I'll have to see about that, I guess I need to price out the set-up ( switch, direct wire with outlets, etc) before getting a generator.

[This message has been edited by 2.5 (edited 10-22-2015).]

quote Originally posted by 2.5: Thats kinda why I'm not sure. I know engines by Honda are good for example. Briggs yes. I dont know the guts of generators so much, or what is prone to problems.

HF generator engines are Predator lines, which are one of the best Honda clones, Lifan is also fairly decent. A lot of parts will interchange, so much that they had to change the design slightly. Crank has a different taper for example, but you can put a Honda crank in. Heads interchange from what I understand. Honda case has better fit and finish, but that really only matters when you are trying to get 15-20hp out of a 6.5hp motor.

May not be house code, but you can buy a transfer switch at an RV dealer for less than $200. I put one on my RV. Landline power goes in one side, generator in the other. I just flip the switch to whichever one I want to use at the time. All you have to do is insure that incoming power cant combine with the generator power at any time...one or the other. One buddys Prevost bus switches automaticly. If landline loses power, it automaticly turns on the generator. If it comes back on, the generator shuts off. He doesnt have to do anything. He does flip a switch that shuts all off for storage or if he wants to run off only batteries.