
Unfortunately, Louisiana
Member since Jan 2014
7026 posts
Posted on 2/18/21 at 7:49 pm to
Ford F-150 Kang Ranch hybrid with the 7.2kw generator built in.
Posted by LSUfootball222
Member since Oct 2009
1164 posts
Posted on 2/18/21 at 8:07 pm to
Thanks for the info I appreciate it

Does anyone have any experience with the dual fuel and prefer it to just gas powered. Seems like the dual would be the way to go?
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