Predator 3500 VS WEN 3800 Full test weight sound and load. BETTER Than Predator???
Вставка
- Опубліковано 28 лип 2024
- Thumbs up if you like the video👍🏼
Full testing between two popular generators. See which generator is the better one for you, predators great track record and reliability or the newer Wen with more power and features.
Items in the video are in links below.
Wen Generator: amzn.to/3m9Qlqd
Battery meter: amzn.to/3cFx0dC
350 watt Heater: amzn.to/39OBjl5
Oil Heater 1500 watt: amzn.to/3rFgONy
L5-30 plug adaptor cord: amzn.to/2PLSJHE
Ask me direct for fast response asqme.com/@johnnysweekends
Everything ECOFLOW Discounts!!!!
PROMO CODE: JOHNNYSWD modernhouseusa.com/collection...
FULL SOLAR KITS & ECOFLOW , BUNDLE AND SAVE!!!
shopsolarkits.com/1134
Trailer and vehicle accessories
www.etrailer.com/?etam=a0017
Lithium SOK Batteries Solar and more!! currentconnected.com/?ref=JW
Level your trailer FAST & EASY!!!!
Level mate pro: amzn.to/3S2xf5c
AWESOME BUDGET BATTERY Chins w/ low temp and blue tooth! amzn.to/3IOjVfv
MC4 All in one Kit : amzn.to/37jwLVb
Surecan Gas can : amzn.to/3Kf5rqn
303 Aero space Protectant: amzn.to/329dkM7
Outland Propane fire pit!! : amzn.to/3rKIkwZ
Generator tent amzn.to/3ddd3ds
Lucas fuel treatment: amzn.to/3IfxQv8
West coast Camping group join
/ 1771083136386739
Videos are for entertainment purposes only. Do your own research when it comes to using these products shown in any Johnny's Weekends videos.
Thanks for watching. Above links are part of a affiliate program. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases, if you purchase something I earn a small commission, if you do thank you so much as it helps creators like me to continue to bring content for viewers.👍👊😊
I have a farm and I purchased a Harbor Freight 8500 watt generator about 15 years ago . I'm ashamed to say I've only changed the oil in it maybe twice and I've run it very many hours dealing with cows and power outages and usage for tools and it sits outside in my pickup truck bed uncovered and still works perfect after 15 years
Farm equipment stuff just gets abused and neglected……. True tests lol …👍🏼😀
Harbor are tough as nails
The older original model seemed to be the best of the bunch. Some people have reported into the couple thousand hrs and more..
@@oscar1748 a lot of things bit don't trust their nail guns.
Have owned a a wen for 4 years. Couldn't be happier. Awesome generator
Awesome.....definitely seems like a good gen. Be curious to see how it does on the long haul...👍
I own two of the predator 3500’s for my 5th wheel and power outages at home. They are outstanding generators and really quiet. My Yamaha 2000 is louder than my predators. I run non-ethanol gas w/ seafoam, synthetic mobile one oil, and an upgraded spark plug. I’ve also disconnected the kill switch so when I turn the knob to off it remains running until it burns all of the gas in the carb. I exercise them once a month for 30 minutes. They have never let me down and are very fuel efficient. My only complaint is that they weigh about 100lbs and are difficult to lift with an arthritic back.
Yup great gens, but yes at a 100lbs they are no fun to lift. Glad they are working out for you
I have six 3500's for my home and work and RV.
The top of the Predator fuel filler neck is the terminus for a (hard to see but it's there) small tube that is connected to the carbon evap canister that is connected to the carburetor air intake. It's essential to never fill the Predator with fuel while it's running nor above the red level tab in the filler neck. If liquid gets sucked into the EVAP tube it'll ruin the carbon in the canister. Thus changing the fuel air mix at the carburetor.
You may get away with it a couple times, but soon enough it'll ruin the canister and the generator won't come off idle because it'll starve for air.. No cure, no replacement part available. The UA-cam fixes are all bogus. It's the reason guys are drilling holes in the side of the housing to get more air in - but with time that fails and the generator pukes. ua-cam.com/video/SvHRGMZSQQw/v-deo.html
thank you HT; please advise, when you say upgraded spark plug, can you give the specs/brand, etc of the plug? much thanks.
I'd also like to know what plug your running?
I’d like to know how you disconnect the kill switch to burn the fuel out the carb?
I bought this wen in Feb when I caught it on sale for 699 on Amazon. Best move I ever made. I am 8 days into hurricane ida. I have been running this bad boy for 20 hrs a day. 12k window unit. Both fridges. 3 fans. Lamps and TV all on ECO at 50% load! 8 hrs of run time. This inverter is a beast of a machine. Anyone looking for a inverter I swear to god you will not be disappointed. Only draw back is it did come with a shit battery. No clue why. I went to batteries plus and got a better one. Update. Just got power back. Ran this guy for 18 days straight. No issues. Very very impressed
That’s awesome glad it’s working out for ya. And yea most just come with a generic battery. They are not gonna put a high quality in.
But glad the gen is working for you during the hurricane and glad your safe…
And thanks for watching 👍🏼😀
18 days with no power? Ugh! Good thing you had this.
Now that's a true endurance test for 18 days!
Great review, Thanks. I like that you moved the generators to the same spot in the yard to test each one so the sound reflections are the same.
Thank you glad you liked.
And thanks for the comment and thanks again for watching 👍🏼😀
Very nice video. Excellent job @ staying unbiased as well as showcasing perks on each machine. I really like the handle that WEN incorporated in there machine vs the Predator's style. Wen seem to have a bit more options than the Predator. However, sound & noise is key especially when camping. The Decibel test was amazing how much quieter the Predator is. Choices, choices & choices!!!
Nice Video....
Thank you so much. Yes features are nice but also that predator really is quite. And yea I give props where it’s due and don’t value one more then the other. It’s really Best Buy for the money if not buying Honda or Yamaha.
Thanks for the comment and thanks again for watching 👍🏼😀
I always wondered what you could power and how many watts it would take. This was a great real-life visual demonstration!!
Thank you. That’s what ya kinda want real life stuff not oh it runs a hair dryer lol.
Thanks for the comment and thanks again for watching 👍🏼😀
@@johnnysweekends Exactly
Great comparison. Thanks for the video.
I have this Wen generator and it's been great so far. Your findings on the Wen revving up substantially when a heavier load is added is spot on. That is the only thing that I really don't like about it. The first time it happened I freaked out thinking something was wrong because it revved up so much.
Surprising that the Predator is quieter because I thought the Wen was really quiet to begin with.
I've had the smaller Wen inverter generator in the past and they were great as well so that is why I stuck with Wen. But if I had seen this video before purchasing it then I might have chosen the Predator.
Your welcome, as far as predator being a better but well thats all in what is more important. I like the fuel shut off. The wheels and handle and honestly when running at high loads the volume is the same. But predator does have a advantage at sound in the lower load department.
Thanks for the comment and thanks again for watching 👍😃
Supposed to rev up @ higher loads,that is normal....don’t overload its capacity & ya good to go!
How does the wen work in the cold for like ice fishing?
I dont know but I would be using a higher range spark plug in those cold conditions.
Great video a year later, I went gen shopping and it pretty much came down to these 2 and when the wen 400i went on sale few weeks ago for 639 I bought it.
I tried out my wen for the first time this past weekend with my toy hauler and it did really good no complaints
Most people seem to love them and some are reporting clocking over a 1000hrs so far. So hopefully they hold up like the predator and champions.
Great job on this review. The edit-down of the content and narration was spot on. I know the time it takes doing similar reviews of the WEN generators here on UA-cam... 😀
Thank you I appreciate it. 👍🏼😀
Great video very informative, thorough and very well detailed and explained thank you sir I believe you helped me make my mind on which to get 👍
Your welcome 😀👍🏼
Thanks for watching
We haven’t had a chance to use the WEN generator yet. We made a video about it after my parents purchased it to use with their camper. We are looking forward to seeing how it does. Thanks for the demonstration.
Your welcome, it is a nice generator for sure. Good design lay out.
Thanks for the comment and thanks again for watching 👍😃
@Purple Collar Life I recommend running a break in period then changing the oil so it’s ready for full out use.
This was a great test and comparison. I think if you're camping and noise is important, the Predator 3500 is the better choice. If using in situations where you can afford a bit more noise, the Wen 3800 offers amazing features and performance. Both greats at any price point, especially when comparing them with their "target"...Honda. I have owned a handful of Predator and a Wen unit and the behavior you described with the engine ramp up with new loads is spot on. I think that's how the Predator achieves much lower sound levels, they have their RPM strategy down to a science. The Wen tends to rev much higher for a second or so before settling. However, it must be said that could also contribute to the Wen's ability to maintain a higher voltage with the same loads. Thanks for your thorough review of both units! Can't go wrong with either.
Thank you 🙏🏼 and thanks for the comment and thanks again for watching 👍🏼😀
Interesting
I use my 6500 predator everyday 40hrs a week on my food truck and I love it! I call it the one pull wonder,it starts on the first pull everytime!
Awesome, they are not bad gens for the price.
We use 3 on our truck XD although i dont know the size
I'm here because I just received my Wen 56380i caught on sale at Amazon for $529.99. Wanted to use it on few things in the house during power outages. Haven't unboxed it yet but wanted to know what it could and could not do so thanks for a great review and video
Awesome that’s a great deal. And it’s still a popular choice!
Make sure you unbox it and get it going and ready that way you are familiar with it and there are no issues. Don’t wait till that last moment and find your equipment is not ready.
I bought the WEN, and love it. Going boondocking all the time.
Awesome it really is a great gen and honestly you can barely tell it’s louder when running at low speeds after they get going they are the same for the most part.
Love my predator 3500. I see them everywhere! The guys with food trucks and stands etc. all over the campgrounds. Can’t beat the price. The wen looks nice too
Yea it’s a good gen for the price. Would love to see a updated model with a couple extra small features, better handle and wheels, Rv plug wouldn’t be bad, and fuel drain on switch and better oil drain even though it’s not to bad.
@@johnnysweekends I have the predator 2000 and it has the same on/off/choke switch as the 3500. If you turn the switch just before the off mark it cuts off fuel and will run the carb dry after a few mins. I don’t get why HF didn’t put a little mark there to indicate that it cuts off the fuel in that position but it certainly does.
I have noticed this with several other models as well. Just before it shuts off then rotate back a pinch and most all will run dry.
Predator has been great for me, Keep the gas fresh and cycle it once a month or so and it will fill do the job.
I hear alot of positive feed back about them. They seem to do very well.
My Wen works really well and I love that I don’t need an adapter
It is a great gen....
👍😃
Thanks, I liked the volt out-put on the Wen.
This video is definitely motivating! - “Progress is the result of persistent effort.”
We full time in our rv and the Wen has been great, has been 100% reliable for over 1000 hours now.
Wow thats great, i think you are first to reply with a Wen over a 1000 hrs..👍
Thanks for the comment and thanks again for watching 👍😃
My oldest Wen has almost 400 hours on it and still running strong, with my experience with their gens I have no doubt that 1,000 hours is doable without trouble. Thanks for sharing your experience!
Thanks for the comparison. I've been consider both for my RV.
Honestly I would look into champion or the wen. Predator is not as good as the first generation and for the price you can get more power and features and a warranty with a return policy. Predator had its day.
@@johnnysweekends thanks for the advice. 👍
I know this an older video, but I picked up the wen 3800, model 56380i, it is the quietest and easily runs my campers ac and microwave together. Just adding to the history.
Awesome glad you like it. I always thought it was a good unit. Thanks for the feedback
Did anyone noticed the WEN has more wattage and that is why is louder. I take the WEN hands down. Predator 3000 running/ WEN 3400 running.
I went with the Wen unit. While the motor is quiet, the plastic handle & panels are quite "buzzy". While the genset runs, if I touch/press on these pieces, the noise is significantly lower. I'll look I to isolating with some foam, rubber, etc.
I have noticed the same with certain models and yes can be a little annoying. But your on the right track with some rubber pieces around the access panels. Shouldn’t take much.
👍🏼
Great comparison and one can't go wrong with either generator as they both work great and have been proven to work fine in particular, the Predator. Predator seems to have a bit more popularity if youtube videos mean anything. I personally have that Wen 56380i model which I purchased in November of 2020 when Wen direct had it on sale for $600 with free shipping.
The Wen is a great unit as well. Pretty much same as a champion model for the most part.
Yeah. That's why I bought the Wen. The Predator was $849 plus tax.
Wen was $649 right to my door.
Nice buy 👍🏼
I own the Predator 3500 and it's been a good generator. I've run my microwave and A/C at the same time. Also, Harbor Freight has a 20% off coupon every month which drops the price down to $780.
Lately they havent been excepting the coupon for the generators lately, so making it harder to get that great deal a year or 2 ago. Not sure if that has changed but one of the reasons people are buying other items, like a champion gen, which they have great warranty and customer service.
@@johnnysweekends no doubt, i Never have any luck getting them to take ANY coupons on premium items..... Oh well.... thanks for the good content !!!
Your welcome and thanks for watching 👍🏼😃
Harbor Freight no longer offers the 20% off coupon for the Predator generators, it excludes the generator.
I know this is what made it such a great buy and now if you consider the price well other options really start to come to play.
Predator is still a good gen for what ya get but now the super coupons not being able to be used kinda changes things up.
Awesome great video! Great explanation! Thank you!
Your welcome and thanks for the comment and please share ...👍🏼😃
I have the predator, its been great.
People love it and if you can use a coupon on super sale it’s a awesome deal.
Thanks for watching 👍🏼😃
I have the predator 3500 and we r full-time in our Coachman class B we run it 24 seven it's great
People love them and have reported back thousands of hours....👍
My grandfather has has 2 of the Powerhorse 3500(northern tool variant of Predator 3500) used it for 24/7 power when off grid for many months. Had 9951 hours on it before it quit. Only quit then because he didn't adjust the valves and it dropped a pushrod. Was still running fine though!! And that's almost 10,000 hours on just 3 oil changes. His 2nd one has around 7,000 hrs and no issues so far. These little generators seem to do pretty good for the cost.
Wow that’s a lot of hours and even Honda can have issues with that many hours.
Thanks for the feedback appreciate it 😀👍🏼
Does he needs that much power all the time? Curious if he would be better served by solar + battery and inverter setup. Bringing that much gas to an off grid cabin alone sounds like a pain
@@TobyCostaRica he runs lights . 50 inch led TV. Full size Fridge and his pump for the water. He could get away with a 12kw setup I believe. He just hasn't done it yet. He really takes his time. Plus he doesn't like the up front cost. But either way he is paying🤦♂️
@@justsenditbro sounds like he can get by with a 6k inverter and 10kw of batteries. 48V system, 2 server rack batteries at $5k for 3 and solar 3kw of solar at $2-$3k
Great comparison. Thanks for the video.
Thank you 👍🏼😀
I've had the predator for years and it's been awesome
Friend of mine has one and it’s been doing fine.
I got my predator 3500 used for $420 with 8 hours on it. I really like that thing. I plug 🔌 it into my house and it runs a ton of stuff as long as it is 110v - 125 v. Awesome generator. 👍🏼
They are good gens and at the price why not. I have nothing against buying used if in decent shape and runs. Then why wouldn’t you
Damn you got a really great deal.
I got the Wen when it was on sale for $600 back in Nov. I like the oil hose and auto shutoff feature. One thing I don't like it, is that it needs to runfor 2 hours, continuously, before it starts logging time on the hour meter.
Interesting one thing i didn't know about the meter....thanks.
Well they are both made in china, even the hondas now, cell phones,, computers, cars, list goes on. Kinda crazy
@@johnnysweekends I discovered it when I was breaking mine in. I noticed that it wasn’t logging hours. I emailed thinking it was a defective hourmeter and this was their response.
“You need to run the generator for at least 2 hour for the meter to start accumulating running hours.”
I guess they do not include break in hrs.
Regarding your reading for the Wren-
Take this with a grain of salt, but using DAFX decibel meter I am getting readings of 63 decibels at 23' non eco, and 58 decibels in eco, exhaust facing away. At 23' facing the exhaust there is a difference of about 2 decibels.
Having said this the meter you use seems to have a huge impact. For example using my phone for a meter gave me results of 58 up to 72db depending on which app I used. Ultimately I'm confident the meter I used was the most accurate. The generator seems to be within a few db of every other generator of the size and rating.
Thankyou for the great work you do though! I very much appreciate it, however it seems odd our numbers are so far apart.
Yea I use a designated sound meter now and try to measure in the same spot.
Which you could see in newer test videos.
But I always measure on concrete which will be the loudest. By adding rocks or bushes and even grass can change the numbers a lot.
But I did test all these units except the wen generator in a later video. But correct most all units I test except Honda read about 60-62 db in eco mode.
And thank appreciate it 😀👍🏼
I bought my predator 3 years ago. I like it just fine no problems at all. I would buy a Wen if I need to buy again. No question.
Would be nice if they updated the predator with just a couple items. Better handle, fuel shut off valve somewhere out side, better wheels and maybe a Rv plug but the other is good for housing if using it for that
@@johnnysweekends agreed
@@johnnysweekends On my 3500 I added a switch to replace the 12V CB which runs to the electrical plug that shuts off the motor. Now my know is only a fuel shut off, and I have electrical shut off separate. I believe there are vids here showing what to do. Quite simple really once you figure out which wire plug is the shut off.
Yea adding all those options are not hard it’s more of if they wanted to update it for future buyers it would be a little more appealing.
They could easily update it to 4000 watt or more and 28 amp ish rated.
But for most people it does fine.
Great video thanks man
Your welcome and thanks for watching
Good review. Thanks.
I do have a concern about the sound level testing. I may be wrong but I think that curving block wall will skew the readings because of reflected sound.
With both being in the same ball park playing the same game if you will, it does provide usable information to still show sound levels between the two.
All my new testing you find I’m in a open area to get more accurate reading so I don’t have sound reflection or sound absorbing items such as grass or bushes.
So if you happen to be camping or somewhere where you can put it on dirt or something else besides concrete it will be even quieter
Thanks for the comment and thanks for watching 👍🏼😃
I'm glad you did this 💯
I'm going WEN all the way.
Just ordered it on Amazon 🤩
Dude awesome, glad i could help you make a decision. When you get it be sure to break it in. And it smells like a new car...😁
@@johnnysweekends How do you break in a generator?
You can read the manual and it gives you a idea but for me building many small race engines it has never taken me longer then maybe 20 mins to break in a engine.
For the generators I would just do heat cycles with small to heavy loads for about 20 secs then bring it back down slow to no load and shut off.
Then about 30 minutes do it a couple more times and you would be about done.
That’s if you really wanna break one in which I bet less then ten percent break in a generator or make it they 50 percent of the manual.
Heat cycle break in.....
Start gen.... leave eco of let run for a about 3 minutes to warm up. Start with small load, and increase every 10 secs to full load for 10 to 20 secs and gradually bring down load back to no load for about 1 minute and shut down.
Wait 30 minutes or till engine is cool and go again. 3 to 4 times should be plenty.
But that’s my way or just read the manual and follow that. But again I won’t let it run for 4 hrs to break something in when I have built enough small motors and then tear apart at 50 to 100 to inspect and they look great with only minutes of break in.
Note - One thing to be aware of when changing oil on the Wen! Inside the yellow cap that is on the protruding tube is an o ring. Make sure it is still on there after you are done letting all the oil drain out. For some reason it had come loose from inside the cap. So when I filled the genny with the required amount of oil, it starts to come out from the cap even though it is on the tube. I could not figure out why until I found a o ring on the ground right where I was letting the oil drain out. I put the o ring back inside the cap and that did the trick. I would have been SOL if I did not see that o ring on the ground.
I noticed this to when playing around with the generator. I almost thought of adding a longer tube I could loop and tie up higher then the oil level just in case if i did loose or break the oring. Our maybe just buy a pack of orings and tape top inside panel door.
But good observation for sure...👍👊
Get a magnetic oil cap?
@@fdboucher no, a magnetic oil cap will not help with this.
@@fdboucher rubber and plastic is not magnetic. Magnets attract specific types of metals
You were letting the oil drain out On The Ground 😖🤯
Great test. Thumbs up.
Thank you....😃👍
I have the predator 3500. I have a 2012 jay co feather light. I like the predator. It has enough power for us. Plus the main thing I like is how quite it is. It's not disturbing other campers plus you don't hear it in the trailer. Or have to talk over it if your outside. We use to run a projector to play movies outside for the kids. We end up with kids from other camps at our site watching movies outside. The predator is so quiet. It's perfect
It’s still a good buy. It used to be better but still one of the quietest around. And has a good reputation for reliability. Sure some have stopped working but I could say that about any brand.
Thanks for the comment and thanks again for watching 👍🏼😀
I currently have a Wen 4000 watt inverter generator. I have no problems with it. I had a Predator 3500 watt, It lasted 4 years and I didn't use it very much. When it died, the total hours was around 450 hours. Since it was no longer under warranty, I took the engine apart to see what made it quit running. Teeth on the cam gear were sheared off at almost 45 degrees. I checked the free play of all moving parts and could see why the cam gear teeth were gone.
Sloppy motor huh. To much clearance??
A lot of people get a lot of hours out of them. But there are always a few that die early
hey great job on the video divng into what people actually use!
Thank you 👍🏼😀
Did you build that in line power meter ?
Do you have links or plans?
Or any info?
Great comparison vid
Thank you….👍🏼😀
The block wall is reflecting some of the sound back to your db meter and causing a higher reading.
I have repeated these tests in some newer videos. And even in a open area the db was only 1 db lower. 👍🏼
People have been blown away by how quiet my predictor is!
Nice video great comparison
Thank you….
And thanks for watching 👍🏼😀
While the voltage was still OK on the Predator the voltage was much more stable on the WEN.
Nice review. Had not heard of the Wen. When checking sound levels use the exact same position. The HF gen placed at the in the center of the apex of your brick fencing will produce higher sound levels, since you are effectively horn loading it.
I have since moved because many viewers thought the sound levels were adversely effected by it. But over all my sound levels changed on average about 1 1.5 decibels .
If a item only puts out 60 db from a sound source it will only get quieter as it moves away even if it bounces off items, it will not magically gain energy and be louder.
It may sustain the sound level at a further distance but not by much.
So I moved to a little more open area. And after testing there I was surprised that the levels were minimally different. I was expecting a little more.
@@johnnysweekends Check your physics. If two sources have the same sound output and one is placed in a horn, the drop off of sound will not be as great with the horn loaded unit. As you approach the resonant freq the horn becomes more efficient. This is important because most meter are checking SPL at a given freq. You don't gain SPL, you decrease the drop off in SPL by horn loading.
I get it, but when testing spl levels and just overall “noise” levels, which is what 99.5 percent of people care about, the difference from the back where the wall is, to the front on a open concrete pad was minimal. So the difference in the test showed no drastic change from say 65db to 55db.
Again maybe 1% of viewers care about actual detail and the science behind it.
@@johnnysweekends Off axis vs On Axis of a horn makes a big difference. People may not care about the physics, but they want an appropriate comparison. To eliminate the variables, use the some spot. By the way a 10db change is quite substantial. You also have to understand the human ear. Both the SPL and frequency of the predominant noise are important in the annoyance factor of the noise.
I have the Harbor Freight 3500w generator. I can always count on it, which is more than i can say for the Onan 4K that came with our toy hauler. I've been using the H.F. gen for 3 years now, never a hiccup.
Nice..!! Ya the original series 3500 was a great unit at a great price but the 3 gen series now seems to be having more issues than before and also the price went way up to where no you have a lot of other options to really look at. But the warranty return is still really good as long as you buy it.
Great review , WELL done.
Thank you and thanks for watching 😀👍🏼
Awesome thanks , definitely going with the Wen after seeing this video. Not only is it cheaper but seems like the auto shut off works better. The other did fine too, up until it didn’t shut off before giving off dirty energy just to keep going. Which could be bad long term. Thanks again.
You can also look into the newer 4500 DF seen here..👍🏼. amzn.to/4bTRj3m
Awesome, smooth dropout is a feature, to me at least.
Thank you …..
And thanks for watching…👍🏼😀
Cool- I just ordered 2 of those 350w heaters! 🤠👍🇺🇸
I still use mine lol. People seem to hate them but I think I’m finding mainly in European countries /UK.
But for really little rooms or personal or my Rv works fine 👍🏼
Thank you for this in depth review, 29 April 2022 and the wen is $660 and predator is $900, for the features and thanks to your video I bought the wen, needed to upgrade for my detail setup
Wow they have come down some. The wen, that is.
The predator has gone way up due to demand I believe.
And thank you glad I could help..👍🏼😀
Just curious how you're liking the wen, my 400i was just delivered for 639 and havnt run it yet. For 640 bucks Duel fuel etc I jumped lol
@@nimrodpaul6875 I love it, I bought it may 1st 2022 and put the first oil in it, used it for detailing right away so didn’t get to change the oil after the break in.. it was running funny and the fuel consumption was weird too like it used it real quick but after I finally had a chance to change oil it runs like a king. The fuel economy is better and runs amazing, I’ve put it through a lot already, it is a dream. I am very happy with it. Since I use it almost daily I’m probably going to change oil every month or so.✌️
Got my wen 3800 on-sale $550 to my door from Amazon company Woot.
Wow !!! Greta deal and still such a good unit. People still reply and say they have had great luck with it
👍🏼😀
Love my Wen! Powers my 21ft hybrid camper in Florida like a champ! $649 delivered on the Wen website. Gets some looks and questions about it when camping because it’s so quiet . Very very very fuel efficient
Awesome, good to hear. I do like the wen gen. Has nice features...
Thanks for the comment and thanks again for watching 👍😃
Mine is either tied into back of truck or on back of trailer on a rack that hold 250lbs. It’s been reinforced as well.
But I’m not using the big gens so much. I don’t wanna lift them lol
Got my wen 3800 for $599 shipped last Black Friday. It was the obvious choice at that price.
Wow awesome deal for sure at that price!!!!
Good job 👍🏼
Thanks for the comment and thanks again for watching 👍🏼😀
Great job! Thank you very much for sharing!!!!!
You’re welcome thanks for stopping by 😀👍🏼
Yo tengo 2 wen las pongo en paralelo y trabajan con ganas y los features son mejores que muchas te marcan la gasolina, la potencia, y el auto apagado increíble yo las recomiendo
Great video! Thanks!
You’re welcome 😀👍🏼
Great video thank you for your time doing this! Have you done any fuel consumption comparisons between the two? Like about 25 to 50% load.
I haven’t on these two since the difference would be minimal since the engine size is the same and carbs are close to the same. So under identical loads I bet run time between the two would only be a minute or two different.
@@johnnysweekends I asked because of the web sounded like it struggled during more load being introduced.
It’s been a while but I dont remember it doing any thing out of the norm.
But for the price these days you can probably get more generator for the money. Especially since Amazon has super sales like every two months.
So something to consider.
I’ve had my Predator for two years and had one problem; the jetting was far too rich and clogged up the muffler/spark arrestor.. I went down three sizes on the jet and cleaned the exhaust system and it has been working like a charm. It’s quiet and can run my travel trailer. But the Wen seems like a really good generator. I don’t like that you need the adapter for a trailer with the predator.
Where do you normally run your generator as far as elevation?
Most of these gens now maybe not the predator but they are darn near to lean for emissions.
But yea at low load the predator seems to run a little rich. My buddies predator was like that. But he never used it much over 30-40 percent.
Hey Johnny! Well, I live in Houston, TX. So I’m not at any altitude! I generally don’t run heavy loads, maybe that’s part of it, but it was so sooted-up, that it wouldn’t even start. I tried one jet leaner, and it didn’t really help. I jumped another size and it cranks and runs great. I’ve run it at full capacity for a couple hours like this and it runs great. I wonder what would cause that sort of inconsistency in these gennies? BTW, I did get it on sale. Keep the great videos coming!
Yea no load or really light doesn’t allow them to really build any heat to burn everything off but even then yea I would think to rich.
Probably one reason they last so long is because they are rich even on a hard load and just don’t get very hot.
And thank I will, much more coming through out the year.
@@c120flyer
Look up charcoal filter mod for the predator. They come with a charcoal filter that filters gas tank fumes and then directs routes them through the air filter directly into the carb. This is the cause for them running rich. Found a few videos on UA-cam on how to perform this mod. Did it myself along with removing the spark arrestor from the muffler. Generator runs like a champ no difference in sound either. I didn’t remove the filter completely but rather disconnected the rubber line that goes into the air filter. Then plugged the nipple on the air box cover.
Thanks for such informative tests I really appreciate you testing so much, that being said I am looking for a generator that’s around 3500 to 3800 . I have researched so much I can’t make sense anymore. I am a light sleeper and will only need it for when the power goes out would like dual fuel . I would be grateful for your suggestions. ( remote key fob) if possible
Thanks B
Well depending on budget the champion 4650 dual fuel is a nice buy. Right about $900 ish.
I have noticed they don’t do remote start on dual fuel I think due to when you shit off a dual fuel generator on propane, it need to be turned off at the fuel supply like the propane bottle and not at the generator. Hence no remote start.
If it’s for home use and you don’t need 240 volt then these 120 are fine. But you may wanna look into a gen that doesn’t have a RV plug and instead the the twist lock type that will go into to generator plug at home.
I think once you find your price then you can narrow down your search as well.
This site has a great search engine and info maybe this could help..??
generatorbible.com/?pk_campaign=jw&IQKuWL_fyvw_fb
@@johnnysweekends thanks so much for answering!! I forgot to ask about gas powered with remote, I did see the review on the Predator 3500. Would that be better than the champion 4250 dual fuel?
Normally the prices are only about a $100 difference say the predator at$850 and the champion 4650 at $900 or so with remote.
Some particular models like the 4650 champion is sometimes only available at Tractor supply. And the 5500 at cabelas or bass pro.
I normally tell people get the most generator ya can for the price your looking for because they are so close.
I would buy the new powerhorse 4500 over the predator 3500 for basically the same price. The predator 3500 is a copy of the powerhorse line.
The biggest benefit to predator at harbor freight is the return policy is pretty good still o guess where if you buy the warranty you can just return it there for a exchange.
But most places you can do that now with a store warranty.
But with the predator you have to buy a warranty of some sort as it’s only 90 days verses most others are 2-3 year.
The har or freight generator is $850 right now and the wen is on-sale at $620. That's a no brainer.
Yea the predator has gone up in price a lot and has changed engines from what it used to be.
Honestly I see and hear more issues with it now then it ever had. Glory days for it are over.
I got my Predator after huracane Maria (2018) and is working just fine for all my 120v in the house. If I need to do the AC I have a Generac 6500 for.
Nice 👍🏼
Predator is pretty darn quiet..
Got my Predator when they first came out for $599 then they also took the 20% coupon so I got the 3 year replacement. Ended up costing about $620 including tax. It has meen humming along ever since.
Awesome deal because they don’t honor the coupon anymore…
Where did you buy it at ? Amazon wants 1200
Amazon normally has it for $800ish
I think I put a link in the description???
Predator brand was always excluded from the 20%, might have gotten it on sale
The sales or coupons are no longer from what I have seen and heard.
In the fine print now you can’t get the super saver deal…🤷♂️
I just bought this wen generator for $623 on Amazon, free shipping too. I"m excited for it's arrival. Harbor freight is now only offering the Predator 3500 with the CO detector shut-down feature. I didn't want that. I'm smart enough to not run a generator indoors...
I agree it’s another item that could cause problems when you need the generator most. And getting harder to bypass.
I think the older model predator were the best from the tons of comments and research. But some of it is the user.
How you liking it, my 400i just got delivered, havnt run it yet.
110v is actually perfectly fine. These Predator units continue to impress. As long as you are d dropping more than 10% of nominal you’re doing pretty good.
Yea when the over load light is flashing, I'm not sure how long it will run but it's a while, not that you should over load your generator like that. But ya the predator holds strong for sure
As stated in the manual it says to start with echo mode off. If i start them with echo mode on, someone else will say you know your not supposed to do that, it says start eco off....
So ya know....🤷♂️
Im here to give people options and choose what works for them. Not everyone wants to spend triple the price for something they may only need for rec use or a few times.
I would recommend usa but our country is screwing up in alot of ways...so unfortunately nothing to recommend except getting the best for what ya can with your buck.
You said your self.....honda sold out a while ago...and that will continue and they will continue to loose major sales until they drop prices a little.
There is always someone who will find something to criticize every video if they so choose, verses just seeing what is really being presented.....which is options.
Thanks again.
@@johnnysweekends Sounds like you give only your opinion, like Wen is sponsoring you. I'm only 2 minutes into the video and can tell your biased.
Not biased at all, and nothing is sponsored. These are bought with my own money and I give my own opinion on each. I like the wen and the features overall. The predator is quieter for sure and has a a good track record. If the wen can match the reliability factor then the only thing the predator is better at really is being a little quieter.
So no bias here just facts and opinions.
Thanks for the comment and thanks again for watching 😃👍
Great review!
Thank you. 👍🏼😀
Predator for me all day
Well, I have put close to 3000 hours on Predator basically just running AC unit on trailer. Starter motor failed, but still starts first pull manually. Still, good bang for my dollar I think.
That’s pretty good 3000 hrs…😮👍🏼
When you could use the coupon that’s when it was a smoking deal.
Thanks for the comment and thanks again for watching 👍🏼😀
Very well test video thx
Thank you…hope I could help. 👍🏼 and thanks for watching 😀
Excellent video!
Thank you 👍🏼😀
And thanks for watching 👊🏼
Great testing, thanks for sharing the good info! Is there a propane conversion kit for either of these? Wondering if it would make them louder or quieter🤔
Testing has shown about the same db levels.
And yes some companies make a propane conversion for the Honda and more.
I wasn’t in the market for a genny but I am now. Thanks 😁
You need a link…🤣🤣🤣👍🏼
@@johnnysweekends Actually I might! I am looking to power a 1 gallon air compressor, 10 amp shop vac, 13 amp pressure washer, I would like a portable generator as this will be in my pick up truck. Any suggestions? Thanks
Seems like you need a decent amount of power… you don’t need 240 volt though correct?
@@johnnysweekends That is correct.
Well there are a few new generators coming out. I really like the champion dual fuel 4500 though. Or regular. I think that one was built really nice.
I should have a couple new gens I’m going to review in the next couple days and weeks when the others show. Well if they show
What were the noise levels under load? Most people connected to a generator would have some sort of load on it. The RPM picks up under load changing the noise characteristics.
Depending on the load the gen ranges from 70-73 db at wot and full load.
They all run there
The WEN is duel fuel though,that gives it the clear win for me.
The one i tested is not but agree dual fuel for the win…. Or Wen…lol
You loose power on propane though…keep that in mind you’d have to upsize your generator appropriately.
You can run any gas gen on propane without any mods if you needed to.
Not exactly….. you still need to add a propane line connection and of course a propane line and regulator..
So there is that… but overall yea nothing special.
Amazing. I'm quite surprised that either unit were able to run their full rated watts at all. Most Chiwanese stuff is good for only 50-75% of rated output. I loved your testing. Kudos.
Thank you so much. A lot of these actually have been performing really well…👍🏼
Those are made in China, as your cell phone and computer.=)
Great video!! Do you use a surge protector with the generator?
You can if you want but don’t have to. But it’s not a bad idea in case the inverter freaks out and decides to up the voltage a bunch before it burns out.
Most just die or drop voltage low then die.
I recommend something that also protects against low voltage as well.
Thank you very much for doing this. Much appreciated. So, which one is better? The video titles poses a question: "BETTER Than Predator???"
The predator is a nice gen that is quieter by just a little bit in the end the nice features of the wen plus ability to get parts and warranty items in the end the wen comes out as a better buy.
@@johnnysweekends this is Gold!!!! Wow. Appreciate you!
Thank you so much and thanks again for watching 👍🏼😃
Great side by side review...was looking at the Predator, but I'm thinkin' the WEN is a better value...
Thank you, the wen is a good gen for sure and has a popular engine inside running it.
Predator is still nice but I think the other options make the wen nicer.
Thanks for the comment and thanks again for watching 👍🏼
@@johnnysweekends, I currently have a WEN 4750, but it runs at full RPM all the time no matter the load, and even though the fuel tank is 4.? gal, I can run through a tank in less than 8hrs......I was looking to get something a little more economical, hence the Predator, but cam across your vids and decided that perhaps the WEN 3800 was, not only a better value, but a better generator overall...Already ordered from Amazon...Thanks again...
Awesome glad to help…👍🏼😃
That was helpful. Thanks.
You’re welcome 😃👍
@@johnnysweekends The problem is, I was looking for information on a generator. Then I got distracted on wanting to buy your travel trailer.
🤣🤣
It's for sale.....lol
@@johnnysweekends Johnny, the correct word you are trying to use, is "you're" which is a contraction of "you are." I'm old enough at 80 that I still remember when they taught English in school. You are producing very nice and informative comparative videos, congrats.
Thank you sir. And that was corrected, most days when typing on a small screen with a lot of auto fill from a phone a lot of errors are made in spelling because everyone is in such a rush…😅 including myself sometimes.
Thanks for noticing. And thanks for watching 👍🏼😃
These predator generators are awesome, I have the 2000 rated at 13 amps and it consistently ran 2 coffee makers at once and a steam frothier, I know was drawing a lot of power but it did the job and still runs great!
They still are good little gens. Nothing wrong with them.👍🏼
Thanks for the comment and thanks again for watching 😃👍🏼
Hey Rudy, quick question, are you running espresso machines or regular coffee brewers?
Any opinion on the wen gn625i as a backup generator for a home? Do you know who makes the 301cc engine? Thanks!
Those particular gens that are open frame that look like those could be a generac copy. I looked at a generac the other day very similar. But not a 100% sure as I don’t deal with the bigger ones if this type much.
Very good video. I just wished that you had shot it with Eco mode off on the Wen. The manual says to never run in Eco mode above 75% of rated watts (2550W).
Yea the reason I shot it in eco is because a majority just flip that switch and never look back. And a lot of times never really read the manual. Just gas and go.
But for on and off loads or starting ac units I would recommend not having it in eco.
@@johnnysweekends This is a fair point. Thanks for the reply.
👍🏼😀
Got the WEN for $649 free shipping and NO TAX couple months ago off their website. It was on sale for that price for about 6-8 weeks that I saw, could’ve been longer
Wow thats a great deal...😃👍
Damn, great price! How's the fuel tank capacity running extended durations? Considering buying this to run 2 freezers, 2 tvs, electric hot water tank, garage door and a few outlets. Hate having to refuel constantly 😒
Could look at a propane version. Definitely a few benefits to propane/ dual fuel gens
Awesome, I got the same deal. 👍 So far so good on the WEN.
If you buy the Predator 3500 or 2000 at Harbor Freight, get their warranty plan. They replace the thing on the spot in the store. All of Predator's engines are great too, not just their generators. I've seen people put them on everything from little tillers on up to go-carts and buggies.
HF warranty is pretty good. Although predator 2000 and 3500 are totally different companies.
@@johnnysweekends Wow, really? I've heard of people looking for certain item/model numbers of their engines, specifically the 6.5 horse 212cc engines because they have a better EPA or smog rating or something but that's about it. As someone who's considering finally getting a quieter generator, do you know if the 2000 is worth considering when compared to the 3500? Or should I just spend the extra money on the 3500 for the rare times when I'll need the extra wattage?
The predator 2000 runs a clone Yamaha mz80 motor like some wen models which are exactly the same gen just different plastic. They are made from a company in China which there are alot. I think Zongshen is who makes that in Chongqing China.
The predator 3500 is made from a company called loncin in the same city I believe. Watch the single predator 3500 review video i included a couple tidbits.
The powerhouse is the same as the 3500 running a Honda clone gx200 motor but 212cc.
I would buy the Aipower for the sake of not needing a parallel adapter or the champion gen with the 3 year limited warranty and because how super quiet and light they are.
The saying is still true, if your not buying Honda or yamaha your buying everything else. And at that point get the best deal with most reliability or warranty. But dont get a firman 2000, poor design.
Used to be able to get the predator cheaper with coupon
Last year I got one for less than 650
Yea I hear that's going away...gonna make other gens a better buy for sure now plus having to buy the warranty.
Can you charge the we with solar panels?
GREAT REVIEW 🤠👍
Thank you
And thanks for watching 👍🏼😀
I have the same Wen 3800 and have run it over 1000 hours in the last year. It has been very reliable. For some reason the hour meter stopped working at 1000hrs and no longer displays the hours.
Wow awesome, and odd about the hr meter...figured it should just continue, not new tech here lol.
Thanks for the comment and thanks again for watching 👍😃
I bought the 9500 predator inverter super quiet,the best,run my whole house plus my 3.5 tons ac
Yea that seems like a nice gen I have looked at it. Pretty big to be a portable though.
Glad you like it 👍🏼😀
How is that possible with only a 30A output? Even with a soft start on my 3 ton A/C it still sucks down about 25A during startup.
I own the wen and run everything in my travel trailer, AC, TV, all lights and its not even half power, never tried overloading it but it's never even burped or hickuped. could be slightly quieter but in the country dead of night my buddy where i camp says he doesn't even hear it. I hate the panel, it's useless in the daylight and the RV plug is 180 degrees from where it should be, minor complaints, i like it. Weighs about 100 lbs empty, a hefty lift into the back of the truck.
They are not bad gens and yea the Rv plug why upside down lol
Thanks for the comment and thanks again for watching 👍🏼😃
I just ordered one for $340.00 on E-Bay, the seller is highly rated but it ships directly from China so delivery will be two weeks (so claimed) . It's worth the $50.00 saving over Amazon so what the hell. Thanks, your video helped me decide. I have a Predator 3500 but it's bulky and heavy (100lb) for my cargo trailer conversion and I think this one will fit the bill perfectly.
Wow that’s a great deal… that’s for the wen 3800?
@@johnnysweekends Oops! I typed my response to the previous video that I watched, it was for the 2k watt- apparently, your video started while my response was lost in space!
Oh got ya. Was gonna say that’s the best deal of the year lol.
Did it come?
What do you think about grounding the generators? Is it a must?
No do not ground these, that’s causes a shock hazard by completing a circuit.
The principal function of the system ground, or grounding electrode, (ground rod), is lightning protection for equipment (NEC Article 250.4). Adding a ground rod to a portable generator introduces a shock hazard as can be seen in the illustration.
OSHA Grounding Requirements for portable and vehicle-mounted generators state the following:
Under the following conditions, OSHA directs (29 CFR 1926.404(f)(3)(i)) that the frame of a portable generator need not be grounded (connected to earth) and that the frame may serve as the ground (in place of the earth