Great video. I have the same generator and Hurricane Berl was the first time we have needed to us it. When we built our home I had the electrician wire it into the fuse panel. We are also on a propane tank for our home so I had the propane company put a fitting to attach a line to the generator so we could run off the big tank. Ran it about 12 to 14 hours before electricity was restored. Ran our 2000 square feet home completely no problem.
Howdy. Thanks for the view and the comment. We have had to use ours twice this year already. We lost power for 31+ hours Memorial Day week with the storms that came through. Last week from Hurricane Beryl we lost power for 100+ hours. After the past couple months I have been thinking about getting a house tanker just for the generator. Same time I know I would use more propane if I had a big tank out there. Running the 20# tanks in a way set a schedule and I would leave the generator off a couple hours at night or during the day when it wasn’t too hot. Glad y’all stayed safe and stayed cool. 😎
Howdy. You too stay safe. Besides not having to worry about the carb getting gummed up locally I haven’t had a problem refilling propane when gas stations were out of gas. Tanks will be filled and stored once power is back. Also will have to do my second oil change. Mine got a break in under fire when we lost power after Memorial Day storms. Still running great. Stay safe and stay cool.
You told me about your generator when I was filling your tanks, and this video came across my feed this morning as I am getting ready for work. Subbed and liked as I like to help support local content creators
Narrows it down to one of three gentlemen that I’ve had fill tanks. I’ve been in everyday this week since Tuesday getting tanks filled. Appreciate y’all. Thanks for the view, the comment, and the sub. Probably be in later today.
Thank you for the video, especially the run time. I think I will go with their 11,000 Inverter. Clean power, and much quieter. Speeds up only when needed.
Glad it helped. Thanks for the view and the comment. I have had people comment saying they can’t their generator on the 20# tanks. Also have heard about the dirty power but so far it hasn’t been an issue for me and I can’t justify buying another generator. Let me know how the inverter works for you. Stay safe and stay cool.
Good information! It's nice to try to help people. My house is about 1,200 sq ft also. I have the advantage of having a propane water tank,range and furnace. I checked all the essential appliances in my house with a watt meter (Amazon $12) because I didn't know what size generators to get. I now have a $700Wen 4500 watt dual fuel inverter generator that can power two TVs, lights, two refrigerators,a deep freezer, and a furnace blower motor simultaneously. It normally runs at half draw and never over 3/4. I'm sure I could power a window unit ac also. My generator is a 120-volt unit so I followed instructions from RU-vid's"everyday home repairs"to build a simple selector box that directs power to either leg of my 240 volt circuit box. Installed that 50 amp inlet box on the outside of my house and a 30 amp generator breaker and Interlock in my circuit box. Also rearranged some breakers in the box so all my essential circuits are on one leg.Did all the work myself from RU-vid instructions and I'm not an electrician. Have used the setup many times and am extremely pleased. I also own a 48 volt golf cart that I just installed an inverter on that I can run a refrigerator lights and a couple TVs for short-term outages. Buried a conduit with 10 gauge wire from the shed for the generator and golf cart. Hope this gives someone some ideas. Got all my info online and didn't know anything about how to do this a year ago. A bigger is better generator philosophy is not wise when you're planning for an emergency and you may not be able to buy extra fuel.
Thanks for the view and the comment. We are able to run our 2.5ton A/C, any lights we want, ceiling fans, side-by-side fridge/freezer, deep freezer, tv, and internet router. We also will turn the A/C thermostat off and use the electric stove top. We had some other electrical work being done so I group the generator hookup work in with it. The setup looks pretty easy to DIY. I agree bigger isn’t necessarily better. We haven’t had a problem with getting fuel so hopefully we never do. Stay safe.
Thanks! We have an on demand water heater not a tank. But i would do without hot water if needed. The pipes stay hot anyway in Arizona at this time… hard to even get cold water
After the storms we have had in the last two months I am a big advocate of the DuroMax generators. We have been running ours almost nonstop (except tank changes) this week with no issues *knock on wood*. I have convinced my parents into one so they have the Tri-Fuel XP 13000 HX now. Pa is considering getting the 15000 that is on pre-order and use the 13000 as a family backup. Hopefully they make them like they use to and ours last for years as well.
Don’t know how many times I listened to this trying to make sure I didn’t make any mistakes like that. We are in a 1,200sqft house. Thanks for the catch.
@@tomwhite716 we are north of Livingston. I know parts of Houston took heavier damage than us up here. Besides loose of power for 100+ hours, we had no issues on the homestead. Only have 2 trees that would be a concern on the whole 5acres. I have in-laws in Crosby that had more damage than us and also lost power. We were fortunate and sounds like y’all were too. Season isn’t over so stay prepared. Just saw today there is another storm brewing in the Atlantic with a cone aimed at us. Stay safe.
After Hurricane Beryl gas stations either didn’t have power or gas. I had no problem with refilling my tanks. The dual fuel still gives me the option if I can’t find propane then I can fall back to gas. If we had natural gas at the homestead I would have gone with the tri-fuel just for more options.
@poboywinn3074 my 20# will start to form ice sometimes. When I asked the local propane supplier they said it shouldn’t be an issue but a bigger tank wouldn’t have the problem.
Home Depot Rheem brand with Mac water temp 140 degrees. Sieve say Wattage (watts) 27000 W. We love it! It was here when we bought the house so I’m not sure exactly what it draws when heating
Excellent video! I have the exact same generator and panel interlock switch. This generator runs my entire 2,600 sq. foot ranch. However, it will not run my 3.5 ton AC unit. It has a 122 AMP LRA inrush of power to start the compressor which immediately trips the generator breaker. I did some research on Soft Starts for the AC. I purchased a MicroAir 368 Soft Start which lowered the inrush AMP's to 32 AMP's!!!!! All is good now, it runs my entire home! However, as I do more research on generators, the XP13000HX produces dirty power 12-20% THD depending on load. This is damaging to sensitive electronics, such as, computers, TV's, Furnace Electronics, any modern appliances. I am selling the Duromax and purchasing a Westinghouse WGEN 115000 TFC. It has more power output, runs on Gasoline, Propane or Natural Gas with a THD less than 5% which is safe for all sensitive electronics. You might want to check it out! Again, excellent video!!!
Thanks for the view and the comment. Glad to hear that I’m not close to using all this generator can handle. Our AC unit is either 2 or 2.5 ton and the generator runs it. I have been looking at the MicroAir soft start just to make it easier on the generator and help the AC in the long run. That is interesting about the dirty power. I hadn’t really thought about it. I will have to look into it. Did you mean the Westinghouse WGN 11500 generator for the one you are looking at? The power on that is pretty impressive. Duromax of course makes the tri-fuel options as well but we don’t have natural gas at the homestead so I don’t see a point in spending the extra money for something I can’t use. Thanks again for the view and the comment. Keep me posted on if you change to the Westinghouse and what you think of it. 🤞🏻Hopefully we don’t have to use them too often.
I don't get it. How are you running a 20# propane tank? My same one won't crank on the small tank. All the groups on FB say the 20# won't work. Not that I should worry about it, with the time that size tank will give is minimal anyhow trying to power a house. Great video. I agree we need to do the hook up right. Hire an experienced electrician and use that Gen lock! Have to keep our guys out in the field safe while trying to restore our power.
I’ve never had a problem with it. I’m using the DuroMax supplied propane hose to just a regular tank that also doubles for use on my grill. While the run time for the house is 2.5hrs-5.5hrs (depending what we are running), I like options when it comes to being prepared for things and the 20# tank gives me more options. If I wasn’t able to refill my tanks I have the option to find a tank exchange and swap my 20# tanks. Locally gas stations, grocery stores, pharmacies, and even dollar stores have exchange cages. Can’t do a swap with my 100# tank. Also if mama bear needed to get the generator going she can manage the 20# tanks until I get back to the homestead. The 100# tank is an awkward 175# (roughly depending on who you ask). Duromax does suggest a 40# minimum tank. Thanks for the view and the comment. If you really wanted to dig into it I would recommend contacting Duromax customer support. I have read they have good support. Stay safe and stay cool.
@@kevincarter2853not sure if you are asking me or the OP but I didn’t modify my tanks. I open the tank almost all the way and use the manufacturer regulator hose that came with the generator. Do you have trouble running 20# tanks too?
We’ve been lucky this week that I’ve gotten the tanks filled daily with no issues. Local gas stations were out of power, gasoline, or internet (couldn’t take card payment for those that don’t keep cash on hand for situations like this). Also heard from other customers at propane refill that tank exchanges in the area were out too. In addition to having the propane tanks full I had the gas cans full before the hurricane. Propane tanks will be filled once power comes back and maintenance completed on the generator so it is all ready for next time it is needed. Prepare beforehand and suffer less afterwards.
Does it power everything in your house? I’m in Houston and am now looking for a generator for future inconveniences like hurricane beryl but I’m not too knowledgeable on how much wattage is needed for a house.
Howdy. First off I misspoke on the video. We are in a 1,200sqft house and not a 12,000sqft house. Our home is all electric. We are able to run our central a/c, fridge/freezer (side-by-side), deep freeze, septic pump, 5 ceiling fans on high, any lights we want, TV, hotspot and wireless router, and coffee maker all with no concern. We don’t run our water eater so it has been cold showers. We also are able to turn the A/C off and use at least two of the electric stovetop ranges. If you want to be absolutely certain on how big of a generator you need then you will have to research or read labels for all your appliances to figure out what you would be able to run. DuroMax does have a generic test to recommend what size generator they recommend. Once you get the total wattage you need remember that different fuels produce different peak and running watts. Let me know if this helps or if you have additional questions. Stay safe.
Thanks for the video. Wondering.. what's inside of your additional breaker box ? Was it needed to make room for the generator feed breaker in the main box as you were out of space ? I'm in a similar situation with a "full" electrical panel. Thanks from Florida !!
Howdy Florida!! Thanks for the view and the comment. Yes the additional box was added for the generator and some other items I had added. If you can see it in the video the secondary box has breakers on the bottom left of the main. Electrician did have to move some other things around but it didn’t take long and runs with no issues. Hopefully that helps.
Our 1,200sqft home is all electric. We are able to run our central a/c, fridge/freezer (side-by-side), deep freezer in shed, septic pump, 5 ceiling fans on high, any lights we want, TV, hotspot and wireless router, and coffee maker all with no concern. We don’t run our water heater so it was scotsman showers. We also are able to turn the A/C off and use at least two of the electric stovetop ranges burners.
Mine gave up after 3 days when I press the push button start it just ticks hooked up a jumper and nothing even the hand crank is stuck and don’t work disappointed in mine
Have you tried Duromax Customer Support? I have heard they have good support. Interested to hear what is the cause and if they make it right. Hopefully you are down in Houston and still without power. Stay cool and stay safe.
I have the tri fuel 13000 and have yet to find a place to order parts. Also, there are no service centers within 120 miles from me. I WOULD SUGGEST NOT BUYING unless they can sell their own parts and service.
What parts are you needing to replace? How old is your generator? Curious so I know if I need to start planning. Sure you have checked it out but if not here is the Duromax parts finder page: www.duromaxpower.com/pages/parts-finder
I have the tri fuel 13000. So far it runs great. I use natural gas. I don't need parts for now, but wanted to order an air filter, and a spark plug for future maintenance. I have been to the website, but it doesn't have access to parts. I contacted duromax and they said they were still working on parts part of the website. They said they would send a free filter, but I haven't seen it yet. I haven't had an issue with the generator yet. I installed a micro air soft start on my heat pump and I can run my whole house with little over half load. There are no service companies within 120 miles from me.
@@RDM-346 glad to hear you haven’t had problems with your generator either. While I get wanting to purchase parts direct from the manufacturer, the manual says you are supposed to clean the air filter with soap and water and not replace. As for the spark plug the manual also says, “We recommend using an F6RTC spark plug such as NGK BPR6ES” (below Amazon link for one). I tend to go for a better quality part that also usually costs less than from the manufacturer/dealership. amzn.to/3AuIUFu
@McLeodHomestead Thanks for the link. I am going to order the NGK plugs. On my last generator, my foam air filter deteriorated during hurricane Michael, and caused carburetor problems. I just think duromax should have better support for parts and service. Should not have to go looking for parts during emergencies.
@@RDM-346 I agree. Hopefully they step up their parts and service support. I would reach back out to them and ask where the air filter is. Might even contact them about where I can get one to have on hand as well. Would much rather have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.
lol I have a toddler so I have a bunch lying around. My outlets do have the built in child proof outlets. I put the covers to keep bugs out of the ground holes while it is in storage. I actually plug something into all the outlets when it is in storage. I had dirt daubers making nests in the 50amp and 30amp plugs. 120 outlet covers: amzn.to/3xSxScd
According to the manual the generator is a floating neutral system. From what I’ve read and kind of understand is that I don’t need any additional grounding for the generator or the house. If I’m wrong please let me know but also give me a site that explains it so a Marine can understand it (pictures drawn with crayons really help) 😂.
Sorry I misspoke in the video. We are in a 1,200sqft house. I personally would still seriously consider not getting a Generac. I’ve had a multiple friends and family that had one but when it was needed it failed to start leaving them in the dark. Yes the same thing could happen with any generator but for the cost of a Generac I would be livid if the first time it was needed that it didn’t start.
@@McLeodHomestead ahhhhh ok lol, I was like wow, that's a massive house. We are getting a generac installed shortly and I hear both good and bad. All last week our whole house ran off of the Duromax 13000eh and we loved it! The hassle was filling the tank up every 12-13 hours and hunting down gas, changing the oil 3 times, etc. I bought a rain cover for it off of Amazon and it worked perfectly.
@djdannybhtx hopefully you have more good than bad with the Generac. lol running the 20# tanks I’m having to change tanks every 2.5-5.5hrs. Luckily I never had a problem getting the tanks refilled. It is just another reason I like the dual fuel so I can go to gasoline if need be. I have missed the time mark twice now on oil changes but can do it in less than 30mins. When not in use I store the generator in the shed. Good luck with the Generac. Stay safe and stay cool.
@@McLeodHomestead I hope so too! I just filled my 13000 up and to the max and literally an hour later our power came back on. I'll probably syphon the gas out and back into my gas cans for use with lawn equipment. I am in Porter, TX and we were out for a week straight no power :( I"m keeping the Duromax as a backup though in case the Generac ever fails us.
@@djdannybhtx glad to hear you got power back. Would definitely drain the gas and follow the manual on storage to hopefully keep your carburetor clean as possible. I have friends and Family in Porter/New Caney/Kingwood areas that are still without power.
@@McLeodHomestead no worries. I do that shit all the time. Thank you for the video. The wife and I are looking into an off grid option that is truly sustainable.
Sorry for just responding. Recently figured out how to view new replies to existing comments. If y’all are looking off grid I’m assuming you have looked at solar? If so what have you found? What I’ve found is for me to be truly off grid with solar I can’t afford it. 😆 I’m still playing with the idea of a smaller system that would at least maybe offset my electric bill.
Have you tried calling DuroMax customer support? I have seen plenty of comments that they have good support. I would run through the starting steps again just to make sure something wasn’t missed. It is usually the simple things we miss. Thought mine was messed up yesterday but I just forgot to turn the propane tank on. 🤦🏼♂️ Then this morning, being so tired, I didn’t screw the regulator hose all the way on. Good luck with it.
@@McLeodHomestead We were able to get the propane to run by switching it over after it was already running on gas. Still won't start using propane though. Might pull the sparkplug tomorrow. What PSI do you set it at?
