Tornado Season and Generators

[BBatesokc]

check out Sams website too

Generators & Accessories - Sam's Club

By the way, I had to laugh at myself...when I firt read the thread title, thought it said "Tomato Season & Generators"

Those are all smaller portable generators and not the home type. You'd have to go to the store to see the larger home version(s).

However, I did use a Sam's portable generator for two weeks (at least) to power portions of our home after the May 3rd Tornado many years ago. Worked fine and kept the major items running.

[ctchandler]

Thanks, I will check it out.
C. T.

This is a new item. Its the sam one's I've seen at Steve's.

[ctchandler]

BBatesokc,
I went to Sam's today and the unit they have is 15kw for $3,499. The one at Steve's that I was interested is 17kw for $3,888. I'm not sure of the value per kw, but 2kw more and the warm fuzzy of a turnkey operation is worth a few dollars to me, especially now that my health has gone South. Two years ago, I would have seriously considered the Sam's unit and contracted my own installers. I was just offered a new portable (a good one) for free, so I can survive this tornado season and I have time to figure out if my health will allow me to stay in my home or if I need to move to an retirement or assisted living center. Thanks for all the help foks, if I decide to stay here, I will let you know after installation what I think.
C. T.

This is a new item. Its the sam one's I've seen at Steve's.

[Larry OKC]

CT: Heres hoping you can stay in your home.

[flintysooner]

I have a 25 Kva Generac that I bought about 12 years ago. I moved it once and had to buy a new transfer switch and, of course, the original was no longer made. I've always had trouble with the self-exercise cycle which no one so far has been able to repair including Generac. Early on I switched to a gel battery which was a very good decision. I have it serviced twice a year by United Engines who I would recommend.

A generator is not exactly a buy it and forget it kind of thing in my experience. One time when I needed it everything worked fine except for the pump motor on the well. I've forgotten the problem but it had to do with the pump more than the generator and should've been something I thought about when I put in the pump but didn't. Another time when I needed it the battery was dead which I resolved with the gel battery and regular testing. Another thing I've had some trouble with is rodent damage. They apparently are interested in nibbling on the insulation of the wires so it pays to keep the cabinet secure. If you use th block heater then you do have to check he water if you're water cooled. And you have to change oil.

The only other problem I've had was when OG&E put in the smart meter which found a wire that was a little loose in the transfer switch. Apparently the old meter wasn't sensitive enough for that problem to become apparent.

Don't mean to be less than enthusiastic but I know it is easy to have this expectation of trouble free operation in any emergency without any regular maintenance and that's just not exactly the way it is.

[ctchandler]

Larry,
Thanks, I have mixed emotions but I always remember Bette Davis' quote "Old age is no place for sissies". I'm just not sure I can maintain my place but this spring/summer will tell the tale.
C. T.

CT: Heres hoping you can stay in your home.

[ctchandler]

I started this thread, so I should tell you my temporary solution. I have an 8,800 watt, electric start generator as long as I need it (my youngest son is loaning it to me), so at least I won't kick the bucket (or "pop my clogs" as they say in England) during a power outage. This gives me time to decide if I can stay in my home or not. If I decide I can stay, I will go to Steve's and have them instal the 17kw natural gas unit. Thanks for all of the suggestions/tips.
C. T.

[Prunepicker]

BBatesokc,
I went to Sam's today and the unit they have is 15kw for $3,499. The one at
Steve's that I was interested is 17kw for $3,888.
C. T.

CT, Steve's is all about cheap. The only thing I'll buy at his place are cheap
tools that are likely to get lost. Things like a pair of pliers to tighten a music
stand or for using as a hammer. As far as anything of substance, I've had to
return everything that cost over $5. Seriously. There hasn't been an
acception.

Steer clear of Steve's unless you want something you're going to lose or
misplace.

[BBatesokc]

CT, Steve's is all about cheap. The only thing I'll buy at his place are cheap
tools that are likely to get lost. Things like a pair of pliers to tighten a music
stand or for using as a hammer. As far as anything of substance, I've had to
return everything that cost over $5. Seriously. There hasn't been an
acception.

Steer clear of Steve's unless you want something you're going to lose or
misplace.

I disagree - at least as a blanket statement regarding Steve's - While I wouldn't buy all my tools there if I was working construction as a profession, their quality for the most part certainly isn't junk.

We do most of our own tile, flooring, dry wall, doors, painting, electrical, etc. and most of the tools I buy I buy from Steve's. While I doubt you could use them every day and they hold up - 99% of people don't need tools that can do that.

My most recent projects involved building rock walls. I bought all my concrete materials (minus the concrete) from Steve's (mixing tubs, trowels x6, gloves, scrapers, shovel etc.). I've built benches, a 7' diameter fire pit with footing, and now raised flower beds. Not a single tools has broken and I've put them through their paces. I bought extra trowels because they felt lesser quality and I feared the handles would break off. None have broken and I saved quite a bit of money over going to a Lowe's or Home Depot.

One thing I do like is for some really messy jobs, the tools are cheap enough that if they do break or if you want, you can just toss them at the end of the job.

My garage is full of your basic tools like wrenches, screw drivers, hack saws and I bet 90% came from Steve's. I can't recall the last time one broke. The other 10% usually come from pawn shops.

I did buy a shop broom from Lowes...... it snapped off at the base within the month.

As for the generators - they sell the EXACT SAME brand as Sam's and as featured recently at the home and garden show. So, its not a no name brand or cheap. The problem I had with it is the fact you can get a more powerful unit cheaper at Sam's (same brand).