Generator question

[Socalx09]

I need to pick up a generator for my dad’s home dialysis machine. He has surgery next month for the new port as we figured out at home dialysis is going to be better for him then 3x week at the center. We have figured out ways to waterproof for havasu and have learned there are many patients that do still go to the lake on it. We will have him avoid the channel though.

This is mostly needed for back up power and Glamis trips. The dialysis machine states 600 watts peak, and average is 100 watts. 8-11 hours runtime. He has a Briggs and staton, but that is so loud.

Leaning towards the predator 3500 as it’s quiet and seems to be a good price. What is the price when it goes on sale and when should I look out for it? I never go to harbor freight really.

 

[JDKRXW]

Highly recommend an inverter like the HF Predator 3500.
Cleaner power than a generator and generally way quieter.... It's heavy if you're moving it alot so if the dialysis machine that's all you're using it for, maybe go smaller/lighter.
If you've got the cake - Hondas are the quietest - and you WILL notice this if it's running 10+ hrs at a time.

 

[Roaddawg]

You could probably get away with the predator 2000 for what you need to run. They are around $500

 

[olduner]

I need to pick up a generator for my dad’s home dialysis machine. He has surgery next month for the new port as we figured out at home dialysis is going to be better for him then 3x week at the center. We have figured out ways to waterproof for havasu and have learned there are many patients that do still go to the lake on it. We will have him avoid the channel though.

This is mostly needed for back up power and Glamis trips. The dialysis machine states 600 watts peak, and average is 100 watts. 8-11 hours runtime. He has a Briggs and staton, but that is so loud.

Leaning towards the predator 3500 as it’s quiet and seems to be a good price. What is the price when it goes on sale and when should I look out for it? I never go to harbor freight really.

Goes on sale this weekend for $650, bought one last year for $750 great generator and quiet. Check out HF website for parking lot sale.

 

[crzy2bealive]

I have the predator 3500 and love it.

Added a remote start to it as well.

I don’t care much for the cart as it rattles a lot

 

[Socalx09]

Goes on sale this weekend for $650, bought one last year for $750 great generator and quiet. Check out HF website for parking lot sale.

Awesome. Thank you!

 

[olduner]

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[Xring01]

In a life or death situation, or critical medical needs… why would you trust shit made in China???

Just like having eye surgery from the cheapist eye surgeon…

Get a Honda or Generac,,,

 

[Ace in the Hole]

I need to pick up a generator for my dad’s home dialysis machine. He has surgery next month for the new port as we figured out at home dialysis is going to be better for him then 3x week at the center. We have figured out ways to waterproof for havasu and have learned there are many patients that do still go to the lake on it. We will have him avoid the channel though.

This is mostly needed for back up power and Glamis trips. The dialysis machine states 600 watts peak, and average is 100 watts. 8-11 hours runtime. He has a Briggs and staton, but that is so loud.

Leaning towards the predator 3500 as it’s quiet and seems to be a good price. What is the price when it goes on sale and when should I look out for it? I never go to harbor freight really.

My step dad was on the at home dialysis towards the end of his ALS journey when I was in HS/early college. It is a major adjustment but just takes getting his routine down. We had a Honda 2k if I remember right in case of power loss. they make sealed patches that cover the ports etc so he can maintain quality of life and be at the lake etc. I'd have to ask my mom for the name but there is an organization that will help with those supplies that is a charity, they were super cool to deal with back in the day. I hated unloading those Baxter Medical boxes though when they delivered them lol

 

[Desert Whaler]

I may be way off here . . . but what about a little Honda eu1000i ?
They're just under 30 lbs. dry.
I just picked one up cause my eu2000i is a bit of an overkill for my light duty needs and it's twice the weight.
The Hondas are pricey, but damn they're quiet, reliable, efficient and convenient.
The eu1000i prob. wont run 11 hours on it's 1/2 gallon tank . . . but with an extra gallon can it would go way past that.
Just throwing it out as an idea based on the light weight convenience . . . but I may be way off on your needs.

 

[Socalx09]

Highly recommend an inverter like the HF Predator 3500.
Cleaner power than a generator and generally way quieter.... It's heavy if you're moving it alot so if the dialysis machine that's all you're using it for, maybe go smaller/lighter.
If you've got the cake - Hondas are the quietest - and you WILL notice this if it's running 10+ hrs at a time.

Thank you. I could justify the cost of the Honda if I heard the the predator wasn’t a good one. one of our rv friends has a 3500 and it sounds pretty quiet, plus Glamis is just loud in general. I was checking if more people liked it as it would be running medical equipment. But, our camp usually has 3-4 generators laying around so incase ours fails, we could borrow one for the night plus the rv generator as a backup. I just didn’t want to buy it if they weren’t reliable at all.

 

[77charger]

hard to beat a honda 2000 or a 3000.The 3000 will run 11 hours easily without stopping to refuel it too.I have ran an rv ac for 11-12 on mine.

 

[Socalx09]

In a life or death situation, or critical medical needs… why would you trust shit made in China???

Just like having eye surgery from the cheapist eye surgeon…

Get a Honda or Generac,,,

100%. I probably should have stated in the first post, there are usually 3-4 generators around camp plus the RV generator. They also teach you how to do a manual gravity fed bag incase of emergencies. Not too much life and death, just trying to see if I could save on cost and still have it be reliable as well

 

[kurtis500]

Yamaha or Honda. i wouldnt do anything else. I use a Yamaha.

Heres why.....I usually camp at Apache lake (east of Phoenix) during the hottest days of the year. The generator runs non-stop all day running the AC. 5 minutes without the AC running and its torture in the 5th wheel. Our friends and myself all had knock-off generators that are rated to run the AC. All of them did, until it reached peak temperature in the sun and they would start shutting off, overheating or the electronics would fail and need to cool. The Yamaha and Hondas have never done it once and will run full throttle all day in the hot sun. When it really counts quality is important.

 

[counterpart7]

Just got a Ryobi 2300 on FB marketplace for like $200. New they are like $700. Little digital display and other little features. Seems about as quiet as my old Honda 2200.

 

[olduner]

Ran a 12,000 BTU window ac last summer for at least 5-6 hrs a day with Predator 3500 no issues.

 

[Socalx09]

My step dad was on the at home dialysis towards the end of his ALS journey when I was in HS/early college. It is a major adjustment but just takes getting his routine down. We had a Honda 2k if I remember right in case of power loss. they make sealed patches that cover the ports etc so he can maintain quality of life and be at the lake etc. I'd have to ask my mom for the name but there is an organization that will help with those supplies that is a charity, they were super cool to deal with back in the day. I hated unloading those Baxter Medical boxes though when they delivered them lol

Yeah the 3x a week at the center is just draining on him plus I am his driver when he isn’t feeling well. He was opposed to the at home for years because they said he couldn’t go to havasu, but a few nurses have said yes, and they are mostly referring to “ponds” and to seal the port.

That must have been tough. Is it American kidney fund? He is set up through that and they have covered his Medicare premiums and supplies so far. The PD nurse did say to expect a huge first shipment and to have a room ready to store it. I guess she wasn’t joking when I read your post

 

[rvir4us]

Honda 2k and don’t look back. Great to have around just in case and resell value holds. They aren’t that heavy.

 

[SoCalDave]

I have a Wen 3500 and have had zero issues with it. Electric start and when you turn it off it runs the carb dry before shutting off saving a lot of headaches in the long run.


But to be honest go Honda for the win if within your budget. They are bullit proof...

 

[Ace in the Hole]

Yeah the 3x a week at the center is just draining on him plus I am his driver when he isn’t feeling well. He was opposed to the at home for years because they said he couldn’t go to havasu, but a few nurses have said yes, and they are mostly referring to “ponds” and to seal the port.

That must have been tough. Is it American kidney fund? He is set up through that and they have covered his Medicare premiums and supplies so far. The PD nurse did say to expect a huge first shipment and to have a room ready to store it. I guess she wasn’t joking when I read your post

I'll ask her tomorrow when I talk to her, that sounds like it though. And yes the first shipment is huge bc they want to cover tail in case of a delivery delay. It wasn't easy but bought him some good quality of life time. Just remember routine is key on setup etc. Also get one of those battery backup deals for the wall like for a computer. It will buy some time in case of temporary power outages. We had one for that reason.

 

[Flyinbowtie]

You stated it would be used for trips and for backup at home if the power fails.
I understand the Predator would be fine for just the Glamis trips, but the Honda is much quieter...when on eco throttle setting, which both would be just running your Dad's stuff, the Honda are very quiet. At home quiet means less noticeable, which means less likely to attract attention of a thief...if that is a concern the Honda wins.
I know a lot of folks with the Predators, and the are a good alternative when the $ is tight, but in your situation I would look at the EU-2200i from Honda. It is lighter than the 3500 class, but will do what you need, and last a long time if you change the oil, etc. Honda is dead nut dependable. I have a total of 3 Hondas, the OG EU-2000 has got to be 15 years old still chugs along just fine. Son uses it in power outages..common up here.
Honda sometimes has a 90 days same as cash deal, might look into that...

 

[outboard_256]

I also vote honda 2000. At 1000 watts it is super quiet on eco mode, light and easy to store. When you don't need it you can sell it and get half your money back. If you needed it for something big like an AC then I would go with the 3500.

 

[timstoy]

I have a Wen 3500 and have had zero issues with it. Electric start and when you turn it off it runs the carb dry before shutting off saving a lot of headaches in the long run.


But to be honest go Honda for the win if within your budget. They are bullit proof...

Honda now has a 3200 watt generator that is a little bigger than the 2000-2200. The 3200 is also fuel injected. The down side it is expensive. It is much smaller than the 3500 predator.

 

[DLC]

Noise level

Honda 2200
48-52 dBl
Honda 3000
52-58 dBl

HF 3500 predator
56 dBl

Just checked the websites

 

[Dunerking]

I picked up a Honda 2000 off of OfferUp for $500. It is clean and has the 20amp receptacle as well. Been using it the last 3 off-road seasons and around the house. Simple oil change and fuel and it runs!

 

[racektm]

If your in California, I'm not sure you can still get the Honda 2000, CARB strikes again!

 

[OCMerrill]

First Choice is the Eu2200I Honda is larger than you need however they are so fuel efficient I would go that route. Like Desert Whaler said even the 1000 would work for a 100 watts. You can't buy these in CA so you would have to use an AZ address.

I have 4 of these also because of CA. https://www.amazon.com/Pulsar-Gener...709732475&sprefix=pulsar+2300,aps,156&sr=8-10

I have had good luck with them also although I think they lie a bit in their total power output. I like the dual fuel and run them on propane whenever possible so I dont have Carburetor drama from sitting.

 

[dave29]

Honda for sure!!!!! I have two Honda snow blowers and a EU5000 watt generator. They are quiet, fuel efficient and always start on the first pull. With what you're trying to do, I wouldn't trust anything else.

 

[Badchoices03]

just trying to see if I could save on cost and still have it be reliable as well

This is RDP, there is not such thing as saving on cost, its either the most expensive option or go be poor somewhere else...lol

That being said, I am poor....I have a Champion 2500 Inverter I bought from Costco MANY years ago...it always did great for me when I used to use it...its been tucked away in my garage for many years not being used, the other day I had to move it, so for shits and giggles I told my son lets see if this thing fires up...like 3rd or 4th pull of the rope...it fired right up...mind you, the last time I started it was probably 3 years ago, I didnt drain the gas, didnt drain the carb, didnt put any Stabil in the tank...

 

[Nanu/Nanu]

Just for the lake trips i would definitely consider a honda 1000. Being that this is for Medical use i would not consider a predator even though im a fan of them myself. Honda is just tried and true.

Have you talked to the insurance company to see if they help you with the cost?

 

[Mikes56]

I need to pick up a generator for my dad’s home dialysis machine. He has surgery next month for the new port as we figured out at home dialysis is going to be better for him then 3x week at the center. We have figured out ways to waterproof for havasu and have learned there are many patients that do still go to the lake on it. We will have him avoid the channel though.

This is mostly needed for back up power and Glamis trips. The dialysis machine states 600 watts peak, and average is 100 watts. 8-11 hours runtime. He has a Briggs and staton, but that is so loud.

Leaning towards the predator 3500 as it’s quiet and seems to be a good price. What is the price when it goes on sale and when should I look out for it? I never go to harbor freight really.

Where do you live? I’ve got a Honda 1000 that you are welcome to try before you buy a generator. I’m in Santa Clarita.

Ive had it for years and it’s been great. I use it for the RV to keep the batteries charged up when we’re not plugged in. It’s a little underpowered for some things around my house. It won’t drive a polesaw for when I’m trimming trees.

 

[Hardly Satisfied]

I would go with a Honda EU2000

 

[Lumpy]

Honda EU2000 hands down! Get a six gallon marine gas tank with the fuel cap adapter for the gen…set it up right and you can run it 24 hours a day for damn near a week.

 

[Mikes56]

Honda EU2000 hands down! Get a six gallon marine gas tank with the fuel cap adapter for the gen…set it up right and you can run it 24 hours a day for damn near a week.

This!

 

[dread Pirate]

I may be way off here . . . but what about a little Honda eu1000i ?
They're just under 30 lbs. dry.
I just picked one up cause my eu2000i is a bit of an overkill for my light duty needs and it's twice the weight.
The Hondas are pricey, but damn they're quiet, reliable, efficient and convenient.
The eu1000i prob. wont run 11 hours on it's 1/2 gallon tank . . . but with an extra gallon can it would go way past that.
Just throwing it out as an idea based on the light weight convenience . . . but I may be way off on your needs.

A 1000 would be zinging and loud with that big of load. A 2k or 3k Honda would be my suggestion.

 

[stokerwhore]

In a life or death situation, or critical medical needs… why would you trust shit made in China???

Just like having eye surgery from the cheapist eye surgeon…

Get a Honda or Generac,,,

x 100

 

[bilz]

Honda is the winner, but factoring the coin, I went with the Champion 3200 dual fuel 7 years back. Original battery still fires it up. Propane is a real plus come refueling time. I also bought the 2500 dual fuel. It's pull start but has been great also. No carburetor issues on either as I mostly use propane. I'll run gas then finish the trip on propane, keeps it clean.

 

[timstoy]

The new Honda 3200 is California compliant.

 

[havasujeeper]

Too bad we can't muster up 10 or more members to group together to get a nice inverter/generator group sale. I have a 3500 Champion that I use a few times a year, but it would be nice to have a back up to the back up!

 

[Taboma]

The new Honda 3200 is California compliant.

Looks like a beauty being light yet powerful --- but Amazon states it can't be delivered to my CA address ???

 

[rivermobster]

In a life or death situation, or critical medical needs… why would you trust shit made in China???

Just like having eye surgery from the cheapist eye surgeon…

Get a Honda or Generac,,,

I'm glad you said that and not me.

The dirty power coming out of some HF generator, wouldn't be good for anything other than a light bulb.

Medical Equipment? No way.

 

[Socalx09]

Looking like the Honda is becoming the winner.

I think the 1000 would be too small since it’ll be plugged into the RV.

I know I’m adding additional load here, but I wasn’t thinking about the other RV things my husband mentioned last night once it’s plugged into the RV.

Would the 2000 or 2200 run the machine, his cpap machine 56 watts-(if he hopefully keeps up with using it- so far he only uses it for 2-3 hours a night since getting it two weeks ago…)and keep the RV batteries charged overnight? No other major things being used. Fridge and the heater are on propane. We don’t use the RV in the summer time as it’s boating season. I’m assuming getting 6 gallon extension tank would be needed for this.

I’m probably going to have to pick this up in havasu as it looks like it cannot be brought here.
The Honda 3500 seems over the budget.

 

[Socalx09]

Where do you live? I’ve got a Honda 1000 that you are welcome to try before you buy a generator. I’m in Santa Clarita.

Ive had it for years and it’s been great. I use it for the RV to keep the batteries charged up when we’re not plugged in. It’s a little underpowered for some things around my house. It won’t drive a polesaw for when I’m trimming trees.

Thank you for the offer. I appreciate it a lot. I think the 1000 may be too small with the load combined with the RV batteries and his machine. I will definitely keep this mind once the machine comes next month though.

 

[outboard_256]

I'm glad you said that and not me.

The dirty power coming out of some HF generator, wouldn't be good for anything other than a light bulb.

Medical Equipment? No way.

Are you saying honda inverter generators have cleaner power than HF inverter generators like the 3500? I haven't heard of any complaints, I have a honda 2000 but was looking into the HF 3500 a few years ago but never pulled the trigger.

 

[outboard_256]

Looking like the Honda is becoming the winner.

I think the 1000 would be too small since it’ll be plugged into the RV.

I know I’m adding additional load here, but I wasn’t thinking about the other RV things my husband mentioned last night once it’s plugged into the RV.

Would the 2000 or 2200 run the machine, his cpap machine 56 watts-(if he hopefully keeps up with using it- so far he only uses it for 2-3 hours a night since getting it two weeks ago…)and keep the RV batteries charged overnight? No other major things being used. Fridge and the heater are on propane. We don’t use the RV in the summer time as it’s boating season. I’m assuming getting 6 gallon extension tank would be needed for this.

I’m probably going to have to pick this up in havasu as it looks like it cannot be brought here.
The Honda 3500 seems over the budget.

Ya the 2000 would run the machine and charge the rv batteries, but would only run probably 6-8 hours on a tank with that load. You can get a small 3 gallon boat tank and it would run 24 hours with out refill. You need a boat tank for the primer ball and air vent in the cap.

 

[timstoy]

Looks like a beauty being light yet powerful --- but Amazon states it can't be delivered to my CA address ???

I believe Camping World sells 3200 Honda generator. Probably Honda motorcycle dealerships also. I don't think you can buy the 1000 and 2200 generators in California any more. Sounds like a Honda 2000 or 2200 would work in your situation. It's always better to have more generator than not enough!

 

[Socalx09]

I'll ask her tomorrow when I talk to her, that sounds like it though. And yes the first shipment is huge bc they want to cover tail in case of a delivery delay. It wasn't easy but bought him some good quality of life time. Just remember routine is key on setup etc. Also get one of those battery backup deals for the wall like for a computer. It will buy some time in case of temporary power outages. We had one for that reason.

Thank you for the suggestion for the battery back up. I will check with Davita since I read up on that last night that some insurances will provide one now with the machine. The classes start in a month that I will have to attend 4/8 classes as a back up provider incase he cannot do it. It’s definitely a lot. They told me to get a small cart to put next to his bed to hold the machine and medical supplies to make it simplier. I’ll have to get two because of the havasu house.

But, I’m hoping this will be a better quality of life. My dad was having serious FOMO on trips. He would always arrive later on Friday and have to leave by Sunday because it was hard to get dialysis appointments in havasu, and sometimes he would have to drive to Parker. I would worry a lot with him driving by himself. He would do back to back appointments on wed/thurs, but would be so drained by them, he wouldn’t have much fun on the trips. He would be grumpy and asleep a lot. Really hoping this gives him the freedom to be happier and healthier. So, this will allow him to spend a whole week in havasu when we are doing trips. I believe they said he can travel up to 28 days at a time. He never does that, but right now the most he can leave is 2.5 days.

 

[rivermobster]

Are you saying honda inverter generators have cleaner power than HF inverter generators like the 3500? I haven't heard of any complaints, I have a honda 2000 but was looking into the HF 3500 a few years ago but never pulled the trigger.

Well upon further review...

They say they use Pure Sign Wave inverters. So IF you believe their advertising, you should be ok.

From previous experience...

I don't depend on much of anything HF sells.

 

[Taboma]

I believe Camping World sells 3200 Honda generator. Probably Honda motorcycle dealerships also. I don't think you can buy the 1000 and 2200 generators in California any more. Sounds like a Honda 2000 or 2200 would work in your situation. It's always better to have more generator than not enough!

I do see that Honda of Glendale (As one example) is selling the 3200I and states Honda is working to get more models in compliance and tested, sweet !!!

I have a vintage EU2000i that's been purring along trouble free since about '07 and has powered up our frig, freezer, TVs and sat dish power supply during our extremely rare outage occurrences, just not all at the same time
I also have a Costco Firman 4k/3.2K dual fuel electric start model, but have only test run it and have it on standby with stabilized non-ethanol gas should it be needed.
The primary differences are --- The Firman is quiet, but the Honda wins that test hand's down. The Firman weighs more than twice that of the Honda -- 46lbs vs 120lbs +.
I do like the dual fuel capability and ability to run several things simultaneously. The the Firman's weight and shear bulk, would be far less convenient to pack on the truck if I only needed it to run a small load as the OP needs seem to be.

 

[hallett21]

Honda EU 2000.