CRAFTSMAN 3300-Watt Gasoline Portable Inverter Generator full load Test

[@tracymonroe6001]

I just bought this. I've gone through four generators this year and needed a new one. Our stores were out of almost everything so I bought it out of necessity. I have to say, this is the most quiet one yet. It handles my load better than the Ryobi. It's the only one with an oil drain pan that catches it so you don't make a mess. It's brand new but so far, I'm really happy with my purchase. I'm going to take your suggestion and change the oil right away.

[@peckservers]

I too was having issues starting my AC on this generator, it seems to be a combination of not having enough oomph while in idle to actually get the motor going full speed causing it to stall, not one hundred percent being warmed up or having bad gas. After putting a shop vacuum on it it seems to be able to kick-start the AC just fine, you just have to be able to get it out of eco mode for it to be able to start the AC

[@NorthWoodsVideo]

You are a bright man and good communicator. I just got the 3300i and this clarifies some things for me.

[@GeneratorReviews]

Thanks 😊

[@alaury13]

Hands down Gavin is the GOAT when it comes to these generators. Gavin I want to give you your FLOWERS while you’re here sir, so I SALUTE you Brotha and keep doing what you’re doing you’re the best at it. 👊🏾🙏🏾

[@GeneratorReviews]

Thanks buddy I appreciate it 👍🏾🙏🏾😊💯👌🏾

[@paultice610]

I agree with you 100% on changing the oil I bought recently bought a predator 3500 about 4 1/2 months ago I change the oil four times in the first 30 hours then I switched to full synthetic

[@GeneratorReviews]

😊👍🏽👏🏽👌🏽Well done!

[@scottbuchanan4899]

How come this is beneficial? I'm.new

[@scottbuchanan4899]

@@GeneratorReviews how come changing the oil so soon is beneficial ?

[@paultice610]

It helps flush out particles from manufacture and breaking in of a new engine for longer engine life

[@joecool4656]

@@scottbuchanan4899 These new engines have a break in and will release a ton of metal impurities into the oil. Better machined engines have very little but these are budget machines

[@randybaker7686]

Amazing how far these have came in 5-10 years. I bought a firman 3800 and love it. If you look at videos on here a couple who camps has a discount code that saved me 220$. I admire your testing methods as both fair and not hyped for one brand over another.

[@bwinne9286]

Can you pm me the channel?

[@randybaker7686]

@@bwinne9286 I tried and couldn’t find it again. It was a man and a woman living in an rv. If I find it tomorrow or later tonight I’ll send it to you

[@tristanschaper281]

Great video! I wonder if the person with the RV AC didn’t have soft start on it. I own the craftsman 3000 and I’m super impressed with the quality and performance. This 3300 is awesome.

[@GeneratorReviews]

I think it would still start it but just imagine how much more power you have to spare by installing soft start and it actually extends your AC life by not hard starting your compressor win-win

[@GeneratorReviews]

Thanks Tristan👍🏾

[@jimcavanaugh9121]

I really like this generator. It's so quiet. I hope you do a shoot out where you compare the DB levels of the various 3300/3200W generators. This one seems to be the quietest, but.. not really sure. I love the power delivery vs. loudness though. While I was cautious about the lack of non-eco mode, I agree that it basically forces you to use the generator properly, saves gas, and will be quieter. If it can't handle your load, get a bigger generator.

[@GeneratorReviews]

Yessir that’s what am talking about!! Well said!!

[@Powerpickle68]

It does have an economy mode, it is automatic instead of manual

[@disabledvetnralifer932]

You have a great motor home sir. Thanks for the video

[@GeneratorReviews]

Thanks buddy I appreciate you watching

[@Tom-In-Ga]

My big concern is that the auto-Eco mode is just something else that can break. I know, it seems like I'm being overly careful. Guess I'm just one of those people that wants as much control as possible of anything I use. Heck, even all my trucks before this last one were manual transmissions. I'm just not a fan of auto-anything. But, the way things are going, I'm just going to have to roll with 'em. 15k a/c startup was impressive though. Great video, by the way!

[@GeneratorReviews]

Thanks Tom At this point everything is going automatic my vacuum, auto self leveling, self driving we can’t keep up 😅

[@glennbishop-smith9957]

Before watching your videos I thought that RV air conditioners used more power than that. So it takes a good push to get them going, but once they get started it’s only maybe 1200 watts? You have lots of great toys to test these generators with. I’m jealous!

[@GeneratorReviews]

Thanks 😊 for watching

[@johnlark6056]

Badass generators made by generac...you can get a parallel box and 2 of these generators and double the power output. I run a parallel box with a 3300i and * 2200i to get more boost... Craftsman tools I have know are really kicking butt They really making some good stuff. Get it while you can.

[@thomasgibson8025]

I think you are spot on about the eco switch. I do not see the need for it. I have two of these units and they run full strength at load!!

[@Redfour5]

GREAT Review! Exactly what I was looking for on short notice. I've got a 28 foot TT one slide... I've been looking at HF Predator's but out of stock and the price just keeps going up higher than this one now... The hottest days of the year here in 2022 in MT (low mid 90's) and I'm heading to a state park without electricity for four days. My little 2200 Westinghouse (very good reliable for 13 years even doing 13,5 airco reliably) is going to be outclassed with the new travel trailer. Lowes has one in stock, this review seals the deal. This is exactly the power level I want. I will do the oil change as you noted just to be safe. I changed oil at a couple K miles on my new truck for the same reasons. Makes sense. Any new motor is going to throw metal first use. That can't be good for a new engine. Thank you for giving me confidence in my decision. When I bought my Westinghouse all those years ago, there was a distinct difference between the limited number of generators that could be purchased. Now days, the tech has leveled out and there are many decent generators out there with low decibels. I would love to say the Craftsman stands out as a brand name, but now days it is just another. I hear this is simply a rebranded Generac (good brand) of the same specs so take a look at that for some. But I have a 10% veteran's discount at Lowes and am going for it. Thanks again.

[@GeneratorReviews]

Congrats on the new TT and generator Thanks for watching happy this helped out.😊👍🏾

[@Redfour5]

@@GeneratorReviews Just one problem... I just got back from my trip and the generator would NOT start my 13.5K air conditioning like I saw on another site. AND, it was the generator as it would try to start it and then the green "power" light on the generator would go red. I tried three times with the only thing drawing power being the air conditioning. Since it was mid 90's, we had to go find a campground with power and the airco worked fine. Back to Lowe's it goes.

[@GeneratorReviews]

@@Redfour5 installing soft start kit would fix and extend the life of your AC.

[@josephgomez5515]

Great job, I like your detailed video. You have answered all my questions because of your thoroughness. Thank you for the excellent video.

[@flatbedfrank2023]

Hoping you can help. Have this and an 8k btu ac. When the compressor kicks on the generator just stalls out. I overcame this by raising the idle all the way up.. everyone told me this unit would handle it no problem.

[@danielshaha1457]

Thanks Gavin for all of your informative videos. I've been looking for a while now and just ordered me the 3300i craftsman . Thanks again.

[@GeneratorReviews]

👍🏾😎Awesome

[@stevesnyder2500]

Love your work, but there is an issue with this generator that I hope you will put out there. After watching lots of reviews I bought this for my Class C with a Coleman 15000 BTU AC. I also bought the new SoftStartUp, a version of the softStartRV that plugs in at the pedestal instead of wiring to the AC. It shows current draw through an app. With everything but light off I was drawing 1 amp. Turning on the AC, ON any setting, failed 7 out of 8 time with a low voltage warning on the SoftStartUp device. I believe this is because it is always in Eco mode and can’t ramp up quickly enough. Luckily Lowes took the generator back, and I’ll either get the Generac version of this (with the Eco switch) or something else. Funny thing, the reviews on the Lowes site don’t say much about this but on the Craftsman site it bleeds red with this problem. I don’t recommend this generator for RV ACs, because of the Eco switch issue.

[@GeneratorReviews]

Hey Steve Thanks for watching, I don’t think the problem is that of the eco switch but the soft start you got can’t work like it should. Please consider getting a 4500w or install the soft start kit on the AC. The soft start separates the condenser fan and compressor at startup, then it slowly increases power to the Compressor

[@Dirtbikerxkx]

Finally a proper test, thank you!

[@danielb.ransberger8872]

Thanks Gavin, good point on the Magnetic dipstick not working on aluminum blocks. Would you consider reviewing some 3000 + duel fuel generators. I like the option of running on propane, les messy, no smelly gasoline in the back of my truck.

[@GeneratorReviews]

I did a review on some 4500 W dual fuel generators, have you seen that one? I also have this 3500w dual fuel coming up soon in talks with the manufacture as soon as it comes out you gonna love that one.

[@danielb.ransberger8872]

@@GeneratorReviews yes I did watch the 4500 reviews. those things are monsters, LOL. Looking forward to the 3500 videos. Thanks!

[@erikspearman2892]

Thx for the link I just ordered the 30amp now I'm official right on

[@mustangmike5363]

Great video!👍 I’m happy I have one it’s 2500 watts I just got it! When u go change the oil what brand I should get?

[@turvonc]

This is an awesome review...mine is shutting off after about 10 minutes. Time to do a service

[@erikspearman2892]

Hey, thanks for the advice I purchased that 30 amp reader for the generator craftsman 3300 Where can I find the hand held reader

[@GeneratorReviews]

Are you talking about the monitors? kzbin.info/www/bejne/mJmxl2Zpn7OFrNEsi=2qeRqOwCyWBCLe98

[@richardluna1576]

I just purchased this generator, connected to rv trailer 17 ft, without softstart and with softstart lights turned on although AC would not turn on, any ideas would be appreciated. thanks

[@GeneratorReviews]

Do you have 13.5 or 15k BTU AC

[@jimflanagan6029]

Great test and Demo Gav. Nice showing everyone the oil change. Hey, this is a great all around generator. Have a safe and fun season with the Class A .

[@GeneratorReviews]

Hey buddy Thanks i can’t wait ..

[@mikebelcher6692]

im impressed, did you make your digital power box to view voltage/watts.

[@GeneratorReviews]

Yeah I did👍🏾

[@WarrenJacobs-jv3xk]

Thank you so much Gavin I'm new to the portable generator business

[@GeneratorReviews]

You’re welcome 😉

[@duog11]

Thank you for the review. Definitely one of the better reviews on this compressor. I think I will go purchase for my camper.

[@GeneratorReviews]

Thanks I think you’re going to enjoy it. it’s well-built.

[@erikspearman2892]

I just recently purchased that 30 w Converter

[@mcgyver210]

I know you said you would be but will you be load testing the wen4000 watt anytime soon? I'm really trying to decide on which generator I want before next trip & I like the features on the wen4000 but am concerned about if it would run enough. Thanks for all your informative reviews.

[@GeneratorReviews]

Yes coming soon

[@Suppercamper]

Great video, very good test. I am in the market for a generator, and this is the on for me.

[@GeneratorReviews]

Awesome! thanks

[@KingTheDetailer]

I'm thinking about getting this for mobile detailing, they have a sale right now for the 3500w

[@erikspearman2892]

I want to thank you for sharing the video. I went out and bought one today. Can't find That please help

[@patricklions9066]

Will it shut itself down when overloaded? Like to protect itself?

[@GeneratorReviews]

Yes it trip the inverter power if overloaded

[@ezaroni]

How long will the generator run with a full tank and just the AC running?

[@GeneratorReviews]

Just the ac would definitely be over 10+ hours depending on how cold you set the ac.

[@latymz]

Your channel is amazing.

[@GeneratorReviews]

Thanks 🙏🏾

[@SpeedThru]

Did you add oil after you drained

[@GeneratorReviews]

Yes I did

[@shawnbarden8812]

Keep up the good work on your videos! Very thorough and informitve! What are your opinions on the Pulsar PG12000B? Curious about their THD.

[@GeneratorReviews]

Less than 5% THD honestly if you can find less than 5% that’s probably better than the grid

[@GeneratorReviews]

Thanks Shawn

[@mustangmike5363]

Does it matter what brand of oil I use?

[@GeneratorReviews]

Doesn’t matter what brand oil just 10w30 conventional

[@Joe_Aquatic]

How’s it running now mines having problems 3 months into use

[@GeneratorReviews]

How do you store it? Do you drain the gas from the carburetor.

[@robertbolen4151]

This is an awesome test very detailed

[@GeneratorReviews]

Thanks 🙏🏾

[@rickbraden4272]

Who makes the Craftsman 3300?

[@GeneratorReviews]

Generac makes the craftsman 3300

[@IMRgarage]

You did a really good job of testing this generator ! What meter you using outside in the 4x4 box New sub

[@GeneratorReviews]

Thanks 😊for the subscribe Check out my monitor video kzbin.info/www/bejne/gneViGyGpNCji7M

[@kaspar_1982]

i have had this generator for 3 winters in the desert to supplement my solar. it operates very quietly with low load. it died a few nights ago and will no longer start. i've kept it in excellent condition and have determined it's not oil, plug, gas, or filter. i believe it's possibly a relay or something to do with the CM detector or other electrical problem. i am disappointed that it failed at the end of the warranty period and so far from home base. this forces me to purchase another smaller generator for a back up until i can determine a fix however the new generator will not be a craftsman/generac. i will update as to the cause and fix when able.

[@erikspearman2892]

Hey, where can I find that 30 amp Gauge you have

[@GeneratorReviews]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/mJmxl2Zpn7OFrNEsi=BkxmEIdfYypm0ecp

[@Mike-pb7jm]

I think it does have an 'eco mode' electronic throttle, it's just based on inverter output.

[@GeneratorReviews]

Yep it just doesn’t have a switch to do it manual override

[@supersami7748]

Gavin I have a question for you about the easy start. I have one on my 2020 trailer with a 13.5K AC unit. I use a 2500 watt Onan that has a 2200 watt continuous run capacity. What I found out the hard way (and was reluctantly verified by easy start) is up to about 95 degrees all is well and it runs perfectly. 95-100 degrees I cannot get more than about 90 minutes runtime as the AC unit starts slowly pulling more and more power the hotter it gets. Over 100 degrees (which is where you really need it) it will not run the AC for more than 10-12 minutes. I did tons of research including a close friend that has had a HVAC company for over 30 years and between him and hammering on easy start finally got them to fess up that when it gets that hot you do need at least 2800 continuous watts to operate the AC. I live in AZ and I wouldn’t deliberately go camping in the AZ desert in the middle of summer but I wanted to be able to use the AC in that 90-100 range if need be. I’ve talked with a couple of other people that have had the same issue with 2200 watt Honda’s and a 2350 watt WEN generator. I don’t know if it’s feasible but if you are ever someplace way to hot and uncomfortable I’d love to see what you come up with testing a generator that puts out something in the low to mid 2000 watt range with your easy start and see what kind of power it draws. At over 100 the power draw almost immediately hits about 1.8KW and over the next 8-10 slowly climbs to over 2.2KW and trips the overload. I have a backup generator for the house and using that it seems to level out at about 2.5-2.6KW in severe heat. Great vid as usual!

[@GeneratorReviews]

Yes sir that is why I always recommend a 4500W generator full 30 amps when it comes to RVs A/C. Can you imagine not having the soft start and people want to use there 2k generators on the AC. The hotter it gets the harder the AC has to work to cool the Rv so it’s going to draw more amps.

[@GeneratorReviews]

It’s not the device malfunctioning is just not enough power to run the load

[@supersami7748]

@@GeneratorReviews Thats what I concluded, my beef is easy start makes it sound like a person can run their roof air under any condition off of a 2000 watt generator. My background is a Jeep shop for many years and several RV’s learning the hard way since the early 1970’s about RV issues. Your tests are very complete and they have been forwarded to many people. The longtime friend who owns the RV parts and service store has started to enlighten people about the limits of the easy start they sell based on my issue. I know it’s going to cost a whole lot more money but I’m going to wait until you can get your hands on the new Honda 3200, hopefully sometime in the late spring.

[@GeneratorReviews]

@@supersami7748 Yeah I agree with you 3200 watts is perfect for what you need. Gives you a little overhead to work with The 2K Generators that’s just pushing it

[@karenpiercy1993]

Thank you for this video!

[@rubenaguero7342]

Oul type would've been nice and how much

[@hagenrl1971]

Great video. I think it handled it great.

[@Yotubefamilia____1]

Would this power a 10,000 BTU Ac ?

[@GeneratorReviews]

Yes it can power up to a 15000 BTU AC

[@sergiocontreras8930]

Does this generator have a 220v?

[@GeneratorReviews]

No only has 120v

[@cordeeecurtzzz3249]

Great video!! Very informative, more informative than I’ve seen honestly!! I might get one just off the video lol

[@GeneratorReviews]

Yessir thanks for watching 💯👍🏾

[@props-model-shop]

I must say; that I'm surprised that the ( today's Craftsman Gen ) handled so well. I was expecting it to be utter junk....

[@GeneratorReviews]

Me too..I couldn’t believe it’s that quiet 52 db that’s impressive. Makes me wonder how much they saved by removing that switch.

[@bailey5bmw]

keep it up brother! always great reviews

[@GeneratorReviews]

Hey Joey, Long time buddy thanks for watching

[@rickbraden4272]

I've read reports of this unit being unable to start ac units since you can't turn off eco mode. The fact that you demonstrate generators using your ac's with easy-starts installed doesn't fairly represent the true ability of any generators you test. Some of us have easy-starts as do I, but most people don't. I think you misrepresent the usability of these generators for most people.

[@GeneratorReviews]

Before I install soft start on my RV even my Honda 3k would struggle. The fact that people think they should not take every step necessary to start the AC with a generator by installing soft start blows my mind. Honestly I think they should come standard with every RV from the manufacturer. What I’m demonstrating is use technology to make things easier for your generator. But I do agree with you unfortunately I have them installed on my RV so that’s the only way I can demonstrate it. Thanks for watching Rick

[@stevesnyder2500]

@@GeneratorReviews I agree with the original response, in fact was going to post some version of the same thing till I saw it here. But I also understand your reason8ng. Perhaps you could emphasis the point every time? Calling it a “PASS!” without saying that without a soft start it likely won’t run the AC is problematic (especially on this generator. (Full disclosure, I just bought one, and the new “SoftStartUp”, so I should be good in my class C.)

[@truthteller5539]

Aluminum is metal, it is non-ferrous that is why it is not picked up by a magnet. Only ferrous metals are picked up with magnets.

[@GeneratorReviews]

👍🏾yes thanks 😊

[@jkim412]

Positive Comment

[@matthewsalvador9783]

What the point in having that little door when you have to open the whole panel..? Lol ugh that’s weird. Great video by the way I’ll sun now

[@GeneratorReviews]

Just for checking and adding oil

[@pedroandino215]

Why not appears craftman generators on the page Generators Bible!!!🤔🤔🤔🤔

[@erikspearman2892]

I bought the 3300 W craftsman generator for my 26 foot Springdale travel trailer. I get the generator running turn the AC on the generator cut off. Any suggestions

[@GeneratorReviews]

If you don’t have soft start installed, I would definitely look into that.

[@erikspearman2892]

Not sure what a soft start is but the generator starts up everything comes on but once I hit the AC switch, the power of the generator goes out, but I have the exact set up you have when you do the full test I bought everything that you had displayed. Not sure what's going on but I know the AC has been sitting up for a while so I'm having a guy come take a look at it but I had the exact same hook up that you just did on the fourth test.

[@joshuanetherton220]

Aluminum isn’t metal?

[@GeneratorReviews]

Yep most of them are a aluminum block only the rings and bearings piston shaft are metal

[@BolsakTBagger]

I fix small engines and i can tell you that this generator is a bear to work on. Normally, removing the carb is easy but not on this thing. To remove the carb, you almost have to crack the case open. To get to part A, you have to first remover B,C,D,E, and F. When i see one of these start to come to the shop, it turn it away. No thanks.

[@GeneratorReviews]

I agree with you, some of these small generators are almost impossible to work on.

[@reganhall5963]

You didnt show how to fill the oil up

[@rickm5853]

big difference between starting up a ac compressor motor vs a microwave

[@colloidalsilver1096]

I have had no luck with Eco mode

[@GeneratorReviews]

If you’re struggling with Eco mode it’s time to upgrade your generator you need a 4500 W generator.

[@williamk2803]

So what the hell you gotta change the oil every 30 minutes?! Just at first , or literally every 30 mins do it again? If that’s the case I’d rather sit in the dark lmao

[@GeneratorReviews]

Lol just the first oil change to get all the crap out of the engine then you can go every 50 to100 hours

[@GaryToland]

Magnetic dipstick is a money-making gimmick.

[@johnsonberry6750]

I dont see anything wrong with this oil

[@GeneratorReviews]

They probably didn’t show it on camera, but there is metal flakes in the first oil change.

[@adeharris4457]

It's better to run a genny on full throttle at first to warm it up before putting it into idle this generator can't do that

[@htiekmahned8859]

Aluminum is metal Only ferrous metals containing iron are magnetic 🥴🥴🥴

[@GeneratorReviews]

👍🏾

[@JW-us7qh]

You know I thought my girlfriend handled a big load really well but now I know there’s something out here that handles big loads just as well.

[@GeneratorReviews]

🤦🏽‍♂️🤣🙆🏽‍♂️