Maybe do a sound check at various loads? Idle sound level isn't very helpful because 1) nobody runs their generator with no load. 2) manufacturers can cheat by simply idling at lower rpm
So maybe I just got a great deal, but I only paid $550 for my Predator 3500. We had a hurricane heading towards us, everyone out of generators and my daughter needed one. Not only did Harbor Freight bring in a truck load of generators they had them all discounted. This was a couple years ago, but I will say I was impressed that rather than trying to gouge people due to the situation, they actually were trying to help out. Great running little generator, but I do agree, the wheels suck.
About a year ago or more they stopped allowing the super saver coupon which would get you the gen for about that price. But so far most people say it’s not excepted anymore which really made it a smoking deal. But yea good gen and yes not a fan of the wheels lol Thanks for the comment and thanks again for watching 👍🏼😀
Its a good gen with a good warranty and honestly its not that loud being around it. But at max load they are both the same.... like a db different which you wouldn't really tell.
I own both and I like my Champion more. When I truly needed them after the hurricane the Predator wouldn't start due to a gummed up carburetor. The Champion that only ever been run on propane came through with flying colors. Plus when a tank goes empty its quick change and your up and running again. With the Predator its almost always a overfill. Propane stores indefinitely Gasoline does not.
Love it, real world info and also again propane really is great and it provides almost the same amount of max power if you need it. Plus much better smell
I put my Predator 3500 up against my Honda EU3000I and it beat the Honda hands down. The Honda ran with my AC on in my RV without any other load for about 3 hours then gave up. The Predator 3500 ran all the lights, AC, TV, Refer, and Microwave with a slight overage. I dropped the Microwave and it ran for 3 hours with no problem and used about a half tank of gas. I'm sold on the Predator if it will just last 5 or more years I'll be good with it.
Thanks for making this video! I was trying to decide between the two and since HF is out of the Predator and I need it soon, this was an easier decision. I wish the Champion had a display panel but otherwise I think it’ll serve us well.
Just an FYI, Northern Tool sells an Inverter generator that is identical to the HF Predator. In case in the future should your Champion fail and you decide to replace it and HF is out of the Predator. I have the Northern Tool version. I'm pleased with it.
Yes it’s the exact same and they carry a 4500 now which I haven’t seen on the predator side. Although not sure what it is powered by… same engine or totally different…??
@@johnnysweekends I saw that too shortly after I posted this comment, then i saw a comparison video. Same engine. Same size. Almost identical to the 3500 except for slight variations in the control panel.
Good comparison video. One point, however, is that your method of measuring sound pressure and then referencing that to amplitude (perceived volume) is off. When measuring power at the source (power amplifier, for example) the decibel (dB) is 10 * log (ten times the standard log... base 10) which means that a doubling of power would be an approximate increase of 3dB. 10^0.3 = 1.995 However, with sound pressure the definition is 20 * log (20 times the standard log... base 10) which means that a doubling of sound pressure would be approximately 6dB. This is because the sound is radiated from the source in two dimensions and the inverse distance law applies (this is not the same as the inverse square law, though many who do not understand it will try to argue it.). So, at 6:50 in your video, that 3dB difference is NOT a doubling of sound pressure, it is only about 1.4 times more. 10 ^ 0.15 = 1.413 Still, this is not the same as human perception of amplitude (volume), as you correctly noted. But you didn't tell the viewer what it actually did mean in that most important aspect... what one would hear with a 3dB difference of SPL on the A-weighted scale. The complexity of human hearing makes it difficult to precisely say, but the accepted rule-of-thumb is that it would take a 10dB increase in SPL for us to perceive the sound as twice as loud. Sound Pressure (what your meter reads) is a measure of Force per unit area. Sound Intensity (volume, amplitude, call it what you will) is a measure of Power per unit area. If you're listening to 6 violins playing in a free field, then it would take 54 more violin players for you to perceived the volume doubling. Yup... 10dB is a lot of increase for a doubling/halving of volume.
Harbor Freight in general, with their new marketing strategy, has become pretty uncompetitive in general. There are 4500 watt inverter generators selling for less than their 3500 watt. I think they accounted for a LOT more inflation than has transpired so far.
My Champion is the gas only version (3500 Inverter electric start) and it runs about 64db at high idle and 58-59db on ECO. I have had my Non-Inverter electric start 4000/3500 Champion for 6 years and it runs at about 68db....love my Champions!!
I have the smaller version of the dual fuel champion and it has all the weather caps like the predator. Weird that they don't put it on the bigger unit. Nice showcase still would go with the champion. Just like using the propane instead of the gas.
Nice video. Only issue I have was your sound test with a wall/fence behind your equipment. Either case, each was represented fairly. I have had Champion products for over 10 years. (same generators). I like being able to shut the gas off and letting the generator carburetor run the fuel down. I have never had an issue as far as that was concerned. Also, I know that I have an 800 number available to me for customer service and parts. The Harbor Freight does no have a fuel shut off, and there is a known issue with their carburetor, hence the requirement for fuel stabilizer in the manual. I am no sure about their 800 number and availability of parts as that has been an issue when I purchase their tools.
Agree champion has decent customer service which is good for someone looking to buy smaller gens. And yes the wall could change the measured sound db but since each plays in the same court, it still gives a good indication of what each will run roughly and against each other. I will have to go to a field and do the same test and see if there is significant difference.
Great job testing and showing us the option choices with these two great generators! I have had the Champion 3400 DF running for a few years now and still love it! Wish it was a bit quieter like the Predator, which I think they could do a bit bigger engine and a bit better muffler. THANKS!!
The champion on this model uses a 192cc engine. While the predator is using a 212cc engine. Both are good...but i am curious or the weight sound and engine manufacturer of the 4650 champion. Trying to see about that.
Over all I do like the dual fuel option when ever possible. And the more compact size of the champion is desirable. Plus east handle and wheels. The predator is known for doing well and being very quiet but honestly for the price of either unit I would buy something else now. Like the champion 4500 or 4650 dual fuel. Here…amzn.to/3uvNXAz
It's easy to get rid of the wheel lock rattle on the Predator. Take the wheel off and glue the lock plate to the wheel with JB Weld and reinstall. It still works as intended, just without the rattle. You could even make a video showing how.
Well would not be surprised as there are larger models available at the same price. Was still a good gen but seems like there is always something else coming out so quick
This is not a very practical test case. You're running multiple space heaters and these devices are notorious power hogs. If you were running the RV's furnace or AC unit, and then, turned on the microwave, the total power demand would be closer to the maximum sustained operating range of 3000 Watts.
I have the Champion 3100 Max Watts Model 755371I and this thing has been fantastic. 5 years old and even out of warranty I had carb issue and Champion sent a new one for free. They back there products. Mine also has the remote start which is a nice feature when camping on those cold mornings.
Wow that’s awesome, that’s the thing I think they probably have the best warranty around. Many viewers like yourself report back saying good things about champion customer service and warranty. Thanks for the comment and thanks again for watching 😀👍🏼
Great video! Do you have any info on the electrical meter that you were using during your load testing? That looked like a very nice little unit. Thanks!!
It's a box i made from another style monitor with 10g wire. It's pretty accurate but the watts are sometimes off a little but the amps and volts are good. Someone wants me to make a vid but been busy lol
Excellent video ! I am presently shopping for one of those 2 generators for my small camper. Now trying to figure have to get it in the bed of my 2500 Ram. Any ideas?
Some people have these small crains that swing out from the bed… I think harbor freight has them. I would really look at the new powerhorse that has more power for the same price as the predator it’s even a little more quiet
Typically when it’s about 90 degrees I’ll see about 1600-1700 watts at 13.5-15 amps. Start up will jump to mid 20’s or so on the amps… But these newer gens must have a small capacitor to provide a power jolt when a ac unit turns on which is why some of the 2200 units can fire up a 15k ac unit such as mine. I also do not have a hard start/ soft start on my unit. Not everyone installs them so I left it off to give a realistic idea of how the generator needs to work in order to fire up a stock unit.
Even before watching this video, I would have preferred a large open frame Predator, but they are hard to find in Canada, so I went Champion 6,500 8,125 surge on sale for $699CAD. Happy with my purchase, especially with the Motor Snorkel tri fuel conversion $185 and natural gas hookup. With quick disconnects, I can switch between natural gas, propane and gasoline literally in seconds.
@@johnnysweekends Oh yes, if you have a natural gas utility, do it. You never have to worry about storing gas, stabilizers, cycling fuel, etc. I do store several 20lb propane tanks in the highly unlikely event power and natural gas went out at the same time. Gas only generators are cheaper than dual fuel. The kit is $185 and even a mechanical noob like me had no issue fumbling through the install in under 30 minutes.
@@debacofzomb9889 It's been 2 years since that post, still very happy with my purchase. The only thing I would change is I wish I had of gotten an inverter generator. Little more expensive, but better for sensitive electronics.
I bought the Predator and the carb messed up before running a full night at the deer lease. Brought it back and bought the champion. Couldn't be happier. I used it all season running it all night long. Never missed a beat.
Works fine in eco mode but when running those tougher loads lol Ike Ac start ups unless you have a soft start then eco off till ac going. I do my tests with it on because so many people just leave it there and forget it. But it really should be off. Eco is great for low loads and varying loads up and down. Like a hair dryer, it’s not a big jolt on amps it just ramps up quick. Even microwaves are not to bad but do have more then say a higher dryer.
Just a note when measuring audio sources for reference it is generally preferable to use C weighted measurements as they are consistent across the spectrum. A weighted has a curved response that will favor certain frequency's.
I have on many other videos and these are all rated at 60hrz. And so far honestly in every other video I have seen I have never seen a problem with holding at 60 with a deviation of more then about .1 If you look at laptops on there chargers some now say 50-60hrz…
Thanks for helping me make my decision for the champion. Yes its a little louder, but the wheels, handle and dual fuel, and rv ready plug really made the difference for me
Yes overall it’s makes it about 1..1.5 db higher then on my newer videos where I test in front of my house on a open concrete pad. They are both going thru the same test so it does show data that is useful. But if you put these in the dirt… grass, gravel that will all absorb sound even more, making it quieter. And bushes and trees even more yet. Thanks for the comment and thanks again for watching 😀👍🏼
If its the 2000i...they have a L5 30 R plug...twist lock 3 prong. Use the parallel cables.....then plug into one of those ports on one generator and your done. I assume it came with cables and a adapter?
@@johnnysweekends - Thanks, Sir. Q: renting generators is a good idea in California? (Compliant CARB/EPA) - home & especially professional generators for pros’ projects 5KW-10KW. I have been looking at brands like Honda, Wacker Neuson, CAT, DeWalt. What am I missing? Thanks, Sir.
So many places like United rentals, ace hardware and such rent big and little gens. From 2000 watt to 50kw and more. The EPA laws in California are about to get worse for all small engines 25 hp and under, if a law passed in 2024 but that doesn’t mean you can’t own them or get them. It just means you will no longer be able to purchase new at a big box store or have shipped through Amazon or say Walmart. As a new business there is still money to be made because gens are definitely needed in this 3rd world state…😅👍🏼
@@johnnysweekends Thanks Sir, for your insightful comment. CA is making some industries difficult and more expensive for users/customers and of course manufacturers in the channels. I am far away from the stores who have been in the game 100+ years, but I was trying to find a small niche to help certain users. That would make me a ‘4th, or 5th world’ in the generators. Thanks for your excellent points. Anyone could send generators from China (with very cheaply,) but there are 2 problems: - no one trust new BRANDS (trust for a reason) and even experts like you still separate the top brands as soon new products are released. Your precise videos show the details the reasons of the confidence of products; - then… EPA rules (for good reasons, for bad reasons and for no reasons too.) If I had the generator expertise, I would have been separating and carving a niche with the PTO from 10KW to 25 KW for rental by seasons (I am in Modesto, CA and there are dozens of small farmers). Thanks Sir. -Aimé
Here is the video link... ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-Obn5Ml-ROWo.html Here is the one i bought on Amazon... www.amazon.com/dp/B07DCKFJLM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fabc_MTH5E7C7KVAAK6MBW82R
here ya go...Im buying another as well...!! let me know if the link work. www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07DCKFJLM/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B07DCKFJLM&linkCode=as2&tag=johnny5dahlbe-20&linkId=780711d8ac3db2e4d79076304f880412
In my experience the Champion will last about 3 times longer than the predator. Plus Champion can be repaired through Northern Tool. At least they did 3 years ago.
Michael Douglas champion does NOT honor their warranty! Just wasted over 2 hours on hold only to discover my champion generator has to be torn down and the cylinder and combustion chamber cleaned at my expense, every 500 hours! They absolutely suck.
Darn right .....😁😀 I’m trying and funny how others have said that to but I’m trying and I’m sure they will come. I have other vids coming soon but always trying to balance full time work and vacation with family as well.
@@johnnysweekends 60% load on the open frame 4550 predator is not the same as 60% load on the 3500 sealed predator. On the 4550 you’re pulling more so Ofcourse it’ll be a bit louder. But pulling equally they’re about the same in terms of noise. 4550 is a better buy and more reliable
Got ya, but yea even at low loads it’s still decently louder. But yea overall it’s a good generator and for the price it’s hard to beat. Especially the deals on them often..👍🏼
