Cheap generator?

[Steve325]

I want to advertise for mobile detailing, but obviously I'm not mobile unless I have some power. Any recommendations? It's a pretty large trunk. Smaller is better though because the rest of my detailing goodies would be in there. At the most it'd be pushing a Makita 9227 or a 6 HP ShopVac

[Emile]

How many watts of power do you need? Honda makes some nice compact and quiet generators, but they're not cheap.

[Steve325]

not really too sure of the recommended power for the Makita. That and the shop vac is going to be the most I'm pushing, and that wouldn't be at the same time.

Price is definitely a big factor. Just getting started here, not trying to spend the big bucks until I see how things are gonna go.

[Emile]

All Power America Portable Generator — 3500 Watt, Model# APG3002 | 1,000 - 4,999 Watts | Northern Tool + Equipment (http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_200359068_200359068)

[Jimmie]

not really too sure of the recommended power for the Makita. That and the shop vac is going to be the most I'm pushing, and that wouldn't be at the same time.

Price is definitely a big factor. Just getting started here, not trying to spend the big bucks until I see how things are gonna go.

Food for thought. Rather than investing in a generator at first just start with a good 100' 12g extension cord for under $100. Tell your customers of your power access needs. You won't have to turn many away.

[loudog2]

You want to make sure you don't get one too small. Rotary, shopvac and maybe 1000watt halogen. Also get one that you can use in your house, in the time of need. They come in handy! Espeacially when the power goes out.
5500 Watt Portable Generator (http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=296701-348-30429&lpage=none)
3250 Watt Portable Generator (http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=112515-348-30378&lpage=none)

[spamlova]

if you're looking for cheap, how does $119 shipped sound?
Amazon.com: Eastern Tools & Equipment TG1200 1,200 Watt 2 HP 2-Cycle Gas Powered Portable Generator (Non-CARB Compliant): Home Improvement (http://www.amazon.com/Eastern-Tools-Equipment-TG1200-Generator/dp/B000P9UOAC/ref=pd_bbs_sr_3?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1225261947&sr=8-3)


or maybe this is more practical?
Amazon.com: Eastern Tools & Equipment IN800I 800-Watt 4-Cycle OHV Gas-Powered Portable Digital Inverter Generator (CARB Compliant): Automotive (http://www.amazon.com/Eastern-Tools-Equipment-IN800I-Gas-Powered/dp/B0016KXTW4/ref=sr_1_43?ie=UTF8&s=automotive&qid=1225262053&sr=8-43)

[GeorgiaHybrid]

Makita at 10 amps = 1200 watts
Most 6 HP Shop Vacs at +/- 12 amps = 1440 watts
Halogen lights (if needed) assumed to be 1200 watts

With nothing but lights and Shop Vac, you would need 2640 watts plus a safety margin (startup draw) of roughly 30% which would give you +/- 3432. If the numbers above are correct for your equipment. I would be looking for a 3500 watt or better generator.

A good, 100 ft Yellow Jacket (or equal) 15 amp extension cord would be the best bet as noted above unless you REALLY need a generator.