This video provides an unboxing and initial setup of the Predator 2000 Generator from Harbor Freight. Initial impressions of the product are also shared. #HARBORFREIGHTPROJECTS
I pick one of these up this past Saturday. filled it with oil and gas on Sunday, two pulls and it started right up. I let it run for over an hour and a half powering the air conditioner in my shed works perfectly. This is replacing a 2200 watt Honda I purchased in 1986, it's finally gave up after the hurricane hit two weeks ago.
After 3 years, it went up by $50 on sale. Thanks for the review, you contributed on me purchasing one. Learned a lot of tips on comment sections by watching several YT videos. TIPS: Pulling the start cord slightly ones or twice primes the carb, this is actually on the manual trouble shooting section (it started for me in one pull after a day in storage). Slowly turning the start lever close to OFF shuts the gas going to the carburetor like a petcock. The predator inverter gen. does not have fuel pump like the Honda. The predator 2000 is a clone of Yamaha EF2000is generator, which means after marker extended run fuel cap and oil magnetic dip stick for Yamaha EF2000is threads fits.
thanks for sharing these tips! hope you enjoy your generator. mine is still going strong. last week i learned there is a screw you can turn to dump the carb contents out through the clear tube around the center pillar of the oil side of the generator.
Thank you for the review. It's 5 years ago today but very helpful for me. I went out and bought one from harbor freight for $575.00 on sale tax included. It's 40 degrees now but it's going to be 30 below with 50 mile an hour winds tomorrow. Just enough to survive if the power goes out here in Ohio. 12/21/2022.
I own 2 of them and the box to join em together. So far so good, use em to power my travel trailer. typically I run 1, til empty, then next day use the other one, Making my gas supply last, which just for what I use em for they do run 14-16 hours/light load, on 1 tank (gallon) of gas!! And I leave it on all night as I sleep. They are right under my bedroom open window and I sleep right thru it, they are actually quieter than you'd expect. My 1st one did snap the pull rope, which I fixed ghetto style for now. Besides they need only 1 pull to start. So for the under $400 each I paid for them, they are more than worth it! (p.s. I only need to add oil after a month or so of constant use)
Thanks for the video! I almost bought one a while back, but was a little scared to because of my lack of knowledge about them. You answered several question I had.
I appreciated the excellent video. Let me add a few notes that could be helpful. It is not manly to admit that you took longer to do a task than advertised, but I'll explain why I took well over an hour to add the oil. I took a 16.9 oz Coke bottle and washed it out. On the web I learned that 13 fluid oz. of water weighs 13.534 oz. I placed the bottle on my postal scale set to Tare mode. Then I filled it until it read 13.5 oz. On my Brother P-Touch labeler I made a label showing the desired level to fill to 13 fl. oz., along with the instructions to use the specified 10W30 or 10W40. I dried out the bottle with alcohol, a hair dryer and a blow gun and filled to the line with one of the recommended oils. I removed the 3 screws on the access panel and spent a while trying to figure out how many plasticky things were preventing the removal of the panel. I didn't want to break them. Eventually I determined that there are 5 hooks on the bottom and 2 press-in plugs mid-way up each side. Presumably one is supposed to use a putty knife or two to pry the top of the panel out, eventually pulling loose the plugs on the sides. Then you can unhook the 5 bottom hooks. Because of the tragic engineering blunder of having a horizontal oil filler tube it was necessary to wrangle some items to hold the generator at a 45 degree angle in order to fill the oil. If I were designing this, I would put a kickstand on the LH side to hold the oil filler at the correct angle (or I'd hire a better engineer to design the fill tube). I was able to install the 13oz of oil without spilling any by using my blue Petromax kerosene filter, in under 5 minutes. Replacing the side panel was about 15 minutes of fiddly work to try to do it without busting any of the myriad plastic things.
Thank you, was worried about the 10/30 10/40 discrepancy in manual .Ours to be used for tent camping -early and late in season for space heater and tailgating at Patriots' games to watch Earlier games and pre game shows.Also looking forward to making fried eggs in electric skillet while camping.
Just purchased the Predator. Oil was Tuff-gassed up. Bought this generator for my POP UP TRAILER, THAT HAS a AC UNIT TAKING IT CAMPING TOMORROW. N. Calif
Excellent job making this video. Don't know what your day job us but you are as good as ole Bob Villa! I just purchased one and will lite it off tomorrow after watching your over view. Thanks....Herb
I cannot believe how quiet they are I dont know if they are any different with the newer model but WOW is it super quiet dont know how anyone could complain I was very surprised and I'm going to be using on a boat that has 2 inboard motors big compartment had a generator in it at one point so putting this in it and with the covers over you cant hear anything very impressive
Those who were watching this video to see the process of putting oil and gas in and found (after watching for 12 minutes) that neither were actually in the video. I was hoping to see exactly what I would do and was instead showed all the things I could figure out just by looking at it myself.
5 pulls the first time : "...pull it slowly several times to allow gasoline to flow into Engine's carburetor." page9. Owner's Manual & Safety Instructions
Thanks for the tip. I've tried that too. This generator starts reliably, but if it sits idle for 2wks it takes 3-5 pulls to start. This Sunday I started it in 42F degree temps and it stated on the 4th pull after not being used for 8 weeks. Very happy with that.
danr97123 prolly the temp. Im in san diego avg 55-65 degrees always first pull even 3-4 weeks. However I do usually prime it per the manual to prevent lean run on start. 17mos 150 hrs runs great was $400 w coupon. Stormcat was trash BTW.
danr97123 well then it really truly is a Honda clone because my Honda EU 2000 I does exactly the same thing I have a champion 2000 Watt inverter that starts first or second pull every time
Had a problem with mine took me half the morning figure it out figure I'd pass it along generator starts but won't rev up might get the green light to come on but as soon as you put a load on the green light goes off because the motor is running so slow I'm no dummy but it still took me 4 hours to figure it out that little clamp on screen on the exhaust plugged solid
@@harleyrider025 yeah, it has the juice to run the AC but not enough to start it as the compressor uses around 20 amps for about 1 second then drops to about 8 or 9 after that. A soft start smooths out that inrush load so smaller generators can deal. Interesting.
I bought one because I needed one and could not afford the Honda. So far I have run it 8hrs a day for 3 weeks straight and it's been flawless! I'm really happy with this thing! I usually have bad luck with harbor freight crap but this one is ok. Also used it to jump start my v8 truck after my wife left the lights on over night. Started it right up.
Jimmy Garcia Thanks I was taken back when I read about that in the manual. I haven’t heard anyone talk about grounding it. This is my first generator don’t want to mess it or my RV up.
Good video what I found out from the small hand portable suitcase generators. Honda is the strongest generator out there and with the biggest price tag. Here's why the 2000 watt Honda has a bigger 98cc engine which will burn more fuel but they measure at an actual 16.6 amps through 17 amps. The Harbor Freight Predator even says on it 13.3 amps Max. What that means even if a generator has more watts. amps is what start stuff the difference between running and not or basically hitting the overload and the generator won't run it. The bigger 2200 watt Honda is 128 cc engine and it has even more amps than the 2000 watt Honda. The 2000 or 2200 watt Honda both the same weight and same size. But of course keep in mind if you really need to start something the Honda maybe the difference. or if you want just one generator. But you could parallel to Predators together or most of the other generators are fine too and still cheaper than one Honda. and get more amps than one Honda.
kept reading about their 2500 watt portable on you tube but harbor freight never had one in stock. I believe the same people that make WEN generators makes these also. I have friends who are very pleased with these predators. Cheaper ones are available like the Sua2000i. I bought mine through thru Jegs for 335 no tax, free shipping. Nice heavy duty unit. well made. My camping buddy has a Honda 2000 but I couldn't afford 1000 dollars. great machine but no better than some of the cheaper ones. Paying for the Honda name. IMHO
Hey, I just bought one of these, in the instruction manual it says that it needs to be Grounded before first use? Did you do that and if so how did you do it, thanks!
@@danr97123 If you plug in something that requires a ground, like a refrigerator, washing machine or room air conditioner, you definitely should ground it. Otherwise, that third wire (ground) will not connect to anything. For polarized plug devices (one blade narrow, the other wider), I wouldn't worry. Lifelong electrician, retired electrical inspector btw
I'm reading along with my manual. They changed the oil discrepancy to 10W-30. The box is out in the car, but the Manual now says 12 HOUR run time but this is now : Run Time @ 25% load with full tank = 12 hours.
Thank you man.. this helped me a lot.. I didn't know if I should add oil or not on initial use. Say do you thinking using full synthetic would be a issue.. like Amsoil 10w40 full synthetic?
10w-30 would be a great choice for cool season use while 10w-40 should be better for summer use. SAE 30 is a thinner viscosity /weight oil, and flows better in cold weather. 40 is thicker and more suited for hot weather. They both have additives that make them flow like very thin 10 weight oil when cold. These are multi-viscosity oils
I’m trying to use this with my RV...did you have to use a ground to get power? The instructions say I have to use a copper stick and a wire for it to run...confused.
Have ever try to buy a part for it? My Predator quit working after two storm ( I drive my sump pump in case of electricity power interruptions.) My ignition coil went bad. After I ordered a new ignition coil, I have bin informed: no parts available. So it works, till it need a part... Less they changed this part situation...
I have two HF generators the 4000 watt and the small storm cat 2 cycle generator I also have a Honda EU2000 Great Generator. this Predator 2000 looks like a Great buy from what I have seen. a Guy I work with was looking at the Tailgater same as the storm cat. I told him to spend the extra money and buy the Predator 2000 because its just like the Honda EU2000 but half the Price
+1995dresser good advice. I also have the Sportsman 1000/800W. You can find it for $200...i would be another option if your friend doesnt want to spent 400. I did a review of it here.
Great! The sound is in this one. I suppose the ECO mode will crank up to full speed if you turn on the vacuum cleaner while the generator is in ECO mode? That is the way my 3500 watt generator works...
I had the 1st gen of these. Not able to combine with a 2nd unit. Anyway, it quit working during the 1st run and wouldn't restart. After trying everything to get to start again, I finally figured I'd take it apart. It turned out a plug inside with multiple wires disconnected from vibration and shut it down. After reconnecting it, it started and has been fine since. Just in case anyone else has a similar problem.
Check your local Aldi store for inverter generators. I found a 1600 watt continuous generator branded as 'WorkZone' for $279.99. It uses the same 80cc Yamaha clone engine. Very smooth running and quiet. I was surprised to find these on the shelf at an Aldi store, and the price is unbeatable. The Chinese manufacturer of these makes slight changes for each 'brand'. The WorkZone doesn't have a fuel gauge, but it has a USB port and a 12v DC port along with the two 120v AC plugs.
A clean ruler is a fine dipstick for the gas. Fill the gas up to the proper level, insert your ruler and note the reading on the ruler of the highest wet spot. That's a full tank; half that is half a tank, and so on. It's easy and cheap. I know your genny has a gauge, but my WorkZone version does not.
The people at my local ALDI store looked at me like I was crazy when I asked them about this and the website mentions it's existence but offered nothing further on it. Anyone have any other ideas? Thanks.
@@davef.2811 Aldi's orders truckloads of rebranded tools and offers them at a decent price. When they sell out, that's it. Hopefully they will restock and you can get one. I got interested after watching Lucky Feral's Workzone 2000 watt inverter video on RU-vid and bought one (only one they had). Check out that video. The Pulsar version (it's white) can be found on Amazon and ebay. Not as cheap, though. Good luck .
I thought manuals having different pictures than what I bought was just me lol. I did see 10w 30 10 w 40 and then say use 10w 30 and then offer a b and c 30 sae, 40 sae and 20 sae lol. My unit shows two 120 V when I got a 30 amp and only one 120v. Chinese do not take accuracy very serious. If this was German you would never see a mistake lol
I have run it out of fuel many times while loaded. Mostly using electric heaters and lights. So far no harm. I am sure it "browns out" when this happens and some electronics could possibly be harmed, but not likely.
So after owning the Predator 2000 for two years now how is it holding up? I've been a little reluctant on buying one of Predator 2000 because I've heard parts are very hard to get and even finding a shop to work on them is a chore.
Thanks for the detailed review. Do all of these portable inverter generators say that they must be grounded? I just bought this same one and was surprised to read in the manual that it "must be grounded". You point it out as well. The manager of the store didn't tell me that was necessary when I asked and no video I've watched has anyone grounded it. Does every other brand say this as well but its just unnecessary? What harm could happen if not grounded? thanks.
The grounding is a safety measure. Functionally you will not see any issues without grounding. When operating sensitive instruments or armature radios (HAM radio) you might notice extra noise, but that's it. I have not grounded mine yet.
Great review. The poor instructions are probably related to it it being made in cHINA. Now, I admit I have one. I also have a Honda 3000. This 2000 is user friendly and light. I wish we could compete with China and make this in the USA. I would pay more. That aside, thank you for a great review,
So 2000 Watts at 115 Volts = about 17 Amps and I’d guess that’s not full running Amps, so I’d say continuous running Amps is about 15 - which isn’t that much. Maybe a small space heater and some lights ... good for a small RV or to turn on a few lights and a small refrigerator during a power outage.
+Heuerfan the coupons are sent by mail, email, and on their website. Even better is the Harbor Freight coupon website run by 3rd party...they have all coupons. Search google to find it.
I bought it today online and they gave me $70 off coupon:) I'm hoping this inverter will help my family in Puerto Rico:) I paid today with shipping and taxes $467.08
No. I don't think that will work. I have found a low end window air conditioner that can run at 600W , but i don't think the 5th wheel unit is that low in power utilization.
I had one of these 2000w Predator generators for my horse trailer. It WILL run a 6000 btu window unit or a 1200w microwave but not both at the same time. No way will it run a rooftop AC. That needs at least 30 amps and, to my experience, requires about a 4000 running watt generator. If you add a "starting kit" capacitor to the rooftop (15,000 btu) unit you might get it to start and run with a 3500w generator.
it is only needed if the fuel remains in the tank for an extended period of time (1-3 mos). You might get away with 6 mos, but most 'experts' say that's too long. Personally i have gone over a year in other generators, but do not recommend it. Stable is really easy to get/use.
I recommend using non ethanol gas. That way your gas can remain usable for a very long time, usually more than a year. Ethanol causes water in the gas over time which is obviously not good. If you have to use ethanol, make sure you run it until it’s empty in your tank.
Page 52 of my December 2019 Harbor Freight catalog issue 9024-2 and the website says that the store price is $499.99. So the $399.00 good deal is the price with the 20% off SUPER coupon. The problem is, however, that the coupon's small print prohibits its use with dozens of products including Predator generators. I doubt $399 is an actual sale price unless it's an open box/return or there was a noobie cashier error that they didn't catch.
People should know that Harbor Freight does not stock very many parts for this generator. The recoil spring on my Predator 2000 generator broke, and HF does not sell the part, leaving me with an expensive boat-anchor.
It is not really water proof. Honestly, most or all generators are not. You really should have them under cover. However, I do believe it will keep working in rain, but could lead to electric shock or damage to the unit in a worst case scenario.
For boon docking RV's instead of tossing money away on solar buy two gens, one like the HF above thats 3500 watts, or the 3500 watt champion I have, and one 1000 watt gen like the sportsman 1000. 1/2 gallon of fuel in a 1000 will give you 7-9 hours run time, will charge your battery- batteries, run all lights , fridge, TV, and most important at night your RV heater all night if needed...........use the 3500 for air, micro wave, things like that plus all of the above........
@@jonsmith2217 Hi Jon I don't have my trailer here to look but I think my propane ducted heater is 25,000 to 35,000 BTU. It doesnt matter how many BTU though as the 1000 watt gen running in eco mode just off idle will run that way all night (7-9 hours or so on a 1/2 gallon of gas). The generator only has to run minor amount of power because it only runs the 12 volt heater fan, and charges the battery, fridge if we run on A/C while we sleep. (It also keeps the propane safety valve supplied with enough power to stay open and work when needed. See if you just use your 12 volt battery to run your heater the fan will drain down your battery and the propane safety switch will shut down causing your heater to shut down. That's why I use the generator. I actually have two 1000 watt gens, I also have a Yamaha 1000 that is 20 years old that works great, still. But couldn't pass up on the new sportsman 1000 for 179 bucks It is a Yamaha clone almost. Really happy with it so far. Now if we are not sleeping and running other thing besides the heater, the gen will be running low watts,( still eco mode) maybe a few hundred watts, you know for lights, TV, fridge and things, but we still cant hear it running, as its about 20 feet away in the bed of my truck. Now I don't run an electric heater, just the furnace that came with my trailer. I don't think the 1000 gen would run an electric heater, at least the one I have at home, cause it takes about 1500 watts (about 15 amps) to run, of course my 3500 would but why? my RV furnace works great even in freezing weather. I do burn through 7 gallons of propane in 5-6 days though (30 lbs I do have two 30 lbs tanks). Hope this helped...........Michael
mike arg I thought maybe you run a 1500 watt heater on the low setting . Someone told me they ran a thousand watt generator on a 5000 BTU air conditioner. oh okay I thought you might have been running electric heater which is a lot.. I see if you're just running a heater blower fan motor. Check out micro air Easy start for your RV air conditioner people claiming on their website micro air that is they run a Honda 2000 and run their air conditioner 13,500 BTUs and up to 15,000. The Honda 2000 Watt generator as about 16.6 through 17 amps and it has a 98cc engine that's the difference. And the 2200 watt Honda has 128 cc engine and even more watts.
@@83malibuwagon No idea. But that is a number that represent how long motor will stay compliant before smoking too much. Logic dictates that bigger number means longer durability.
Could have run his vacuum cleaner on eco power, it used seven and a half amps. Generators good up to 13 amps. That would run a worm Drive skill saw, which is 12 amps. So I know what I'm getting my husband for Christmas. Question. I wonder why they don't put in a decent battery charger. My husband used a 940 watt battery charger, on a 1500 watt Champion generator, which we paid $100 for new. The charger was an additional $180. Had the generator for 8 years, then sold it for more then we paid for it. Still own charger.
