Monthly Preventative Tasks

[edatlanta]

The first of every month without fail I do the following:

1. Run generator for 1 hour under load. That is very easy to do this time of year. I just do it in the afternoon when both a/c's need to be running. I do have stabilizer in the gas as well.

2. Switch the refrigerator to propane only and run this way for 24 hours.

3. Switch the hot water heater to propane and leave it this way through a couple of dish washes or a shower.

I want these items to work when I need them and it doesn't take much time to do it. I also keep a log of everything I do with my Designer so I don't forget.

[clutch]

I totally agree with running the generator every month. This is really necessary in warmer weather. When things sit all winter in the cold I just drain them and let them run out of gas. I have never had a problem with things starting when winter is over.

[GKopecky1971]

Don't have a generator yet, but we are looking. I will add the others to my list. I AM going to start keeping a log, that way in a few years when we want to upgrade and trade this one in, I'll be able to verify that it's been upkept. Plus it will remind me...gets hectic with a four year old running around all the time. Makes perfect sense though, keep everything running properly, just like we would start our boat and four wheelers every other week and run for a while...keeps everything in working order. Thanks guys!!

[rodro123]

I'll tell you that I bought one 6 years ago, it's considered a portable unit but a little big to put into the back of the truck for camping. It's 13,500 watts, I put a transfer switch in my home and a outdoor plug to power the house when the power is off. It's so nice to be the only home that has lights, tv,directv, internet, phone, heat, well pump, microwave, refer, frezer. I run it once a month for 30mins under load to keep it in tip top shape and keep the battery on trickel charge once a month for 24 hours. 6 gallon tank of gas will last 8 hours under full load.

[clutch]

Rodro it sounds like you can power the whole campground.

[Seann45]

Originally Posted by rodro123

I'll tell you that I bought one 6 years ago, it's considered a portable unit but a little big to put into the back of the truck for camping. It's 13,500 watts, I put a transfer switch in my home and a outdoor plug to power the house when the power is off. It's so nice to be the only home that has lights, tv,directv, internet, phone, heat, well pump, microwave, refer, frezer. I run it once a month for 30mins under load to keep it in tip top shape and keep the battery on trickel charge once a month for 24 hours. 6 gallon tank of gas will last 8 hours under full load.

My gen will power the house too except for the a/c.. sure ticks the neighbors off during a power outage when I am sitting in the living room watching TV and they are in the dark...LOL:hihi: