Predator 2000 Inverter Generator

[rfloyd99]

Consumer Reports rates this model from Harbor Freight very close to the Honda 2000 for about half the price.

I'm considering a generator because I figure we'll need to do more dry camping on our four month trip this year. I can't afford a more expensive unit.

Questions:

Anyone have anything to add to the review, good or bad?

If I get one, how long would it need to run to put a charge (at least a partial charge) on the two 6 volt golf cart batteries we use on our TT? Should I let the converter do the charging, or use the cheap plug in charger I have?

For example, if we are drycamped for 4-5 days and on day 3 or 4 needed to charge enough to make it until we get back on the road?

I realize that partial charging isn't ideal, but is it a problem if we do it occasionally? We wouldn't be using the generator to try to run the AC obviously. Would probably use it during breakfast for coffee, toaster microwave, or to charge cell phones, computers, etc. Mainly to keep batteries from being over-discharged, and to keep the control boards going.

Any other ideas?

Thanks!

[Boon_Docker]

X2
Champion is a much better choice than the Predator.

[DownTheAvenue]

jdc1 wrote:
Has everything you want and need:

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Champion-75537i-3100-Watt-RV-Ready-Portable-Inverter-Generator-with-Wirel...


EDIT: Fixed link.

This is exactly what I would buy IF I could deal with its weight. Champion has a proven reputation and offers service and parts. Three things that Predator can't offer.

[TurnThePage]

Quiet is an interesting concept. I've been very happy with my Champ 3400 generator. It's been very quiet... until we finally got out into the wilderness all by ourselves with no other noise sources. Suddenly I could hear that thing from everywhere. Once another camper showed up, the ambient noise level increased and the generator was suddenly silent again.

I would be leery of trying to get by with just a 2000 model generator. I don't think it would run my A/C reliably. It will charge the batteries though.

[pianotuna]

Noise level increases with load. A 3500 watt device running a 1700 watt load will be quieter than a 2000 watt unit.

[wanderingaimles]

bikendan wrote:
I'm still wondering why Harbor Freight's ads, documentation and in store placards, state that the Predator 2000w inverter generator has a noise level rating of 65db!:E

Many keep saying that it's quiet but 65db is the same noise rating, as the open-frame contractor style Champion 3500w/4000w regular generator. I own one of those Champions and i can tell you that 65db is NOT quiet.
No one yet, has shown a lower noise rating for the Predator 2000.
I own a Honda 2000i, which has a noise lever rating 11db quieter, than the Predator 2000w. So until someone can prove that it's lower than HF's official rating of 65db, I'm not going to believe it's quiet.

Folks that have them frequently claim they are as quiet as the H and Y brands.
I would not be overly trusting of any of the manufacturers numbers. It would be nice to see test done side by side with the same loads on both since all are quiet at idle.
And for what its worth, to my ear a 3500 watt unit is less annoying at 50% load than a 2000 watt with the same 1700 watt load, because of the higher pitch and rpm level.

[jdc1]

Has everything you want and need:

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Champion-75537i-3100-Watt-RV-Ready-Portable-Inverter-Generator-with-Wirel...


EDIT: Fixed link.

[bikendan]

I'm still wondering why Harbor Freight's ads, documentation and in store placards, state that the Predator 2000w inverter generator has a noise level rating of 65db!:E

Many keep saying that it's quiet but 65db is the same noise rating, as the open-frame contractor style Champion 3500w/4000w regular generator. I own one of those Champions and i can tell you that 65db is NOT quiet.
No one yet, has shown a lower noise rating for the Predator 2000.
I own a Honda 2000i, which has a noise lever rating 11db quieter, than the Predator 2000w. So until someone can prove that it's lower than HF's official rating of 65db, I'm not going to believe it's quiet.

[theoldwizard1]

wanderingaimlessly wrote:
IF you may want to run an AC unit with it, another unit being looked at lately is the Westinghouse I-gen2 2500.
500 more surge watts and 400 more running watts, and supposedly will run almost all 13,500 btuh AC units and some are claiming they are running 15,000 btuh units on them. And yes, it's another Chinese clone.
westinghouse igen 2 2500 watt

Very intriguing generator. Long term durability (more than a couple of years) is still not available.

I think the "sweet spot" for generators is really about 2800/2400W and still be light enough for 1 hand carry. Some smart company will add a fuel pump and a quick disconnect to external tanks !

[theoldwizard1]

pianotuna wrote:
I would encourage you to consider the Predator 3500 with electric start.

The Predator 3500 would definitely run your A/C !

I can still start my 5500W 10 HP generator by hand.

[theoldwizard1]

If your converter has done a reasonable job of charging the batteries in the past, just use that. If not, buy a new "smart" converter.

If you are thinking about buying an inverter, now is the time. Pay the extra and get an inverter/charge/automatic transfer switch. Not hard to install. Remove the converter, leave the DC distribution panel in place. Wire the DC panel directly to the batteries. Wire your shore power cord to the inverter/charger/transfer switch AC input. Wire your trailers AC to the invert AC output.

Do NOT use the 12V output of any generator for battery charging. It will not work well.

[pianotuna]

I would encourage you to consider the Predator 3500 with electric start.

[enblethen]

I cannot see what kind of rig you have.
The 2000 will work, but is limited somewhat. If you have AC and want to use it, think about the Predator 3500

[wanderingaimles]

The engine in those is a chinese clone of a Honda engine design from 10 0r more years ago. Parts are available but they can take a little figuring out. If you do your own work, you can find them.
Also you may want to consider taking out Horrible Freights extended warranty, a store manager last year recommended taking it and just bringing it back in two years for a replacement because they dont do repairs, the stores just replace the unit when its presented. Might be different in other areas, but that was what I was told they do here.
IF you may want to run an AC unit with it, another unit being looked at lately is the Westinghouse I-gen2 2500.
500 more surge watts and 400 more running watts, and supposedly will run almost all 13,500 btuh AC units and some are claiming they are running 15,000 btuh units on them. And yes, it's another Chinese clone.
westinghouse igen 2 2500 watt

[Lwiddis]

I have a backup generator but if you don’t need A/C who wants that noise and trouble? An adequate solar system is silent and fills your batteries every sunny day. On the road charging isn’t that great BTW.