Predator 3500 vs 2 Champion 2500

[oyarsa]

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. Can't find one anywhere.

So, now I'm debating between buying the Predator 3500 or linking two of the Champion 2000 or 2500 watt dual fuel generators. Our biggest concern is noise. We would also really like the dual fuel option, though.

My thought is that by getting two of the smaller generators, we could use one by itself when we don't need to use the AC. One should be able run the furnace/fan, right? Then, when we need AC we can use both. But, I'm concerned that running two of them might be louder than we want. We originally bought one of the open frame inverters from Champion and I was too self conscious of the noise, so we returned it.

Your thoughts?

[goducks10]

I don't have a dual fuel but do have a 3500W inverter elec start. I have a single 13,500 BTU AC. The gen is quieter than my Honda 2000W when running most everything except the AC. 2 2500's will need to rev a fair amount to get the same power output. I've seen videos of guys paralleling 2 2200 gens to run heavy loads and the smaller gens need to rev out. That makes them noisy.
My Genrac iq3500 barely breaks a sweat when I fire up the AC. Under all other use such as charging the batteries when dry camping of running the coffee pot, hairdryer, etc it only revs up a small amount.
I though about getting another Honda 2000 to use for the AC, but after watching others parallel them I went for a single 3500. Same price as well.

[valhalla360]

Check out the Champion 4500 dual fuel. I think they have replaced the Champion 3400 (not officially but haven't seen them for sale without crazy prices...the 4500w unit is cheaper).

Same weight and only a hair larger dimensions (should fit under most pickup tonnue covers).

[Gdetrailer]

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.