Predator generators from Harbor Freight

[upnorththree]

Originally Posted by Rocinante

One thought comes to mind, inspired by "The Police."

"Don't camp, don't camp so
don't camp so close to me
don't camp, don't camp so
don't camp so close to me"

Just kidding. I hope they are quiet, but I has my doubts. Good luck!

Don't apologize.
It's true.

You can bet, the noisy ones are always pointed away from the user.

[Mollysdad]

For those of you waiting for a coupon for the Harbor Freight generator "Predator" it's here.
$449 for the 2K.
https://www.harborfreight.com/#

[Rocinante]

[emoji33] Please, don’t buy these horrible noisemakers. [emoji86]

[GatorDave]

Recently I had experience with the new Honda 2200. Recently purchased the Westinghouse 220/1800. It is just as quiet as the Honda. I installed the EasyStart on the 15K AC. The Westinghouse house was recommended by the EasyStart website. Purchased mine from Amazon in acceptable damaged Site for less than $400. One of the end grates was cracked which was easily Gorilla glued

[Keyair]

In line with the subject of this thread...

Bought the Predator 2000 Inverter today.
$449 with Fathers Day Coupon.
We missed the $429 coupon last week... shame, but no biggy.

Brought it home, unpacked and read the instructions.

First Impressions were great.
Very compact, and a nice looking unit.
Nice handle, and at 50lb or so, easy to pick up for me.

Came with a tool kit(Plug wrench, wrench, and screwdriver).
Surprised to note, that the required oil is not supplied.
Evidence the the engine is test run, then drained for shipping, as oil is visible on the dipstick
I used 10-30 Valvoline Synthetic, which, I actually had on hand, and it didn't seem to take much.
I checked, and it quotes 13 FL Ounces.
Put some fresh 87 gas in(with Stabil 360).

Pulled it 5 times or so, to prime oil into the motor, and gas into the carb.

Switched it to run, pulled the handle and I bet it fired up before I was 1/3 into the stroke!

Super impressed with how smooth and quiet it is.
I have a DB Meter so I will run a test and report back.

Bought it for Tent camping, portable power, and home emergency use.
It definitely quieter than the 7000w Kohler in the Motorhome!

[Rocinante]

Glad you had a good experience. FYI, having seen both the smaller (2000) and larger (3500) Predator generators in the field (in use by other campers), the 3500 seemed significantly quieter. (The 2000 seemed quite loud compared to other inverter generator brands I've heard. Quiet, of course, compared to a contractor generator.) That's a purely subjective observation, of course. I had no meter, and heard them at different times in different campgrounds.

[Keyair]

I don't have a Honda 2000 to compare, but the general consensus is that the Predator 2000 is very close to in noise output.
I have heard that the Predator 3500 is quieter, but it's weight and size does not fit my needs.

In doing my research there is a lot of info out there on the Internet on the Predator 2000 units...
On Youtube, a search bought up a bunch of useful info and mods:
1/ Magnetic dipstick, and fill tube, as well as a fuel tank adapter that allows longer run times by feeding fuel from an outside source.
2/ An Hour meter addition, that looks useful to keep an eye on run times for service.

The more I look, the more I find.

[Keyair]

Here it is.
I just weighed it on our bathroom scales... that I think overstate.... [emoji3]
54.8 lb full of oil and gas and ready to go.

[ROBERT CROSS]

I have nothing to compare, our Honda is 10yrs old. 800+ hrs, no issues yet. 😊
YGWYPF 👍

Bob
🇱🇷

[Keyair]

I am sure the Honda is all its cracked up to be, and I doubt anyone will argue it isn't.
I am sure you get what you pay for... but not always.
The bigger question is:
Is worth twice the price?

In my particular case, I cant justify $1000+ for something I will use a few times a year.
Those that are full timing, probably can.

Putting fuel stabilizer and synthetic oil in, is my plan, and that should help it last.
Time will tell.

One thing I do know... Generators and engines in general, run on Propane, last longer.

Robert, a question for you...
Is that propane conversion OEM Honda, or aftermarket, and how do you like it?
Can you tell me how long the generator runs on a BBQ sized tank?

[ROBERT CROSS]

Originally Posted by Keyair

Robert, a question for you...
Is that propane conversion OEM Honda, or aftermarket, and how do you like it?
Can you tell me how long the generator runs on a BBQ sized tank?

That is an original USCarb dual fuel conversion from 2007.
It will run 15hrs on eco mode with this tank. 👍
Once set up it has run faultless for the last 10yrs. Love the fact that it uses a mixture block to enable altitude adjustment. 😎
I bought a spare $12 front panel for running on petrol, without the regulator it stores in an ActionPacker.

Bob
👍

[Keyair]

Awesome!
Thanks for the info!
I have to assume, that what would work for the Honda, should work on this Predator.
That is super impressive that it will run that long on such a small tank!
My big concern, living in Earthquake country, is the storage of enough gas for a couple of weeks use.... We have 4x 15lb tanks for BBQ and Patio heater use around the house, plus a 100lb'r on the Motorhome.
That could be a lifesaver.

Sad to note that these generators(Honda's in particular) are very popular with the "Light fingered" members of our society. Not surprised tho.
It also is not good enough to run a chain thru the handle, as they have been known to saw the plastic handle thru.
There is an aftermarket anti-theft device that stops that, but I have a better idea in mind... gonna fab something up in the next couple of weeks.

I was talking to a Neighbor who is just about to start full timing.
He borrowed my pressure washer today, and when he returned it he wanted to see the Predator, as its on his maybe list.
He was very impressed with the way it looks, weight, and when I started it up, he was surprised by how quiet it is.

i found my noise meter, so I will do a test tomorrow.

[ROBERT CROSS]

No problem Steve..

We boonrock a lot in the Adirondacks, don't use the AC, only 'high draw' is the Toaster for 10min and the burr grinder for coffee.😂
We 'secure' the unit in a tent when running, and store in the ActionPacker when not.
Out of sight, out of mind.👍

Bob
🇺🇸

[Keyair]

Tried to post my noise test 3x times and it keeps screwing up...

Will try again later!

[Keyair]

This Hour Meter arrived today. $6.50 off EBay.
It says it attaches to the spark plug wire.

[ROBERT CROSS]

Originally Posted by Keyair

This Hour Meter arrived today. $6.50 off EBay.
It says it attaches to the spark plug wire.
Attachment 314909

The Hardline includes a tach, comes in handy when adjusting the mixture,(LP), at altitude. 👍
Ignore the 2cyl...works great on our Honda.😎

Bob
🇺🇸

[Keyair]

Good stuff!
I think I will get one of those for my Kohler!

[Keyair]

Ok!
Let’s see if this works.

A pic from each side from about 8’
In Eco Mode, no load.
Sound meter reading was fluctuating about 0.50 of a DB, so take that into account.
Noted that the rear or exhaust side was loudest, so I think there could be some gains from a modification.

[Keyair]

And same as above but not in Eco mode, so engine was running at some speed.

[Rocinante]

Thanks for helping prove my point: Predator 2000 generators are loud.