Generator at Local Costco

[Guns R Tools]

It looks like Champion rebranded.

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Champion-2000-Watt-Inverter-Generator/1149997.uts?Ntk=AllProducts&searchPath=%2Fcatalog%2Fsearch.cmd%3Fform_state%3DsearchForm%26N%3D0%26fsch%3Dtrue%26Ntk%3DAllProducts%26Ntt%3Dgenerator%26x%3D0%26y%3D0%26WTz_l%3DHeader%253BSearch-All%2BProducts&Ntt=generator

It is red color and priced at $489.99

it was available at Fullerton Costco.

[Ripon83]

Does the Costco version include the inverter - ? I only ask since it appears Cabelas separated it. Interesting tactic.

I wasn't going to go this route but keep the option open. Solar is my thing and generators kind of turn me off because I can't store hundreds of gallons of fuel to keep them running, but that said the Hyundai generators mail order by WalMart look pretty good "bang for buck" wise.

[thenodnarb]

2000 watt isn't much. We have some at work and they don't do much.
I am of the philosophy of using a diesel generator. Fuel stores for a long time, motors last longer, and in a prolonged SHTF scenario, you can make your own fuel like bio-diesel and diesel from plastic (pyrolysis), and even gassification. Of course gassification works for gas generators as well. The slow speed listers will last 50 years or more, and are more easily repaired by yourself. You can still get them as parts kits from the new manufacturers in India.

Some solar is great, but also extremely expensive by comparison. They are also susceptible to solar flares, lightening and EMP and aren't generally repairable.
They also rely heavily on an expensive battery array. The "cheap batteries" (ie lead acid deep cycle), will likely last 2-6 years under good conditions. Unless you decide to go nickel Iron, which are very expensive and not as energy dense as lead acid, they aren't a long term solution. You can make them yourself though, and if someone is interested I've done all the research on these already.

I'm looking at building out of state at an off-grid property I own, so I plan on generating my own electricity for day -to-day living. A 3kw solar setup would likely be around 10k. where as a similar sized diesel setup is only around 3k-5k, and I can get my fuel for cheap or free, and I can run the thing whenever I need to, rather than just when the sun is shining.

[Guns R Tools]

Inverter is built in.

The item that they sell separate is parallel cable kit. Basically, you need two unit and one cable kit to make 4000 watt unit.

[damon1272]

I was looking at the same unit yesterday too. These can be paired up for 4000w but for the money right next to it on the shelf was a 7000w unit for $150 more. Tough call. I am sure they are made in china. The inverter is quite and fuel effecient. Not bad for running a few lights and such but do not expect too much out of one. If you are willing to spend the money there are tri-fuel units on the matket that burn gas, propane, and LP. Next to a diesel generator this would be the way to go. Cost is high though.

[Ripon83]

What I like about that one is the size and run time, but 2000 watts isn't enough, and to buy two seems defeating.

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Hyundai-HHD6250-Generator/15054344

There are a lot of 4k and more for less then a garand...

[ar15robert]

they are 1600 watt continuous load so even with 2 thats 3200 watts.Still a good number of watts for basic stuff but for 3000 watts id rather go honda.