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Oct 10, 2006 | 07:41 AM

schlichtemeier

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Generator

Last year hunting I just about didn't get my PSD started one morning. I have a 500 W generator and I was thinking about taking it along just in case it got real cold again. Is this a good idea? If so, is 500 W big enough to do the job?

Thanks, Chad

Oct 10, 2006 | 07:44 AM

cangim

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From: Utah County, UT

If you have a battery charger that will charge the batteries with it, not a bad idea at all. Me personally, I would check the age on the batteries, might think about replacing them. Also, was your truck just sitting there or are you using it to power lights in a trailer or the like? If you are worried and have the space for the generator, why not take it?

Oct 10, 2006 | 11:23 AM

kbeefy

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From: Eastern Washington

is it 500 or 5000(5kw)? A 500 would almost fit in your pocket and run a small charger, but is only 1/2 of what you need to run your 1000w block heater.

Oct 10, 2006 | 12:09 PM

Pony Power

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From: Washington

I always plug mine into the genny when we are up on the hunt. I also have one of those magnetic heat blocks stuck on my oil pan as a backup. We had a problem one year and don't plan on a repeat that deal.
Nothing like jumping into a warm truck that starts right up when it's in the teens.

Oct 10, 2006 | 12:23 PM

schlichtemeier

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It is 500 w. Little bigger than my pocket, but it is compact. If the block heater takes 1000w, will 500 w not even turn it on or will it just take twice as long?

thanks, Chad

Oct 10, 2006 | 12:35 PM

Uzumati

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From: Central, Al

As soon as you plug the block heater in it will "pop" the breaker on the Generator, the startup current draw on a 1000w heater is closer to 2200w

Oct 11, 2006 | 12:06 AM

kbeefy

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From: Eastern Washington

how cold is it? as mentioned earlier, make sure your batteries are up to snuff. If everyting is working well it should start down to 0. I do it snowmachining all the time.