Forum Discussion

way2roll's avatar
way2roll
Navigator II
Aug 19, 2022

Predator 3500 genny LCD readout not showing AMPS

Been looking for one of these generators for a while at a decent price. I found a guy who apparently gets a lot of bulk tools like these and sells these generators at a pretty good price as a side hustle. He has a long history of good reviews and I talked to him at length and seems to know what he's talking about.

He has 2 of these right now. One with 100 hrs which doesn't really bother me (I'd rather have some hours than no hours) and one with 10 hours but the LCD screen is broken. I did a lot of research and apparently this is a common problem. The LCD won't show AMP output (just blank) but they work fine otherwise. They produce proper amps it just doesn't display it.

The price is good enough for me to consider either of these. They are about half the price of a new one. The LCD doesn't concern me, I can always put a meter on it or replace the stock one for $65.

Thoughts?
Seeking Advice
  • valhalla360's avatar
    valhalla360
    Navigator
    Aug 19, 2022
    I'd probably get the one with the working LCD. 100hr is nothing and if you go to resell it, someone may want a discount due to the LCD not working...but not a big deal either way.
  • Skibane's avatar
    Skibane
    Explorer II
    Aug 19, 2022
    Does the broken one still display watts?

    If so, amps = watts / volts
  • way2roll's avatar
    way2roll
    Navigator II
    Aug 19, 2022
    Skibane wrote:
    Does the broken one still display watts?

    If so, amps = watts / volts


    I thought of that. I will ask when I call him later.
  • Grit_dog's avatar
    Grit_dog
    Navigator
    Aug 19, 2022
    Another approach. Unless you're just "into" watching a LCD display on a generator, there's no reason to monitor the output unless you don't trust the machine.
    In which case you can probably guess my suggestion.
  • Cptnvideo's avatar
    Cptnvideo
    Nomad
    Aug 20, 2022
    Voltage is important to watch. If the current gets to high, the unit will shut down. And if the unit shuts down, reduce the load and restart. Simple.
  • Grit_dog's avatar
    Grit_dog
    Navigator
    Aug 30, 2022
    slider45 wrote:
    I would go with 100hours as it sounds reliable.


    So you can have a LCD screen to stare at? LOL

    The 100s of Hondas I've bought or used never had that screen...and still don't. Maybe they'd be better with one?

    Note the sarcasm, take the low hour one. Better chance it won't blow a Chinesium gasket or something.

    Or maybe I'm doing it all wrong and should take up generator watching as a hobby?
  • way2roll's avatar
    way2roll
    Navigator II
    Aug 30, 2022
    Guy sold them both before I got there. He was about 2 hrs away. Back to square one.

    Thanks for all the replies.
  • wa8yxm's avatar
    wa8yxm
    Explorer III
    Aug 30, 2022
    One of the things EVERY RVer should have is what we generically call a "Surge Guard" one that really is.... Now Surge Guard sadly means many things.

    You know those 6 outlet power strips which say they are SURGE GUARDS. (That's not what I'm talking about)

    There are some plug in units that have a few LED's on them. NO numbers just a few led's.. Not talking about them either

    Then there is the Progressive Industries Top end units and Southwire/TRC top end units. (I actually prefer the hard wired ones with remote) These units show Amps. Volts and a host of error codes.

    Now on my class A I wired mine so it did not operate when I was using the Onan Generator (I trusted the ONAN) but it found several park side issues.

    It also shows amps.

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