Predator 3500 Generator on pre-sale now.

[TPC]

The official HF legit sale starts tomorrow. By legit I mean less small print exclusions on the sale flyer. Got a pre-sale coupon in the e mail for about $100 off the Predator 3500 generator. $125 for the 2 year warranty.
I have the Honda eu3000 and the Handi i3000 and they will only grudgingly run the RV AC 13.500 btu.
Yeah the 15.000 BTU will also roll but within an hour or two they get fussy and pissed off and open the CB and default to idle.
Friends experience the same.

Families in our group with the Predator 3500's seem to have no trouble running the 15.000 BTU RV AC so I printed the coupon and got one.
The HF employee told me the 24 month warranty "can be renewed indefinitely and to even bring in the generator without oil or gas and they'll exchanged that too with the warranty." I'm guessing if it has issues but he told me that with a wink.

He added tomorrow and over the weekend they'll sell out of the 3500's with the big sale.
Everyone I know that has had any issues with the 3500 has had no issues exchanging them at HF.
So,, what the hey, lets do a RDP 24 month test on the Harbor Freight Predator 3500 generator.

I hear and read "Ya break them in by staying under 75% load for the first 24 hours of run time, change the oil at 8 hours then again at 24, then every 100 hours."

The instruction pamphlet says "take it easy for the first 30 hours, change the oil then again every 100 and clean the air filter and spark arrestor."

First oil change is supposed to expose metal floating in the oil pan,, we'll see about that. Maybe that's why you break this 4 cycle generator in easy like an old 2 cycle.

 

[TPC]

One gripe I hear about the 3500 are the Cheap-o wheels.
Big wheel kits are out there:

Also the air starvation issue.
Some cure it by installing the 1" Uni air filter plugs.

I think the air starvation issue is when you turn the selector knob from start to run it's sometimes not fully opening the sticky choke. If you tickle the knob a few times back and forth it proves my take.
A PITA to lube the mechanism but ya remove the access panel on the oil fill side and aim the WD 40 straw at the back of the mechanism and that usually cures it for a season we have figured out with friends.

Generator came with a basic tool kit, a funnel but no oil. The crankcase is empty, it took a little over 3/4 of a quart to fill it.
The 30 AMP RV outlet is installed at a goofy angle that will cause itself to be unplugged. That was supposed to be remedied, but not on this unit.
It's really quiet running. The wheel lock has to come off it rings like a bell. That'll be cured with the big wheel kit.

So far I like it. Well thought out, easy service, runs good.

Almost 50 lbs lighter than the eu3000 Honda and more compact. With the exchange warranty doesn't matter if the Honda will last longer especially at 1/3 the price and way more useable wattage.

After I break it in we'll run the 15000 AC in this heat.

 

[Meaney77]

Nice, love mine- it powers my AC's in my MH and usually runs for several hours in the dirt while my kids watch multiple TV's and leave lights on in our rig. Knock on wood, no issues. I usually put mine on a drip pan locked up next to my trailer. The drip pan keeps the unit from being directly on the dirt and somewhat helps prevent dirt and debris from beings sucked into the carb.

I try ans run mine every few weeks so that all of the ethanol doesn't mess with the carb. You might also look on YouTube, someone posted a video on draining the carb when not in use.

After having my Honda stolen up at Rincon a few years ago this was a no brainer for me and if it shits the bed on me I will go buy another one for a fraction of the price of the Honda.

 

[TPC]

Metal shavings glitter first oil change:

Easy oil change at 8 hr.

Lots of glitter. Those metal shaving takes must be true:

 

[TPC]

Nice, love mine- it powers my AC's in my MH and usually runs for several hours in the dirt while my kids watch multiple TV's and leave lights on in our rig. Knock on wood, no issues. I usually put mine on a drip pan locked up next to my trailer. The drip pan keeps the unit from being directly on the dirt and somewhat helps prevent dirt and debris from beings sucked into the carb.

I try ans run mine every few weeks so that all of the ethanol doesn't mess with the carb. You might also look on YouTube, someone posted a video on draining the carb when not in use.

After having my Honda stolen up at Rincon a few years ago this was a no brainer for me and if it shits the bed on me I will go buy another one for a fraction of the price of the Honda.

Thanks good video. Easy and a good idea.
A few friends do the regular oil changes but skipped the break-in advise.
Good to hear it runs your ac.
I hate running the big RV house Onan to just run one AC.

Like sacrificial anodes on your boat, this is a sacrificial generator for the RV.

 

[DLC]

Do you have a pic of coupon? Is it a 20% off coupon.

Did you google the wheel kit or make it your self?

 

[grumpy88]

I don't see any reason not to run the onnan generator . I run the snot out of mine . I would like one of these though to run when we lose power at home to keep the fridge cold .

 

[TPC]

Tell me if this works for you
I Googled the wheel kit.
Extended warranty can't be discounted with sale prices, I paid about $125 I think.

I dunno anyone that was ever able to get warranty service from Honda with a Honda generator.
Red Neck, Brandon and off road ace all had Honda issues right out of the box and the dealers shut them out.

 

[TPC]

I don't see any reason not to run the onnan generator . I run the snot out of mine . I would like one of these though to run when we lose power at home to keep the fridge cold .

Oh,, I run the snot outta my Onans too but when you're 10 to 14 days in the desert over all fuel usage is significantly less with the smaller generator. That's less fuel to bring and don't have to make a trip into town and refill jugs either.
Most the time the AC is off and it's just idling running the frig and maybe the Wife's TV all night long and recharging stuff. The Onan is a much bigger fuel burn even at idle.
And,, the portables are quieter.
More than one AC running or AC with the microwave, or in route someplace the Onan is the way to roll.
Also, not everyone has an Onan.

Friends have the Onan 8.000 in their Seneca, Geo Jeff has the Onan 10.000. Whole new definition of fuel burn over-kill to simply watch the Dodger game or nuke dinner or run the crock pot all day.
They all roll with the Predator 3500.
Solar won't run a single AC, the Predator will.

 

[DLC]

That’s what we did! Running the onboard genset for a long weekend or a 10 day trip would suck up the fuel big time! At night we just drop in say a gallon of fuel and let it go until it ran out of fuel so we didn’t have to get up and hit the remote button. Plus we used electric blankets and it would keep us toasty, with out running the propane heater at a comfortable temp all night long.

They are really efficient.

 

[grumpy88]

Oh,, I run the snot outta my Onans too but when you're 10 to 14 days in the desert over all fuel usage is significantly less with the smaller generator. That's less fuel to bring and don't have to make a trip into town and refill jugs either.
Most the time the AC is off and it's just idling running the frig and maybe the Wife's TV all night long and recharging stuff. The Onan is a much bigger fuel burn even at idle.
And,, the portables are quieter.
More than one AC running or AC with the microwave, or in route someplace the Onan is the way to roll.
Also, not everyone has an Onan.

Friends have the Onan 8.000 in their Seneca, Geo Jeff has the Onan 10.000. Whole new definition of fuel burn over-kill to simply watch the Dodger game or nuke dinner or run the crock pot all day.
They all roll with the Predator 3500.
Solar won't run a single AC, the Predator will.

Well that makes a ton of sense . My long 7 day trip I don't have to worry about fuel burn rate . That was a good answer

 

[TPC]

Running one 15000 AC drawing half its rated running watts.

 

[BUDMAN]

Don’t knock the China freight stuff. I run the truck compressor on all my trucks. I purchase the 2 year warranty and any time I have an issue I drain the gas and the exchange them. $175 for a new two year warranty and I’m good to go.

 

[mjc]

One gripe I hear about the 3500 are the Cheap-o wheels.
Big wheel kits are out there:

Also the air starvation issue.
Some cure it by installing the 1" Uni air filter plugs.

I think the air starvation issue is when you turn the selector knob from start to run it's sometimes not fully opening the sticky choke. If you tickle the knob a few times back and forth it proves my take.
A PITA to lube the mechanism but ya remove the access panel on the oil fill side and aim the WD 40 straw at the back of the mechanism and that usually cures it for a season we have figured out with friends.

Generator came with a basic tool kit, a funnel but no oil. The crankcase is empty, it took a little over 3/4 of a quart to fill it.
The 30 AMP RV outlet is installed at a goofy angle that will cause itself to be unplugged. That was supposed to be remedied, but not on this unit.
It's really quiet running. The wheel lock has to come off it rings like a bell. That'll be cured with the big wheel kit.

So far I like it. Well thought out, easy service, runs good.

Almost 50 lbs lighter than the eu3000 Honda and more compact. With the exchange warranty doesn't matter if the Honda will last longer especially at 1/3 the price and way more useable wattage.

After I break it in we'll run the 15000 AC in this heat.

I built a wheel kit just like that with wheels from HF, some angle iron and a couple steel bars.

 

[stoker2001]

View attachment 787031 .
I have the Honda eu3000 and the Handi i3000 and they will only grudgingly run the RV AC 13.500 btu.
Yeah the 15.000 BTU will also roll but within an hour or two they get fussy and pissed off and open the CB and default to idle.
Friends experience the same.

.

Interesting that the Honda eu3000 wont/struggles to run 13.500??My honda EU2000 ran my 13.5 btu RV A/C..GRANTED this ac unit pulls 13amps which is right at limit of the honda 2000.also this was just a test that I did recently on a COOL morning with all other electrical loads off.I ran it for about 10 minutes and it didn't trip the overload.I don't think I would rely on the 2000 to do this on a hot day tho..

 

[77charger]

I have a honda 3000for about 9 years it already had some use on it too been solid and no issues running a 13.5 ac unless it short cycles as in turn it off try it again within a couple of minutes then it may struggle but besides that fires it right up.Seems like every few years new ones come out but dont hear much about them afterwards.

I hear you on running an on board onan for just recharging when you can use less fuel with a smaller one.I only have a portable but want a small 1k or 2k for glamis or when i dont need to run a big generator for small stuff.Only thing i need the 3k to run my air compressor when leaving the dunes.

 

[TPC]

Interesting that the Honda eu3000 wont/struggles to run 13.500??My honda EU2000 ran my 13.5 btu RV A/C..GRANTED this ac unit pulls 13amps which is right at limit of the honda 2000.also this was just a test that I did recently on a COOL morning with all other electrical loads off.I ran it for about 10 minutes and it didn't trip the overload.I don't think I would rely on the 2000 to do this on a hot day tho..

I'm talking the 15000 BTU AC.

Remember as it gets hotter the AC’s head pressure rises and the compressor draws lots more amps making more work for the generator that’s heating up too.

Cool days the eu3000 will run one 15.000 AC. On hot days three of us had troubles keeping them running.

That's shutting off the RV battery charger and putting the refer on gas. The eu3000 screams mach snell bloody hell the whole time and within about 2 hours they overload or overheat or both and shut down or simply disconnect the load.
Guys with the Predator 3500's don't seem to have that problem and the the Predator just picks up speed a little, happy as hell to be running.

I've ran the Predator this week with one 15000 AC on in the RV, from 11AM to 8PM in 103F heat,, no issues and left the battery charger on.
DAMFINO why but the Predator runs better, the RV loves it. Even watched the big screen TV in the RV while the wife sleeps off her all nighter shift from the hospital.

More cooling air flow and a longer stroke engine in the Predator makes it run better goes the tale. Damfino it’s what some others say.

When I change the Predator oil, I removed and disassembled the cone screen/and spark arrestor and soaked them in carb cleaner and scrubbed them with a toothbrush. Their was some buildup already.

We'll see how long this last and your experiences may vary.

I did run the Honda eu3000 at the river one year when the power went out at Emerald Cove for over a week. 105 to 110 heat and a 13.500 AC unit. If I kept the unit in the shade I was good for a few hours and it would quit on me. This is expreme heat I'm talking.

Absolutely with all the situations use the main RV power cord, not a household extension cord with adaptors.
It makes a HUGE difference.

Dune friend Brandon is nuts about his dog and leaves it in his RV garage with the AC on when we go on runs.

Brandon bought a new Honda EU 3000 and his dad not knowing this gave him his Honda EU 3000 the same day.

The garage AC in our two THs is 13500 and on not too hot a day the Hondas will run it.
With the 15000s in the living room and bedroom the Honda’s are good for 20 minutes (one ran for two hours) under the same conditions. Then they over heat then overload and quit.

 

[TPC]

Big wheel kit came in took just a few minutes to install.
Had to use 8 extra washers as shims so the wheels would jive smartly on the spindles and not rub on the gen body and the locking hub would engage. 40 cents each at True Value.

 

[Meaney77]

View attachment 789326 View attachment 789274

Big wheel kit came in took just a few minutes to install.
Had to use 8 extra washers so the wheels would jive on the spindles and the locking hub would engage.

Where did you find the wheel kit?

 

[TPC]

Second oil change metal flake and glitter free:

Where did you find the wheel kit?

EBay

 

[TPC]

I’ve been tipped off Predator defaulted back to the cheap-o Torch spark plug and to swap it out at 30 hours.

So I picked up a couple NGK BR7es and will use one for just that today.
Actually it’s a common plug that that Vato Zone and the other chains don’t seem to stock anymore.

MC shops here in town wanted $9 ea so Amazon Prime 2 delivered free $6 total.

 

[TPC]

Well, that was bogus info. It's a Bosch Spark Plug like I suspected and looks OK.

Harbor Freight inclosed tool:

Bosch plug on right looks fine IMHO:

 

[HitIt]

Hilarious. Plugs for every occasion.

 

[HitIt]

In case you weren't sold at $699 they just had a huge price drop.

 

[TPC]

Going to be a month before we head out again so I drained the gas and put the Generator back in the TH.
Carb drain is marked green, won't refill until the selector is back on start and run.

 

[TPC]

In case you weren't sold at $699 they just had a huge price drop.
View attachment 790680

Damn. I wonder if I take that coupon in they’ll refund my 2 bucks?

 

[HitIt]

@TPC What is the word on the Predator 2000s? I have a friend looking at a 2000 class generator for emergency fridge power type situations that doesn't want to shovel out Honda dollars.

 

[TPC]

Wife has a nurses function here in nearby Palm Springs so we’re dry camping it at the Morongo free RV parking.

Been in the hot 100’s F and a single 15000 AC with the Predator 3500 has done excellent, continuous service.
Quiet and powers everything. Sips gas.
Damn her Nurse GFs are hot.

 

[TPC]

@TPC What is the word on the Predator 2000s? I have a friend looking at a 2000 class generator for emergency fridge power type situations that doesn't want to shovel out Honda dollars.

They are excellent.
The Honda 2200 has more snot but for the money the Predator 2000 is great.

 

[stoker2001]

They are excellent.
The Honda 2200 has more snot but for the money the Predator 2000 is great.

the honda 2200 has bigger motor and puts out a true 2200W.I had a Predator 2000,they do ok for the money,but NO way will they provide 2000W continuous,not even close..wish these manufactures would get fined for spouting false ratings..my pred2000 struggled to run are microwave in are new 24' TT

 

[TPC]

the honda 2200 has bigger motor and puts out a true 2200W.I had a Predator 2000,they do ok for the money,but NO way will they provide 2000W continuous,not even close..wish these manufactures would get fined for spouting false ratings..my pred2000 struggled to run are microwave in are new 24' TT

Yeah I gave away our Honda 2000 and to run the microwave the refer had to be on gas. It would do it though.
The Honda 2200 no sweat.

 

[MNBorn]

Has anyone tried this extended run tank with fuel pump to avoid having to fill up a couple times a day? https://superiorloopengineeringllc....-kit-for-the-predator-3500-inverter-generator

 

[LowVoltSD]

I love my Predator 3500! I have an Onan 5500 in my motorhome but 90% of the time don’t need it. I run the predator usually overnight to charge the batteries. It actually runs both AC units on my motorhome with ease. I do have load shedding which only allows one unit to start and then allows the 2nd to start once the 1rst one is up and running. With both units running it only shows it’s pulling around 18.5 amps. I am getting ready to upgrade the tires to the flat free pneumatic tires made by auto works on Amazon. I did flip the RV plug so the cord wouldn’t unplug itself. Easy fix. I have about 110 hours on mine now and have nothing but good things to say about this little generator. I have seen YouTube videos with people that have thousands of hours on these little Gennys. Pretty impressive for a generator that only costs a little under 700.

 

[Waffles]

Bumping this up to the top. Hows everyones gennys holding up? Im looking to get one for our class a.

 

[Meaney77]

Bumping this up to the top. Hows everyones gennys holding up? Im looking to get one for our class a.

2 seasons and knock on wood no issues with my ego booster. I change the oil regularly, fill it up with gas and let her per like a kitten.

The only thing that drives me crazy is the little metal plate by the wheel lock that rattles...

 

[LowVoltSD]

Mines still running great. I upgraded the wheels to the flat free ones on amazon. Made it a lot easier to move around in the desert. I put about 20 hours on it this past weekend charging my batteries and my brothers motorhome as well. Mine has about 130 hours on it now.

 

[Singleton]

Might have to pick one up as a backup.
My Honda EU2000i is in the shop.
It’s running but not producing any power at the outlets

 

[Meaney77]

Might have to pick one up as a backup.
My Honda EU2000i is in the shop.
It’s running but not producing any power at the outlets

They are worth checking out, super happy with mine. I want to say they just went on sale again for $699....

 

[Meaney77]

https://www.harborfreight.com/3500-...iNjk5Ljk5IiwicHJvZHVjdF9p ZCI6IjEyMTcyIn0=

 

[Waffles]

Just picked up a factory refurb for $300 otd. I have 5 days to return it so best believe I'm gonna run it with a load on it for those next 5 days.

 

[Slick]

View attachment 790669 I’ve been tipped off Predator defaulted back to the cheap-o Torch spark plug and to swap it out at 30 hours.

So I picked up a couple NGK BR7es and will use one for just that today.
Actually it’s a common plug that that Vato Zone and the other chains don’t seem to stock anymore.

MC shops here in town wanted $9 ea so Amazon Prime 2 delivered free $6 total.

I’m surprised there was never a comment about the tampax and spark plug compartment

 

[TPC]

2 seasons and knock on wood no issues with my ego booster. I change the oil regularly, fill it up with gas and let her per like a kitten.

The only thing that drives me crazy is the little metal plate by the wheel lock that rattles...

I removed the metal locking plate and it's much quieter.
Replaced the big wheel shim washers with hose washers and it really soaked up the vibration thus making it even quieter.

 

[TPC]

I’m surprised there was never a comment about the tampax and spark plug compartment

Girls in my house call Tampons plugs.

 

[spark2678]

Champion 3500 gets good reviews too and has a remote start. Around $800-$900

 

[Wheeler]

I need a larger generator or another 2200 Honda. A single Honda will not run my compressor.

How's this generator holding up for you?

 

[Meaney77]

I need a larger generator or another 2200 Honda. A single Honda will not run my compressor.

How's this generator holding up for you?

I have had 3 trouble free seasons on mine. I use it for desert season and plug my motorhome and enclosed into it to charge over night as an egobooster

May want to get some feedback from @TPC or @Cdog as well. TPC mentioned his recently shit the bed in another post.

 

[HitIt]

I was just going to buy one. Cheapest you can find right now is $769. They were $699 a month and a half ago. Still cheap though.

 

[Meaney77]

I was just going to buy one. Cheapest you can find right now is $769. They were $699 a month and a half ago. Still cheap though.

Great units for what I use it for. Maybe buy the extended warranty (I didnt) I figure If the unit shits the bed I am still money ahead over the Honda EU.

 

[LowVoltSD]

I have about 250 hours on mine now. Thing runs like a top. Ran it for 48 hours straight on a cargo rack on the back of my motorhome on a trip up to Oregon and ran both my AC units while driving. Only skipped a beat when I ran it when it was around 105 outside and I had both units running on high it would overload. I turned one unit off and kept it running the rest of the time without issue. I change the oil per the manual and always run fuel stabilizer in it.

 

[HitIt]

Checked the Harbor Freights around me. Out of stock. Kicking myself for putting off buying one.