HARBOR FREIGHT PREDATOR 3500 Inverter Generator / Running The RV Air Conditioner And More
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- čas přidán 24. 10. 2020
- Hello, we’re Allen & Rose and a very warm welcome to RV Field Trip!
The HARBOR FREIGHT PREDATOR 3500 Inverter Generator -- Running The RV Air Conditioner And More?
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*Solid, **Fastly.Cool** and gets the job done. For RV where window-mounted air conditioning is not an option, this works very well. Easy set up, rapid cooling, and great design.*
It does get the job done, and you're right no window mounted AC's, thanks for commenting
We’re first time Rvers and we have been looking for a generator. Your video was perfect straight to the point, not too long. I’m at harbor freight buying the predator and I’ll be saving lots off $$$ thank you.
All I Need Organizing, you are very welcome, we hope you enjoy your new RV and the predator, and thank you for the compliment
Just what I was looking for. Thank you : )
You are very welcome Zlinky111, good luck and thank you for commenting
I purchased a Predator 3500 Inverter Genarator a few years ago and I have to confess I leave it out side year round, I do perform maintenance, I only use Non-Ethnol gas with Fuel Stabilizer, change oil "full synthetic" at less than 100 hours. I fill with gas after use, it's out in the elements with out cover year round, when I go to start it, it starts right up, heat in winter and A/C in Summer. It's connected to a 2001 Class A Winnebago Horizon. I only start the on board Onan 7500 Kw unit to keep it lubricated. I am looking at remote starter, aluminum cargo carrier and extention exhaust pipe.
Well now that's impressive you sure do put it through the test and it's still going to this day, makes me feel good about my purchase already knew it was a good unit but wow now I'm impressed, thank you for sharing your experience with it, let me know how the remote starter works, thank you for commenting
Thank you, appreciate Alan & Rose here!
Thank you very much KingO'theRoad72, we appreciate you watching and commenting
Thanks for the video, I gotta buy one and this helped a lot!
J Burkett, I'm glad the video helped, we still like cars and it's still running strong, thank you very much for commenting and watching the video
Excellent review! I think my wife is getting sick of all the generator research I’m going and may just got out and buy one like Rose did! 😆
Lol I know exactly what you are talking about, when I narrowed it down to 2 or 3 generators, I just could not make up my mind, so Rose stepped-in lol but true, if you are thinking of getting the predator inverter generator, it has never let us down at all, if you have more questions please don’t hesitate to ask, Thomas Byrd, thank you for the compliment, good luck, and it is nice to meet you
Heed the warnings. Only fill the fuel to the red fuel level tab in the filler neck and never refill while it's running.
If it quits running under the very first 3 minutes it's a bad magneto.
@@Dive-Bar-Casanova The one major error most make is to plug in their 30 amp TT cord with loads already available from the T.T. or R.V. and then start the generator before the invertor can initialize. That takes months to years off the total life service of the invertor section. Also, just for those reading, you should always have your generator running and the power available light illuminated before you plug in your TT-30 cord, or any 120 volt cord. Always UNPLUG any load bearing cord, before you turn shut down the generator. I know this conflicts with models that have a remote shut down, but...while you can certainly do so...your invertor life will be possibly affected.
Thank you for the video. Very informative
Glad it was helpful! and thank you Ryan Reese
agree i cant hear mine with only a fan blowing it is super quite love it
It is quiet, we haven’t had a complaint yet, thanks for commenting
Very well put together and informative video ⚘️💯👌🏾
Thank you so much 🤗
Cheers to Rose 🌹 .. I have one of those too Alan 🤜💥🤛
Thank you, Steven Hartney
Awesome video sir. Thank you. I will get one soon.
Thank you very much Guilherme Maurieli we appreciate the compliment, also thank you for commenting you won't
Liked and subscribed due to the perfect dad vibe!
LOL AdventureFreak86, "the perfect dad vibe!" thank you for your support
Thanks for your video & tips. I have it in a box in the garage. Had to trade in my new 2000W Predator generator for it. We recently upgraded from a popup camper to a travel trailer with a/c. The a/c is something new to us. Black & Gray Water is something new too.
Glad you liked the tips, we love our A/C and do use it, and congratulations on your new RV
Remember to never run your generator indoors
Absolutely true, Linnea Leahy
@@The_Happy_Aviation_Enthusiast I was around many generator guys in the army and safety was a big thing. I'm sorta a techy guy too. Thanks for your tips still the same tho.
Your wife is AWESOME! She did the right thing! HF Predator Generators kick ass. They are HondaClones* They look like my Honda. They are as quiet as my Honda and I need a bigger more powerful generator sooooooo I am going to HF and scoring a Inverter/Generator that will handle my growing Wattage needs!!! For less than 1/2 the price of the Honda. And what am I giving up? Nada!
Lmao, METALJEW have a good trip to HF, thanks we sooooo enjoyed your post, you made our day
I have 2 of these. both had to be returned because the ignition coil failed. One at 100 days and one at 45 days. Spend the $100 + on the extended warranty . One didn't have the warranty so I bought a new coil for It, after starting to disassembling it to replace to coil I discovered that holly cow you have to take everything off / apart , just to get to the coil !! Major job !!!
randymack1234, thanks for the heads-up on the ignition coil, so fare ours after running it for the past year we have not had a problem with the ignition coil at all, we thank you for your heads-up, nice to meet you and good luck
@@RVFieldTrip We live off grid, and we use ours a lot . Hope our newest ones last longer. Thanks for the reply.
Those Predator generators are nice units. We had an older one for our TT and loved it. We hate being those people too. We now have an onboard generator but still use a solar panel but we use very little electric. Nice review.
Thank you
You didn't mention the ESC throttle. If you turn that on, it will idle down the generator to match the needed output which makes it run much quieter. Obviously a load like the AC will cause it to throttle back up.
You are correct I did not mention that, and it does run quite a bit quieter and runs the RV perfectly even with AC, we thank you for your comment I'm bringing that point up I hope you have a great day and we appreciate you commenting
Subscribed. You both are awesome ☺️
Chris Deveney, now that is a great compliment, and thank you for subscribing Chris
Great review!
Thank you Steve for the compliment, we appreciate you commenting and hope to see you next time
I bought the same generator and works great for my camper. I also ordered a F150 Hybrid Powerboost with the 7.2 on board generator.
We are super happy with our generator also, keeps us cool in this Florida heat, thanks for commenting
Some advice , get a soft start kit installed to your air conditioner it will help the ac and the generator.
Thanks for the advice jd d, I have been thinking about a soft start kit for the AC I just don't know too much about them yet
Great video! Question: Can these be operated in the open bed of a pickup while plugged into your TT? Removing all gas cans and anything around it of course.
The answer to your question is yes, as a matter of fact we bought a thick rubber mat to place the generator on stops the vibration, just make sure to have your exhaust outlet on the generator facing the open area otherwise will heat up the bed of your truck, glad you liked the video and thank you very much for commenting
Thank you so much.
You are very welcome and thank you for commenting
The 3500 predator is great when we need a a/c. When we dont I leave it at home and use a wen 2000 which is half the weight and will run everything except the a/c
I agree, BUT for us we use or A/C about 90% of the time, but that’s just us, I don’t know if it would be worth the expense. Thank for to advice george c
Lol my friend I think you have a keeper of a wife!! 👍🏿
Thank you, Rose is the best, we thank you for watching and commenting
Haha too cute.. Thx
Glade you liked it, and thank you
Doesn't seem too bad. I have a 10 hp Briggs and Stratton 5000 with 27 hours on her but she is much louder than yours and I am not sure of my hours per full tank of gas yet . Also I think my maximum comfortable range is 3500 or so. Bottom line for this old pirate is I have 200 bucks invested so perhaps I equal out for a wee bit?? Hopefully I can keep arm strength up. (no electric start) lol
For 200 bucks invested you “equal out for a wee bit” heck you win
@@RVFieldTrip My good neighbor always told me don't get a loud generator - you won't make friends at the RV Park.
@@cmmbsnyder55 LOL now thats funny
Well, I'm going to harbor freight tomorrow, thx
Your welcome James Copeland, you won’t regret it good luck
Curious on the run time per tank of gas. Just looking to run 6100btu 1000w 8.8 amp portable ac, tv. I have solar for powering my alpicool fridge and fans (and tv if I need to). I may even be able to use a smaller inverter generator.
Running my 15,000 Btu a/c, tv, amongst other things, it run about 8 to 9 hours per thank, but I like to fill the tank before bed and first thing in the morning
I'm looking at getting one of these generators for my RV and running a fuel line from the RV's fuel tank to the carburetor. (To save from fiddling with a fuel can)
I'm guessing that the fuel tank on the generator is a gravity feed?
Can you use this for home ? Emergency keep fridge and lights going, room heaters in the winter
We have used it during a power outage, we powered TV, window A/C, fringe, and lights, if you use a generator make sure to keep it well vented and out-side your home
I just bought the big boy 9500 watt super quiet Predator for a food trailer. Just curious did you have to ground yours as instructed per the instruction manual?
No I have never grounded ours, but I don't know about the 9500, good luck with your 9500 harbor freight meets a great product and that's just from experience, thanks for your question
Thanks
Welcome
I want this for my skoolie but I'm worried about the outlets not being GFCI or having covers. I planned on keeping my generator tied up on my small trailer hitch cargo rack.
Am I worrying about nothing?
I don't think I can answer that question, also I know is it it has worked out for us and we've had it on for over 5 days powering our RV during the hurricane with no issues at all, all I can tell you is it is extremely reliable and very quiet, I've not checked lately but I think there's a video out there on how to ground a generator, good luck and have fun out there
That is exactly what I did miss lady that is what you gotta do
Lol yes, it is, and thank you
I just bought one today for my 28 foot boat
I don't think you'll regret your decision ours is still working very well good luck and thank you for commenting
4:56 you said you choose the Champion 3500 generator. That's a Predator. Just sayin. Good video though.
Lol after all this time, I’ve never noticed that, good ears, now that paying attention, and thank you jon doe
@@BrightthgirB Soo true Kaboom214, I did say that the sad part is some-one had to tell me lol, glad you liked the video and nice to meet you
I had to check the video title after he said that !
I have a small camper trailer that im converting into a small salon. Trying to only have running a small fridge, space heater and regular electrical lights and pumps for bathroom in it for 8hrs a day. Would this be a good buy? Other things like LED nail lamp or drills are usb portable tht i will be plugin to a rechargeable battery. Only worried about appliances like small fridge for beverages, ac or fans and space heater for winter time. My camper is very small too. Please give me some intake!! 🤗
I do believe it will work for what you're talking about, I also made another video on the harbor freight 3500 inverter generator just hit this link blow were we explained what it was able to do and what it was able to run, good luck and let me know if that video helps you out more on your decision.
czcams.com/video/t3bwhH0JqPg/video.html
Dude you can just cut the male plug off your generator cord, and put a twist lock 30 amp plug onto your cord. That way you can get away from the adapter. I agree that the adapter is not ideal. Many generators in this size are now coming with both the twist lock and the RV 120 amp plug that your cord uses.
Thank for the info, my generator come with the rv 30 amp plug it working well so-far
What kinds of adapters are you using from your generator to the 50a cord to the rv? Thanks enjoys the video. I just got a 2021 Rockwood ultra light 2608bs
sae1964, nice to meet you and congratulations on your new RV, the Rockwood ultra light 2608bs is a nice RV, well done, now let the adventures begin,
I am using a 30a to 50a rv adapters Adapter that I picked-up from Walmart, just make sure that the ends are correct, Female 50 Amp to 30Amp Male I think lol, look at your ends and make sure, so fare we have been using it for about a year and have had no problems with it, and I believe we paid around 20 dollars for the Adapter, good luck and have fun
@@RVFieldTrip thank you for your reply. I appreciate it. Yes my wife and I really love our RV. It’s just like y’alls in the floor plans. I’m gonna get the adapters needed. Thanks again. Happy Rving
Sorry I didn’t mention my name. I’m Steve. My friends call me Cowboysteve. Another question. How big is that metal rv cover? Need to make something like that. Texas heat is brutal. Lol 😂
Cowboysteve, the metal rv cover 18’w 40’L and I think its 18’ tall, that’s why we put the RV cover up, our Florida heat is brutal to lol, just don’t want to cook the RV in the 1st year lol, if you have more questions, please don’t hesitate to ask
@@RVFieldTrip thanks. I know what you mean. A lot of money to just let it get toast.
Nice! question, do you have a soft start on your ac?
Camping with the Adams's, no we do not have a soft start, I've seen a lot about them but as of yet we've not had the need for it, but thanks for the question and thank you very much for visiting
Do you think this would be able to power a mini split air conditioner?
IT depends on how many BTU's the mini split air conditioner is, It runs a 1200 btu just fine with power leftover, but if you're talking about a 2400 btu no I don't think it would work, but go ahead and check the BTU on the mini split and that will give you your answer
I have this generator but would not run it in a campground, especially at night. Your neighbors will definitely hear it and be annoyed, unless everyone else is running one as well.
You're right if the campers are right next to each other then I probably wouldn't run mine past 8:00 PM, but the places I have used generator campers were not right on top of each other, thank you for the comment.
I have a 50 Amp plug for my RV. It’s a 43 foot grand design solitude 376 RD. Will this generator work for me?
Our RV is also A50 amp and it runs great for us, it does not run everything all at once I also made a video on what it runs at the same time and what it doesn't and how we use it, here's the link to the video that shows what it runs at the same time good luck and have fun up there
czcams.com/video/t3bwhH0JqPg/video.html
Put a Soft- Start kit on your air conditioner and you can run both airs on a 30AMP
I've not needed to put both AC's on at the same time as of yet but thank you for the suggestion, i've heard that the Soft- Start kit work really well, we thank you for your comment
GOOD move Allen, acting like you didnt know.TO have Rose buy you the PREDATOR 3500 Inverter Generator !!!!!
Rose did pick-up the generators with-out me knowing, I love my little country girl, thanks for commenting
can I drive down the road with generator full of gas not running and when I go to start it will it turn right over without it being flooded
I don't know of any law Nora have I heard of one saying I cannot drive with a generator with gas in it, our generator has never gotten flooded from going from campsite to campsite
I'm sorry....I'm new to this info. What was the adapter for? (The one you plugged into to 30 amp outlet?)
Thanks
Yes it is an adapter you can plug into a RV 30 amp outlet, it comes with the inverter generator, and we are hoping this helps and good luck
@@RVFieldTrip So the RV 30 amp plug won't plug directly into the inverter? Is it a surge protector?
@@toddwalker4301 the inverter generator comes with an adapter that fits the 30 amp RV plug,
Do you know what the DC 12v outlet are for? Great video btw.
Mr robot XX, I have not used our DC 12v outlet, I believe the manual states do not connect any devises that draws more than 8 amps, I would think its for charging battery or small things like that, but again I would look at the manual, I may be wrong, nice to meet you, glade you liked the video and good luck
can charge your batterys
@@ronnierocha9894 you mean the battery for the generator? I notice my generator come with an alligator clips.
@@ronnierocha9894 Can also be used if you are a motorcycle rider, and in the early Spring or Late Fall camping nights, you can choose to wear your heated garments. Another usage even a motorcycle owner of heated riding wear might not think to take advantage with, on those cold nights sitting out by the fire... :) Riding wear uses 12 v D.C. to operate.
Wait, you said Champion one time. Was that the other one you were considering? The Champion Dual Fuel 3400 is short enough to slide under the tonneau cover.
To be honest yes it was, it was between the predator champion and Honda inverter generators, the champion was my number 2, but that was a good catch on your part ImpHalla, by the way the Predator 3500 fits under the tonneau cover nicely, nice to meet you ImpHalla, and thanks for watching
@@RVFieldTrip We just bought a 2013 Coleman/Dutchman 34 ft travel trailer. I have a Yamaha 1K to keep the battery topped off, but I'm looking for that 3K-3.5K market to keep the wife happy with blow dryer and microwave. Been spending several days watch videos from Inverters to Black Water. Pleasure meeting you also.
LOL ImpHalla, I know exactly where you're coming from I drove myself nuts looking for the right one, I can't tell you how many videos I watched, we are extremely happy with my decision, oh by the way congratulations on your 2013 Coleman/Dutchman, hope it brings as much joy as ours has given us have a good day my friend
So are you fully happy with the performance of this generator? Would u trust it to run ac and some a light or two over night ?? I’m thinking of buying this for camping at my brothers house and using this as my source of power all weekend.would you recommend doing that?
Brian Cook Yes, we are very happy with the generator, it has not let us down at all, we have 2 ac 1 at 15,000 Btu and 1 at 13,500 Btu, but we just run the 15,000 Btu, and tv radio lights, hot water heater refrigerator, plus more, if you have more questions please don’t hesitate to ask, good luck with your camping, and nice to meet you
Do you recommend if I buy it for this weekend camping and mainly run it during the night to keep the camper cool with the ac do I need to change the oil the next morning? Is there a break in period ? I’m planning on buying it just before we go on this 3 day trip ...
Brian Cook, I think my 1 break-in was 5 hours, but the 1st time I ran it for 1 hour then changed oil and used it for one night, then changed again, but if plane on using it this weekend with out changing oil, then yes I would change it first thing in the morning but I wouldn’t recommend it, but if it was me again I would run it for at least one hour and change the oil before camping, but this is just my opinion, I don’t remember the exact factory break in times, good luck Brian
Brian Cook, thank you so much for subscribing, looking forward to more conversations, again thank you
@@RVFieldTrip ok I’ll plan to run it and change oil before I go then ;) good idea thanks for your advice
You said it was a Champion 3500 at 5:00.
Yes i did, that was my bad
Thats a nice generator, how do you travel with it and move it?
First Thanks for subscribing,
We keep the generator in the truck bed locked to the truck also we have a bed cover
so far it has been a grate generator, thanks for asking
You use your elbow
@@RVFieldTrip That's how I'll secure it. Getting a Diamondback Truck Cover.
We replaced an old Dometic in our 36 foot camper (vented). czcams.com/users/postUgkxDDbPbIlwLRcX_ntp51ui5UMtAUGpHYxE The install was a simple swap, all holes lined up, the electric plug back in with no trouble. Getting it on the camper was the most "difficult" part of it, and my friend made it look easy. I've seen people "sled" them up ladders as well though. I watched a CZcams video for instructions, very easily done. Some say it doesn't come with instructions, but I found the instructions under the ac in the box. I didn't need them, but they were there.It works well to keep a 36 footer comfortable, all by itself. It doesn't seem to be any quieter than the original, but it isn't any louder either. We're very pleased with it. Esp with the ease of swapping them out.
Yes it is
That Was A Rough Start
It starts every time, one of the most reliable generators I’ve ever owned, nice to meet you and thank you for commenting
How many BTUs is your AC?
We have 2 a/c a 15,000 Btu and a 13,500 Btu, but we only use the 15,000 btu
Dude! you called it a Champion generator lol...
Yeah I did LOL
THANKS MAN ...YOUR WIFE IS A CUTIE
I agree Rose is a CUTIE, your welcome, thank you for subscribing and commenting
Can it be used with propane
Jack Switzer, Not that I am aware of
What size was the ac you were running?
Rocky Guzman, the ac I tested it with was the 15,000 Btu Unit, and we never had a problem with it, thank you for your question, and nice to meet you
@@RVFieldTrip thank you! And thanks for the video. We are planning on upgrading to a 5th wheel and wanted something quiet and to at least run one ac at a time. We looked at the predator 9000 but seems it may be to loud.
Rocky Guzman, we have used ours a lot, and have had absolutely no problems with it, like I mentioned in the video the predator 3500 is incredibly quiet, watching on CZcams dose it no justice, remember we make nothing from them, we are just trying to help people like you by giving our unbiased opinion, good luck with the 5th wheel, and thank you
@@RVFieldTrip That's good to know!
@@RVFieldTrip We just got the Predator 3500 last week to power our travel trailer's AC (think it's 15000btu, but rv place said it's 13500btu), but it WILL NOT turn the AC on. :( Do you have any tips for us? I see that it seems to work for lots of people, so it should for our trailer, too, right???
You can’t get parts for HarborFreight either, nor do they have a repair center for them.
I've not had to order any parts for the harbor freight as of yet, but I did see on their website an area for replacement parts, www.harborfreight.com/parts
hope this helps
Still holding up good?
Yes it still runs and is holding up very well does exactly what we bought it for, hope this helps you and good luck, if you decide to get one let us know how it works for you
Wow that’s good!I think I am set on the Honda2200 though.Just looking for backup power supply to last years,but I feel like the Honda would be a good investment
@@jchlo4790 Honda2200 do have a good reputation, good luck I hope it works out for you
In the real world, how many hours does a tank last with a load on the predator
It lasts us at least 9 hours running AC and the RV but it also has lasted as long as 11 to 12 hours, but honestly with a full load you will last at least nine hours I know we haven't had to get up at night to refill it, hopes this helps and have a great day
LED
LED
What is that adapter called?
I don’t know the exact name, but here’s a link where you can find one, hope it helps
www.amazon.com/3-Prong-Generator-Adapter-Converter-L5-30P/dp/B07RBTPH2F/ref=asc_df_B07RBTPH2F?tag=bingshoppinga-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=80470587767052&hvnetw=o&hvqmt=e&hvbmt=be&hvdev=c&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=&hvtargid=pla-4584070141889151&psc=1
Thats loud😲,I can barely hear you, can you imagine Sunday morning next to other campers ?
Sherrie Sonora, I have yet to have a complaint, as a matter of fact a lot of other campers compliment on how quiet it is, thanks for your comment
Title reads Predator generators. He says its a Champion??????
Which is it bc im going to get it. I need my ac on at least a few hours a day now!
Anyone who can amswer, Thank you- 🌹
Edit: Ok he just opened the box but is that predator the one that ran your air conditioner? Im going to get which ever i daw run your ac and fridge. I have solar to charge battery for tv and lights. T.Y-🌹
IT was the HARBOR FREIGHT PREDATOR 3500 Inverter Generator , that's the one I ran and showed the example of, I did mistakenly use the word champion in the video, but it all was the predator hope this helps and good luck
@@RVFieldTrip Thank you for responding. I'm going to get that exact one.
@@lorihutton4719 you definitely won't regret it it's worked out real well for us and it's going on two years now
What's a generatator?
The Difference between inverter generators and conventional generators is what kind of electricity is produced. Conventional generators only produce AC electricity while an inverter generator produces electricity in 3 phases (high frequency AC to DC back to a stable AC current). Also, the inverter generators more quitter than a generator.
Thank you for watching and your comment
What's quitter?
@@vstabill36 quieter, lmao you are funny
Quiet?
In the two years that we've owned it we've never had anyone complain about it being noisy, I personally think it's super quiet
Lol
Thank you, Tom Cole
He said champion instead of predator
B. Wolfe, you are absolutely right, that's paying attention, thank you
Price comparing to the Honda eu3000is the Predator is only cheaper until you start it because 11 hours of run time at 25% load VS HONDA Run time @25% load 20 h. how long will your savings last ??? i'm getting the HONDA .
Hope it works-out for you, I don’t know anything about the HONDA
It can’t even last eight hours without having to refuel. That’s a bit loud.
We appreciate your comment
Test it on a 95 degree day and tell me what happens ROFL
living in Florida, we have used it on 95-degree days often, no problems so fare