HF Predator Generator vs Honda - HF sale

K

krc

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C Dory Year
2006
C Dory Model
25 Cruiser
Hi -
Any thoughts on the reliability of predator engine generators? I know a lot of folks here use the Hondas and I am sure they are quite reliable. But seems to be a good deal on comparable off-brand model - much cheaper if the comparison is accurate. Not sure if this is "too much" generator though... CD25.
[url=https://www.harborfreight.com/]https://www.harborfreight.com/
[/url]
 
Most folks are using the Honda 2000i generator. This particular HF model is a 3500w beast, at 107 pounds. (The Honda 2000i weighs 45.6 pounds.)

Tests I've seen of the smaller HF model (Pedator 62523) that is more in-line with the Honda 2000i (or the updated 2200) show that it is a bit louder, not as fuel efficient, but seems to be reliable. And considerably less $$.

If I were getting it for use on a 25, I would be looking at something smaller than that HF 3500w model.
 
A big consideration (IMHO) is noise level. Looking at specs won't give you a good idea of this. The Honda 2000i (and follow-ons) that many have, including me, is very quite. I'd be skeptical that the cheaper knock-offs are as quiet.

You also want an inverter generator (that's what the "i" stands for in 2000i) since an inverter generator can be set so that it runs only as fast as necessary (and therefore as quiet as possible) depending on the load. Non-inverters say they have "idle control", or whatever they choose to call it, but such features are very ineffective on non-inverter generators.
 
Inverter generators produce a true sine wave AC current, wheres most other generators produce more of a "square wave' current.

This makes a significant difference when running electronic devices and appliances directly off the generator.

Inverter generators first generate the square wave current, but then run it through a true solid state inverter which re-generates the smooth sine wave and filters out the original square pattern.

I've owned a Honda 1000i unit for 14 years that's kept mostly in storage, but starts and runs perfectly ever time I use it.

I'd stick with the Honda or a Yamaha or a similar high quality unit.

My two cents!

Joe. :teeth :thup
 
I have a Honda 2000i and it is very reliable and very quiet. I use it mostly on my ranch. Many of the lower cost models are, you get what you paid for, they are less reliable and noisier. This is one of my pet peeves today when camping and boating is that everyone seems to need a generator to power their big rigs and all the stuff in it. The excessive noise takes away from the camping and cruising experience. I was camping recently and a fellowed pulled out a big noisey 6500 watt generator so his wife could plug in her coffee machine. Another ran the big generator for six hours so that his wife could make fresh bread in a bread maker. There are alternative ways to do things while camping. Personally I have added solar panels to my 22' and I have a Pelican super cooler. So I don't need a generator. If I was in an area where I needed air conditioning, I might need a generator. In that case for my own enjoyment and to disturb others around me as little as possible, I would use the smallest, quietest generator that I could find and that would be a Honda.
 
Personally, not a fan of HF for anything other than tools you "need" but rarely "use".

We have a Honda 20000i and that thing is a champ. It can sit all winter and will start up on the 2nd or 3rd pull. We use it only on the boat, so it gets lightly used due to the PNW's "excellent weather".
 
The latest iteration of the Honda 2000, is the Honda EU 2200I . It is about 10% more powerful, quieter, and has a fuel shut off valve, so you can run the carburetor dry! This is a very desirable feature.

I have one of the very first small Honda generators--it was rated at 800 watts surge 550 watts sustained. It is almost 40 years old, has traveled with me over 100,000 miles on the water and across several oceans--still runs well. During one of the major storms, it powered neighbor's freezer and refrigerator for 6 weeks.

I have run the 1000 and 2000 Hondas for several thousand hours cumulatively. I have a friend who has over 2000 hours on his Honda EU 2000i.

I love the new 2200 Honda--seems easier to start and not having to drain the carburetor is a real plus.

If you go to the RV, Cruising boat and Ham radio forums, there is a bit of information on all of the copies of the Honda (Wen, Ghonda, Champion, Ryobi, Preditor, Generac, Northern Tool, etc. and a bunch or others). The Yamaha, consistently gets good reviews, but I have heard of a few issues where it would not run a water maker. Many have good luck with ones like the HF Predator. Those who have longer term use, tend to find much better service with Honda and Yamaha. Parts may be hard, or impossible to find for the Predator. Ham radio reviews show that the power output is "dirty" where as the Honda is very clean. (This means voltage spikes and RF interference--probably a function of the inverter section).

Consumer reports compared Honda and Predator. Honda won by only a hair. One of the differences was warrantees: Honda 3 years, Predator 90 days. Their recommendation, if you want it for camping--the Predator. If you want power backup for the home in real emergency: Honda.
 
costco has deals on Yamaha 1600watt generators for $595. I have one, works fine so far.
 
The C-Brats have listed topics on this subject for years: Cheap Chinese generators vs Honda. It all boils down to what you want. I think it's unfair to compare Honda with an unknown Chinese unit, strictly on price. Honda also sells reliability.

If you're happy with the reliability of the Harbor Freight units, go for it. Personally, I've had 19 years of use out of a Honda 1000i. And I've bought one of the Costco units, 1800 watts, for the times when SDGE turns off the power during high winds. The Yamaha engine got me to take a chance, but note that only the engine is Yamaha, the rest is some unknown Chinese company. Let's hope that works. I need reliability when I'm cruising and the 2 times/year when the power goes out at home.

Harbor Freight is not know for high quality. I buy from them because, as was said above, I only need the tool/machine to work once. I have no experience with the rest of the units mentioned, but they look like the harbor Freight units and probably come from the same factory.

Boris
 
The yamaha2000 engine is I believe in the SUA2000 Chinese company I bought the SUA😭2300 it was terrible I brought it back to Sams club It would not work my 9200 Coleman AC unit or my Dometic 11000 BTU AC unit But my friends Honda 2000 fired both of them up one at a time I’m looking for a good genset probably going to buy the Honda2200 after I get the sticker shock out of my head
 
i use a Predator generator as a primary piece of equipment on my flounder Jon boat to run the lights for the duration of each charter and I do many charters each year. It is an 8750 max starting / 7000 running watts 13 HP.

https://www.harborfreight.com/8750-...r-CARB-with-GFCI-Outlet-Protection-63087.html

I started out with Honda for the name but then learned that even though they are more expensive they rust and weather in the saltwater environment just as much as the much chinese generators. I compared the chinese generators at northern tool and harbor freight and found the Predator at harbor freight to be the best value I found by far.

I've used it for about a year, have had no problems and am very happy with it.
 
Rather than start a new thread, I thought I'd add a reply to this one. KRC, did you end up going with a Harbor Freight generator? I'd like to pick up a generator for AC this summer and the $470 price tag for the HF Predator is very attractive.

Compared to the Honda:
Weight about the same
Size a tad bigger
YouTube comparisons claim loudness about equal or possibly quieter
Slightly less power but I think still plenty for AC

With all the extra money I'm spending this year on Curious Traveler, saving $500 on the generator is a big deal. Besides possible long-term durability issues, is there any really important reasons to spend double on a Honda?

Thanks
 
I think how the generator will be used should be a major consideration. If you only run 'lights' in a saltwater environment I would definitely go the cheaper route. If you, or your neighbors, enjoy quiet than more $$$ in sound dampening is better. If you will also be using sine-wave sensitive devices, like small Li-ion chargers etc., I suggest an inverter-generator is the way to go.

FWIW- I think my six year old Honda 2000i was well worth the $900 price I paid, and I'm thinking I could get $750 tomorrow for it if I wanted to sale it?
 
I ended up buying the HF 3500 inverter on sale. I have used it a couple of times for the home which was actually the primary need (fire season, mandatory shutdowns).
I was "thinking" of using on the cd25 as well, but frankly I think it is just too heavy. So probably will be the HF 2000 which comes it at 50lbs or so IIRC.
 
I went thru the recent RV literature (Most use larger such as the 3500), and very little about the Predator. The reviews are mostly about the 3500 Predator and are favorable, as is the one in Consumer reports. question is what will it be like 5 years from now? The Honda will hold its resale value. Not sure about the Predator.

I have a Honda 800/500 watt which I purchased in 1980, it still runs fine. It has over 100,000 miles on sailboats as a back up to run small power tools and chargers. I have been using the Honda 2000's for over 20 years and never had a failure. My current is the 2200, and there are a couple of features I really like--one is you can run the carburetor out of fuel (you could put a valve in the fuel line on the 2000 or on any other brand if you wish), but it is important to store these generators with no gas in the carburetor.

My feeling in general about Harbor Freight--is they are good for nitrile gloves and similar items. I have only bought a couple of electric tools--mainly because I only needed for a short time....For the most part they have been cheap, and failed fairly rapidly. If you buy the Predator, be sure and get the extended warranty. When I want a generator on the boat it is usually to run the air conditioner, a microwave ir space geaerover a period of time or a battery charger. I want it to work and to start easily.
 
One thing to note with generators in a salty environment:
A friend cruising the Pacific had his Honda 2000i fail in Tahiti and finally sorted out why in New Zealand, it had a stuck valve that had corrosion on it due to being left open on the intake stroke. The advice about draining the carb we all know, he was told to also store it pulled up to the compression stroke so the valves are closed.

I have used both my 1000 and 2000i Hondas on my sailboat for years, love them both. Now having 400 watts of solar on our CD 25 that run the fridge, freezer and everything else we no longer need to carry either of the Hondas.
 
We have the HF 8750 for our house it starts up every month and works Great for our home We also have a2400 Yamaha that’s 15 years old starts on the first or second pull but it’s over 80 lb with fuel to heavy to bring on a CC23 venture
So I just bought a Cummins Onan 2500i that’s 50 lb so we shall see .it says it will run a 10000 btu AC so hopefully it will work with my RV AC 9200 btu on my roof
My friend has the HF preditor 2000 and it runs has 6000 btu AC in his truck camper
 
Any thoughts on the Craftsman 3000? Found a used one here (new in box) for a good price. The specs seem good and it's more powerful but Craftsman says it only runs for 4.5 hrs at 50%. That's with over a gallon of fuel.

I only need it for running a window AC unit so a 2000, with it's lighter weight, is probably better.
 
I've been reading these posts. some say buy the cheap ones, they're good, others say buy Honda, they last. Obviously, it's your choice and I hope that whatever you buy, it works for you.

That said, I'd like to point out that better design, better parts and better assembly cost money. I believe that's why Hondas cost more. You do get what you pay for. I have the example of my brother who buys HF units for his ranch, regularly once per year, saying he has to have it right now. I, on the other hand, have had the same Honda generator for the last 18 years. Again, you spend your money and you get to take your choice.

For those of you who buy a Chinese brand, (Craftsman, Harbor Freight, etc.) if it works, you'll be happy over the next year or so. I'll stick with my Honda, regardless of the testimonials for other brands.

Boris
 
curioustraveler":2qr5y12g said:
Any thoughts on the Craftsman 3000? Found a used one here (new in box) for a good price. The specs seem good and it's more powerful but Craftsman says it only runs for 4.5 hrs at 50%. That's with over a gallon of fuel.

I only need it for running a window AC unit so a 2000, with it's lighter weight, is probably better.
Click to expand...

The "Craftsman" 3000 is rated at 2300 watts, and weight of 50#--engine size is 149 CC vs Honda 121 CC. It appears to be more powerful than the Honda. Larger engine, will use more fuel. Half load would be continuous restive load of about 1250 watts.

If you only want to run a 5,000 BTU window air conditioner--the Honda 1000 will run those. I have had three of the window units, and all ran off the 1000. The reason I have a 2200 now is for the water heater and to more rapidly charge my Li FePO4 batteries. The 1000 would run a 30 amp charger easily. I now use an 80 amp charger.
 
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