Inexpensive load bank

[cstumpf750]

So I bought three 5000 watt 240v heaters from Amazon. I went with these because they were only $65 at the time. $95 now

KEN BROWN 3000/4000/5000 Watt Electric Garage Heater, 240V Hardwired Fan-Forced Ceiling Mount Shop Heater with 3 Heat Levels & Thermostat, Ideal for Garage, Workshop, Greenhouse https://a.co/d/5Ru9d8b

But, they are chinesium. So just search for whatever is cheapest as they are all the same. I then bought a hand truck from Harbor Freight, welded up a gram from 1” x 1/8” mild steel. I still need to complete the wiring to make connecting to the generator fast and easy. Gonna make a trip to Home Depot today. When I got the heaters, I had not considered putting them on a cart like this and wired them up via a knockout on the side As that was the most direct route to the connections inside. But I would use the rear knockout if I were to do it again as it will make it easier to remove a unit to service or replace it.

 

[rickf]

Good idea, you also have a heater if needed in an emergency.

 

[2Pbfeet]

So I bought three 5000 watt 240v heaters from Amazon. I went with these because they were only $65 at the time. $95 now

KEN BROWN 3000/4000/5000 Watt Electric Garage Heater, 240V Hardwired Fan-Forced Ceiling Mount Shop Heater with 3 Heat Levels & Thermostat, Ideal for Garage, Workshop, Greenhouse https://a.co/d/5Ru9d8b

But, they are chinesium. So just search for whatever is cheapest as they are all the same. I then bought a hand truck from Harbor Freight, welded up a gram from 1” x 1/8” mild steel. I still need to complete the wiring to make connecting to the generator fast and easy. Gonna make a trip to Home Depot today. When I got the heaters, I had not considered putting them on a cart like this and wired them up via a knockout on the side As that was the most direct route to the connections inside. But I would use the rear knockout if I were to do it again as it will make it easier to remove a unit to service or replace it.

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Nice job! Way nicer than my version.

We live with fire risk most of the year, and I realize that the Jersey shore is usually wetter, but, that lower heater runs a risk of baking the ground in front of it. If it were me, I'd make sure to have it on concrete, or with the louvers pointing up.

I put mine on a spare patio umbrella weight to get it 4' up in the air. It works, but it isn't as easy to move around as yours.

All the best,

2Pbfeet

 

[cstumpf750]

We live with fire risk most of the year, and I realize that the Jersey shore is usually wetter, but, that lower heater runs a risk of baking the ground in front of it. If it were me, I'd make sure to have it on concrete, or with the louvers pointing up.

I’m aware of the potential fire hazard, but plant to keep the louvers pointed up. Also, winter the the only time I’d need to use it to keep the 803 from wet stacking as we use a gas furnace for hot water baseboard heat and an air tight wood stove. Usually burn 3 cords of wood a winter, so electrical load is pretty low. Summer is much higher with the AC running. We shall see what hurricane season brings.