What do I want from Costco?

**The AD** · 02-16-2023, 07:18 PM

Originally Posted by 4matic

Mine are all good. What’s the date on yours? I had to dig to find a later March expire. Noosa does go bad but as long as it’s not moldy all good

Best by March 23rd.

**Nobody Famous** · 03-21-2023, 07:14 PM

This generator is on sale in the monthly coupon book for $600 until early April, lists for $1250 and up elsewhere.

Have been looking at one for a while, tempted. Will use for home and sometimes camp, no RV-ing.

Click image for larger version.

Name: 2023-03-21_21-10-46 4000w Generator 0 - Copy.jpg
Views: 151
Size: 345.7 KB
ID: 452713

https://firmanpowerequipment.com/products/wh03242

**irul&ublo** · 03-21-2023, 07:22 PM

Originally Posted by riser4

Not a big fan of the Costco hot dogs. The actual dog is ok, but their buns are vile.

Be a paleo hero and throw the bun to the birds

**Supermoon** · 03-21-2023, 08:21 PM

I had to go to Costco today and timed it to coincide with lunch, and they wouldn’t let me walk in the exit to go to the food court. I had to go around through the entrance. First time in two decades they’ve made me do that

**The AD** · 03-22-2023, 09:29 AM

Originally Posted by Supermoon

I had to go to Costco today and timed it to coincide with lunch, and they wouldn’t let me walk in the exit to go to the food court. I had to go around through the entrance. First time in two decades they’ve made me do that

I was waiting in the returns line a few weeks back and some obviously crazy lady came in through the exit and was stopped. She started yelling that she was going to the food court and they couldn't stop her, then proceeded to yell that her rights were being violated and she was calling the police. All quite the scene, but it did make me wonder why they stopped her. Did Costco make a policy change?

**Supermoon** · 03-22-2023, 10:05 AM

Originally Posted by The AD

I was waiting in the returns line a few weeks back and some obviously crazy lady came in through the exit and was stopped. She started yelling that she was going to the food court and they couldn't stop her, then proceeded to yell that her rights were being violated and she was calling the police. All quite the scene, but it did make me wonder why they stopped her. Did Costco make a policy change?

What’s weird is that I did the exact same thing last week and walked right in. So if it was a change it was recent.

**Danno** · 03-22-2023, 10:29 AM

When you walk in the exit, how do they know whether you're going to returns/membership (which is ok) or the food court (which in this scenario is not ok)? Do they stop everyone and let the returns people continue on?

**Supermoon** · 03-22-2023, 11:27 AM

Originally Posted by Danno

When you walk in the exit, how do they know whether you're going to returns/membership (which is ok) or the food court (which in this scenario is not ok)? Do they stop everyone and let the returns people continue on?

This particular Costco has a separate door for Member Services/Returns

**The AD** · 03-22-2023, 11:33 AM

Originally Posted by Danno

When you walk in the exit, how do they know whether you're going to returns/membership (which is ok) or the food court (which in this scenario is not ok)? Do they stop everyone and let the returns people continue on?

The returns people would be easy to spot because they'd be carrying something. I suppose they'd need to ask anyone else where they are going.

**bagtagley** · 03-22-2023, 01:05 PM

No issues going in through the out door, but the receipt checkers have gotten ridiculously thorough. We never used to have two checkers, now we always do and if I didn’t know better I’d think they were fucking with me with how long they take.

**El Chupacabra** · 03-22-2023, 05:26 PM

Originally Posted by Nobody Famous

This generator is on sale in the monthly coupon book for $600 until early April, lists for $1250 and up elsewhere.

Have been looking at one for a while, tempted. Will use for home and sometimes camp, no RV-ing.

https://firmanpowerequipment.com/products/wh03242

Have you looked into this one much? I'm curious about it too, for home power outages and a travel trailer.

**irul&ublo** · 03-22-2023, 06:40 PM

Originally Posted by bagtagley

No issues going in through the out door, but the receipt checkers have gotten ridiculously thorough. We never used to have two checkers, now we always do and if I didn’t know better I’d think they were fucking with me with how long they take.

You sporting a porn star mustache or some other sign of suspicion?

**jm2e** · 03-22-2023, 08:44 PM

Originally Posted by bagtagley

No issues going in through the out door

Phrasing! Are we still doing phrasing?

Sent from my iPhone using TGR Forums

**neufox47** · 03-22-2023, 09:30 PM

Originally Posted by El Chupacabra

Have you looked into this one much? I'm curious about it too, for home power outages and a travel trailer.

My parents have an older version of that one and it’s been good. Will run their rv ac (has an ez start)

Sent from my iPhone using TGR Forums

**Nobody Famous** · 03-22-2023, 10:29 PM

Originally Posted by El Chupacabra

Have you looked into this one much? I'm curious about it too, for home power outages and a travel trailer.

I have read reviews, mostly on reddit. Overall positive, both the model and the manufacturer. This one is not a cheapened-down model made for Costco.

The really compelling thing in the carry-out price of $600. If you get two, at $1200 that's a fraction of what you'd pay for 6.4 Kw (2 x 3200 w) of output power from one bigger unit. And way, way less than a permanent unit installed on a pad outside your house. Reviews say it's quieter than most. And the dual fuel thing is good to have.

An old-time electrician clued me into using two of these, he says at any one time he has two medium sized units (which this is). In an extended power outage one of the two powers the essentials, fridge, heat or AC. Second unit is for lights, computers, garage door, etc. and goes on camping/fishing trips.

**El Chupacabra** · 03-22-2023, 10:52 PM

Thanks. I think I'm going to go pick up one.

With Costco standing behind it, that lessens any risk of issues. And it's much much less than a Honda or Yamaha.

**Garbowski** · 03-23-2023, 12:31 AM

At 111 lbs I should be able to get it up and down the basement steps right? I'll get someone to help. No garage and space is at a premium in the shed- plus where I'm at if a tweaker gets wind of it it will be gone.

**Nobody Famous** · 03-23-2023, 07:12 AM

Originally Posted by El Chupacabra

Thanks. I think I'm going to go pick up one.

With Costco standing behind it, that lessens any risk of issues. And it's much much less than a Honda or Yamaha.

The one and only downside I see to this are the receptacle configurations that can limit the output. It's designed / spec-ed for 20 A max output to a normal household 120 V receptacle.

To get the full 30 A at 120V you need to use one of the angled RV plugs (spec-ed as 20V, 30A RV – NEMA TT-30R). Buy a $40 adapter to convert to usual household plugs.

Firman makes models that can operate in parallel and this is one. Another adapter kit is needed.

**Bronco** · 03-23-2023, 07:53 AM

Originally Posted by Garbowski

At 111 lbs I should be able to get it up and down the basement steps right? I'll get someone to help. No garage and space is at a premium in the shed- plus where I'm at if a tweaker gets wind of it it will be gone.

This is a little sketchy due to the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. At a minimum, make sure the exhaust is vented outside.

**bagtagley** · 03-23-2023, 08:15 AM

Anybody know if that thing will run a two ton heat pump. I like the idea of running two of them.

**Johnny H** · 03-23-2023, 08:48 AM

Originally Posted by bagtagley

Anybody know if that thing will run a two ton heat pump. I like the idea of running two of them.

Two ton heat pump is 3 kw, so kinda pushing it.

**bagtagley** · 03-23-2023, 09:17 AM

Originally Posted by Johnny H

Two ton heat pump is 3 kw, so kinda pushing it.

Will that load be spread across both units if I'm running two in parallel?

**Garbowski** · 03-23-2023, 11:29 PM

Originally Posted by Bronco

This is a little sketchy due to the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. At a minimum, make sure the exhaust is vented outside.

I won't run it in the basement, just want to store it down there and make sure hauling it up and down the stairs is not a terrible idea. If I buy it, it guarantees there will not be an earthquake anyway.

**neufox47** · 03-23-2023, 11:43 PM

Originally Posted by bagtagley

Will that load be spread across both units if I'm running two in parallel?

I’ve never run generators in parallel and Im not an electrician. But it sounds like yes, the point of running them in parallel is to spread the load.

https://www.electricgeneratorsdirect...enerators.html

**Nobody Famous** · 03-24-2023, 06:19 AM

Originally Posted by neufox47

I’ve never run generators in parallel and Im not an electrician. But it sounds like yes, the point of running them in parallel is to spread the load.

https://www.electricgeneratorsdirect.com/stories/320-How-to-Parallel-Two-Portable-Generators.html

I used to think the same. Until I talked to an old timer electrician, he used to be on a state board that advised on building codes. Knowledgeable guy.

His advice was if you are doing it yourself be anal about following all instructions and specifications exactly, all components are at a minimum UL listed including all adapters, converters, even power cords. I'll always remember this: If there's anything you don't understand pay a trained, licensed electrician to understand it for you.