One Year Predator 3500 Generator Update

[Theunz]

While most of the cheaper import tools ,wether gas or electric, work well initially, one must consider the availability of parts and service in case they fail when out of warranty. The major Japaneese manufacturers usually have a good parts and service network. The cost of the Champion, being about 1/3 of the Honda's however, would certainly make taking the risk a viable option.

[Mel B.]

Originally Posted by Theunz

While most of the cheaper import tools ,wether gas or electric, work well initially, one must consider the availability of parts and service in case they fail when out of warranty. The major Japaneese manufacturers usually have a good parts and service network. The cost of the Champion, being about 1/3 of the Honda's however, would certainly make taking the risk a viable option.

Yep! I bought my Champion 3400 inverter with remote starter 2 years ago, I added the propane regulator and absolutely love it. I run it on gasoline but a few time while boon-docking I have hooked up a propane bottle to it, (Very nice option) I have never used the pull start, and my wife loves the remote start when I'm not around. I just had my first problem, it would not turn over with the remote. I called the distributor that I bought it from. He said the receiver may have went out $27,00 and a new receiver and it still would not turn over with the remote. Another call to the distributor he said he never see's the actual remote not work but he sent me a new one free of charge and it solved the problem. I'm a champion believer and for the $$ with a triple fuel option and the remote start, I'll stay with champion.

[Billbored]

HF has decent stuff in my experience. Having had two 4000watt Champion generators from Camping World, I’ll recommend them as well.

[phillyg]

Good on you for your purchase. Hondas are good but are over-priced IMHO. I have an off-brand that's working well after two years and was one-third the cost of a comparable Honda.

[Last2Die]

Had me thinking about parts for my HF inverter if I ever need them and a quick google search led me here:

https://www.vpowerequipment.com/find.../predator.html

Parts for all types of “predator” generators and inverters, pages actually. Anyway just thought I would share

[Billbored]

Just read Mel B’s post. Had a gas tank rust internally which clogged the supply. Probably due to use of ethanol fuel. Tried cleaning it, but problem recurred. Called Champion to order a new one and they shipped me a new one gratis, immediately. Good service. No more ethanol fuel (had stabilizer in fuel) in small engines.

[h2ojocky]

I have a Honda 2000 and a Predator 3500. I never use the honda anymore. The Honda is noisier and can't handle the load. I am a believer in the Predator!

[DebNJim B]

Originally Posted by Billbored

Just read Mel B’s post. Had a gas tank rust internally which clogged the supply. Probably due to use of ethanol fuel. Tried cleaning it, but problem recurred. Called Champion to order a new one and they shipped me a new one gratis, immediately. Good service. No more ethanol fuel (had stabilizer in fuel) in small engines.

I have the Champion 3500 dual fuel. I bought it so I don't need to carry gasoline cans. We always have a spare LP tank or two. I have never run it on gas and it's never failed to start.

[Mel B.]

Originally Posted by DebNJim B

I have the Champion 3500 dual fuel. I bought it so I don't need to carry gasoline cans. We always have a spare LP tank or two. I have never run it on gas and it's never failed to start.

Do you know it's actually a "Triple fuel" It will run on natural gas also. Nice option to hook up to your house natural gas line for power outages. I love being able to run on a propane bottle when camping, but it puts out less watts on propane or natural gas. I think it's about 400 watts less then when it's running on gasoline.

[DanandBrenda]

Hard to believe that people will spend 60 to 80 grand on a top of line pickup and about the same or more on a fifth wheel but skimp on a generator. I will stick with my Honda.

[druryg]

Originally Posted by DanandBrenda

Hard to believe that people will spend 60 to 80 grand on a top of line pickup and about the same or more on a fifth wheel but skimp on a generator. I will stick with my Honda.

Well said!

[prndl]

Then again you could have spent more money on a more expensive RV but you drew the line at some dollar point.
Or a more expensive tow vehicle, again stopping at some point.
If I remember, the original post was telling about their experience with a Predator 3500 which was I think, positive. It was not meant as a comparison of generators or who spent more money.

[Last2Die]

Originally Posted by prndl

Then again you could have spent more money on a more expensive RV but you drew the line at some dollar point.
Or a more expensive tow vehicle, again stopping at some point.
If I remember, the original post was telling about their experience with a Predator 3500 which was I think, positive. It was not meant as a comparison of generators or who spent more money.

Very well said ! I’ll keep my predator, and thank you OP for the review. I’ll keep the rest of my thoughts to myself....

[BB_TX]

Why did you buy a $70-80K Montana when you could buy a $100K+ "high end" 5er. Just as you shop for the best deal on an RV that fits your needs, the same applies for all the accessories that go along with it including a generator. Can't understand all the negative responses about a potentially very good generator at a great price.