Harbor Freight Predator Gen set, any one have one

[CaptRick]

So I was at Harbor Freight yesterday looking at what the sales guy claimed is their new line of "Predator" generators. He was selling them up telling me how quit they are compared to the ones they used to sell. Of course I was not able to hear on e run as they dont demo at HF.
So any of you folks have one of the predator gen sets and if so what are your thoughts on them?
I am looking at the 3200 watt 4000 max one. it is on sale for $ 289.99.
I am looking to use it only when I dry camp when I am dirt bike riding and camping.
I know there will be lots of buy a Honda responses to this post, but I am looking for actual owners opinions of the gen set.
Thanks

[2oldman]

Good luck with that. Heavy, lots of noise, but the price is right.

[CaptRick]

Well after hearing a lot of good things about Champion I am going to go with this;
Champion Power Equipment 46539 4,000 Watt 196cc 4-Stroke Gas Powered Portable Generator With Wireless Remote Electric Start (CARB Complian
Amazon has it for $ 500.00 and with my prime mebership that includes shipping and no taxes.
Thanks for all the feedback...

[j-d]

I think there was another thread where somebody mentioned a HF generator and that caused me to look on their webpage. I thought there was one with the 30A outlet, but not in Predator line. They may have changed their line to no longer offer that capability.
With all the positive about Champion, that's the way I'd go, especially at the same price. HF is fine for hand tools. But for stuff involving electricity or electronics, not so much. That said, I love their little Red (former ones were Yellow) Digital Volt/Ohm Meters.

[Ric_Flair]

Champion

$300 at TSC all day, every day.

Thank us later

[tvman44]

Get a Champion 3500/4000 good little ginny. 🙂

[MEXICOWANDERER]

I would be cautious about connecting anything complicated or sensitive to a "bargain" genset regardless of manufacture.

[2oldman]

Predator post July 2012

CaptRick wrote:
I know there will be lots of buy a Honda responses to this post, but I am looking for actual owners opinions of the gen set.
Thanks

Good luck. you're already getting Champion replies.

[JiminDenver]

The one concern I would have is the lack of a 120v 30a RV plug. The standard outlets on it are rated at 13a. Will that run your AC?

The Champion 3500/4000 is a generator designed for RV use with a 30a RV outlet that not only doesn't require a adapter but also allows for all of the power of the generator thru that outlet. That way you can run anything on your rig including the air conditioning.

Other than that the Predator generator looks similar to a Champion and I bet it has close to the same noise level of 68 db.

[gbopp]

I don't own a 'Predator' but, last fall I heard one running at a craft fair. It was not quiet but, it was not nearly as loud as I expected. I think it would be okay for your intended use. I don't know anything about their reliability.
I guess I just wasted your time reading this because I really didn't tell you anything. 😞

[RWDIII]

ng2951 wrote:
It might be OK, but I would buy a Champion first. The price difference isn't that much and a lot of people have experience with the Champion.

The Honda's are in a completely different league and price range. They are among my favorite gensets.

Yes get the champion,I have seen them on sales for $300.
I have had 2 of them.They have good service and parts support.
I sold the 3500 and got the 1200/1500 when I downsized to the TC.
A little loud under load but I only use it when boondocking or during Gen hours.

[ng2951]

It might be OK, but I would buy a Champion first. The price difference isn't that much and a lot of people have experience with the Champion.

The Honda's are in a completely different league and price range. They are among my favorite gensets.