Generators for AJ

Power out? How about an inverter connected to your car?
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kevm14
Posts: 15200
Joined: Wed Oct 23, 2013 10:28 pm

Generators for AJ

Post by kevm14 »

My current recommendation:
DuroMax 4400EH or 4850EH, depending on sale.

The EH models are factory dual-fuel generators.

The 4400EH is normally priced around $550 but has been seen for as low as $300 shipped which is a grab-it-now price in my opinion.

Latest expired Slickdeal:
http://slickdeals.net/e/7876961-duromax ... SiteSearch

Site: http://www.generatorfactoryoutlet.com/d ... tric-start

Amazon, pretty well rated: http://www.amazon.com/DuroMax-XP4400EH- ... B009RBKGZC

Manual attached, which includes a parts list and wiring schematics. I believe it is 3500W continuous even on propane but even if it was 3,150, that is fine. Says 20 hours run time at 50% load on a 20lb propane tank. That is pretty cool.

Fun fact: no choke needed with propane because it's a gas. The necessity of a choke is due to the characteristics of liquid gasoline. These seem to have the choke functionality mislabeled which has caused problems for some folks who did not realize this (and reported the engine only runs with the choke on, when it's actually off).

Another benefit of this generator: built-in 12V battery charger, rated for 8.3A which is pretty good.

Benefits of propane: runs cleaner (oil stays cleaner and the engine probably lasts longer), smoother, and never needs to be prepared for storage. Simply keep a couple 20lb tanks around and get them filled locally, or bring the empty one home to exchange with Blue Rhino.

Benefits of dual fuel: it's factory so no need for a $100 kit, it comes tuned properly (mixture) and in a pinch, you could run gasoline.

Aside from some QC foibles, Duromax appears to have good customer service. However, you need to unpack and test this thing when you receive it to work out any bugs, and possibly work with customer service to rectify. For $300 shipped, and for what this is, I would be happy to do that.

The included battery may be crappy, but that's no real concern with the recoil start.
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duromax_series_manual.pdf
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kevm14
Posts: 15200
Joined: Wed Oct 23, 2013 10:28 pm

Re: Generators for AJ

Post by kevm14 »

TIP: buy the 240 Volt 4 pin twist lock connector that plugs into your panel on your Gen, and set your Gen Panel Switch on 240 Volts, then attach the 240 to dual 120 Volt adapter for the other end. (All cords, adapters and accessories are right here on Amazon, but be careful ordering to get the correct ones) This puts EACH 120 Volt socket on its own "Winding" within the Generator and DOUBLES your available output. Otherwise, the two 120 Volt outlets on the Gen SHARE one "Winding"'.
Interesting and a curious design choice, if true. My Powermate definitely has each 120V outlet on a different winding, because when I replaced the power outlet, there were different wires to each hot side (and the bus bar connection was disconnected). The neutral and ground shared connections.

Ah, nevermind:
You can get full power from the two 120V outlets by putting the switch to 120V (the left position). This takes the power from the 240V winding and adds it to the 120V outlets. I didn't know this so I got the 240V to 2 x 120V splitter. Don't really need it , but this way there are twice the number of 120V outlets. At this point in my time with the machine, I think it's a good one and plan to be able to get some serious work out of it.
Just be aware of that switch. Since you'll be powering 120V loads, you'll want to leave it in the 120V position.
kevm14
Posts: 15200
Joined: Wed Oct 23, 2013 10:28 pm

Re: Generators for AJ

Post by kevm14 »

Warranty is parts-only after 30 days. Again, something to note.
kevm14
Posts: 15200
Joined: Wed Oct 23, 2013 10:28 pm

Re: Generators for AJ

Post by kevm14 »

Decent deal on an inverter generator:
http://slickdeals.net/f/8105818-energiz ... gn=tu-9999

But not propane and still probably double what you want to spend.
kevm14
Posts: 15200
Joined: Wed Oct 23, 2013 10:28 pm

Re: Generators for AJ

Post by kevm14 »

kevm14 wrote:My current recommendation:
DuroMax 4400EH or 4850EH, depending on sale.

The EH models are factory dual-fuel generators.

The 4400EH is normally priced around $550 but has been seen for as low as $300 shipped which is a grab-it-now price in my opinion.

Latest expired Slickdeal:
http://slickdeals.net/e/7876961-duromax ... SiteSearch

Site: http://www.generatorfactoryoutlet.com/d ... tric-start

Amazon, pretty well rated: http://www.amazon.com/DuroMax-XP4400EH- ... B009RBKGZC
Speak of the devil.

http://slickdeals.net/f/8177236-duromax ... st78892938

This current deal is $399 + free shipping, which is $100 more than previous deals. But still definitely a sale price (Amazon has it for $550).
kevm14
Posts: 15200
Joined: Wed Oct 23, 2013 10:28 pm

Re: Generators for AJ

Post by kevm14 »

kevm14 wrote:My current recommendation:
DuroMax 4400EH or 4850EH, depending on sale.

The EH models are factory dual-fuel generators.

The 4400EH is normally priced around $550 but has been seen for as low as $300 shipped which is a grab-it-now price in my opinion.
As promised:
http://slickdeals.net/f/8311063-duromax ... gn=tu-9999
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