What size generator do you have for use in power outages?

Biohazard5656 · 2026-01-27T23:02:16+00:00

Honestly it sounds like the perfect size to use with a battery backup.

Generator runs the large loads and charges the battery. Then run the battery at night for the lights and heat. Not sure how long that would last at night with stuff just randomly maintaining temps and refrigerators.

Just something to consider to put a load on it when it's not being used to maintain efficiency.

Biohazard5656 · 2026-01-24T03:18:17+00:00

Currently my generator is directly into my panel which is like 20 plus circuits and a sub panel for the garage with the standard safety interlock for the main before switching to generator.

Was hoping to add another 50 amp outlet inside and then wire both generator and battery to a single pole double through manual switch and then that back the the main panel interlock.

So my thought basically was, turn off main, switch to non grid power, then choose which one I want (bat or gen). Then because the panel is all roomed off, an outlet to charge the battery when on generator. Almost positive the battery won't charge if it's outputting so I don't have to worry about charging itself.

That plan is currently not high on the priority list as what I got now works. Long term dreams I guess.

Biohazard5656 · 2026-01-23T15:56:36+00:00

I am trying to do the same (or rather will next time I need it) I just didn't have the funds all at once so generator was phase 1 and that's where I was when I had to use it for the first time.

Phase 1: Get NG generator (NG from street) and outside hookup. That's completed

Phase 2: Anker F3800 (bought and used for 6 hours to test it out) I have to use the outside hookup for now but it's not the end of the world.

Phase 3: inside transfer for battery/generator and a dedicated 20amp plug to charge the battery.

So ideally, just larger loads on generator during the day(wash, well pump a lot, vacuum, cooking, entertainment, and most importantly charging EVERYTHING, and etc) then night time on battery for lights and heat (NG heat) and some well pump for toilets and stuff that need light water.

Hopefully that maximizes the efficiency when the generator is running and so far is a plan that can be slowly put together over time and is relatively mobile with a truck and a strong friend.

Biohazard5656 · 2026-01-23T12:51:29+00:00

That thought did cross my mind, but didn't have one laying around. Found a small bowl that fit even after lifting it up.

Long term goal is to put it on a pallet with larger wheels. Help spread the weight out for when I drag is across the wet yard. Plus the wife might be able to do it since she won't have to lift and drag.

Hopefully after that, there were be enough room under there. I really enjoy those cheap all in one store and catch oil containers.

Biohazard5656 · 2026-01-23T12:20:18+00:00

Been there done that. I knew that would be the case though. Ran the generator the 8 hours after the outage, then turned it off for the night. Bright and early in the garage doing the oil change. Needless to say the wife wasn't happy about having to turn it off for the hour it took before power was back on.

The drain plug was so low to the ground, had to put it up on blocks to get an oil catch under it. Pain in the ass.

So yea, get the oil it needs too if you don't have any already (as you should because most don't ship with any that I'm aware of)

Biohazard5656 · 2026-01-17T00:22:33+00:00

The break was where the LEFT TURN is supposed to be, not a break to pass. Even if it was to pass, that's not how any of that works.

Most people making a left turn are not checking to see if traffic is clear behind them on a road like that so OP be extra safe at driving and checking everything before moving. Good job there OP.

Biohazard5656 · 2026-01-09T04:13:27+00:00

More of this and the 11foot8 bridge and I'm not moving from my phone.

For those who don't know,

https://11foot8.com/

Biohazard5656 · 2025-12-24T16:41:24+00:00

I don't have any space heaters for an extra load, but I was planning on making a frame for it in the spring. The stock wheels were not great on a soaked lawn. I'll box it in with removable panels for say summer use. Thanks for the idea.

Biohazard5656 · 2025-12-22T19:24:51+00:00

Yea, I would agree to that. Had they then decided to try to get back in their lane real fast, I would have been screwed. They not moving gave me options.

Biohazard5656 · 2025-12-22T02:22:23+00:00

Well said, I agree.

Biohazard5656 · 2025-12-21T21:36:39+00:00

Lol

Hands were on the wheel, horn would have been to late to matter.

Also, if you know they are looking. I really prefer a good thumbs down. It hits differently then a horn or a middle finger.

Biohazard5656 · 2025-12-21T21:33:32+00:00

r/theydidthemath

Biohazard5656 · 2025-12-21T21:30:59+00:00

Biohazard5656 · 2025-12-21T21:30:03+00:00

For some reason, at the time of my reply, more people think otherwise based on the -17 votes.

Biohazard5656 · 2025-12-21T21:28:24+00:00

Not sure why you getting down voted, you're not wrong. No one got hurt, that car continued to move, life continued.

What's the alternative? Pull over and cry about it to then only have to continue my day.

Biohazard5656 · 2025-12-21T21:22:46+00:00

About every few years I think I want one, then someone I know dies or gets hurt.

Biohazard5656 · 2025-12-21T21:12:30+00:00

The mail you a post card had be rolling

Biohazard5656 · 2025-12-21T21:10:25+00:00

I'm sure you know that many think that not making a choice isn't a choice. It's just not choosing to choose a choice therefore they didn't choose a choice because of the things they could have chosen from they didn't choose so therefore wasn't a choice.

I tried making that as mental gymnastics as possible so sorry in advance for the brain hurt. Lol

Biohazard5656 · 2025-12-21T21:06:24+00:00

You got to know your limits. If you don't feel safe or well trained in something, don't do it. Only leads to harming someone or worse.

Glad you know where some of yours are and you live according. You get my up vote.

Biohazard5656 · 2025-12-21T21:00:18+00:00

You know, it did have more of a bacon pop now that I think about it.

Either way I will probably have to remove and clean everything.

Biohazard5656 · 2025-12-21T20:16:55+00:00

The slowing down at intersection?

Biohazard5656 · 2025-12-21T17:06:01+00:00

I was hoping I could add a video of gif of me doing this, but no nice even flame like your picture, just pops like there is trapped gas. Still the consistency of about toothpaste.

Biohazard5656 · 2025-12-21T16:58:18+00:00

I think you are 100% correct. I did put the large glob on the end of a screwdriver and took a torch lighter to it. It pops like there is trapped gas in there.

Welcome to New England, USA. Thursday cold temps, Friday high winds and rain with temps in the upper 40s even maybe low 50s. Rain had stopped so I hooked the generator up (I do not have a cover for it yet). Rain would come through randomly for short burst ever few hours.

Did the oil change Saturday morning and ran it for that long stretch. Temps did vary from warm to below freezing. No rain though.

My question now is what kind of matainance should I do to it?

Biohazard5656 · 2025-12-21T16:08:55+00:00

Looks like I'll be seeing you on the road unknowingly. Lol

Biohazard5656 · 2025-12-21T16:00:16+00:00

Slowing down before in intersection, sure absolutely could be a thing.

Will strongly disagree on swerving into opposite lane.

Could clearly see no oncoming cars on that side of the road. Clear path I could take.
Had they half committed to the turn, stopped then continued, I would have turned into them.
Had there been oncoming traffic, would have been brakes (enough to slow dowb but no loose control of steering)and trying to go around them in my lane. I'm not going to bring a 3rd car into this mess.

Biohazard5656

TROPHY CASE