generator

Also since we are trying to prepare long term- i will need to get extra sparkplugs, filters(?),starter cord,4 cycle oil-anything else?

There are lots of good generators but like anything else you get what you pay for. Honda generators are very well made, very quiet and yes expensive. There are many others that would serve you well at a fraction of the price. Personally I would check out what Costco has because they will be well priced. If you get one with an electric start you might consider a spare battery. I have a couple of gas generators but I would like to get or put together a decent diesel unit.

I just bought a 2000w Honda. As ICRCC says, you get what you pay for. This Gen was $1500 including taxes but you can buy a 3500w gen at where ever for $300-400, but it's made in China and will probably break right when you need it. The Honda is a sweet unit. Has a 8 amp dc output too and comes with dc cables so you can charge a battery. Check reviews on anything you might buy.

I am doing a lot of looking, but think i may be more confused than ever. I have never used a generator-when our power goes out we light up the wood stove and light a candle, and go to bed early. I have found an "inverter" one that is good for recharging small stuff, which is what I was mostly thinking of anyhow. Radios, batteries,walkie-talkies etc. Would this be enough-I am finding it hard to picture what I would use a big one for. What do you use them for ? I generally curse them when other campers use them-just noisy.

Well I have the big genny thing that it takes 2 to move, but I also have this great little Gen that is about twice the size of a car battery that has a single outlet and runs about 4- 6 hrs on a fill up. I had it running steady for a couple days powering a shallow water little giant suck pump. It never hiccuped and I have been using it for over a year now. I bought it in Calgary at "Toys for Boys" or something like that and I think it was about $150.

it's nothing fancy but for cheap small and light to carry I recommend it, sorry I don't have it sitting around handy so I can't tell you brand or specs.

If your only charging batteries just buy an inverter from can tire, then plug it into your car.
I wanted a gen to run my freezers when the power goes off. And to charge my batteries which runs my inverter! Hope that's not too confusing!
You just need,
http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/browse/4/Auto/SolarPortablePower/Inverters.jsp

I have one generator that will run my freezers, the electric stove and the furnace fan. When the power is out I do not run it constantly just on a rotation enough to freeze water containers in the freezers and keep the food frozen. Then I use the frozen containers to maintain the temperature in the fridges. I have a smaller, much more portable generator to run things like the MIG welder and it is on my list if I am forced to bug out. I have a store of gasoline but in a long term situation this would eventually run out.

Generators are a cheap, cost effective measure for short term use. Renewable energy systems seem to be the only way to go for any long term solution. I have a small solar array that is capable of running the freezers and provides all my required light and power for electronics. I keep adding to it when I can afford to. This is one area of my plan that has evolved over time and continues to do so.

It may be difficult for me to comment in great detail, as I have a 8000 watt Champion. The reason I went so big was to be able to run my deep well pump, 2 refrigerators, freezer, and do some battery charging all at the same time. I plan to run the generator for about 2 hours at a time, perhaps twice a day to cool the fridges and freezer down, fill containers with water, and charge batteries. The combined starting power of all the motors and compressors is why I went with a larger unit. I would like to convert refrigeration power to solar as ICRCC did, and this would greatly reduce the size of generator I need. Believe me, brand is important. Honda has a good name, are reliable, and easy to find parts for.

I was impressed with Champion's customer service one day when I needed help figuring out why my generator would start, but then quit. Over the phone, they were able to tell me how to disconnect a possibly defective low oil shutoff circuit. This didn't solve the problem (which turned out to be my confusing the on/off position of the fuel shutoff valve....DUH), but still, very helpful.

There are also plans available on the internet to build a small 12vDC generator from an old lawnmower engine, a car alternator from a scrap dealer, and a few pullies and a belt. If you are handy, this could be a good option, as these small engines will run the alternator for a long time on little fuel.

I have read about the inverter style generators, and from what I understand, the are quiet and quite fuel efficient, however, I have not had the opportunity to see one in operation yet.

I also like the car inverter idea, as I also have this setup in my preps. Your car can idle for a long time and an inverter strong enough to run a battery charger would not be expensive, especially if you wait for crappy tire to put them on sale. Let's not forget that a car will be much quieter than any generator I have ever seen. When I run my generator, everyone around me knows about it. When my car idles in the driveway, my closest neighbor would probably never know.

I bought a Honda wisper quiet. 3 year warrentee and awesome.
my bug out has no power and I use it all the time. would not have bought anything else. Try finding just one guy who had any trouble with a honda Gen and I bet u can t.

Good Day,
Keep in mind that gennys need gas. Gas is only good for a month or so. Using fuel stabalisers can help keep it fresh for up to a year or so but after that... In my opinion, any long term prep planning in regards to electricity has to include solar, wind or other forms of generation. Keeping in mind as well that after SHTF, solar panels and parts etc, will not be available as they are today. I think long term planning should include a plan for what is really important and means to achieve those goals using the techniques of years ago when electricity was a luxury. Cold storage for food, preserving food without chemicals and powered appliances and generating lights, heat etc without involving your local power or fuel company.
Also, gennys make noise. Lots of noise that in a SHTF scenario will stand out in a quieted neighborhood like a siren. Last comment, if you need a genny badly remember.. if you have one, you have none!
I have read about and am searching for a conversion kit to use propane for my gennys. Propane lasts almost forever if stored correctly and you can get heaters, lights, coffee makers etc that all use propane. If anyone knows where a kit can be had, please let me know.
Just my thoughts.

Welcome Keillrander and greetings from Northern Ontario.

Eventually the propane will run out as well and all you will have is a paperweight. I agree with your beginning comment that sustainability is what should be aimed for in the longer term.

A wood gasifier would provide fuel for a generator permanently.

Thank you all for your ideas and suggestions.
Wookie - I was thinking if there was a solar flare that my van wouldn't start and might not even be at home if it quits somewhere else.
ICRCC- I've been trying to find long term ways of not relying on a freezer.I'm going hire someone to dig me a root celler. I'd like to do more with solar, but I'm not sure if I get enough sun and also whether that will be good long time or will we be unable to get parts or even get to where the parts are.
Keillrandor- I agree with the learning to do without power, although generators will ensure that the food we have won't be wasted and will give us a chance to transition. I am trying to learn about using a wood burning smoker to preserve meat.
Denob- I am going to get a hand pump if i can for my deep well. Otherwise I will also need a generator for that or hand dig a shallow one. I'm afraid I have more money than ability to make a generator-or even change one to propane. It's good to know that propane has a long life-I was wondering.