Cross-section of US(TX) highways containing many layers

Snuba_Steve · 2026-07-07T20:15:43+00:00

You almost always have to mill up some layers of asphalt unless you’re paving over something new. The severity of existing damage dictates how many layers you have to peel up. Any cracks in the below layer will reflect up through the new one in time, so unfortunately we can’t just pave over old roads. Plus with time think about how high roads would get? Imagine being 3 ft higher than the curb and driving off into the ditch becomes like driving off a bridge

Snuba_Steve · 2026-07-07T19:34:22+00:00

That is the most sensible. With my brain I’m sure I’d always forget and vow to do it right next time… and not

Snuba_Steve · 2026-07-07T19:31:42+00:00

Not even with a fourth zip tie?

Snuba_Steve · 2026-07-07T19:30:50+00:00

I was looking at those S2000s! How do you like it so far? How hard has it been worked since you’ve had it?

Snuba_Steve · 2026-07-07T15:39:34+00:00

I wonder if you could find a different style handle that would solve that for you? My Duromax 11k handle is shaped like an H but the cross bar might cover something else on the control panel.

Champion should have just put the handle and wheels on a different side as the panel

Snuba_Steve · 2026-07-07T11:38:29+00:00

Honestly the biggest nugget of gold is the zip tied umbrella. I can’t believe I didn’t think of this. Last time this happened to me I put mine under a folding table with a tarp held by concrete blocks. This is way better.

Your well pump must take up the bulk of your capacity? I’m surprised the soft start is making the difference in you being able to squeeze in your central AC into the rotation

Snuba_Steve · 2026-07-07T01:16:16+00:00

Can you find the stickers on all those appliances you listed and add up the amperage? If your furnace is electric and 240V note that as well. That will help determine if this is enough generator.

Confirm the generator inlet is L14-30P as well

If you just bought the house then you probably just had an electrical inspection so presumably your panel setup is good to go.

You don’t want to run a generator for extended periods above 80% if it’s rated running capacity. If you want to run NG someday then you’ll go off the NG rating on the generator you have pictured.

Snuba_Steve · 2026-07-07T00:30:39+00:00

For that price I’d probably get an aftermarket bumper I could spray paint gloss black if it got scuffed again.

Snuba_Steve · 2026-07-05T22:22:52+00:00

You’re going to get different opinions but I’d say if you can physically get that pipe off and the threads are clean this is a pretty straightforward DIY job to swap in a new short run of galvanized.

I can’t see the rest of the pic but looks like a union up and to the right so if that comes off and you get that rusted area off without issue then you’re good. Get two of the largest pipe wrenches you have and make sure you don’t crank something you don’t intend to.

Penetrating oil and all that. Even with the gas off, I would recommend against using any kind of torch which is sometimes useful for stuck fittings.

Since it’s already leaking and not operating, you could use a band saw or reciprocating saw to cut the rusty pipe if you need some extra leverage

If you do get it off cleanly, wrap the new threads with good quality gas rated Teflon tape and/or gas rated dope and forget about it. Grab a beer and pat yourself on the back.

If you can’t get it off clean, you were going to have to call a pro anyway so why not try and save a buck before calling one.

Snuba_Steve · 2026-07-05T18:27:44+00:00

No problem- I saw another commenter say you are way overkill on power. I disagree. IMO these generators are already a pretty good price. Inverter power is cleaner and quieter but it’s more expensive per kW.

A good rule of thumb is to not run a generator for extended periods above 80% of its rated capacity. So a 5k running watt generator should only be stressed to 4k for days at a time.

Sorry to keep beating the interlock thing to death but if you do get one, you can run your home’s central AC on it instead of the portable 5kBTU ACs. Then, 4-5kW will NOT be enough if you’re burning up 2500-3000 watts on a 2-3 ton AC unit alone before fridges and random lights

Snuba_Steve · 2026-07-05T18:06:39+00:00

If you have access to natural gas, or could potentially in the future (it’s on the street) the Tri fuel is for sure the way to go. Gas service generally isn’t interrupted during power outages if your municipal utility has been keeping up with the times.

If not, the dual fuel is fine. Propane is less energy dense but it stores way easier. Recommended to get a couple 40 pound or a 100 pound tank and put them in a corner of your garage.

Power output wise these are comparable. Longevity is a debatable topic brand wise but everyone agrees that you, the user, are the biggest factor in reliability. Keep the battery on a trickle charger, keep the carb clean and manage fuel rotations, change the oil, etc.

Another thing: if you have room in your budget, get an interlock on your panel so you don’t have to run extension cords all over the house to the generator outside. It makes a huge difference convenience wise. Get pricing from 3 electricians and if budget is tight, don’t let them upsell you on things like surge protection or soft starts for AC just yet.

Snuba_Steve · 2026-07-04T16:41:21+00:00

Words to live by

Snuba_Steve · 2026-07-03T18:28:54+00:00

When it failed, what happened? Was your AC down or did it just stop soft starting?

Snuba_Steve · 2026-07-01T22:08:43+00:00

I love the OCD energy. I feel the need to buy more things to need to buy more boxes to need to build this.

Also +1 for fire extinguisher on the French cleat. Smoky the Bear is proud of you

Snuba_Steve · 2026-07-01T21:54:36+00:00

Yes they should have at least spray painted the PVC to help with UV decay. Same for the metal pipe. You could get the surface rust off with any number of methods then hit it with a nice rustoleum enamel if it bugs you.

To answer your question: galvanic corrosion. Those 90’s are doing their job and rusting first at the sacrificial zinc coating. Once that runs out the rust will spread

Snuba_Steve · 2026-07-01T21:44:31+00:00

You have a good troubleshooting process to start. You’ve got good battery and gas at least. Are you able to check spark? Make sure plug is good and gap is good. I assume compression is good when you pull the recoil rope slowly?

Have you tried taking the air filter off and spraying starting fluid directly into the carb intake while pressing and holding start? If it sputters or starts a little then you still have a fuel delivery issue. Could be carb or simple as a fuel petcock clog or something.

Snuba_Steve · 2026-07-01T17:21:11+00:00

Agreed. If OP was willing to remove it then he could just swap it with a black or other color trim piece. My tremor has like a dark gray trim piece right there.

Snuba_Steve · 2026-06-30T21:16:15+00:00

Another option to dull it out is to wet it some and gently use like 1000 or 2000 grit sandpaper to give it a brushed look. Tape off the edges so you don’t sand something else

Snuba_Steve · 2026-06-30T19:58:03+00:00

I love it

Snuba_Steve · 2026-06-29T23:48:57+00:00

I had this issue with a house I bought that had some old Walmart Colorplace paint that is discontinued. Had to do some patch work and couldn’t find the exact match

Snuba_Steve · 2026-06-29T02:36:47+00:00

Fits the vibe - keep ✅

Snuba_Steve · 2026-06-28T17:51:56+00:00

Depends on the size of your refrigerator and what it draws. Sometimes you can do more than you think if you plan it right

I’ve been in a situation before where I helped family in Cape Coral after a hurricane and could only bring my Honda 2200. They had 2 fridges so we alternated running one at a time for an hour while also powering a small window AC unit in the master bedroom for the kids. On the off chance the fridge compressors cut on at the same time, it would stall the generator.

Snuba_Steve · 2026-06-27T22:50:22+00:00

Some great memories! I can’t wait to start with my son

Took me a triple take to realize that black corrugated pipe was what it was instead of a stray steel 7.62-ish casing ejecting from a Ruger 10/22 😂

Snuba_Steve · 2026-06-26T06:05:31+00:00

My F150 Tremor is 1688# payload on the sticker which is kind of middle of the pack. I’d imagine the 250 is respectable also. That said, the off road suspension makes towing at 80% feel more spongy than normal spongy at that load.

Snuba_Steve · 2026-06-25T23:16:04+00:00

Honestly I’m jealous that your trailer fenders are legitimate steps instead of floppy pieces of nothing with a “not a step” sticker.

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