Predator 3500 vs 2 Champion 2500
We need to buy a generator and my generator of choice is unavailable. I was really wanting one of the Champion dual-fuel 3400 watt inverter generators, but they appear to be backordered or something. ...
Forum Discussion
Both should be OK choices.
I recently was able to compare a Predator 3500 to a Open frame Honda 7KW gen at a car cruise (vendors typically have to use generators to power their food trailers), hands down the Predator was quieter.
I can say the Predator is quieter than my older open frame 4Kw gen which has a Chinese Honda clone engine.
The downside to Predator is Harbor Freight really does not "support" their equipment as far as supplying repair parts which can be problematic down the road. Sort of making HF gens border on throw away if you can't figure out how to cross reference parts to the actual manufacturer.
That is where Champion has got a good reputation for after the sales support and service..
I am not against HF, in fact I do own a 8Kw Predator gen that I use to power my home during power outages. I balanced the need for a big gen with a price I could live with, would have cost me 2-3 times the price of the HF gen to get into a Honda in this wattage level.
One suggestion for either of your choices, replace the spark plug right out of the box. Most of the cheaper gens like these are equipped with "Torch" brand plugs, they don't last and from my experiences engines with Torch plugs don't start as easy.. Replace with a normal name brand and life will be a bit better.
I recently was able to compare a Predator 3500 to a Open frame Honda 7KW gen at a car cruise (vendors typically have to use generators to power their food trailers), hands down the Predator was quieter.
I can say the Predator is quieter than my older open frame 4Kw gen which has a Chinese Honda clone engine.
The downside to Predator is Harbor Freight really does not "support" their equipment as far as supplying repair parts which can be problematic down the road. Sort of making HF gens border on throw away if you can't figure out how to cross reference parts to the actual manufacturer.
That is where Champion has got a good reputation for after the sales support and service..
I am not against HF, in fact I do own a 8Kw Predator gen that I use to power my home during power outages. I balanced the need for a big gen with a price I could live with, would have cost me 2-3 times the price of the HF gen to get into a Honda in this wattage level.
One suggestion for either of your choices, replace the spark plug right out of the box. Most of the cheaper gens like these are equipped with "Torch" brand plugs, they don't last and from my experiences engines with Torch plugs don't start as easy.. Replace with a normal name brand and life will be a bit better.
