Inspired by
Anyone have a home generator? What kind do you have? What do you like/don't like about it?
My experience with generators is with a 35,000 watt, tractor driven one we used at the farm, and my 4000 watt one that runs power tools and my camping trailer.
I used to live on a dairy farm, and we got the tractor PTO driven generator after we had a power outage in 1978 that caused us to miss the evening milking. The loss we took in decreased production more than paid for the generator, even if we used it more for in-the-field repairs running a welder and other electrical tools than we did running the entire farm.
It did earn it's keep running the farm back in 1994 when the power failed for 51 hours after an ice storm. 6-8 hours a day was all it was needed to milk and feed the cows, and cool the milk. My brother and I no longer farm, but we still have the generator.
Drawbacks, you need a tractor with at least 75 HP to run it at full capacity, and it ain't exactly portable (weighs 850 pounds, not including trailer.)
My smaller one I got a few months ago to run my camper if I ever find myself somewhere without an electrical hookup, and right now, it's my "insurance policy" if we ever loose power (like a LOT of localities around us have), we'll just move into the camper for a few days. Picked it up at Camping World for $300, mainly because it had the 30amp, 125V outlet that is compatible with the camper's plug (no adapters needed), and is big enough to run the A/C.
Power outages here are few and far between, only been 3 in the last 30 years or so longer than 12 hours, but with Barry at the helm, I ain't taking no chances. The power company has been a week now, trying to restore power in this area, and thousands are still without power here in VA, WV, TN, KY, and OH.
Haven't used it enough to encounter any drawbacks, other than it's 125 volt only, so it can't run my house A/C, water heater or water pump. It CAN run my camper's A/C, along with the freezer and 2 fridges at the house.
I don't worry about water, my camper holds 45 gallons, and I can get more from my spring if it runs out.