Generators

[poppypiesdad]

Would an axe and bow saw not be better . No fuel needed for that . Apart from your food fuel .....0

[yorkshirewolf]

I guess it depends on what we're prepping for; being 'statistically realistic' and prepping for a few-day long power cut in winter, or wanting a 240v power source to use off grid, then a generator is great to have, convenient and great for charging multiple lights/tools/electronic devices or running power tools (i've run grinders, SDS drills and jigsaws off mine)
a lot of items can be fully charged in a couple of hours using a genny and a multi socket adapter - way more than solar could do (unless it's a pretty big setup)

If we're prepping for full on SHTF or TEOTWAWKI situation then yes, a generator will be either useless within a few weeks as fuel runs out or a constant attraction to the marauding hordes, so then solar would be a lot better long term and it wouldn't attract attention from the zombies/rioters/hordes, assuming of course that anything electrical was working and useful after TEOTWAWKI.

Personally i go for what i think is most likely, and being able to charge up my LED worklights, batteries, torches, phone, radio, sex toys, laptop etc in the event that Northern Power make a boo-boo is nice to have.

I do bear in mind that more serious things can and do happen, but if there are mobs of rampaging biologicals running down my road the last thing i'll care about is whether my phone works.

So is a generator an essential prep tool? Nah.

[Deeps]

I guess it depends on what we're prepping for; being 'statistically realistic' and prepping for a few-day long power cut in winter, or wanting a 240v power source to use off grid, then a generator is great to have, convenient and great for charging multiple lights/tools/electronic devices or running power tools (i've run grinders, SDS drills and jigsaws off mine)
a lot of items can be fully charged in a couple of hours using a genny and a multi socket adapter - way more than solar could do (unless it's a pretty big setup)

If we're prepping for full on SHTF or TEOTWAWKI situation then yes, a generator will be either useless within a few weeks as fuel runs out or a constant attraction to the marauding hordes, so then solar would be a lot better long term and it wouldn't attract attention from the zombies/rioters/hordes, assuming of course that anything electrical was working and useful after TEOTWAWKI.

Personally i go for what i think is most likely, and being able to charge up my LED worklights, batteries, torches, phone, radio, sex toys, laptop etc in the event that Northern Power make a boo-boo is nice to have.

I do bear in mind that more serious things can and do happen, but if there are mobs of rampaging biologicals running down my road the last thing i'll care about is whether my phone works.

So is a generator an essential prep tool? Nah.

Its definitely something I aspire to. As you say, short term outages (not that we've had one in years although we used to) are more likely than some of the more left field scenarios. Having a briefcase gennie might encourage Her Maj back to camping too, she's not keen at the moment. A gennie is down the line for me unless I stumble across a bargain.

[yorkshirewolf]

Its definitely something I aspire to. As you say, short term outages (not that we've had one in years although we used to) are more likely than some of the more left field scenarios. Having a briefcase gennie might encourage Her Maj back to camping too, she's not keen at the moment. A gennie is down the line for me unless I stumble across a bargain.

I should have added:

Essential prep tool - nah, BUT are they nice to have? -yep

[medicmark]

I am really lucky, when I shut down the search and rescue team I sold loads of the equipment off, however I kept the generator.
It is a big bugger I think 6.5kva with a 20 litre fuel tank.
As I have said on other posts the locals know about my job and the previous volunteer stuff so in a SHTF people will come here, I have used the genny previously when there was a power cut, it kept people safe, gave them a brew etc and gave a bit of reassurance. In a shtf situation I can use it to help secure the area with the 6 camera cctv setup, we have good neighbours who would and have come together before in situations.
on a last note I totaly get that a genny is not an essential however, if your shtf situation is flooding you may have electric pumps etc.
Mark.

[Yorkshire Andy]

Just be mindful of carbon monoxide...

Even outside fumes can blow back if this genset is close to the dwelling. .

Set the CO alarm off a couple of times running the Genny up just outside the garage door

[Bosworth]

I'd love a genny but have a diesel car. I don't want to have to cycle 2 different fuel types and don't fancy a diesel generator.

Tricky...

[unsure]

I'd love a genny but have a diesel car. I don't want to have to cycle 2 different fuel types and don't fancy a diesel generator.

Tricky...

simple solution to that is , get one to run on propane .

[sion_1990]

I don't think I'd ever be in a situation I need a generator, and I don't like the idea of stock-piling enough fuel to make it useful when SHTF (just another fire hazard in a shed already filled with fire hazards!)

having given it some thought I do have a few power inverter's around the house/car so in a TEOTWAWKI scenario (once everything had settled down) I'd probably rig up some sort of wind turbine thingy using scrap car alternators/batteries just to keep the bare essentials running like the freezer, battery chargers for torches/radios and the like, it's not like they'll be needed to run the cars haha.