Predator 3500 Inverter Generator

[Marcm157]

Just an FYI - It comes with a 30 Amp "RV" Converter that adapts to the 30 amp shore line cord to the twist lock receptacle. It does NOT come with oil so if you are planning to us it straight out of the box pick up a quart of 10W-30 oil. I'm using conventional oil for break in but will be using full synthetic after the first oil change...

[gravedgr]

Originally Posted by 33 RLDS

Keep in mind some generators have break in periods so make sure you don't over work it

I don't see an easy way to have it run for 25 hours before we need it (next weekend, thanks to Camping World f'ing up this weekend - twice). I suppose I could just have it sit on the back porch running for 8 hours a day for a few days.

[bdreinv]

Did they want it run with or without load for 25 hours? Curious does it have an hour meter? Thanks

[M&A]

Originally Posted by bdreinv

Did they want it run with or without load for 25 hours? Curious does it have an hour meter? Thanks

NTE 75% load. It does have an hour meter.

[turbo130]

I live 120 miles south of the closest Harbor Freight in Missoula Montana. Went there yesterday to purchase the predator generator, there was a waiting list of 7 people waiting for one. They had one in stock and they took pity on me and sold it to me. Serviced it and it started right up, tried turning on the a/c after it had been running for awhile, it didn't miss a beat. 8^).

[Cam640]

I bought one several weeks ago...used it when we had electrical work done at our house...ran a 10k BTU portable ac...a dorm fridge and a couple lights and fans (aprox 13 amp load) for 8 hours on 2 gallons of gas. That was the "break in run"

Took it to the storage place for our 28RBDS and it ran the slides in and out and ran the 15k btu AC at aprox 12a load...ran fine and cooled the trailer down...it was sitting in the bed of my truck about 10 feet from the windows and could barely hear it...I am very pleased with it.

[Marcm157]

After appx 10 hours of somewhat light use my Predator has developed a "Rough Idle" issue. Ran great for most of that time, now it bogs under no load for a second or 2 almost to the point of stalling then catches up with itself and runs smooth for a while before it does it again. Looks like a trip back the HF - Will keep you posted...

[Shawn]

Originally Posted by Marcm157

After appx 10 hours of somewhat light use my Predator has developed a "Rough Idle" issue. Ran great for most of that time, now it bogs under no load for a second or 2 almost to the point of stalling then catches up with itself and runs smooth for a while before it does it again. Looks like a trip back the HF - Will keep you posted...

I had that issue, but I continued to run it until 25 hr break-in changed oil and cleaned plug a little carb build up, runs better. Will know more in a week friend using it for a camping trip

[Wingman]

Originally Posted by Marcm157

After appx 10 hours of somewhat light use my Predator has developed a "Rough Idle" issue. Ran great for most of that time, now it bogs under no load for a second or 2 almost to the point of stalling then catches up with itself and runs smooth for a while before it does it again. Looks like a trip back the HF - Will keep you posted...

I did have the same issue. HF in Middletown, NY exchange it and the new one is working great so far. I have about 11 hours of use on the new one.

[Bassdogs]

I have a bunch of tools I've purchased at HF over the years. About half of them have gone on to where ever tools go after they die but several have survived 2, 3, or a few even longer due to very limited occasional use. I have never purchased anything that I would expect to last beyond a year with any kind of heavy use. I consider most of their power equipment to be throwaway. I currently have 2 18v drills that I bought earlier this year for $16 each when they were on sale and I had a coupon. If they last until this time next year I will be happy and I will probably replace them.

You will be relying on the generator when you need it most. You want it to start and run up to speed when you are 300 miles from nowhere and need to charge batteries or cool your RV. That is where things die and the family will not be happy campers. These generators may work fine and power what you need to power but for how long and where will you be when they decide to not start or run rough and die when you lay on the demand??

That's how many of us have made the decision to go with ol reliable. Generators are one of those things that you get what you pay for.

[bluegill1]

Bassdogs kinda spelled it out pretty well. im pretty anxious to see how it holds up over time.
I'm a Yamaha guy myself. Twice as much but I sleep pretty good.
For those that have begun using them , keep us posted.

[Marcm157]

I've had varying levels of success at Harbor Freight as well. I do have to say that this unit appears to be built very well. There are features I would never expect from a HF item. We bought this one while the campground and surrounding area we were at for a week had a widespread power failure that was reported to be extended duration.

Ran great that week and even after returning home. I'm not ready to condemn it or HF just yet on this one. I've had issues with name brand tools and equipment as well. If I could have afforded a Honda I certainly would have but in this case I'm going to leave the jury out...

[MadJoker TX]

I am curious to hear about how it holds over time. I saw this generator and wanted to get one, so far I have heard nothing but positive reviews and tests. I have heard about the vibrating issue and seems to be fixed with a replaced unit by HF, but would like to understand what it happens.


2017 NorthPoint 377RLBH
2017 F350 FX4 DRW 6.7 PSD
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGW...jCx2yKWbNHxFpQ

[Scott91370]

Just curious if anybody has an update on this unit after a couple of months.

[shrpshtr]

I bought one but have only used it for a couple of hours now. It runs my 15k A/C with no problems whatsoever. I even put it through a pretty rigorous test and couldn't get it above 18 amps. (every light on, stereo/TV on, and even ran the microwave) It's ultra quiet and hasn't seemed to skip a beat.

I tend to agree with Bassdogs and the others about quality products but I am not sure that generators always fit that mold. I have a 2000w Powerhorse with more than 250 hours running pitching machines, industrial fans at softball tournaments, the camper, power tools at the hunt club, charging golf cart, you name it and I've never had a single issue. The only thing I've ever had to do with it was change the oil.

Having that experience...if the Predator does fail at the most in-opportune time, I'll go buy 2 more for the cost of a Yamaha or Honda and consider it a lesson learned.

I'll be using it for 3 days this weekend and will update again soon.

shop

[pconroy]

Originally Posted by shrpshtr

Having that experience...if the Predator does fail at the most in-opportune time, I'll go buy 2 more for the cost of a Yamaha or Honda and consider it a lesson learned.

That's where my head is too.

I don't need it for Life and Death.
Reliability is important but not essential -- if it dies, I'd be inconvenienced.

[bdreinv]

Originally Posted by pconroy

That's where my head is too.

I don't need it for Life and Death.
Reliability is important but not essential -- if it dies, I'd be inconvenienced.

Harbor Freight just bumped the price up by $70 bucks in Phoenix, must be selling them!

[turbo130]

Originally Posted by Scott91370

Just curious if anybody has an update on this unit after a couple of months.

changed the oil at 12 hrs still running great powers everything that I want it too.

[33 RLDS]

Any additional feedback on long term use of this Predator 3500 ?

I love my little Yamaha 2400ishc but need a little more for some upcoming dry camping.

[Wingman]

I have about 40 hours on it without issue. Even let my brother inlaw use it during a power outage at his house to run his refrigerator/freezer, TV and some lights. He loved it.