Harbor Freight Predator 3500 watt generator Noise Test running the RV Air Conditioner?
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- Опубликовано: 26 июл 2024
- In this video, we test both the Harbor Freight Predator 3500 watt generator and the Generac ix2000 generator for noise levels while running our Dometic 10,500 btu Cool Cat air conditioner in our 2018 NuCamp T@B 400. We measure the sound using a decibel meter app on our iphone from 23 feet away from the generator.
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Still not convinced? Check out how much we can run off this generator when we go camping: ruclips.net/video/c6NQU0OR4qE/видео.html
I needed a unit ruclips.net/user/postUgkxOTeIs0vv4_9B5hsmnLsk9r930uDQLu_Y that I could store in my home when I wasn't running, so it being light and running on propane were key requirements. I can store the propane tank/bottle outside yet store the generator in my home when it's not in use as I will never put any gas in the engine. It is so light, and on echo mode, which I expect is how it will be used most of the time, it is pretty darned quiet (certainly compared to all the generators I hear in my neighborhood after each power outage).Many of the previous reviews had me concerned that it would be difficult to start on propane, but I have to say, I had absolutely no problem at all. I primed it first using the choke...3 pulls, heard the engine want to start, flipped it to propane, and one more pull and she started. I ran it for 2 hours the first time and plugged it in my fridge. And when I was done, I put the propane tank away and carried the generator to my basement for next time.I could not be happier.
*Easy to assemble **Fastly.Cool*
He starts running the actual generators at 4:56 if you're short on time. ;)
thanks for the tip
Thank you good sir
Thanks
Thanks you. The best videos are the ones that get right to it.
Thank you he’s a bit windy
For anyone that doesn't understand sound decibels - For every 10db of sound, the perceived sound is doubled. In affect, the Generac is nearly 150% louder then the Predator.
I think you mean 200%
Phone apps are not accurate.
Every 3db equates to the sound level being doubled.
Correction on that...you are correct 10db. 3db is for amplified sources.
My mother in law is way louder and way more annoying than any of those generators.
Love it!
Stop banging her
@@therealbigfoot3076 your mother? Stopped that long time ago. She's a freaking hag and a log ... That's why your father left her..
Ain't that the truth, it comes standard with most in laws
As is my noisy sister-in-law.
Helpful hint with the Predator 3500 (I have one) ..always use your wheel lock !!! ... you will cut down on the rattle a whole lot ... the Predator 3500 is an AWESOME generator for the price
Thanks for the comparison. I just bought one for my 25ft trailer. It runs everything really well.
I finally bought one and I’m totally impressed how quiet it is over my Champion 4000 generator. I definitely recommend this to all RV campers. Great video
Do people actually run these at night at campsites, ie state parks? They are still plenty noisy.
PanzerBuyer, I do and it does not bother my camping neighbors. I have not had one come to me and complain about it.
@@PanzerBuyer national parks require all generators to be turned off at 10pm, and not turned back on till 6am. Sometimes it's enforced. Sometimes it's not.
Honda is.the best very quiet
@@luissantos9071 And that is only because they, too, are ruining the quiet of the night with their equipment as well. What ever happened to going real camping? Sadly gone forever I suspect. Must have our 43" flat screen TV and bone chilling A/C or massive electric heater. Do these folks take their tux and tails to the camping events or does the chauffeur (or Uber) bring them only when needed??
This was about the most useful test of sound levels I have seen on these gensets.I've got a Generac ix2000 and will soon be getting the Predator 3500. Thanks for doing this!
Glad it was helpful!
I’ve had my 3500 for two years now. Close to 450 hours of service with no problems other than a plug fouling out. I run 100% gas and NGK plugs for a smoother run. People can’t believe it isn’t a Honda when they notice it running. Love my Pred.
Yeah and keep the spark arrestor from clogging up in the exhaust pipe
What do I look for at the gas station for 100% gas? What is the best oil?
@@eldinwebster2155 Sometimes the gas is listed as recreational (REC) and you'll notice the higher price.
@@eldinwebster2155 it depends on what state. Illinois you're fucked. The only way to get no ethanol gas is to order racing fuel online and it's not cheap at all.
There's a Caseys in Arkansas that sells straight gas.
Nice video. A few points I would like to make. 1. There is no need to use a surge suppressor with a generator. 2. Disconnect all loads during startup and shutdown. 3. Follow the manual on break-in. The Predator is even quieter after 30 hrs. 4. Yes, its apples to apples. Both generators have set throttle positions so noise created is the same whatever the load. 5. At a rally in the desert this January I was pleasantly surprised that my Predator was quieter (by a lot) than a herd of ryobis, hondas, and a generac. I think I sold a few predators that week.
Thank you for all the great tips Bill! That's awesome to hear that about your experience with your Predator compared some of the other big brands.
@@TravelswithDelaney yes, second that #2.. apply loads after start up and disconnect load before stopping.
Generator reviews are awesome vids. They are truly helpful when in the market!
Thank you!
i bought a 3500 inverter and love it never seen a generator so quiet
That Predator was impressive. I use to run my generator in the back of ,u pick up. That would shield the noise even more.
Sound is definitely an issue when camping around other people. I have a Honda 2000i and built an insulated box for it and put it behind my camper to be a good neighbor. It ran at an idle and you could just barely here it and I still had complaints. That’s just the way people are I guess. Just because I had a generator and they didn’t.
Me: HOLY CARP!!!!
Sold.
Great test, that Predator is so quiet.
Great video!!! This generator is very nice and quiet, heard one running about 6 months ago..... Couldn't believe it, and the price is a no brainer!
excellent video - If I camped around other people much I would invest in a sound proofing box to be a good neighbor.
Thank you for the info. It sure helped me make up my mind which way to go. Watching the video did it for me. Thanks again.
Good job explaining all this ! Our friends were telling me about how awesome this generator is ! Now great to see it in action ! Thank you I’m also on a budget.
We used it the other day for less than an hour to charge a friends rv battery for them. People around us could t believe how quiet it was.
Love your scientific testing you do. Wow! It IS quiet! Not much of a surge at all when AC turned on. Can't argue the quantifiable data! Thanks for the comparison. I guess as far a generators go, money buys peace and quiet. Guess we will see it in action during your upcoming Summer trip!
Thank you! We are excited to see it in action on the trip this summer too!
I have both a honda and champion and like them both. Best thing about the champion is the remote start on cold mornings no need to get out of bed.
A remote start would definitely be a very nice feature.
@@TravelswithDelaney
Right on! Champion can't be beat... especially when you can buy 3 of them for the price of one Honda.
I used one for a year... running it 10 hours many days (to power a 500 btu ac) and finally a bearing went bad that cost $5 to replace from motion industries.
After a second year the regulator went out and I replaced it for $20. I ended up leaving it in storage in north Dakota.
But the next time I needed a generator I ordered a champion 3500 from Blaine's Farm and Fleet for $300. ...about $100 less than Lowes.
I also run the hell out of those $100 tailgate 900 watt generators since they can charge my battery bank for 50 cents worth of gas. My Onan / Cummings 5k would use 4x the gas.
Hi Patrick . I have started making a waterproof cover with for it using Go Board tile backing and 2x2 strips. I will let you know how it worked . I am going to lock the generator the best I can with cable and and a good lock. This truck pulls the 400 like a dream. I did end up having the dealer install some Firestone easy rider air bags for a better handling over bumps, after our first trip up the Oregon coast. The truck did fine, but the easy riders have made the ride better.
anyone who buys this 3500 generator will be very impressed with it... I've had mine for 4 months now which I use in place of the onan I took out of my class A and it works perfect and I'm very impressed on how quiet it is.. You must follow the instructions on giving it a fresh oil change after the first tank full of gas because of the break in period causes some metal filings in the crank case which is normal... I'd also go with a bit better spark plugs and if possible, run ethonal free gas...
Watch out for casting sand in the engine itself. I have never owned this gen set but I have 3 of the 6.5 hp HF engines and they have a bit of sand in the case when new. If the same company made the engines it would be well worth changing that oil much much sooner. If you can wash the case out before running it that would be better.
I AGREE 100% about using NGK spark plugs in place of anything else & using Ethanol FREE gas - this pertains to ANY GENERATOR or any small 4-stroke engine.
What a huge difference!
Thanks for your updated video on Predator 3500 comparison. It provided me with more info in deciding which generator to purchase.
Looking forward to more of your videos.
Update: seriously considered purchasing the Predator and checked their website, but they don't ship this generator to Hawaii n they don't have a store here, either. Also checked other vendors' generators and either they don't ship to Hawaii, expensive, or the shipping cost is at least a third to half the cost of the generator !
The option is having to pay higher prices n limited selections of generators in Hawaii rather than being able to order it on-line. Looking for super quiet, good features, n cheaper priced generator.
First time viewer. I VERY much appreciate that you get right to it. Not trying to be a comedian or practicing your "speech" before a crowd schtick. Too many videos are unwatchable because of that very thing.
You can add 1/4 foam in the generator caseing. But check running with the cover off we’re it get hot. I did it to my Yamaha 1000 and running the 5000 ac now the sound has change the high pitch sound is gone and a deeper better sound is only heard. Well worth it.
Impressive difference in decibels and impressive difference in price. Plus Harbor Freight has stores nationwide, so it’s easy to find and replace. Thanks for the information. ❤️
We liked the fact that we could find a Harbor Freight almost anywhere if we do have an issue while traveling.
Great review. Subscribed and oil forward to another
Very informative! Thank you for allocating the time to create the video! Take Care
Keep in mind that quieting generators of any sort is pretty easy by using an enclosure.
That same enclosure can also serve as a weather cover as well as potential theft protection.
Good tip!
Nope, generators cannot be inside enclosures
@@hotshot3d That's not true. Where did you get such an idea?
@@joewoodchuck3824 its just logical son... generators need plenty of air to breath and stay at required temp, go back to school.
@@hotshot3d I know all about the requirements of generators. A sound deadening enclosure with forced air cooling has been done many times that YOU should have learned somewhere. So no, your generalized declaration of enclosure impossibility ISN'T that logical after all.
You just answered my questions! Thanks a bunch, Predator it is!
I have owned one for over a year for the house. I have been pretty happy with it.
That was a very clever test you devised! Really good and helpful information, thank you.
Thank you!
Ok im impressed. I currently have a 1990's Coleman generator that is 5500 watts. With it running under a load, you have to yell over it when you are 25 feet away. lol I may have to upgrade to a new predator.
Hey! New subscriber and fellow RVer and RUclipsr! I'm so happy to have found your channel. Looking forward to some binge watching this weekend! Great review on your genie. Thanks for all the info!
Honey and Me welcome to our channel! We’re glad you found us. As a creator yourself, you might be interested in a Facebook Group we recently started for small channel creators and it’s free. Just a place to share ideas and meet other creators. If you’re interested you can find it under groups on our Travels with Delaney Facebook Page.
Wow that's really quiet, nice
I have a predator 3500 and I love it. Quiet and I never had a problem with it. It runs the AC in my R-POD18. It has enough power to run the AC, fridge and power to my cell phone and computer. I keep it in the back of my truck so the weight really is not a problem. If I have to take it out of the truck then I just put up a small folding (4') table and roll it right out onto the table. Yes, It has wheels. I give it 5 stars! Thanks for the review TWD! Good comparison.
Great video. One of our pet peeves in campgrounds is people who bring their construction generators that are super loud. Especially on hot days so they can run their air conditioner, then it’s twice as loud. Thanks for sharing!
We are really impressed with how quiet this generator is.
wow that is quiet! thank you so much for this review! I have a truck camper and im looking for something @ 3000 watt since I want to also run a water heater this is sooo quiet!
Well done.
I got mine a month ago, winner!
Thank you and Congratulations on yours!
Great review! Thanks for sharing
Good review! We're just part time right now and not doing any serious boondocking yet, but we're going to need one eventually. Love having tons of info before we buy! Thanks!
Thank you!
Great information, thank you!
We have the Predator and love how quiet it is.
This is a great comparison, Thank you for sharing!
Thank you. We have had our generator for a year and half now and absolutely love it both at home and when camping.
I just bought the Predator 3500 at Harbor Freight. There was a $100 coupon I found online. After fueling, putting oil in, and hooking up the battery, I started and ran the generator. My friends and I are amazed by how quiet it is. I hooked up a Ridgid worm drive skill saw to try it. The original saw surge briefly lit the overload light on the predator, very briefly, and then the watts dropped down to around 1600, which the Predator had no problem with. Even under load, it is very quiet.
Thank you for sharing your experience with yours.
Was wondering about these predators! You answered my questions thank you good video.
Love mine. Sold my Honda EU 3000 years ago and I regret it. Bought a new trailer and went to Harbor freight and bought the predator 3500. I’m here to tell you as a previous Honda owner, we love it and it works perfect. Quieter than people think. No gas gauge, but no big deal. There are some maintenance issues that should be done right away like replacing the Factory spark plug. But at the end of the day, I do not regret spending $700. Very good generator
I bought the predator on a Black Friday sale for $600. Can't beat it!! I didn't see if anyone said it will also run up to 11.5 hours on a low load! You can sleep all night and not get up to refill it!
That’s a great price!!
Great review Patrick. Have never bought anything from Harbor Freight before. Good to know about their extended warranty policy. Thanks! 👍
You will hear mixed reports about Harbor Freight. I have been very happy with their products for occasional usage. A professional contractor probably wouldn't want to buy there tools there but for someone like me who only uses them every now and then, they are great. This generator gets great reviews online and for the price I am beyond thrilled with it so far.
Wow really quiet impressed
Great video! Really well done, thank you for creating!
Thank you!
Thanks man! On my way to Harbor Freight!
Very informative! Many thanks.
Good info. Well made video. 👍🏻
Excellent comparison video Patrick. I have Honda but will recommend this to my budget conscious friends. Interesting to note, I live in NorCal not far south of Paradise. Whole I use genes for trailer, I also use for minimal power in house, aka fridge, internet’s etc, during new PGE refs I. Wildfire season. Think many neighbors will appreciate Harbor freight pricing for home.
Thank you Kent!
That Predator is very quiet. Harbor Freight has some great items. I have heard nothing but good things about that line of generators. And the price makes it a no brainer.
For the price, I am very happy. I hear people complain about Harbor Freight but I honestly can't complain. What I have bought there has been fine for how we use it.
@@TravelswithDelaney Hi. I'm a first timer to your channel - great, very helpful videos. For info or just for fun, please keep them coming! Have you heard anyone say anything, good or bad, about the reasonably expected lifespan (in running hours) of Harbor Freight generators, especially relative to that of other brand name generators such as Generac or Honda? What overall lifespan can one reasonably expect from a brand name generator? Also, this might seem ridiculous but if you really are going out in wintertime (a great time for me) to the boondocks is it reasonable/smart to even consider buying a back up generator (if you keep it protected from damage in box you might be able to return it to a return friendly retailer like Wal-Mart within 90 days of purchase). I mean we all have spare tires, right? Also, how many feet away from your rig is it normal to place your generator? And are there ways to make it secure from theft or monkeying around with? I live outside of Baltimore, Md. and in the city heat pumps are encased in heavy gauge (VERY heavy gauge) welded steel bar cages that are then attached to their concrete back patios with what I assume are some form of lockable very heavy grade 8 bolts. Just very curious as I am a first timer making plans. If you could bear with me and provide some quick answers it'd make all the difference in the world. Thanks!
It's not that quiet. I am camping now and another camper is maybe 20 feet away and we hear it just fine.
At least the pitch of the generator is not obnoxious but certainly audible.
I have a Honda 3000 in a GreenLee 48" job box lined with sound deadener, acoustic panels with a 8" vent.
Now THAT'S quiet. Walk around the trailer and you can't hear it from the other side.
Travels with Delaney You should really keep your wallet in your front pockets. With it in your rear pocket, you’re risking a back injury. I know firsthand.
@@rxonmymind8362 what's the temp inside that box?
👍🏼 happy camping!
Thanks for this great, easy to understand, Everyman, Video! I will go for that Predator 3500 Generator, to run my Camper AC...
Thank you for watching.
We have the same generator and we love ours. Even when we run it, which isn't often, our neighbors have been shocked by how quite it is compared to others they have seen.
It's amazing how quite it is. We have had neighbors say the same thing about them not realize we are running it.
I usually am not a fan of Harbor Freight products but I'm sold on the predator 3500 with all the good reviews I've seen, I did buy one but haven't even put oil or fuel in it yet, but actually can't wait to use it.
We’ve had ours two years and no issues. We still love it!
Nice looking generator and on sale the price is certainly right
Nice review Patrick! We have the Harbor Freight Champion, 3100 watt. It has worked for us. It's about the same weight as the Predator. Thanks again!
Thanks Steve! We've had it for a year and a half now. Its been great for us.
Great video appreciate your hard work and time on the video .
I have a Honda generator 3000i for four years ago and Continues to run. It is running well runs on my fifth wheel air conditioning. The Honda is Worth every Penny. Have not had any problems with the Honda generator.
Thank you and glad to hear your Honda is going well.
Always unplug everything from the gen-set before turning it off. As the gas engine slows during turn-off the generator attempts to off set the loss of incoming power by pushing harder. You will damage your electrical output section if you shut off the unit while there is still a load on it.
Good to know. Didn't know that this is a first.
Anything to back this up? Not being a jerk just trying to learn the reason behind it. 👍
@@rxonmymind8362
Late BUT, have you even read your genies owners manual? It says to allow warm up 5 mins none plugged in and unplug all for 5 mins before shut down..
@@rxonmymind8362 I'm a mechanical engineer and what he posted is true. Explaining it to someone who hasn't taken 2 or 3 semesters of calculus and physics isn't happening. You just have to take my word for it or you could just sign up for an engineering program for four years.
@@mikeries8549
We don't need technical explanation, just someone to second the motion. Thanks.
I never realized what a difference 10 decibels actually is. Pretty cool.
I was the same way until I did this test.
Resently bought the Predator and used it near Duschene Utah. It is very quiet and handles the power requirements of my Rockwood A212HW excellently. I did discover that on hot days it can occasionally want to vapor lock if stopped to add fuel. Though new my electric starter has never worked though pull start is very easy.
Thank you for sharing your experience with it. I’m 1 year in on it and no issues. Has worked great for us
I will let you in on a tip, if you put a bigger starting capacitor on the a/c units compressor you may even see a smaller surge at startup.
Wow good to no
@@emerymitchell844 ruclips.net/video/soP0uZFd0nQ/видео.html
Good review Patrick! I would like to have one of those Predator 3500's. BTW: Your audio is sounding really good!! ~ Todd
Thank you Todd! The Rode micro mic has really helped with the audio.
Great demo, Patrick! I'll have to pick one up so I can run my big blacksmith fan, LOL!
Safe & happy travels and see you soon #ondowntheroad! ~💜
I've had mine for over 250 hours and running great.
Thanks for the comment I was looking for someone who had some hours on one to confirm they'd last at least a while
I have only 75 hrs on mine. But I've had it almost 2 years and it starts every time. Been very impressed with it. The battery is dead now, and it started in one pull yesterday. Before that it had been about 2 or 3 weeks since it had started.
dang, 10 days of ownership!
@@paddington1670 what?
I own a Predator 3500 inverter generator. We have used it for four summers. I use a fuel stabilizer in it. With the fuel stabilizer over the winter it fires right up the next summer. It is very dependable. We don't really run the air conditioner with the generator that much but use it mainly to charge the battery. Again, the Predator is a very dependable machine and has been worth every penny we paid for it.
That generator is larger than your trailer. Lol
🤣🤣
.......
Fantastic video! Bought mine last year for emergency heat and power. Set up an external exhaust fitting to allow outside venting through 1" copper. It makes a lot of heat and power, when you scavenge all that exhaust heat too. My worse problem was exhaust leakage. I simply increased the vertical length of the pipe past the hot point with 2" pvc. Now the chimney effect makes a vacuum and the copper line at the bottom doesn't even have to seal!
I have had HF 3500 for 3 years now, and not one problem.
That is wonderful to hear!
Thanks for the sound test
You are welcome! Thanks for watching
Excellent review!
This really awnsered many of my questions, very practical tests!
Thank you!
Nice review. I was going between the predator and the westinghouse igen4500. I ended up getting a great deal on the igen4500 and it hasn't disappointed.
That is great to know in case anyone asks me about the Westinghouse.
Vinny Mozzarella any info on how to get a great deal on the igen4500 and how is it holding up?
Cool video, helps me make a buying decision
Thanks for this Video👍🏻you have solidified our choice for purchase!
We have been very happy so far. We still have only owned it about 9 months but so far it has done everything we have asked of it.
The overall FAVORABLE consensus throughout the internet speaks well for the Harbor Freight 3500 Generator. Keep in mind, Travels with Delaney have less than 8 hours usage. I've read several review/comments where the person specifically has stated the number of years/hours they put on their HF 3500 which in my mind speaks well for the generator's longevity if properly maintained, & that is a big IF.
Nice video.
I agree with you.
Very informational video. Thank you.
Glad you had good luck I'm sure I will also.👍
Another good video.. thanks for the info.. we have been looking into generators lately.. funny how that works... may have to go to our local Harbor Freight and check it out.
Can speak to durability yet since we haven't had it a year yet but with the 2 year extended warranty, its still over half the price of the similar Honda. And this thing is super quiet.
Very good info, thanks for sharing.
Thanks for watching!
Thank you so much for this review! I live in Florida, I'm getting a small window unit (Frigidaire 5000 BTU) and looking for generator to power it in case of hurricane power outage. I also want both to do double duty in camper if we evacuate or just do some camping.
You are welcome! We use ours both at home and when camping. We have been very happy with this one.
Thanks for the info.
Thanks again for the great information!! Where do you store your generator when you're on the road? Is there space for it anywhere beneath the T@B or do you need to keep it in the actual camper or your vehicle?
I keep finding my way to your channel lol. We have a lot in common
We’re glad you found us
love my 3500 predator, a .ittle hard starting , did up grade the plug.
Thanks for sharing
Thank you for your videos. My generac burned up the inverter and harness on a test run with a 12,000 BTU air-conditioner. Same model as yours. Now I'm searching for a replacement.
Thank you.
Thanks for making this video very HELPFUL 👍🏼👍🏼
Thank you so much!
If my Honda ever takes a dump, I may look into the Predator. For now, I am good.
repair the honda... they are more reliable that predator sounds like shit
He had the wheel lock unlocked and the metal thing was rattling. Happens all the time if you forget to lock the wheels.
Guess you will never have to worry about a Predator.
@@wvmtns6400 caught that, nice one :)
Honda is.honda like.BMW
Bought mine as an open box returned unit for $275 during HF's parking lot sale. Good as new minus the cardboard box. The Predator is very quiet and has a digital display that is very useful.
WOW! Now that was a deal!
You got a predator for 275?
That's insane, could you still buy the warranty.
When HF has a parking lot sale they mark down returned items then in the late afternoon they give 50% off the already discounted price. You don't have any warranty. Instead, you get 5 days to return for a refund. They had 3 of them that day. I picked the best looking one. The running hour meter gives a clue how long the original owner had it. Run it through it's paces when you get it home. I found nothing wrong with it. It could have been returned after a power outage or the owner didn't know how to use it. These units are a bit quirkier than Honda's. They run rich and have some airflow issues. If a perfectionist bought it they might return it. I think these are an amazing value for the money and they work as advertised.
Hi Travels with Delaney. I love the generator. Ours is a cheapo and sounds like a lawnmower. It does the job when storms knock out the power, but I wouldn't run it late night, too much unless the weather is too hot or muggy and we have to.
We have had this one almost two years now and still love it. Super quiet and runs everything that we need it to both at home and in our RV.
I don't even go camping, but this was in my recommended videos. Very interesting. I do wonder if the Generac will last longer than the Predator, but who knows. Very quiet indeed.
Excellent!!! Thank you very much!