I'm in the market for a portable generator. I've never bought one before so it's all fairly new to me. I'm buying it as an emergency backup from a power outage. We've never had anything longer than an hour but you never know, i.e. Sandy. I would want it mainly to run our fridge, freezer and run a few lights, charge our cell phones and laptops. So I figure anything over 3,000 watts running will be fine.

I've been looking at the Harbor Freight Predator 3,200 watt / 4,000 watt max for $290. It is a 212cc engine with about a 10-hour run time at half load. But it only has 90-day warranty.

I'm also considering getting a propane generator since it's easier to store the fuel and it lasts long. But they're also twice the costs. I'm concerned about gas shortages like we saw with Sandy whereas I can store propane cans outside.

So I wanted to see if others have any advice on buying one. I want to make this a one time purchase and something that's going to meet my needs for a long time.

 

Well I wouldn't buy a gnerator from Harbor Freight because all of them I have seen have Chinese motors on them and you cannot get repair parts anywhere. I would spend a little more and get a Yamaha, Honda, or at least something with a Briggs and Stratton engine that you can get serviced and find parts for.

 

Yep What Worlok says......Hmmm Worlok, I need to mark this one down as you actually making sense. LOL hahaha just messing man Yeah a 4000 watt Honda or Yamaha will run you $2500 or more. What I would suggest is that you look on Craig's List in your local area, they are on there all the time.

Case in point

NEW! Generator 6250 PowerMate Coleman

 

That is a good price by the way!

 

Generac MC4000 4000 watt generator

 

This one has a Honda motor. Honda Black Max 6.75 kw Generator

 

If you can tinker with stuff, you could pick this one up cheap.

GENERATOR 10HP

 

Even an older model as long as you take care of it, it will work great especially for just a backup.

GENERATOR 8HP 4000 Watt COLEMAN

 

Agree with Worlok and Deej^. We got a Generac (propane) generator installed about a year ago. I think it's an 18 -20K. Automatically kicks on when power goes out (which is real nice if you're not home.) Does an "auto-test" for 10 minutes every Saturday morning. Yes; it was a little pricey, but....as you said, it's a one time purchase which you depend on. My advice? Pay the extra for a good one. It will pay for itself over the long haul.

 

Thanks for all the links Deej. I didn't even think to check out CL.

Jeff, I was looking at the Generac LP3250 Generac Power Systems - LP3250 Portable Propane Generator which is also propane. However, it's not sold in California nor the surrounding states.

If I go with a gas generator how long will the gas stay fresh if I use a stabilizer? That's one of my concerns with going gas as opposed to propane.