Harbor Freight Predator 3500 Inverter Generator

[TommyFDNY]

I know there has been a little discussion on this generator. But I wanted to hit you all up to first give a bit of my thoughts on this unit, and ask for some recomondations about customization.

First, I always had my eye on the Honda 3000i, I never jumped on it due to the fact that the price was a bit much in my opinion.

So, I purchased the Predator 3500 Inverter a few weeks ago. I have run it through its break in period, I have spent hours allowing my Surveyor 265RLDS to give it a chance to prove itself.

After unboxing and adding the oil, I followed the start procedures, and was amazed that the unit came to life simply, fast, and smooth!

Thus far it's an absolutely amazing product. It is able to handle my AC, two flat screen TV's, the on board converter, and my Keurig with ease. She is extremely quiet. The unit is built to last, and is a surprising, yet refreshing not typical American built tool. It has been well laid out, such small things like a trap door and a troth to allow for clean and easy oil changes. These add to the well rounded ability of this unit to serve the owner with shining colors.

She handles the AC compressor with very little notice in engine performance. With everything running, my unit is using about 14.3 amps. It is also using about 1765 Watts. I don't know if this is the norm as of yet, but once we boondock this upcoming adventure in SC, I'll let you all know the true fuel consumption under normal usage. But, I was able to get about 14 hours out of a full tank.

I have changed the oil three times, as per the break in period of 25hours.

This generator is impressive.

My question is to all you pro RVers is can I add a fuel cap that has a gauge built in? Has anyone purchased a cover for this unit?

I have flapped my gums enough, Ill let you all know how she performs after out off the grid 3 day campout.

https://youtu.be/tIQDcwkBXxE

[gectisme]

Most of the reviews have been positive that I have seen. I almost pulled the trigger just before the last $50 off coupon expired. I have a honda 2000 and have been on the fence for the last 7-8 months on buying a Honda Companion. Then I started hearing about this one. I can probably sell my Honda 2000 and come close to the price of the HF 3500. Thanks for the review, waiting to hear how it does on it your boon docking trip.
[emoji106]

[spock123]

Buy what you like. I have two Honda's that I purchased almost ten years ago and there are great. I brought the kit off eBay to parallel the two together and I can run one just hooked up the the 30 amp receptacle.

[TommyFDNY]

Originally Posted by gectisme

Most of the reviews have been positive that I have seen. I almost pulled the trigger just before the last $50 off coupon expired. I have a honda 2000 and have been on the fence for the last 7-8 months on buying a Honda Companion. Then I started hearing about this one. I can probably sell my Honda 2000 and come close to the price of the HF 3500. Thanks for the review, waiting to hear how it does on it your boon docking trip.
[emoji106]

It was very tempting, and rough not to jump on the Honda; they are great units. As I stated thus far it's been very impressive.

The only negatives I see is no fuel gauge, and it's a bit tight when doing oil changes. Not bad, but a bit tricky getting the socket on the oil drain.

I read somebody added a fuel amount gauge... I'm still researching.

I'll let you all know how my Boone docking adventure works out!!!!!

[JimMorrell]

I had 2 Honda 2000's till one was stolen in a NP campground. Their 43 pound weight allowed me to carry them anywhere. The Predator, which looks like a beautiful machine, weighs in at 100 lbs, which is too much for this old camper. If I were 40 years younger, I would buy it. Check it out on Google. Great reviews.

[cristofer.a]

I was very close to pulling the trigger on that generator, was even @ HF only reason I didn't was the extended warranty cost. So I went with the Champion Hybrid inverter 3500-4000w generator on Amazon($592) with 4 year extended warranty for less than $50. Great reviews on both. I'll update on a separate post to give my review

[eye95]

Just got two WEN 2000 inverters for 399 each. However, I went to Harbor Freight to buy the parallel connector. $20 bucks less and no shipping.

And I love couponing them to death.

[TommyFDNY]

Originally Posted by cristofer.a

I was very close to pulling the trigger on that generator, was even @ HF only reason I didn't was the extended warranty cost. So I went with the Champion Hybrid inverter 3500-4000w generator on Amazon($592) with 4 year extended warranty for less than $50. Great reviews on both. I'll update on a separate post to give my review

Awesome! I would love to hear about that model! Is it quiet?

[cristofer.a]

Yeah tried using the coupon on their inverter...no go

[baitmn]

Originally Posted by TommyFDNY

I know there has been a little discussion on this generator. But I wanted to hit you all up to first give a bit of my thoughts on this unit, and ask for some recomondations about customization.

First, I always had my eye on the Honda 3000i, I never jumped on it due to the fact that the price was a bit much in my opinion.

So, I purchased the Predator 3500 Inverter a few weeks ago. I have run it through its break in period, I have spent hours allowing my Surveyor 265RLDS to give it a chance to prove itself.

After unboxing and adding the oil, I followed the start procedures, and was amazed that the unit came to life simply, fast, and smooth!

Thus far it's an absolutely amazing product. It is able to handle my AC, two flat screen TV's, the on board converter, and my Keurig with ease. She is extremely quiet. The unit is built to last, and is a surprising, yet refreshing not typical American built tool. It has been well laid out, such small things like a trap door and a troth to allow for clean and easy oil changes. These add to the well rounded ability of this unit to serve the owner with shining colors.

She handles the AC compressor with very little notice in engine performance. With everything running, my unit is using about 14.3 amps. It is also using about 1765 Watts. I don't know if this is the norm as of yet, but once we boondock this upcoming adventure in SC, I'll let you all know the true fuel consumption under normal usage. But, I was able to get about 14 hours out of a full tank.

I have changed the oil three times, as per the break in period of 25hours.

This generator is impressive.

My question is to all you pro RVers is can I add a fuel cap that has a gauge built in? Has anyone purchased a cover for this unit?

I have flapped my gums enough, Ill let you all know how she performs after out off the grid 3 day campout.

https://youtu.be/tIQDcwkBXxE

Hi, don't want to burst your bubble, but have you check Harbor freight for repair parts, when I call for the 2000, I was told that the manuf does not supply repair parts to them..
hope you have better luck than I had.

[cristofer.a]

That's another reason I went with Champion

[cristofer.a]

Will do, but have a hurricane to prepare for before I get to use it for my TT. Also fellow FD here. Ft Lauderdale

[hbillsmith]

Originally Posted by TommyFDNY

...and it's a bit tight when doing oil changes. Not bad, but a bit tricky getting the socket on the oil drain...

I don't own one but when I saw this thread I cruised thru some youtubes and this one is all about oil changing it. Apparently, the design for ease of oil change is a plus. Oil Change:HF 6500 Inverter Oil Change

Another video does a pretty nice sound compare against the Honda 2000:
Sound Check: HF 3500 Inverter vs. Honda eu2000

I have a Champion 3100 that I converted for extended run and I'm happy with it. But this HF looks really nice, especially the status monitor screen.

[TommyFDNY]

Originally Posted by hbillsmith

I don't own one but when I saw this thread I cruised thru some youtubes and this one is all about oil changing it. Apparently, the design for ease of oil change is a plus. Oil Change:HF 6500 Inverter Oil Change



Another video does a pretty nice sound compare against the Honda 2000:

Sound Check: HF 3500 Inverter vs. Honda eu2000



I have a Champion 3100 that I converted for extended run and I'm happy with it. But this HF looks really nice, especially the status monitor screen.

I thought it was neat; to be honest every one of the units mentioned on here are awesome. I just saw the great ratings on the web, the you tube vids, and well decided to break open the wallet.

What set up do you have for extended use? Right now I switched to pre-response phase, as it looks like here in Florida we will have a windy visitor.

Damn, forced to ret from FDNY, too young and now two hurricanes since I've moved here. Lol, I was always the "black cloud", when I was on duty!

Thanks everyone. Oh, don't be grumpy when you post in here! Life is way to short! Lol

[bikendan]

Originally Posted by eye95

Just got two WEN 2000 inverters for 399 each. However, I went to Harbor Freight to buy the parallel connector. $20 bucks less and no shipping.

And I love couponing them to death.

If it's not a Wen parallel connector, the HF one may not work.

[N6ZCM]

Originally Posted by cristofer.a

I was very close to pulling the trigger on that generator, was even @ HF only reason I didn't was the extended warranty cost. So I went with the Champion Hybrid inverter 3500-4000w generator on Amazon($592) with 4 year extended warranty for less than $50. Great reviews on both. I'll update on a separate post to give my review

Waiting on the review!!!
Let us know how loud that is at full power.

Looks like an open frame generator, they do say 62db in Quiet Mode... I would take it as in low speed not pulling 3000 watts.

[aeblank]

I was all about the champion until someone posted about a 3100 not starting their 13.5k air conditioner. A 2400 Yamaha will. Hmmm.

[sasch]

Just got my Predator 3500 3 weeks ago - very quiet - love the 4 setting output/timer display - do wish it had a fuel gauge - had local Amish make a canvas cover for $25 that it is great - very happy with the system

[TommyFDNY]

Originally Posted by sasch

Just got my Predator 3500 3 weeks ago - very quiet - love the 4 setting output/timer display - do wish it had a fuel gauge - had local Amish make a canvas cover for $25 that it is great - very happy with the system

I've be n looking up and down for a cover!!!!

[sasch]

Try a local canvas shop - Amish if any in your area