This weeks preps check-in

[Charlescann]

Idk if this is off topic or allowed in this post, but I was wondering what is the best bang for your buck so to say, generator? I am looking for decent power, but also decent price, preferably under $200.
Again, sorry if there is another topic for this.

Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk

 

[Proud Prepper]

Idk if this is off topic or allowed in this post, but I was wondering what is the best bang for your buck so to say, generator? I am looking for decent power, but also decent price, preferably under $200.
Again, sorry if there is another topic for this.

Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk

For $200, you don't have many options. Maybe a small Harbor Freight generator?

 

[JackDW]

What are you trying to power with that generator? I have a small Harbor Freight 2cycle generator that I purchased for $79. It got me through two hurricanes. It does not power much but it will run a couple lights (best if the lights have LED bulbs) as well as a TV and even ran a fridge just long enough to cool it back down. I think you can still get them for around $89. DON'T try to run much more than this. I also have a small SPORTSMAN 4 cycle generator that I used a couple times. A little more powerful than the 2cycle but still fairly small and fairly inexpensive. Again, these will provide you with some lights, TV and keep your fridge cold but not much else.

Not sure what your goals are but it you are trying to prepare for a storm, consider hooking up one of the old fashion outside antenna. Without the antenna, a TV would not be much good for news. I have one mounted over my deck outside and it is amazing the number of clear channels I can pick up. Following a storm, I just switch my input coax (outside) from the cable to the antenna. I have run for weeks with this setup (small generator for power and antenna for TV).

 

[KateMTx]

We used to have a little generator at my parents' place before they got a big one put in. It could run the fridge and well pump and stuff like that, but you had to run one thing at a time. But I think even that cost several hundred dollars, if I remember correctly, and that was at least 10 years ago.

 

[Brent S]

You might find something used for a couple hundred.. try craigslist or eBay, and local papers.

 

[Charlescann]

Thanks everyone

Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk

 

[Charlescann]

What are you trying to power with that generator? I have a small Harbor Freight 2cycle generator that I purchased for $79. It got me through two hurricanes. It does not power much but it will run a couple lights (best if the lights have LED bulbs) as well as a TV and even ran a fridge just long enough to cool it back down. I think you can still get them for around $89. DON'T try to run much more than this. I also have a small SPORTSMAN 4 cycle generator that I used a couple times. A little more powerful than the 2cycle but still fairly small and fairly inexpensive. Again, these will provide you with some lights, TV and keep your fridge cold but not much else.

Not sure what your goals are but it you are trying to prepare for a storm, consider hooking up one of the old fashion outside antenna. Without the antenna, a TV would not be much good for news. I have one mounted over my deck outside and it is amazing the number of clear channels I can pick up. Following a storm, I just switch my input coax (outside) from the cable to the antenna. I have run for weeks with this setup (small generator for power and antenna for TV).

Preferably something with enough juice for a fridge, and for my oil heat.

Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk

 

[DrHenley]

A fridge often requires a lot of juice to start the compressor. Modern refrigerators are supposed to have dedicated 20 amp circuits. That means 2400 watts peak output. The Harbor Freight 2 cycle generator has maximum 900 watt peak and 700 watt continuous power.

I found a 3500 watt propane generator at a pawn shop for about $400. It will run almost everything in my house that is on 120 volt power. It is much quieter than a gasoline generator, and the shelf life for propane is indefinite.

 

[Brent S]

A fridge often requires a lot of juice to start the compressor. Modern refrigerators are supposed to have dedicated 20 amp circuits. That means 2400 watts peak output. The Harbor Freight 2 cycle generator has maximum 900 watt peak and 700 watt continuous power.

I found a 3500 watt propane generator at a pawn shop for about $400. It will run almost everything in my house that is on 120 volt power. It is much quieter than a gasoline generator, and the shelf life for propane is indefinite.

Yeah, propane is a big advantage. No clogged carburetor, indefinite fuel life, cleaner burning so the spark plugs last way longer. The only drawback I know of is it’s not as powerful as gasoline, so if you convert a gasoline engine to it you loose 25% of the output. If you factor that in to your needs then your ok.
I’m still planning to buy solar this year before the 30% tax incentives drop down more. I don’t think I will get it installed by the end of the year but a least want the materials on hand. Even without batteries, having clean and noiseless electricity during daylight hours could be manageable. I figure freezing bottles of water while you have sunlight and just not opening the fridge or freezer at night should be reasonable to do.

 

[Mountain trapper]

Well our bull has been missing for over a week now and I've suspending the search. I've covered well over 200 miles up and down hills, canyon's, through heavy timber, thick brush and checked around every water hole, spring and creek in the area. If he hasn't been stolen, shot or killed he could be down in a deep canyon somewhere hanging out with some range cattle. I'm hoping that he'll be rounded up this Fall with someone else's cattle and that I'll get him back. No guarantees though.
On a positive note, I explored a lot of beautiful country, found a couple old town sites and lots of old gold and copper mines. And best best of all didn't see another person.

 

[KateMTx]

Well our bull has been missing for over a week now and I've suspending the search. I've covered well over 200 miles up and down hills, canyon's, through heavy timber, thick brush and checked around every water hole, spring and creek in the area. If he hasn't been stolen, shot or killed he could be down in a deep canyon somewhere hanging out with some range cattle. I'm hoping that he'll be rounded up this Fall with someone else's cattle and that I'll get him back. No guarantees though.
On a positive note, I explored a lot of beautiful country, found a couple old town sites and lots of old gold and copper mines. And best best of all didn't see another person.

Sorry about the bull. But it sounds like you have some beautiful country up there.

 

[Mountain trapper]

Sorry about the bull. But it sounds like you have some beautiful country up there.

Thanks. Someone is going to get some quality calves next spring.
That's why we chose this area; low population and lots of open rugged country. If there's ever a real SHTF very few people would find their way up here, and even fewer people would survive the first winter.

 

[Brent S]

I looked at a Toyota FJ Cruiser today. It drove way better than I imagined. I figured it would be rough with a tight suspension but it rode smooth as silk. I probably would have bought it today but this one had way too much corrosion under the hood and underneath. Maybe just from road salt but looked more likely like it went thru some flooded streets from hurricane sandy or something and was never rinsed off. Anyways, if there was ever a zombie apocalypse vehicle, this is it! I’ll keep looking for one in better shape.

 

[KateMTx]

I looked at a Toyota FJ Cruiser today. It drove way better than I imagined. I figured it would be rough with a tight suspension but it rode smooth as silk. I probably would have bought it today but this one had way too much corrosion under the hood and underneath. Maybe just from road salt but looked more likely like it went thru some flooded streets from hurricane sandy or something and was never rinsed off. Anyways, if there was ever a zombie apocalypse vehicle, this is it! I’ll keep looking for one in better shape.

Someone who works in the office down the street from me has one of these. I've always wanted one since I saw it. But my boss whose husband works for Toyota told me they no longer make them.

 

[WGregMiller]

Lots of them here. I read that they quit making them because they never pass a gas station without stopping...

 

[DrHenley]

You talking about the Land Cruiser FJ, or the Toyota FJ Cruiser? I had one of the Land Cruiser FJs way back when and it was a beast. I was attracted to the FJ Cruisers, but they were really too small for my needs.

After Toyota discontinued the FJ Cruiser, they positioned some of the 4Runner models to take the FJ Cruiser's place. My wife has one, a 2016 Trail Premium (they now call it the TRD Off-Road Premium). As off-roadworthy as the FJ and more roadworthy with more space. She previously had a 2013 4Runner, and believe me this one is a whole different ballgame. The 2013 4Runner was not a vehicle I would want to take off the blacktop. Even with the factory tires (comes with knobbies) this one will go places my pickup can't, and will probably go places my old Land Cruiser FJ couldn't.

 

[WGregMiller]

I kinda was wondering. I wouldn’t think a FJ Cruiser would be rusted out at this point...

Now, an old FJ, unfortunately, yeah... I’ve wanted one for years but didn’t want to deal with a restoration. They can be found that are done, but damn....

 

[Brent S]

Someone who works in the office down the street from me has one of these. I've always wanted one since I saw it. But my boss whose husband works for Toyota told me they no longer make them.

2014 was the last year they were produced. Toyota said sales were still strong, but they suspended production without a good explanation. Fuel economy was probably a part. It gets 17 to 21 in city vs hwy. not an economy car to say the least.

 

[Brent S]

You talking about the Land Cruiser FJ, or the Toyota FJ Cruiser? I had one of the Land Cruiser FJs way back when and it was a beast. I was attracted to the FJ Cruisers, but they were really too small for my needs.

After Toyota discontinued the FJ Cruiser, they positioned some of the 4Runner models to take the FJ Cruiser's place. My wife has one, a 2016 Trail Premium (they now call it the TRD Off-Road Premium). As off-roadworthy as the FJ and more roadworthy with more space. She previously had a 2013 4Runner, and believe me this one is a whole different ballgame. The 2013 4Runner was not a vehicle I would want to take off the blacktop. Even with the factory tires (comes with knobbies) this one will go places my pickup can't, and will probably go places my old Land Cruiser FJ couldn't.

Underneath the vehicles are almost the same. Same engine, drivetrain and off road capability. The more I look at them I’m learning the 4 runner is a better value, and you can get new ones, which is a big plus. The FJ’s have become a collectors item and sell used for close to what they sold new for. Financially the 4 runner wins, but the FJ has that cool tough looking factor going for it. I’m 90% sure I will go against my better judgement and get the FJ instead though. I’m getting older now and doing things for enjoyment vs practical is becoming more important to me.

 

[Mountain trapper]

2014 was the last year they were produced. Toyota said sales were still strong, but they suspended production without a good explanation. Fuel economy was probably a part. It gets 17 to 21 in city vs hwy. not an economy car to say the least.

To me 17-21 mpg is pretty good milage. If a person wants an "economy" vehicle there are plenty of "throw-away" cars to choose from. When it comes to a 4 wheel drive vehicle my only interest is in performance, horse power, ground clearance and off road capability. For me a 4 wheel drive vehicle is a necessity, not a play thing. I use 4 wheel drive almost every day of the year, and certainly every day during winter.
My F250 4×4 flatbed with a 460 engine gets 10-12 mpg, my Rubicon Wrangler gets 15-20 mpg and the wife's Grand Cherokee gets 17-20 mpg. But the important thing is that they all preform well in tough condition's. When I'm bumper deep in snow, axle deep in mud, climbing a steep hill or pulling a load of hay or cattle, the last thing on my mind is fuel economy.

 

[DrHenley]

the FJ has that cool tough looking factor going for it. I’m 90% sure I will go against my better judgement and get the FJ instead though. I’m getting older now and doing things for enjoyment vs practical is becoming more important to me.

I'm telling ya' My wife's Trail Premium looks like a vehicle that is begging to get off of the blacktop. That thing is an offroad beast, and when she decides to get a new car, it's MINE MINE MINE!

The only reason she bought it was because she got a fantastic deal on it in a bank repo sale. (she'd rather die than miss out on a deal, LOL) I was shocked that she liked it so much. Her 2013 4Runner looked civilized. This one doesn't have any of that "civilized" look at all, either inside or out. It even has waterproof seat covers and has the original factory knobby tires that are rougher riding than the Goodyear Wrangler Authority A/T tires on my pickup. The suspension is very stiff.

 

[Brent S]

I thought that both of the vehicles had similar rides, with both being very smooth. Like I said, underneath they are very similar. The 4 runner is designed to look more like a family suv and the FJ looks more like a rugged Jeep. The 4 runner also seems more refined and comfortable. Both are long lasting and well built. The only negative I can say about both is they don’t get good gas mileage. I’m also a sucker for a good deal, so am somewhat open to either if I find a deal but the FJ definitely has the cool factor going for it to me.

 

[KateMTx]

I'm familar with the off-road 4runners as well. I know a guy that has one and I've driven it. I don't usually like truck-size vehicles but it wasn't bad at all. It's probably my go-to when I get a new vehicle, if I can afford it.

 

[Mountain trapper]

A friend of mine had a 4runner several years ago. They're nice, but they're more of a mini van than an off road vehicle. Jeep Wrangler is about the only true 4 wheel drive SUV still being made today. Years ago vehicle manufacturers started designing their SUVs more for the female and suburban market and for fuel economy than for off road performance. Many vehicles have gone to AWD instead of true 4 wheel drive too. There really isn't much to choose from for those of us who trully need a 4 wheel drive SUV anymore.
As much as I like my Rubicon it's still under powered, high geared and needs a lift kit.

 

[DrHenley]

A friend of mine had a 4runner several years ago. They're nice, but they're more of a mini van than an off road vehicle. Jeep Wrangler is about the only true 4 wheel drive SUV still being made today. Years ago vehicle manufacturers started designing their SUVs more for the female and suburban market and for fuel economy than for off road performance.

Arctic, that was absolutely true of my wife's 2013 4Runner, but this 2016 Trail Premium is a horse of a different color. This thing bears no resemblance, inside or out, to a family minivan. I'd like to know what you think is missing? It's a true 4WD, built on a truck frame, not a unibody car frame, with lockable differential, rear wheel 2WD, everything a "true" offroad SUV should have...and more. You can run it in "semi" offroad mode with all the electronic whizbang features like hill assist and electronic traction control, but as soon as you lock the differential in 4L all those newfangles features are disabled and it's pure old fashioned 4WD.

Besides my pickup, I've had a Jeep CJ, Toyota Land Cruiser FJ and a Suzuki Samurai. This ranks right up there with them, and like you, I thought those days were long gone. In fact, I considered that era over with when they stopped making the Jeep CJ. I lamented the passing of the original Bronco (which marked the beginning of that trend you talked about).

It may not have the angle of attack my Samurai had or the ground clearance my pickup has, but it's damned close. There is almost no place I went with those that I wouldn't go with this. The only exception would be some creek beds I could traverse with the Samurai due to its short length and angle of attack. Hell, that Samurai was part mountain goat.

 

[Brent S]

You have to pay extra for the TRD and trail ready stuff, but they do still make the tougher vehicles. They don’t come cheap though, new or used.

 

[Brent S]

One thing I don’t see anymore is a true granny gear. My Jeep has it and it won’t go over maybe 5 miles an hour in it but can almost go vertical with it.

 

[DrHenley]

One thing I don’t see anymore is a true granny gear. My Jeep has it and it won’t go over maybe 5 miles an hour in it but can almost go vertical with it.

Shift the transfer case on the wife's 4Runner into 4L and shift it down into 1st gear and you are there. Yes they still exist.

 

[Mountain trapper]

Well I finally found my bull late yesterday. He was about 15 miles away north west of here with some range cattle. He was in a small open area and walked right up to me. I don't know who owns the cows that he was with, it was getting to dark to see their brands. I'll go up there again today and check for brands on the other cattle.
Now comes the hard part; getting him home.

 

[Mountain trapper]

Arctic, that was absolutely true of my wife's 2013 4Runner, but this 2016 Trail Premium is a horse of a different color. This thing bears no resemblance, inside or out, to a family minivan. I'd like to know what you think is missing? It's a true 4WD, built on a truck frame, not a unibody car frame, with lockable differential, rear wheel 2WD, everything a "true" offroad SUV should have...and more. You can run it in "semi" offroad mode with all the electronic whizbang features like hill assist and electronic traction control, but as soon as you lock the differential in 4L all those newfangles features are disabled and it's pure old fashioned 4WD.

Besides my pickup, I've had a Jeep CJ, Toyota Land Cruiser FJ and a Suzuki Samurai. This ranks right up there with them, and like you, I thought those days were long gone. In fact, I considered that era over with when they stopped making the Jeep CJ. I lamented the passing of the original Bronco (which marked the beginning of that trend you talked about).

It may not have the angle of attack my Samurai had or the ground clearance my pickup has, but it's damned close. There is almost no place I went with those that I wouldn't go with this. The only exception would be some creek beds I could traverse with the Samurai due to its short length and angle of attack. Hell, that Samurai was part mountain goat.

I miss the old Bronco. I had a 1969 Bronco with the 302 3 speed on the column. I added a 3" lift kit, cut out the fenders and added larger tires, put in a Hurst floor shifter, rebuilt the engine, added headers, high rise manifold, Carter 650 4 barrel, "off-road" cam and new paint job.
When I was in high school I worked for a rancher. He gave me an old, I think 1949, Willy's CJ2A. That little Jeep would climb a tree. I was always going to convert the 6 volt system to 12 volt but never did.
Does Toyota still make the Trail Premium?