r/Generator

Edit: thank you everyone! I'm going to pass on this

I'm looking at buying an older Generac Guardian and wanted some opinions on what it's actually worth.

Details:

- Model: Generac Guardian 0043901

- Approximately 2003

- 15kW continuous / 16kW peak

- 992cc GT-990 V-twin engine

- Currently running on natural gas

- Unknown total hours, no hour meter

- Approximately 18–20 days of runtime over the past 10 years, plus weekly exercise cycles

- Uses roughly half a quart of oil every 48 running hours

- Some oil residue in the enclosure, possibly from messy oil changes rather than a leak

- Some rust along the bottom of the enclosure

- Reportedly maintained regularly and runs reliably

The seller is upgrading to a larger unit and will let me see it running before removal.

I'm planning to convert it to propane and install it myself with permits.

Main question: Is $600 a fair price for a 23-year-old standby generator in this condition?

I've seen older Generacs sell for $300–$500, but I'm curious what others have actually paid or sold similar units for.

Would you pay $600, negotiate closer to $400, or pass entirely?

One additional question: Has anyone used one of these older Generacs with an inverter/charger like the EG4 GridBOSS/FlexBOSS? Any issues with THD or voltage/frequency stability?

thank y'all for any help. I'm new to generators and trying to learn

The sale ends tomorrow and there is no delivery charge. It looks like a good deal to me.

Our last outage was only about eight hours, but it made me realize how quickly the important stuff adds up. We were trying to keep the fridge and freezer cold, charge phones, keep the Wi-Fi going, and have enough lights around the house without running extension cords everywhere.

I have been comparing a generator setup with adding battery backup, but I do not need the whole house running like normal. I mainly want a realistic plan for the things we would miss first.

What appliances or circuits ended up being non-negotiable in your setup?

I have (unfortunately) a 2022 Hideout 202rd travel trailer. My wife and I have lived in it for three years while we saved up for land (✅) and will be in it through next summer while we build our off grid cabin. The time has come, and I bought a new Duel Fuel Predator 5000 inverter generator. I’ve been watching numerous videos on break in, set up, etc. and I just watched a video where a gentleman bonded neutral to ground because his travel trailer has EMS surge protection. Our trailer does not have this; it’s just standard 30amp circuit breakers. Do I still need to do this? Would it just be good practice too? This is out of my wheelhouse and just looking to learn. Thanks in advance 🙏