Nice. I got one on sale for Fathers day (last weekend HF had a parking lot sale) and this generator was at $634. So I got it with a couple extension cords too so that we can run the freezers and fridges as well as charge our phones/tablets when the power goes out. We have two times of year, ice storms in the winter and severe storms in the spring and fall. We had two outages this Spring. 12hours the first week of May and 8 days when we had a near miss from a tornado. Thank you for this video!
Yeah, the plug was welded in mine too. I had to use my automotive spark plug socket and ratchet to get it out ,and I put some anti seize on the threads. The head is aluminum. I have that exact same compressor - it handles it with no problem. I had a little stumble on my first break in runs, but it went away. Always run your generator with a load. Put oil on your air filter and STA BIL in your gas. Run it monthly - especially if your gas has ethanol in it. It's a great generator.
About changing the oil....there is a rubber oval plug underneath the oil drain hose. Put the machine on 2x4's , remove the plug, reorient the drain hose out through the hole. ez peazy! No need to fight draining it into a bottle or whatever and no need to tilt it that much! Keep up the good work !!
I got my two year ago i did it old school I used regular oil for the first 30 hours but I changed it 4 times in the first 30 hours and after that I went to full synthetic i have been using 5w30 the hole time i have 80 hours on it now and no issues with it running great
I have been using this generator for about 4-5 years now and love it. I've had no issues and used it quite a bit. On my generators/small engines, I only use non-ethanol fuel and tend to keep about 20 gallons on hand at any time. Thankfully here in Texas, you can buy non-ethanol fuel in bulk from Buckee's. I fill up my tanks and add some stabilizer to that, this has typically been my key to having small engines that start the first time, everytime.
@@1RoadGarage I've been just using the run of the mill Stabil. It worked really well for non-ethanol fuel for me and have had no issues. In general, I've never been able to get typical fuel with ethanol to keep any amount of time without building moisture whether it has ethanol purpose type Stabil in it or not. No matter if I started and ran something every month like clockwork or not, I always ended up getting a gummed up carb. I always kept a spare carb for generators just in case because they always seemed to not work that one time you actually need it, regardless if you got it to run a week or two before. hahaha.
I agree ever since I've started to use non ethanol fuel several years along with stabil I've had no issues with my gas powered equipment and like you mine starts on the first or second pull every time.
Torch brand plug. Chinese brand. I replaced mine right away with an NGK. After break in I filled with Royal Purple. For fuel, I keep 10 gallons 87 Oct at on hand with over dose of Ethanol Shield from HDepot and add a bottle of octane boost. Been using this combo for years now and even my chainsaw gas lasts almost 2 years. John Deere mower starts right up with a lil choke every spring with last year's fuel. My Polaris ranger also has no pop and ping anymore. I use Gum Out octane booster or sometimes Lucas.
@@lorenperry3726user manual says, if you do not add a fuel stabilizer, it voids the warranty. It's literally written all over the gas tank. Do you own one?
@@SoloHiker1think about it this way. You bought yourself an extra problem (ethanol) then you buy a solution to fix the problem you bought (stabilizer) why not for go the extra problem and avoid buying the solution?
I like mine also. I've had it for 2 years. The only problems I had is the pull start cord broke off at 2500 hrs. and it has never been pull started. It now has 2750 hours on it and i use for powering my RV trailer here in TX. It starts the mach 3 coleman AC with no problems. The AC draws between 400 and 1600 watts. I leave the ESC Throttle on all of the time with no problems.
The 5W-30 burns quicker than I'd like in mine. In the SE Texas heat I ended up moving to 10W-40 for the summer, anyway. Seems to be the sweet spot. This occasional misfire is normal on these without a load, mine does the same and other I know get that, as well. The unit is a beast, overall.
That's not really a misfire, it's surging cause it's running a little lean with no load. Nothing to worry about though. Using a non ethanol type gas could help
Is there a opening in the bottom of the pan to open and run the oil drain tube out before that tube it just drained out a port in the floor that removed.
I only use conventional oil in small engines. I used to run synthetic in my lawn mower & it runs better, doesn’t get as dark & cooler with regular old Castrol GTX 10w30. High amounts of additives in synthetic could be the reason? But I’m no pro. Also, I only use shell or BP 93 octane in those small engines, they run better. You should try that.
My 3500 is mainly for back up power to my home via suicide cable... But I use it to power an RV a couple times a year while on the road as to not run up hours on the provided gen (I rent RVs...) Do your maintenance, I do oil 1x a year....
@1RoadGarage I sprung for the magnetic dipstick, (not necessary...) I've had a few hickups with mine but Facebook has some good support groups that got me running again... Spark arrester... Charcoal canister... The pages I'm on gave me heads up and got me back in action on the side of the road a couple times...
Only downside I noticed is that outlets were not GFCI. I plan on using this with my skoolie but I'm worried about those outlets. They don't have covers either so could I store my generator on my trailer safely?
Hi Jimmy. I also have a predator 3500 from 2020 and my drain plug is complete different. Mine is a 8mm (I believe) built that drains through a hole in the bottom of a machine. Just have to put the wheels in some blocks to slide the oil pan under. It’s weird they changed the design
Between me and family we have 2 of these gens. Mine is same as the video. The other one has a 10mm drain plug with a ramp for oil and a tethered rubber plug on the bottom of the machine. I much prefer the simple plug and ramp. Maybe the "newer design" is for a tool less (only a flatblade screwdriver) oil change. Personally I'm a little scared of the yellow cap vibrating loose.
The 4550 gets the same run time as the 3500. It is also thirty pounds lighter. Only four or five decibels louder, and that's imperceptible. Being $200 cheaper. When on sale, there's also a plus. You can get them crazy. Cheap from Harbor freight. When you buy a used one.
The oil will be dark at the first change due to being contaminated with assembly grease used during assembly at the factory to keep the internals lubricated during shipping and storage.
Manuel says 20 oz why not find a 20 oz bottle and put fresh oil in the 20 oz bottle to refill the crankcase then you'll know you have 20 oz just a thought
Did the same thing after a ice storm last year just fill my freezer with meat also lol this is a work horse and my friend has one same misfire and not a problem yet and I beleave brake in is at 30hr with no heavy load
@@1RoadGarage if u payed for there warranty i would not worry about it and exchange it right before its up it might just take a bit to brake in and go away like it says 30hr brake in
Fuel capacity? What is the real life run time on a full gas tank? I have the Champion 3500 which is a dual fuel generator and it doesn't have some of the features of the predator such as the hour meter and the other gauge which shows power draw. I almost bought the Predator but wanted the ability to run it on propane.
I hope you purchased the extended warranty and after researching I could not find an authorized service center. These units have a high failure rate. Why are you using synthetic oil on a new machine? Synthetic does not allow the rings to seat properly.
This is so weird. I just bought one (and love it) but it is not the same layout as this one. My oil access door requires no screwdriver to opn and does not have the tube coming off the oil drain. And the tool kit is different.
An inverter doesn't necessarily produce cleaner power than a rotating generator. In fact, a poorly designed inverter will have much dirtier power than a rotating generator. The generator in an inverter/generator can be AC or DC. It appears that your generator makes 12VDC. The main reason to use an inverter generator is because the engine runs quieter when not at max load also uses way less fuel. You should always change oil while it is hot, not cold. There is a reason why manufacturers state the viscosity of oil. 5W won't have proper thickness when cold. W does not stand for winter.
Junk wait till start motor fails and cherry on top and string breaks you will need to take many things off just to restring pulley, open frame are 100% more easy to service and replace string/ rope when it breaks its not if but when , champion open frame with remote start is cheaper just as quite for 499.00 and champion stands behind it products right here in usa 🇺🇸 need I saw more
Yeah... Sorry man, but I’m going to need proof that your inverter can deliver a cleaner sinusoid voltage than a normal generator does. I'm going to assume that you're parroting the sales guy since your statement is claims only.
An inverter generator has nothing to do with being 'clean' power, it's about efficiency. Please know what you are talking about before making a video on it. Under sudden high loads inverter generators drop voltage pretty bad
It has everything to do with a pure sine wave being produced. Yes, efficiency is a part of that but a traditional generator puts out more of a modified square wave, not as clean. Nothing he indicated was wrong?!?
We need more people with this kind of mindset and knowledge around… thanks for the video!
Nice. I got one on sale for Fathers day (last weekend HF had a parking lot sale) and this generator was at $634. So I got it with a couple extension cords too so that we can run the freezers and fridges as well as charge our phones/tablets when the power goes out. We have two times of year, ice storms in the winter and severe storms in the spring and fall. We had two outages this Spring. 12hours the first week of May and 8 days when we had a near miss from a tornado. Thank you for this video!
Yeah, the plug was welded in mine too. I had to use my automotive spark plug socket and ratchet to get it out ,and I put some anti seize on the threads. The head is aluminum. I have that exact same compressor - it handles it with no problem. I had a little stumble on my first break in runs, but it went away. Always run your generator with a load. Put oil on your air filter and STA BIL in your gas. Run it monthly - especially if your gas has ethanol in it. It's a great generator.
About changing the oil....there is a rubber oval plug underneath the oil drain hose. Put the machine on 2x4's , remove the plug, reorient the drain hose out through the hole. ez peazy! No need to fight draining it into a bottle or whatever and no need to tilt it that much! Keep up the good work !!
Just bought mine. Helpful vid.
Great vid!! Answered a lot of my questions.
I got my two year ago i did it old school I used regular oil for the first 30 hours but I changed it 4 times in the first 30 hours and after that I went to full synthetic i have been using 5w30 the hole time i have 80 hours on it now and no issues with it running great
I have been using this generator for about 4-5 years now and love it. I've had no issues and used it quite a bit.
On my generators/small engines, I only use non-ethanol fuel and tend to keep about 20 gallons on hand at any time. Thankfully here in Texas, you can buy non-ethanol fuel in bulk from Buckee's. I fill up my tanks and add some stabilizer to that, this has typically been my key to having small engines that start the first time, everytime.
Which stabilizer?
@@1RoadGarage I've been just using the run of the mill Stabil. It worked really well for non-ethanol fuel for me and have had no issues.
In general, I've never been able to get typical fuel with ethanol to keep any amount of time without building moisture whether it has ethanol purpose type Stabil in it or not. No matter if I started and ran something every month like clockwork or not, I always ended up getting a gummed up carb. I always kept a spare carb for generators just in case because they always seemed to not work that one time you actually need it, regardless if you got it to run a week or two before. hahaha.
I agree ever since I've started to use non ethanol fuel several years along with stabil I've had no issues with my gas powered equipment and like you mine starts on the first or second pull every time.
Torch brand plug. Chinese brand. I replaced mine right away with an NGK. After break in I filled with Royal Purple. For fuel, I keep 10 gallons 87 Oct at on hand with over dose of Ethanol Shield from HDepot and add a bottle of octane boost. Been using this combo for years now and even my chainsaw gas lasts almost 2 years. John Deere mower starts right up with a lil choke every spring with last year's fuel. My Polaris ranger also has no pop and ping anymore. I use Gum Out octane booster or sometimes Lucas.
Good to know, thanks!
I buy ethanol free fuel from the gas station. Works perfectly and no reason to add all that extra stuff.
@@lorenperry3726user manual says, if you do not add a fuel stabilizer, it voids the warranty. It's literally written all over the gas tank. Do you own one?
@@SoloHiker1you add stabilizer to mitigate the effects of ethanol. If you buy ethanol free fuel why would you add stabilizer?
@@SoloHiker1think about it this way. You bought yourself an extra problem (ethanol) then you buy a solution to fix the problem you bought (stabilizer) why not for go the extra problem and avoid buying the solution?
Thank you really good information. I’m have been considering to get one , this month. Great demo. T
I like mine also. I've had it for 2 years. The only problems I had is the pull start cord broke off at 2500 hrs. and it has never been pull started. It now has 2750 hours on it and i use for powering my RV trailer here in TX. It starts the mach 3 coleman AC with no problems. The AC draws between 400 and 1600 watts. I leave the ESC Throttle on all of the time with no problems.
Tip....
Extra spark plug, air filter, and carb kit.
Nothing left to chance. Don't let harma bite you.
The 5W-30 burns quicker than I'd like in mine. In the SE Texas heat I ended up moving to 10W-40 for the summer, anyway. Seems to be the sweet spot. This occasional misfire is normal on these without a load, mine does the same and other I know get that, as well. The unit is a beast, overall.
They updated it since I bought mine. I also bought the 5,000 watt and it’s as portable as the 3500
Glad you picked synthetic, easier to start in cold weather or small periods where it’s stored.
That's not really a misfire, it's surging cause it's running a little lean with no load. Nothing to worry about though. Using a non ethanol type gas could help
Is there a opening in the bottom of the pan to open and run the oil drain tube out before that tube it just drained out a port in the floor that removed.
Also, when you do your oil change. Pull the plug and lightly brush it with a brass brush.
Didnt trust the sparkplug but trusted battery charge
I only use conventional oil in small engines. I used to run synthetic in my lawn mower & it runs better, doesn’t get as dark & cooler with regular old Castrol GTX 10w30. High amounts of additives in synthetic could be the reason? But I’m no pro. Also, I only use shell or BP 93 octane in those small engines, they run better. You should try that.
My 3500 is mainly for back up power to my home via suicide cable... But I use it to power an RV a couple times a year while on the road as to not run up hours on the provided gen (I rent RVs...)
Do your maintenance, I do oil 1x a year....
Oil is key. Especially with no filter.
@1RoadGarage
I sprung for the magnetic dipstick, (not necessary...)
I've had a few hickups with mine but Facebook has some good support groups that got me running again...
Spark arrester...
Charcoal canister...
The pages I'm on gave me heads up and got me back in action on the side of the road a couple times...
Only downside I noticed is that outlets were not GFCI. I plan on using this with my skoolie but I'm worried about those outlets. They don't have covers either so could I store my generator on my trailer safely?
Can't really judge oil by the color, but it's only 20 ounces so changing it for no reason isn't exactly expensive.
Hi Jimmy. I also have a predator 3500 from 2020 and my drain plug is complete different. Mine is a 8mm (I believe) built that drains through a hole in the bottom of a machine. Just have to put the wheels in some blocks to slide the oil pan under. It’s weird they changed the design
That sounds better.
Between me and family we have 2 of these gens. Mine is same as the video. The other one has a 10mm drain plug with a ramp for oil and a tethered rubber plug on the bottom of the machine. I much prefer the simple plug and ramp.
Maybe the "newer design" is for a tool less (only a flatblade screwdriver) oil change. Personally I'm a little scared of the yellow cap vibrating loose.
Excellent and detailed video. Is there a chance to collaborate with you?
Non ethanol fuel is best in small engines,if you can find it. I use it in all of my small engines and have a lot less problems with carburetors!
The 4550 gets the same run time as the 3500. It is also thirty pounds lighter. Only four or five decibels louder, and that's imperceptible. Being $200 cheaper. When on sale, there's also a plus. You can get them crazy. Cheap from Harbor freight. When you buy a used one.
my open frame generator runs 3 computers modem wifi fans furnace fridge and all lights inside and out with no problem..3250 watts
The oil will be dark at the first change due to being contaminated with assembly grease used during assembly at the factory to keep the internals lubricated during shipping and storage.
What about oiling the air filter?
Manuel says 20 oz why not find a 20 oz bottle and put fresh oil in the 20 oz bottle to refill the crankcase then you'll know you have 20 oz just a thought
you might check the jetting on the carb those clone engines tend to be jetted lean
Did the same thing after a ice storm last year just fill my freezer with meat also lol this is a work horse and my friend has one same misfire and not a problem yet and I beleave brake in is at 30hr with no heavy load
You and your friend both have the same machine and only his has the same misfire? Interesting. I’m starting to wonder if I should swap it out.
@@1RoadGarage if u payed for there warranty i would not worry about it and exchange it right before its up it might just take a bit to brake in and go away like it says 30hr brake in
Fuel capacity? What is the real life run time on a full gas tank? I have the Champion
3500 which is a dual fuel generator and it doesn't have some of the features of the
predator such as the hour meter and the other gauge which shows power draw.
I almost bought the Predator but wanted the ability to run it on propane.
2.3gal 11hrs @ 25% load. I’m finding it’s very fuel efficient.
Can I charge a bluetti 1,800 with this ? It’s one of those power banks? When I am boon docking I can recharge my power bank.
Set it up on a bench to drain the oil
Tennesse is the place to be!!
Top tier ethanol free fuel
Try to get a manuel or parts! Good luck
Actually I would change the oil after two hours max., on a brand new engine.
I hope you purchased the extended warranty and after researching I could not find an authorized service center. These units have a high failure rate. Why are you using synthetic oil on a new machine? Synthetic does not allow the rings to seat properly.
This is so weird. I just bought one (and love it) but it is not the same layout as this one. My oil access door requires no screwdriver to opn and does not have the tube coming off the oil drain. And the tool kit is different.
I’ve seen the same model and slightly different designs. May just be made in a different factory. 🤷♂️
Honestly the 5000 is a better option
Champion manual said change the oil after the first 5 hours. Then the next one is after 50 hours.
A more pure power , check THD % in spec’s
I'm going to buy a Nissan LEAF and pull a small trailer with that generator on it to charge the car.
What do ya think?
Might work
LOL! There’s a funny picture of an EV with a generator hanging off the bumper.
I would change it after looking at that oil at 50 hours
It doesn’t mention synthetic oil,so I would use regular oil,right?
Hmm. 🤔 I don’t think I will ever use non-synthetic oil in anything. Ever. That’s just me though. 100% synthetic all the way.
And I would of bounced a quart of 10W30 conventional oil.
Bought?
My starter stopped running ,still runs with the pull cord but no starter , any ideas ?
Bat Tree
Starter solenoid can go bad on those. May have to call HF for the part.
It has lower t.h.d
An inverter doesn't necessarily produce cleaner power than a rotating generator. In fact, a poorly designed inverter will have much dirtier power than a rotating generator.
The generator in an inverter/generator can be AC or DC. It appears that your generator makes 12VDC.
The main reason to use an inverter generator is because the engine runs quieter when not at max load also uses way less fuel.
You should always change oil while it is hot, not cold.
There is a reason why manufacturers state the viscosity of oil. 5W won't have proper thickness when cold. W does not stand for winter.
I plan on getting 10w but for now, with 80° days this is fine for me.
Please explain how an inverter generator does not produce cleaner electricity???
They aren’t made that way anymore
Inverter? I barely know her! 😂
(sorry)
Looks like you needed a pressure washer..🤪🤪🤪
Junk wait till start motor fails and cherry on top and string breaks you will need to take many things off just to restring pulley, open frame are 100% more easy to service and replace string/ rope when it breaks its not if but when , champion open frame with remote start is cheaper just as quite for 499.00 and champion stands behind it products right here in usa 🇺🇸 need I saw more
I also prefer inverter generators because the quite as F*ck
Yeah... Sorry man, but I’m going to need proof that your inverter can deliver a cleaner sinusoid voltage than a normal generator does.
I'm going to assume that you're parroting the sales guy since your statement is claims only.
No sales guy. Look it up.
@@1RoadGarage
Look it up? I'm not the one with the claim - as an electronics engineer I know better. So, no thanks.
@@Peter_Riis_DK You are no engineer,you are just a troll....
@@danhambrick6331
Whatever rocks your boat, Ham. 😄
@@1RoadGarage It's a pure sine wave. Lots of trolls in your comments section...
An inverter generator has nothing to do with being 'clean' power, it's about efficiency. Please know what you are talking about before making a video on it.
Under sudden high loads inverter generators drop voltage pretty bad
It has everything to do with a pure sine wave being produced. Yes, efficiency is a part of that but a traditional generator puts out more of a modified square wave, not as clean. Nothing he indicated was wrong?!?