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WalMart $265, 3.0 kW, portable generator

Discussion in 'Fred's House of Pancakes' started by bwilson4web, Apr 5, 2024.

  1. bwilson4web

    bwilson4web BMW i3 and Model 3

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    Location:
    Huntsville AL
    Vehicle:
    2018 Tesla Model 3
    Model:
    Prime Plus
    Found this for sale from WalMart and also on eBay:
    upload_2024-4-4_23-27-44.png
    • $265 retail, free shipping, pre-sales tax
    • 3 kW continuous, claimed 3.5 kW burst
    • 100 lbs
    • Two NEMA 5-20 pairs, 20 A circuit breaker
    • Main bus rated at 25 A
    I already have whole house, 16 kW, natural gas fueled, automated emergency generator. This is for:
    • Tesla low battery SOC testing - I want to confirm that my 5 year, 130,000 mi Model 3 has no undocumented reserve. When the BMS says "0%" is it discharged.
    • Girl friends business - she provides special props for celebrations. With the generator, she can do remote, off-grid events.
    • Her kin - live in several areas from urban to country. North Alabama has severe storms that can cut power for hours to days. This will give them emergency power.
    • Neighbors - as needed.
    For my experiment, I will look at adding a NEMA 14-50 on the primary buss behind the 25 A circuit breaker. There is plenty of space within the frame for an electric box with a NEMA 14-50 but only 120 VAC and 25 A.

    Bob Wilson
     
    #1 bwilson4web, Apr 5, 2024
    Last edited: Apr 5, 2024
  2. ColoradoCrow

    ColoradoCrow Active Member

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    interesting . I have found that cheaper generators run well but require frequent oil changes and are VERY loud. 10 years AGO I had a 1000W Honda Generator that was 57db quiet. It was 5X the cost of a cheap one but Wayyyyy quieter and very reliable. Honda now makes a 2200K version that is still portable. Might be worth a look.
    https://www.northerntool.com/products/honda-inverter-generator-2200-surge-watts-1800-rated-watts-model-eu2200itan-100554?cm_mmc=Google-pla&utm_source=Google_PLA&utm_medium=Generators%20%3E%20Inverter%20Generators&utm_campaign=Honda%20Power%20Equipment&utm_content=100554&ogmap=SHP%7CPLA%7CGOOG%7CSTND%7Cc%7CSITEWIDE%7CINTRADE%7C%7C%7C%7C857740920%7C42214667463&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwwr6wBhBcEiwAfMEQs8_9cTOxvRyc3n_WCyj6eaPWNwXXtzvKuD5q-oGe_4b7yTnwQszE0xoCt8kQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
     
    #2 ColoradoCrow, Apr 5, 2024
    bwilson4web likes this.
  3. bwilson4web

    bwilson4web BMW i3 and Model 3

    Joined:
    Nov 25, 2005
    27,373
    15,513
    0
    Location:
    Huntsville AL
    Vehicle:
    2018 Tesla Model 3
    Model:
    Prime Plus
    I just finished adding the wheels. Next additions:
    • Add a NEMA 14-50 wired for 120 VAC 25 A - my dual voltage, 30 A portable chargers use NEMA 14-50. This should give about 10-15 miles EV range per hour.
    • Battery drill starter - deep socket, ratchet drill extension, deep socket, and drill bracing (aka. wrist saving.) This will provide light weight electric starting.
    • Gas filter - take care of any left over manufacturing debris.
    • Weather cover - no need to let the sun and rain work on it.
    Too large to fit in the Tesla or BMW, I have a receiver platform and either can carry the 100 lb unit. With the wheels, it'll be a little "grunt' but nothing I haven't handled in the past. Lift one wheel onto the platform, shimmy it close to car, and throughly strap it down.

    So my tradeoff:
    • cheap - 3,000 W for $265, ~12 W per dollar for ~1/2 of L2 charging
    • fast - stumbled across a good deal, carpe diem
    • not so good - 100 lb, oversized unit, mods to make it mobil, adding NEMA 14-50, and easy to start
    Bob Wilson
     
    #3 bwilson4web, Apr 5, 2024
    ColoradoCrow likes this.
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