Generator Brands

[jimmycthemd]

I've been looking at getting a generator for backup power during storms. Generally, the duration is expected to be about 2-3 days. Not looking for whole house or auto-switchover...looking at a portable generator (about 3650 watts) just for the furnace (2400 watts) and maybe freezer (600 watts). What I'm interested in here are thoughts on brands you have experience with or knowledge about.

Here's what I've pretty much ruled out:

Honda---waaay to expensive (about $1,300 for that size and don't need an inverter)

Champion---and other cheap Chinese crap.

What I've looked at:

Generac--used by data centers I've worked at but parts availability sucks for home use.

Briggs and Stratton--pretty ubiquitous and, as such parts are easy to find.

Troy-bilt--rebranded Briggs and Stratton.

Any thoughts/alternatives?

I've been in electronics for decades and know how to hook them up, but wanting second opinions.

[rockriver]

a few close associates have
onan in their rv's... run on propane... I've been thinking about looking for salvaged onan from burnt/wrecked rv.

troy bilt... 5500 gas. was about 600... still reliable... and it's 7years old. but never had to use for multiple days in a row.

a pto china built ? tiger? 10k. might be something to consider if you already have a small tractor.

I've been doing some rv shopping and see the champion line mentioned on a lot of websites...
if I was buying one this weekend and wanted cheap... i'd check out the champion! some rv'ers are giving them good reviews.

[jimmycthemd]

a few close associates have
onan in their rv's... run on propane... I've been thinking about looking for salvaged onan from burnt/wrecked rv.

rr,
Onan is what I have in my rv. Great generators but (isn't there always a but?) they're VERY proud of their parts. An associate had to replace the carburetor in his...almost $300 and that's just for the part. I replaced it for him so his labor was free (well, maybe a beer or two after I was done :-).

[Lowdown3]

I don't know if Lowes and Homo Depot has changed their policies or not, but you used to see a LOT of lightly used generators returned right after a hurricane. The stores would usually discount them a good bit.

[Bill Foster]

Returns...that's how I got mine. HD store had 2 returns that were never started. I offered the manager 2 for the price of 1 and he agreed. Score!

[reysob]

I have a generator with Briggs engine. Highly dependable and not so expensive.

[wwdnet]

We ordered a Predator 8750 - a little more than what you're looking for but at $529 (on sale) it will let us run almost the whole house in conjunction with our existing generator. Reviews on this unit are very good via Consumer Reports. It won't be here for Irma but in FL hurricanes are a regular event.

[protus]

We've got a 4k predator.
But I gotta replace the tank due to internal rust. It runs. Does so. But it Will clog the filter in the valve at Times.

[wwdnet]

We've got a 4k predator.
But I gotta replace the tank due to internal rust. It runs. Does so. But it Will clog the filter in the valve at Times.

We'll keep an eye out for that. Thanks

[rockriver]

i'm sort of new to you tube...
interesting videos on generators...

then I googled.
https://www.alibaba.com/showroom/tiger-generator.html

anybody want to do a "group buy?"

am I reading these prices correctly?