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Old 01-26-2018, 09:26 AM   #1
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Inverter generator - 2000 or 3500

Hello folks

I'm planning to purchase the predator inverter generator from harbor freight, just can't make up my mind on the size. Both on sale right now

2000 - $450, lighter, smaller gas tank, no big plug for camper, can't run a/c, pull start only

3500 - $660, heavy but has wheels, big gas tank, quieter, has large outlet with connector for camper, can run a/c, electric start

We are usually in NY state camps where you can only run short times... will bigger one charge batteries faster? Could cool camper down with a/c,.

Which would you get?

Side question. I have a solar panel too, should that be disconnected when generator is running and hooked to camper?
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Old 01-26-2018, 09:32 AM   #2
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I would get the larger one so that I at least have the ability to run the AC if I wanted to.
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Old 01-26-2018, 09:34 AM   #3
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You will need the larger one to run your air but beware of the load noise this gen will make. Some places will not allow you to run these types. I use a Boliy Gen 3600 SI and just about as quite as a Honda and has the extra fuel tank option of 6 gals and will run 24 hrs if not operating AC but if using AC runs 8 hrs. Cost around $1250 with free shipping. Later RJD
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Old 01-26-2018, 09:41 AM   #4
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You are going to have to decide what you want to run with a generator.
If A/C is something you want then you're going to have to plan for the wattage.

You asked for opinions so I'll give you mine...
I won't get into the logistics of all the pros and cons of a single 2k vs paralleling two 2ks or a single larger unit, heavy/lighter, two motors vs one etc. etc. as that is beat to death daily here.

Anyway... to the opinion...
For the two units you are looking at and for the few hundred dollars difference, there is no way I'd buy the smaller one. Get the 3500 and have enough watts to pretty much do what you want.

As for the solar panel... no need to unhook.
As long as you have a charge controller on the solar panels, there will be no back-feed to the panels from the converter.

Just my opinion on this particular situation... YMMV.
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Old 01-26-2018, 09:42 AM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by aceinspp View Post
You will need the larger one to run your air but beware of the load noise this gen will make. Some places will not allow you to run these types. I use a Boliy Gen 3600 SI and just about as quite as a Honda and has the extra fuel tank option of 6 gals and will run 24 hrs if not operating AC but if using AC runs 8 hrs. Cost around $1250 with free shipping. Later RJD
I believe the OP was referencing an inverter generator for both the 2000 and the 3500.
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Old 01-26-2018, 09:45 AM   #6
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I believe the OP was referencing an inverter generator for both the 2000 and the 3500.
Correct. The word inverter is literally in the subject line of the thread. That other poster is correct, that non-inverter generators are loud and often not allowed ... but nobody is talking about those in this thread.

Champion 3500W (3200 W) with remote start for $1K is my choice. I like the idea of being in my trailer and just clicking a button to get juice.

If you're dead-set on the HF gennies, nothing wrong with that. But, I'd buy once and buy big enough to run everything. Others love the 2x 2000W setup. It's not the path I'd go, though.
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Old 01-26-2018, 09:46 AM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by aceinspp View Post
You will need the larger one to run your air but beware of the load noise this gen will make. Some places will not allow you to run these types. I use a Boliy Gen 3600 SI and just about as quite as a Honda and has the extra fuel tank option of 6 gals and will run 24 hrs if not operating AC but if using AC runs 8 hrs. Cost around $1250 with free shipping. Later RJD
The ones I'm looking at are comparable noise wise to the Honda's, actually suppose to be quieter, so I should be good. Especially at half the price
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Old 01-26-2018, 09:49 AM   #8
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Originally Posted by 67L48 View Post
Correct. The word inverter is literally in the subject line of the thread. That other poster is correct, that non-inverter generators are loud and often not allowed ... but nobody is talking about those in this thread.

Champion 3500W (3200 W) with remote start for $1K is my choice. I like the idea of being in my trailer and just clicking a button to get juice.

If you're dead-set on the HF gennies, nothing wrong with that. But, I'd buy once and buy big enough to run everything. Others love the 2x 2000W setup. It's not the path I'd go, though.
I'm more set on HF as I got a 250 gift card from family for Xmas .
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Old 01-26-2018, 09:49 AM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 5picker View Post
I believe the OP was referencing an inverter generator for both the 2000 and the 3500.
I think that my post relates to that as the Boliy is an inverter gen with less noise. Later RJD
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Old 01-26-2018, 09:56 AM   #10
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Originally Posted by aceinspp View Post
I think that my post relates to that as the Boliy is an inverter gen with less noise. Later RJD
It does... but your statement to the OP...
Quote:
You will need the larger one to run your air but beware of the load noise this gen will make. Some places will not allow you to run these types
...insinuates the larger generator the OP is looking at isn't welcome in campgrounds. I've not seen one post where an inverter generator wasn't welcome.
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Old 01-26-2018, 09:58 AM   #11
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Originally Posted by bpa098 View Post
I'm more set on HF as I got a 250 gift card from family for Xmas .
Duh... well that's a no brainer then.
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Old 01-26-2018, 10:11 AM   #12
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Agreed. When he said that some places wouldn't allow you to run those "types," it became confusing. I've never seen 2000W vs 3500W referred to as "types," as opposed to just larger and smaller. The "type" of generator is usually based on the technology: open frame (loud) vs inverter (quiet ... and notice it's quiet and not quite). It may exist, but I've not personally seen or read that a CG would disallow inverters over a certain size. I've only seen it specified that it must be inverter type and/or a noise level given in db. Either way, I think we're all on the same page here. I'm not just beating a dead horse, I'm savagely attacking it.

And, yes, $250 credit at HF pretty much eliminates the other brands! I'd go with the big one and be done with generator purchases.

Good luck.
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Old 01-26-2018, 10:22 AM   #13
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Consider getting two of the smaller inverters and a parallel kit.
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Old 01-26-2018, 10:34 AM   #14
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Consider getting two of the smaller inverters and a parallel kit.
Thought about that, but in the end that costs 200 more and I don't gain much for the extra money
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Old 01-26-2018, 10:35 AM   #15
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Thanks guys... between your comments, talking with my better half.... pretty sure I am headed to HF for the 3500. Bonus I just thought about is buying now and bigger will give me back up at home for the winter if we lose power
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Old 01-26-2018, 10:36 AM   #16
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Thought about that, but in the end that costs 200 more and I don't gain much for the extra money
Looks like you thought this pretty well through before you even posted.
Let us know how you like that Predator 3500.
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Old 01-26-2018, 11:17 AM   #17
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Thought about that, but in the end that costs 200 more and I don't gain much for the extra money


Portability.

Sometimes you only need one.

Reliability. One might go out, but both?
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Old 01-26-2018, 01:08 PM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 67L48 View Post
Correct. The word inverter is literally in the subject line of the thread. That other poster is correct, that non-inverter generators are loud and often not allowed ... but nobody is talking about those in this thread.

Champion 3500W (3200 W) with remote start for $1K is my choice. I like the idea of being in my trailer and just clicking a button to get juice.

If you're dead-set on the HF gennies, nothing wrong with that. But, I'd buy once and buy big enough to run everything. Others love the 2x 2000W setup. It's not the path I'd go, though.
Shame on you for killing that puppy.🤣
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Old 01-26-2018, 01:50 PM   #19
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Originally Posted by bpa098 View Post
Hello folks

I'm planning to purchase the predator inverter generator from harbor freight, just can't make up my mind on the size. Both on sale right now

2000 - $450, lighter, smaller gas tank, no big plug for camper, can't run a/c, pull start only

3500 - $660, heavy but has wheels, big gas tank, quieter, has large outlet with connector for camper, can run a/c, electric start

We are usually in NY state camps where you can only run short times... will bigger one charge batteries faster? Could cool camper down with a/c,.

Which would you get?

Side question. I have a solar panel too, should that be disconnected when generator is running and hooked to camper?
I have the HF Predator 3500 Inverter generator and am very pleased with both quality and how quiet it operates. As far as weight goes, its 99 lbs. with 2 handles and 4 wheels. I'm pushing 66 yo and I can handle it myself, although I won't turn down any help in lifting it into or out of the truck. Mine adequately powers a 13.5kBTU A/C and can handle the microwave at the same time if not on eco mode. IMHO, I would recommend the 3500. You never know what the future holds with these crazy weather changes and it should keep your refrigerator & freezer from spoiling if you have an extended electrical outage at home. Swampy

BTW you can also parallel 2 of these together with the optional paralleling kit... that is 7000 Watts!
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Old 01-26-2018, 02:19 PM   #20
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Shame on you for killing that puppy.🤣
Where did I use an apostrophe to make a word plural?
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