I have seen a pto gen setup on a truck. Was slick but you must run your truck to run the generator. The honda is so smooth that you will not need to unload it from the bed to run it. That will save your back also. HTH <br>

 

On the ranch I use a lot of portable generators. Here is principally what I use every day. I have tried many ddifferent brands.

The Honda EU 2000 is small, compact, very quiet, weighs about 45 lbs, runs a skill saw and power tools, lights even a microwave and has variable speeds depending on the power load. I think it's rated about 1,700 watts or so and costs about $1000. Starts every time. Since it's so compact I leave it in my pick up. It's 4 cycle and changing the oil is simple and mess free. I use it daily and it is very DEPENDABLE.

Might give you and others some alternatives.

Stepping up, I have Northern Tool Catalgue North Star 8000 watt units (Honda 13 HP) which run anything I've got including my wells and underground well storage tank pumps (110V/220V). It is on a wheel kit and somewhat heavy so you normally have to leave in the bed of your truck, or store it. You can get it with idle control or without. It is very DEPENDABLE.

 

I agree that the Hondas are good, but it might take longer to wear out that B&amp;S than you think.<br><br>The bad thing about 5kW generators is that they're so heavy. I bought a Porter Cable 5.5kW that has a 10hp Tecumseh for one-time house building, then keep it around for power outages, but it is sooooo heavy. It is also LOUD. It is not the kind that idles down so it screams all the time. (I've heard that the idled-down ones have frequency problems, too) You've got to set it off in the distance or you'll go mad. But it didn't cost much, either--$475, delivered to my door.

 

My father has a 5000 Watt Homlite with a 8 HP honda engine on it. He picked it up at the local Case construction equipment dealer, can't remeber what he paid for it though. Has run like a champ through any kind of punishment you can imagine.<br><br>Another idea would be to run a Premier Power Welder on your truck, then you would have 2 outlets plus a welding seup, which would always be handy.

 

[quote author=cp link=board=10;threadid=15079;start=15#141801 date=1053832906]<br>I agree that the Hondas are good, but it might take longer to wear out that B&amp;S than you think.<br><br>The bad thing about 5kW generators is that they're so heavy. I bought a Porter Cable 5.5kW that has a 10hp Tecumseh for one-time house building, then keep it around for power outages, but it is sooooo heavy. It is also LOUD. It is not the kind that idles down so it screams all the time. (I've heard that the idled-down ones have frequency problems, too) You've got to set it off in the distance or you'll go mad. But it didn't cost much, either--$475, delivered to my door.<br>[/quote]<br><br>Yep you got that right. First one I bought was a Coleman 5500 with a Briggs and Stratton engine. Full tilt all the time and, like u said, LOUD!! It lasted me 3 years, and then scuffed the piston skirt and wall. I took it apart, honed the cyl, replaced the piston and sold it. I bought the Honda the next day. That was '94. Other than being rather dinged up from falling a couple of times, it still runs strong. Our air compressors are all Honda engines also. The B&amp;S last us about 8 months whereas the Hondas we get almost 3 years outa them before they cause too much grief. FWIW.

 

Scott, not trying to impose too much..... I listen to this guy now and then on the radio. You may have heard of him, he's getting popular. He gives good advice on personal and home business matters. Everything from which insurance is worth your while, to retirement, business expenses, etc. <br><br>http://daveramsey.com/