Because of their reputations as emergency-response machines, one of the most popular uses for gas-powered generators is often overlooked.

Generator sizes and designs go well beyond the large, stationary kinds used as backups. Far from being near-permanent home fixtures, portable generator designs offer gas-to-electric power for applications outside of the home, and not all of those applications are necessarily work-related. 

The Kawasaki brand of small engines and power products offers great examples of generator models that are made to accommodate that time-honored summer activity–RVing.

When it comes to recreating in style and comfort, nothing quite beats having a well-suited portable generator to recharge those RV batteries, to power extra appliances, or even to light up your camping area at night.

The Kawasaki GE2900A is exactly the kind of power vacation tool we're talking about. The GE2900 is portable, can deliver up to eleven hours of continuous operation, 2400 watts of continuous power, and weighs just over one hundred pounds.

If this kind of power equipment application sounds like it's up your alley, then allow us to offer any RVers out there some quick generator advice that will ensure that your high-octane holiday goes off without a hitch. 

Even though a good road trip depends on the principle of thorough planning, it's really easy to forget about all the parts that a generator might need to keep running smoothly while you're out on the open trail.

Since a well-used generator might call for repairs or maintenance at any time–as any machine can–we recommend that vacationers pack a few spare generator parts along for the ride. 

Here are a few generator parts that might save your vacation from coming to halt:

* a spark plug

* air filters

* oil filters

* a new start cord

* a backup power cord

These common generator replacement parts can be installed pretty much anywhere. Just make sure to bring along some hand tools to help you work on the generator's engine.

We offer our signature parts ordering and shipping services for Kawasaki powered products, including Kawasaki Generator Parts.

A home power outage with a busted generator and no parts to fix it would be more than inconvenient. Not being able power your RV's mini fridge at the campsite might be a tragedy.

The 5412L in Our Shop

Each day our shop repairs a variety of power tools. Some of the power tools we see have maintenance needs, such as replacing a damaged cord, cleaning out debris, lubricating moving parts, or replacing brushes. Other power tools have more complex problems including bad armatures, missing gears, broken safety mechanisms, and just about anything else you may imagine.

Bosh Laser Tracking Dual-Bevel Slide Miter Saw

Model: 5412-L

Today in our repair shop we had the opportunity to perform some simple maintenance issues on a Bosch miter saw. This power tool also arrived with some broken safety parts that required immediate replacement.

This power tool arrived with the following issues:

Temporary Handle Fix

• Broken Linkage
• Broken Lower Handle
• Broken Upper Handle
• Cracked Wheel Guard
• Missing Rubber Rollers (2 were needed for this repair)

Replacement Part Links:

Cracked Wheel Guard

• Linkage: 2610915720
• Lower Handle: 2610915737
• Upper Handle: 2610915738
• Wheel Guard: 2610927694
• Rubber Rollers (2) : 2610915724

Repair Procedure:

1. Remove the broken Linkage
2. Remove the Lower and Upper Handles by removing the screws and the Mounting Hub (the mounting hub is a 2 part metal piece)
   
3. Remove the broken Wheel Guard
4. Attach the new Linkage
5. The Lower and Upper Handles attach together with screws
6. Make sure the wiring for the handle switch fits snug, without kinks
7. Tighten the screws
   
8. Attach the Wheel Guard using the lock nut, if it is too loose, it will rattle. If it is too tight, the Wheel Guard will not slide smoothly
9. Attach one Rubber Roller on each side of the Wheel Guard

When this work is complete, check your angles and make sure your blade lines up square.

Friday’s Top 10

Give Your Power Tools a Check-Up!

10. Inspect each power tool’s power cord for cracks. If you find that you need to replace a power cord, our article will walk you through the process: Replacing Bad, Cut, or Damaged Power Cords on Your Power Tools

Replacement power cords are available at eReplacementParts.com

9. Check each power tool for missing screws. Screws hold your power tools together. Replacing a missing screw is easy once you have the right part. Missing screws can be ordered by going to eReplacementParts.com, and entering the Model Number of your tool.

8. If you have a generator, give it a test run. Hurricane season is upon us, so now is the perfect time to make sure your generator performs to your satisfaction.

7. Recycle your old batteries. Check out our Cordless Power Tool Battery Disposal and Recycling article for information.

6. If your power tool is working less frequently than it used to, you may need to replace the switch. eReplacementParts.com carries replacement switches at great prices!

5. For each power tool that you own, find the Model Number, Type, and Serial Number that is specific to that tool. Either write them down in a notebook for quick and easy reference, or type them into a computer program. This project will save you time when you need to find a replacement part or an accessory for any of your power tools.

4. If you have not already done so, sharpen your lawn mower blade.

3. Buy new line for your weed whacking tools.

2. If your tools use oil, now is a good time to check the oil and change it if you need to.

1. Make sure that your saw blades are in good repair and ready for summer!

Friday’s Top 10 Home and Garden Project Ideas

10. Install energy saving light bulbs in your home and work space.

9. Pressure wash your deck or patio.

8. Replace old outlet covers with new ones to match your paint.

7. Install a rain water collection system for your lawn and garden.

6. Put a new finish on your kitchen cabinets.

5. Pull weeds from your garden and walkway paths.

4. Install new cabinet hardware in your bathroom.

3. Aerate your lawn.

2. Install a dust management system in your home work shop.

1. Research plants that are native to your area to plant in your yard.

Top 10 Spring Projects

10. Replace your furnace filters.

9. Give your air conditioner or swamp cooler a check-up before the summer heat hits.

8. Spruce up your home with replacement water faucets.

7. Replace or repair window screens that may have been damaged by harsh winter weather.

6. Build a new planter box for your garden.

5. Trim your trees.

4. Build a wall cabinet for the cool television you received last Christmas.

3. Install an ecologically friendly “natural swimming pool.”

2. Give your power tools a check-up.

1. Following your power tool check-up, be sure to replace any parts that are damaged or impeding the function of your power tools! You will need them for all of the projects you want to do! Of course you may find your parts and accessories at eReplacementParts.com!