"I bought this generator back in 2004 as a backup to our rural power system. We live in rural America and lose power more often than we should. We had lost power something like 12 times in the prior 2 years, one time for 3 days due to an ice storm. Electricity is our only utility, so it is essential for water, heat, and lighting. Preparing for the next winter, I wired in the generator and connected the auxillary Propane fuel tank. I tested the system and like others found the 20 hp engine to be loud. I fabricated an exhaust extension out of 1-1/2" pipe and then used a flexible exhaust pipe and automotive muffler toboth vent and quiet down the installation. The exhaust is very hot, so routing does take some thinking about proximity of combustible surfaces.
Sure enough winter brought another major ice storm. 7 days without commercial power. By pre-planning power requirements and building a switching schedule, we were able to keep the contents of the freezer, refrigerator, turn on a few lights, the TV, and run the 220V well pump intermittently. We had added a set of propane logs, and made it through the 7 day outage without a hitch.
So how did it pay for itself? Besides being able to run water and not letting the pipes freeze, not losing the contents of the freezer or refrigerator, and not having to get a motel room.
If those examples weren't enough, later that year we were doing a paint job on a classic car. As luck would have it, while we were just starting the clear coat on the car, somebody about a mile way clipped off a power pole with their car. If you are familiar with 2 stage paint, you know what a disasterous situation this put the paint job $$$$ in. It took about 2 minutes to change over to the generator, which ran the compressor and lights, we finished the paint job. That one job paid for the generator.
Total confidence in this generator and the backup service it provides."
What is your level of technical expertise? Home Handyman
