In the event of a natural disaster, having a backup portable generator can mean the difference between night and day—and we mean either having light or staying left in the dark.
These generators offer a wide selection in watts, sizes and capabilities for any survivalist’s needs. So the next time you experience an earthquake, tornado or hurricane that knocks out power lines on your block, don’t sweat it. You’ll be covered.
Product: Corepower Series
MSRP: $1,995 and Up
Description: The 7-kilowatt CorePower Series is ideal if you only need to protect your essential circuits and want a portable, affordable option for standby power
Starts automatically when the power goes off, if you’re home or not
Provides immediate backup power and runs on LP or natural gas fuel
Product: 1,200w Generator, 2 Stroke
MSRP: $134.99 and Up
Description: Lightweight and compact, 44 pounds
Runs lights, coffee makers, small tools at campsites
Attached rubber feet reduce vibrations, circuit breaker protects generator from overload
Air-cooled 2 stroke engine and 1.2 gallon tank capacity; runs 8.5 hours at half load on 1.2 gallons of fuel; delivers 1,200 watts surge or 800 watts continuous
Product: APG3560, 6,000w Generator
MSRP: $736 and Up
Description: Propane powered, 6,000 surge watts; 5,000 running watts
13 HP OHV engine with electric start
Two 120V outlets and one 120V twist locking outlet
20 pounds, providing 8 hours of runtime on half a load
Product: APGG10000 10,000w Generator
MSRP: $899 and Up
Description: Electric/recoil start with a battery (maintenance-free battery included)
420ccOHV air-cooled engine; 10,000W surge and 8,000W rated; horsepower 15 HP
Has a fuel capacity of 8 gallons (takes unleaded gasoline) and a protective circuit breaker
Product: Sportsman Gen7000LP
MSRP: $785 and Up
Description: 13 HP 4 stroke OHV engine, 7,000 surge watts/6,000 running watts
Electric and recoil start
Automatic low-oil shutdown and voltage regulator 3,600 RPM, EPA approved and last longer than traditional gasoline generators
Engine runtime is 8 hours at 50 percent load per 20 pounds of LP fuel
Product: 1200W Generator
MSRP: Varies per Retailer
Description: 1,200 running watts/1,500 starting watts
Comes with a 2-year limited warranty
Uses intelligauge (for volts, frequency and operation hours)
Has a runtime of 10 hours at the 50 percent load
Product: 6500w Remote Start Generator
MSRP: Varies per Retailer
Description: 6,500 running watts/8,250 starting watts
Comes with a wireless remote starter and a 2-year limited warranty
2, 10-inch never-flat wheels Has a runtime of 8 hours at the 50 percent load
Product: GP Series Portable Generators (5,500W)
MSRP: $689
Description: A favorite for home use, emergency power, or power for camping, job sites and outdoor events
Uses Generac’s OHV engines with cast-iron cylinder sleeves and low-oil shutdown
Comes with a large steel tank, has easy-to-read fuel gauges for extended runtimes and covered outlets—all protected by a steel tube cradle
Product: 22KW PTO Generator
MSRP: $2,690
Description: 22,000-watt continuous output, 90-amp output at 240V
Power Meter Pro installed on the back of the unit
Small unit that’s powerful enough to supply energy to your home in need; high-quality PTO generator with heavy-duty single-phase and brushless design for maintenancefree performance
Aluminum- and steel-built for durability
Product: XG Series Portable Generators (6500W)
MSRP: $1.025 and Up
Description: Ideal for home or work use because of its great quality, power and reliability.
Powered by the OHVI engine, the XG Series features an illuminated control panel and
PowerBar to display the watt capacity Steel tube cradle, fullwrap frame tubing and impact resistant corners
Covered outlets provide some extra protection
Product: 20KW Home Standby Generator
MSRP: $4,949
Description: Protects your home during extended power outages; automatic, air-cooled engine
Standby generator for residential use
60 Hz frequency, rated wattage: 20,000 watt
Warranty: 5 years/2,000 hours
Product: Subaru Robin RG3200IS Inverter Generator
MSRP: $2,446
Description: Control panel that’s user friendly 3,200 watts of power, with a multi-monitor display that shows voltage, hours or operation and if it’s overloaded (for prevention)
Engine automatically shuts off if low oil level is detected
Adjusts engine speeds to meet power requirements
Editor’s note: A version of this article first appeared in the 2013 print issue of American Survival Guide.