Anybody use the Harbor Freight inverter generator?

[gspot01]

Well, I think after reading all this info and reconsidering my requirements, I believe I'm going to scrap the generator idea and go solar:

http://goo.gl/s473LD

All I really want is something to keep my batteries charged, and this kit seems to do the trick, gets great reviews from other rv'ers, and only costs $129. That a whole lot less than the almost $400 the genie costs.

Sent from my SM-T320 using Tapatalk

[pdqparalegal1]

Originally Posted by Dmaster79

In the harbor freight ad this weekend I see they have a newer model inverter 2000w that you can parallel with another.

2000 Peak/1600 Running Watts, 2.8 HP (79.7cc) Portable Inverter Generator CARB

No reviews but would be interesting to see if they have now also cloned others in design. Never had issues with my open frame generator from there but can't say it's quiet either.

Try Champion $299.00 on sale 3500W

[selkirk awards]

I like the Champion too much money but call it an inverter you just double the price on it's 2nd year not too bad for noise but heavy when you get older.

[Dmaster79]

Originally Posted by pdqparalegal1

Try Champion $299.00 on sale 3500W

Yep actually bought one last year for $250 during Black Friday sale. For my dry camping needs it's great. I have a 50' cord so I move it further away and all is good. Would eventually like to give the champion 3100 inverter a try but lots more $$

[Crbacsw]

Originally Posted by gspot01

Inverter Generator - 4.7HP, 2500W Inverter Generator

Do you like it? Good solution for weekend dry camping just for keeping the battery charged (no air)?

Sent from my SM-T320 using Tapatalk

I was always concerned about the quality (lack thereof) of Harbor Freight products. My last purchase was a battery tender that we used on a 79 Trans Am that my brother (a mechanic) was restoring for my sister. I was there when the battery blew up 2 feet from my brothers face (tender attached). Say what you want, blame who you will, we suspect the battery tender was responsible. Tools are one thing, motors, generators, electrical equipment are another matter. No more Harbor Freight for us!

[bpa098]

Originally Posted by gspot01

Well, I think after reading all this info and reconsidering my requirements, I believe I'm going to scrap the generator idea and go solar:

Solar Panel Kit - Save on this 45 Watt Solar Panel Kit

All I really want is something to keep my batteries charged, and this kit seems to do the trick, gets great reviews from other rv'ers, and only costs $129. That a whole lot less than the almost $400 the genie costs.

Sent from my SM-T320 using Tapatalk

i am no techy but that is only 45 watts, might be ok for what your running but i plan on going no less than 100watt, probably actually will go with 200 watt. Maybe it didnt include some of the extra stuff your link shows but i have seen 100w for about the same prices as that 45 w. check other sites than harbor freight.

[MarcS]

Originally Posted by bpa098

i am no techy but that is only 45 watts, might be ok for what your running but i plan on going no less than 100watt, probably actually will go with 200 watt. Maybe it didnt include some of the extra stuff your link shows but i have seen 100w for about the same prices as that 45 w. check other sites than harbor freight.

I'd love to find a 100w or 200w portable solar kit for $200. I have yet to see any portable solar kits that inexpensive.

[Llamapacker]

Remove at Amazon

[Llamapacker]

That's Renogy

[gspot01]

FWIW, I ended up picking up both the HF solar panel AND the gen. I put the panel on my fishing boat to keep the trolling motor battery charged. Works great. And the generator is perfectly adequate for recharging the RV battery paired with a Shumacher charger from Walmart. Both the panel and gen were great places to start with portable power. Got both for around $500. Glad I picked up the gen when I did. Not sure I like the new model as much.

I s'pose if I were primarily a boondocker, I might have need of something more elaborate, but since I might boondock at the most a couple weekends a year, this is a pretty good little setup.

[KansasJohn]

Thought I would add that I did a short review of this generator earlier this year. I've used it for probably around 20 hours and have been very happy with it. In my overview, I did some brief sound testing, and this generator is most certainly not 64db at idle. It's not as quiet as a Honda 2000w, but it offers more power than one. It is also MUCH quieter than a Champion 4000w open-frame that a neighbor had at a campsite in Colorado. No scientific evidence for that one, but I couldn't even hear my generator over his standing five feet away when his generator was at least 25 feet away. Take that for what it's worth, and your experience may vary. It does run the factory 13.5k BTU A/C in my 2009 Mini Lite 1809, but only just. I would recommend a hard start capacitor if you're planning on running an A/C frequently.

Here is a link to my thread:

http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...rt-109148.html

P.S. The 2500w Predator generator, which is the item I have, has indeed been discontinued by Harbor Freight and replaced by a parallel-capable 2000w peak/1600 continuous generator. I have no opinion on the 2000w model, as I have not used one.