Harbor Freight Predator 2000 Inverter..Anybody try one?

[RxGuy]

Saw these online, not really in need of a generator at this time. Was wondering if anybody had tried one of them.

http://www.harborfreight.com/engines...arb-62523.html

$499.00 less 20% off, you could buy one for $399.00

I know it's HF.....

[AWCHIEF]

Loud!

[CRH]

I have heard them. Not that loud compared to an open frame generator.

[RxGuy]

66 dB vs 59dB for a Honda, After looking up the dB scale, the difference is huge....


Thanks....

[Bauxter]

Champion has lower db's than HF. It is a little more expensive than HF, but cheaper than Honda. I think a good compromise.

Mke

[FCStreamer]

I'd rather do a Champion. Only a little more $$$

http://www.campingworld.com/shopping...with-usb/70828

[Al and Missy]

Originally Posted by RxGuy

66 dB vs 59dB for a Honda, After looking up the dB scale, the difference is huge....


Thanks....

While 7 dB is a lot in noise power (over 4x) the human ear has a non-linear sensitivity; the ear's response curve is that 10 dB sounds twice as loud. So the HF unit is louder than the Honda, but would not be perceived as twice as loud.

Another thing to check - at what output level and distance were the measurements taken? I think I recall that some generators are specified at full load, others are not. I'm not sure I have seen the distance specified; double the distance, subtract 6 dB.

Just information.....YMMV

Al

[wolffullmoon]

I sell inverters to rental stores. I will tell you that you will not get much for $499.
Wholesale inverters cost that much or more. If you need clean power, you will need an inverter NOT a typical generator. It doesn't take much for unstable power to mess up your electronics.
Our '64 has NO electronics in it so we don't care--we do have one for CPAP machines--it is not worth saving $$ if I mess up one of these at $1500 each.

Honda, or one of the other main brands will provide years of useful service. if you can find a Mi-T-M inverter from a rental store or construction supply store that is a good unit for a reasonable price. They also have excellent customer service.

Just my two cents.

[interstateflyer]

I give the density of the generator's exhaust as much consideration as the decibel rating.

Nothing worse than camping next to someone with a smelly generator. I'd like to think that I'm a good neighbor and I strive to use generators that have low dBs and clean exhaust.

Knowing what I know of Harbor Freight products, I doubt that they'd meet my good neighbor standards. Also, a $500 inverter generator is just that.

[Fbastian]

Amen to interstateflyer's reply

[AWCHIEF]

Originally Posted by interstateflyer

I give the density of the generator's exhaust as much consideration as the decibel rating.

Nothing worse than camping next to someone with a smelly generator. I'd like to think that I'm a good neighbor and I strive to use generators that have low dBs and clean exhaust.

Knowing what I know of Harbor Freight products, I doubt that they'd meet my good neighbor standards. Also, a $500 inverter generator is just that.

,

Ditto, that is one of the reasons I converted my Yamaha 2000 to a tri fuel propane conversion. Quiet and clean burning. Plus no residual gasoline smells in storage.

[JCWDCW]

Quote> Al and Missy " I'm not sure I have seen the distance specified; double the distance, subtract 6 dB."
That is correct. Decibels are probably quoted at 3 feet on the machine so at 6 feet the perceived noise level is about 6 dB less and at 12 another 6 dB which is "huge". Still a cheap unit has a poor muffler and the noise spectrum will be much more annoying than the rumble from a well muffled source The staccato pop from a cheap muffler sounds louder than a rumble even if the dBs are equal.
JCW

[CRH]

Most generator noise seems comes from everything but the exhaust.. Hold a wet rag over your exhaust and see how much it muffles or actually doesn't.

[RxGuy]

Originally Posted by interstateflyer

I give the density of the generator's exhaust as much consideration as the decibel rating.

Nothing worse than camping next to someone with a smelly generator. I'd like to think that I'm a good neighbor and I strive to use generators that have low dBs and clean exhaust.

Knowing what I know of Harbor Freight products, I doubt that they'd meet my good neighbor standards. Also, a $500 inverter generator is just that.

The good neighbor thing is very important. We always try to be considerate campers. Using the guideline of: "Treat people like you would want to be treated." Using a noisy/stinky generator definitely would be a problem.

[NY24]

Something I NEVER see listed is the DUTY CYCLE of engines. I expect that Honda and Yamaha will have substantially longer duty cycles than the bargain brands. I expect that's why both Honda and Yamaha units can be worked hard on a regular basis and still be viable a decade plus later. Duty Cycle is the reason an HDT (Heavy Duty Truck) or even an MDT (Medium Duty Truck) will far outlast any pickup truck.

[TruckerFritz]

devil in the fine print, coupon does not cover generators, or Predator brand.. know 'cause I had one in my cart and was refused.. ok, because I got a bigger, better flash deal on Black Friday..

Originally Posted by RxGuy

Saw these online, not really in need of a generator at this time. Was wondering if anybody had tried one of them.

http://www.harborfreight.com/engines...arb-62523.html

$499.00 less 20% off, you could buy one for $399.00

I know it's HF.....

[horizons]

I have one and have used it occasionally on a few trips. The noise is not so objectionable. Problem I HAD is: when new it started on first pull (follow the starting directions). After a year or so, it was hard to start, many pulls. Solution: use K100 additive to gas which is available at some NAPA stores. This helps to fire old gas.
Even with the K100 I have a practice of turning off the fuel supply while generator is running to clear the carb from any potential accumulation of muck from ethanol gas. I think this helps some.

I now use an inverter attached to my truck battery which supplies all the 110v power I need. The truck idles quietly while the inverter is in use. Very neat arrangement. No generator to lug around, no gas to mess with, no noise, no maintainence!

[RxGuy]

Originally Posted by TruckerFritz

devil in the fine print, coupon does not cover generators, or Predator brand.. know 'cause I had one in my cart and was refused.. ok, because I got a bigger, better flash deal on Black Friday..

Bummer. That's unfortunate.

Thanks for everyone for all the feedback.

[CA_Tallguy]

A site called HFQPDB.com has man of the latest coupons and you can often find one for the inverter generator. As far as "good neighbor" worthy -- it's a hell of a lot better than a contractor gen! I bought one of these and was breaking it in over the weekend and the noise didn't bother me sitting directly on the opposite side of the wall, nor did I find it worrisome with regard to bothering my relatively close home neighbors. This is my first camping generator so I can't compare to yamaha or honda but it seems like it will be just fine.

[mbutterfield]

You want 2 generators, and the interconnect cable to run you roof AC