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!

[2oldman]

I was camped near one of those and was pleasantly surprised at how quiet it was.

However, that's just part of the story. A couple other things have to be considered:

a) does it really live up to its wattage rating and
b) will it still be running after 10 years of hard use?

I have an eu2000i from 2002, and it's leaking a little oil, but it still runs fine along with my other two that are going on 5 years each. I boondock a lot and run air.

The only real maintenance issues (other than oil changes) have been starter ropes that fray and break from the angle they sit at. Usually with a Honda you don't need to worry about parts. Not sure about the Predator.

Good luck!

[ndrorder]

The charge time depends more upon the size of the converter and the size of the batteries. A 1500W generator will provide all the power the converter needs. So recharge times will be equivalent to being plugged in at home.

Here are my weekend warrior thoughts on battery life.

Charts show that partial charging and higher state of discharge will reduce battery life. I find that if I go camping 2 weekends every month (48 days/year) and recharge the batteries every day, the charts suggest that the batteries should last 10 years if discharged to a 50% state of discharge every day - 5 years at 70% state of discharge.

People on this board brag about batteries lasting 8 years. I'm good with that because I don't camp near that much.