Predator 3500 Mods

[@TheChemistDIY]

Great job brother, I love it when people can take an idea, modify it, and take it to another level. thanks for citing your source.. that remote start is pretty pimp too..

[@LiveTodayLikeItMatters]

Great video! We have the Predator but haven’t used it yet. Will definitely come back to this video when we set ours up.

[@GimpyCamper]

It’s a great tool in the tool bag, but there is very limited dry camping around here😢

[@mikeboggess9521]

Great job addressing each issue and making it's operation safe.

[@GimpyCamper]

Thanks friend

[@Popgunner101]

Nice for sure. We tried to run ours placed on the ground by the trailer but when the wind blew the fumes under the trailer the fumes ended up inside the trailer and the CO alarm went off. We've been placing the Predator out about 50 feet away and it's been great.

[@GimpyCamper]

I’ve not had any issues yet, I don’t use it all that often though. I added another CO monitor just inside the bedroom above it to be safe. It’s never went off

[@tylerhowerton8518]

I actually had the same issue as you and everybody does the bypass for the o2 sensor and now mine has not cut off again only from running out of fuel 😂 Edit: I do not have my generator under the camera though it’s off about 15 feet from me and the exhaust faced away I wouldn’t suggest bypassing if you have it under your trailer might but yourself

[@grrrrr2936]

Was wondering why you did this and finally saw a comment about your spinal cord injury. Good job!

[@sodiumvapor13]

Great handywork! subbed

[@GimpyCamper]

Thanks!

[@RVLivingYet]

Mad scientist LOL great mod!

[@GimpyCamper]

Thanks!

[@GrowingPains917]

Great job

[@rickbraden4272]

It looks like a nice mod & very useful. I have a concern with that tight radius 90° elbow. That is going to restrict the exhaust flow. It will work against you more under heavier power output. I know you had more problems with your original flex pipe. That bend radius is much more gradual & less restrictive. Hopefully someone may have an idea to make it work better. The exhaust restriction will create more back pressure & raise exhaust Temps. That will make the exhaust valve run hotter.

[@GimpyCamper]

This was a concern I had, but the 1” pipe is quite a bit larger than the diameter of the factory exhaust. I really don’t think it is restricting the flow. The one problem I have had is the screws getting loose. I got some high temp thread locker, I’m hoping it solves my issue

[@ronmoore3987]

​@@GimpyCamper1 inch great Sir, I gots 2 get that 1 inch plate and go from there. Did you ever have to bypass any CO DETECTOR at all ????

[@GimpyCamper]

@@ronmoore3987 my model doesn’t have one

[@markseamans4682]

Great idea! One question: How to you fill up the fuel?

[@GimpyCamper]

2 things… I’ve changed the exhaust again… the most up to date video is here kzbin.info/www/bejne/mnapeqJ7qNF8laM Secondly, I use this pump. I’m in the process of doing a re review on it kzbin.info/www/bejne/f6iZmKyhmdekbcU

[@michaeltaylor1764]

Where is the link to the screws that you used? I brought the supplied 5mm screws to a hardware store and tried to thread it into a 5mm .8 pitch nut, and the 5mm .8 nut wouldn't go onto the Predator supplied bolts. If they would have fit the Predator supplies bolts, I would have purchased 5mm .8 pitch bolts.

[@GimpyCamper]

My man… do yourself a favor and take back any of the stuff you had from this project. New video coming but those screws always came loose… I’ll give you the rundown… get a diesel heater hose, it’ll slip right on, I even found a heavy duty clamp that works well with it but I really think just a hose clamp would do it… links coming

[@GimpyCamper]

2.5CM/1in Inner Stainless Steel... www.amazon.com/dp/B094NC59P8?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

[@GimpyCamper]

Heavy Duty Yellow Zinc Universal... www.amazon.com/dp/B01N6XU1K5?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

[@davidjeffries47]

I would add a cap or mesh to your exhaust to keep bugs out. Years ago I had dirt daubers get into a generator exhaust and make a nest. Had to disassemble to get it cleaned out. It was an Onan and had to remove it from truck camper to work on it.

[@GimpyCamper]

Not a bad idea, but I think it’s unlikely since the exhaust is inside unless it’s running

[@mikebarnea4789]

@@GimpyCamper inside is exactly where mud daubers like to build there nests. If you are using it on a regular basis I wouldn't worry about it. Also I dont think they're in every part of the country. If you dont use it regularly, brass/copper wool in the pipe wouldnt be a bad idea.

[@Kid617]

do u have a vide on how u added the fan to ur setup

[@GimpyCamper]

Yes I do, but it was only on a drawer slide that was a 2x4 mounted between two other pieces of 2x4. The original install video is here kzbin.info/www/bejne/h3mTg2aBm6-GrpI but I’m also going to give you a link to my newest, best, and cheapest exhaust… it’s the only one that doesn’t rattle loose. kzbin.info/www/bejne/eaq7fJVrhsZ_gbc

[@crusin73]

great idea and smart. you did mention that you removed the wheels. did you bolt it down to your tray? if so, how? did you use vibration dampeners or only that mat? I just picked one up (Predater 3500) and was going to mount it on the toung of my cargo trailer permanently. and was wondering how much fabrication I am needing to do and where to get all the supplies I need at a fair / reasonable price. any ideas?

[@GimpyCamper]

I did remove the wheels. I didn’t bolt it down. It’s only sitting on the mat. I then have straps holding it down. Not sure about the supplies. If you want to do the remote start kit use code “gimpy” for free shipping. I’ve had a couple issues with interference but for the most part it’s a great system

[@crusin73]

@@GimpyCamper THANKS FOR THE FAST REPLY. I was thinking along the lines of replacing the wheels with angle brackets and mount those to some solid rubber vibration dampeners. not real impressed with the remote starter kit. really didn't see the point sense you have to physically turn the gen. on & off switch any way. thanks for the info.

[@supremeautomotive6749]

So people know diesel heater exhaust pipe and mufflers fit right ontop these

[@michaeloreilly3162]

Which model would you recommend? I was checking these out prior to finding this video.

[@GimpyCamper]

My hero... I just changed to the diesel heater tubing... I think it will be much better

[@supremeautomotive6749]

@@GimpyCamper yeah you can get the muffler for it also

[@supremeautomotive6749]

Works great i have a video on my channel of it

[@billmcvoy3217]

I have the Harbor Freight 4000, I want to install the watt meter on the 240 side and can't find one. What meter are they using and how would I wire it (not technical) I prefer something that has case I can attached to the frame for low cost.

[@GimpyCamper]

I hadn’t ran across that one before... sorry but I’m if no use...

[@scottsymonds1950]

cool but if the fuel leaks theres nowhere to go and then ya got a major issue?

[@GimpyCamper]

It’s outside and it can drip through the holes drilled in the tray

[@biglap.australia]

Wow impressive wonder if that work on my Honda?

[@GimpyCamper]

I have an updated video but I had issues with this exhaust. I actually found with the predator an exhaust clamp and a diesel heater exhaust worked best

[@biglap.australia]

@@GimpyCamper interesting to grab some US ideas and use them here in Australia. @biglap.aus

[@tom8592]

Some thing to keep in mind, and you might want to check yours, my predator leaks gas into the carburetor when the valve is shut off, nothing leaks out of the machine onto the ground it just refills the carburetor bowl. If I drain the carburetor, come back a few minutes later it will drain again, and again, the valve closes off but not all the way, I ordered a new one.

[@johnnysteigenberger5703]

Did the new one fix the problem?

[@tom8592]

@@johnnysteigenberger5703 Never got it, harbor freight on March 17 said they would send me a new one, and it never showed up, I'm going to put a in line shut off in myself.

[@kinnco]

Probably wouldn’t be a bad idea to put a cap on the end of that pipe just keep mud Dobbers and wasp out. Also could you leave me a link on the sliding shelf that the generator was sitting on?

[@GimpyCamper]

I can do you one better... I will put the link below, but watch this video about the installation process because it should be easy, but you may have luck like mine. Just know what you are getting into! kzbin.info/www/bejne/h3mTg2aBm6-GrpI

[@GimpyCamper]

kzbin.info?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbDN3eDNnR3NlaElPUWhhM0hVVEFGUFlYZk5wUXxBQ3Jtc0tuVHY5ZndTWkI1UnBDc1pLdjhSdTVPY2lUNE5fc1JJbVNFSlFVb0k2RmZyeGZpM2ppMUlFOFduQkJEVHVYWUNfdWsteTJXX2E0YlRfTE0taXhBcGs0WXZlUktrUm5IT0wzQ1FQdnMzMW9tVV9OY2NuQQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Famzn.to%2F2THZMA4

[@GimpyCamper]

I will say the slide tray is very well built and glides great, even with the weight.

[@wanderingandroid]

wait, so these things doesn't have any fans inside the case to move the hot air out?

[@GimpyCamper]

No, it is air cooled and i do not believe there is a fan built in to assist

[@wanderingandroid]

so, it's passively being "cooled" by the hot air inside the box. that can't be good for the motor. i wonder what the difference in temps are if you run it open without the case.

[@GimpyCamper]

Yes, that’s my understanding. Some people leave the oil fill door off or add more vent holes... some people say that actually decreases the air the machine draws through it passively... I’m not sure

[@wanderingandroid]

i'm just used to the loud open air generators. i understand this design makes it quieter and compact. but i think the trade was the engine not lasting as long.

[@fike301]

exhaust mod 10 min vid?

[@gregpalmer572]

This is exciting.. Could you give an honest description of the noise it makes? I mean I know its quiet, but is it quiet enough for light sleepers inside the trailer and maybe close by tent dwellers? Instinctively I would opt not to be obtrusive to my neighbors, but can I let it slide with this generator? thanks

[@GimpyCamper]

So I’ll say that I do feel a bit obtrusive if there are no other ambient noises in the area. I had someone complain about it once and a ranger came down in his car and said “I need to talk to you about your generator, you are running a generator aren’t you?” He couldn’t hear it over his late model Ford Explorer. Mounting it this way has slight vibration that is even less after I put it on the mat, but the noise and vibration are noticeable because it’s mounted under the bedroom. It’s not bad, but I usually don’t use it at night either.

[@brentsikes1398]

Will that’s size generator run the a/c

[@GimpyCamper]

Yes, they actually say you can run it with a 2200 watt generator if you also install a soft start.

[@thetraveltrailerguy]

Another great modification :) regarding the exhaust pipe worries of the tip hitting or being close to the door when closing you might consider cutting around 3/4" - 1" off the end of the pipe if you haven't considered doing this already? What do you think? Mike

[@GimpyCamper]

I didn’t really think about it but it’s a good idea... thanks

[@trainwreck1906]

I have the same generator and cleaning the spark arrestor is a pain. I may try this as an alternative

[@GimpyCamper]

You can simply remove the spark arrestor and keep it around in case someone says something about it... that’s what a lot of people do

[@jakeolsen2764]

Use a ngk bpr7es plug will help, sure did my generator wonders at 5500-8000 ft. And maybe a high altitude kit.

[@genegodwin769]

You probably can get a second mufler and screw it on hand tightened when you want quiet even more when you need to . it would be easy to remove when not needed . just thinkin ?

[@GimpyCamper]

Not a bad idea

[@ronmoore3987]

Second muffler hmm, I got to remember that one friend.mine sits in bed of pick up trukk, and I toss and turn some times listenin to it good idea chap!

[@timphilmon8573]

Will this gen pull a 15k A/C?

[@GimpyCamper]

Yes, I run my 15k air conditioner with it. They say you can even use a smaller one if you add a soft start

[@daytonehlers615]

@@GimpyCamper I’m looking at getting one of these and I have a 15000 btu AC, can it start the AC when you have it on eco mode?

[@GimpyCamper]

I always have mine on eco mode. If you really want to do the best possible thing it would be to install a soft start on it as well

[@bobham919]

how gas does it burn in say 10 hours?

[@GimpyCamper]

It varies heavily on the load... I’ve had times where I’ve used it 8-10 hours in a day an a tank (2.5 gallons) last 2-3 days just powering fans and saws and such while working on a project camper. If you are using an RV air conditioner or a higher load, then it would probably be about 2.5-3.5 gallons for that 10 hours

[@GimpyCamper]

Usually I use between 5-12 Gallons of gas on a weekend trip depending on my needs

[@GimpyCamper]

Btw my weekend trips are 3 days

[@thomasc5817]

If he put an lp conversion kit on it he would burn about a pound of gas an hour under full load. I converted all my generators to lp as I hate ethanol gas in small engines.. Even my John Deer riding mower runs on lp...😆

[@ttseroga1986]

You want the westinghouse 4500, more watts, quieter, remote start and cheaper.

[@GimpyCamper]

Well not really since the 3500 is paid for and I have all the kinks worked out. I also have that remote start. For me the extra 1000 watts doesn’t make a difference as I never use 50 amp service even though my RV is a 50 amp camper and 30 amp only supports 3600 watts. But yes, if I started over now, that’s probably the one I’d pick

[@thomasc5817]

Next mod.. Put an LP conversion kit on it and never deal with gas again

[@GimpyCamper]

Imo... it’s easier to go find 5 gallons of gas when boondocking than 20 lbs of propane and if I understand correctly both of those sizes will run near the same length of time on one fill. That being said, I have 300 watts of solar and around my area there isn’t that many places to boondock. Also I rarely use more than 5 gallons of gas in a weekend so it would probably work but I’d always be nervous I was going to run out of propane and not have heat for the night 🤷‍♂️

[@GimpyCamper]

I’m planning on getting an open frame generator for my house backup power since this is hard to get in and out now. For that one I’m definitely doing a propane conversion and hopefully getting a bigger tank

[@jsm9715]

Just used the fan , without doing any modifications!!!!!!, the fan will move the exhaust past the camper.

[@GimpyCamper]

and that's probably true... but as I said in the previous install video... I'm a little ocd about it.

[@user-ge3fx6yj8v]

All that work when you could just take 10 seconds and move it ten feet away from your camper...

[@GimpyCamper]

Doesn’t hurt my spinal cord injury this way 🤷‍♂️

[@TonyBSyr]

Weighs over 100 pounds with fuel and that is too much for most people to handle on their own.

[@herbieberieherb]

AND GET IT STOLEN BY TWEEKERS !

[@jesserevilla992]

Bro I like you; But this is a hack job.. Ouch ! Now hey it works for you.

[@GimpyCamper]

Ok.. this proves people can take constructive criticism without needing a safe space. On my initial install video you left a comment of praise. So please explain why you think these mods that I did sense then are a hack job? I think it’s a better fit and finish and has slightly less vibration. I guess I’m saying “let me have it”... tell me what you think I should have done differently

[@SuperStar-nz5xy]

@@GimpyCamper Jesse is a hater.. its a great mod.

[@kevincampbell3173]

you could have filled that compartment with lithium batteries and an inverter, put some panels on the roof and you wouldn't need the generator

[@GimpyCamper]

Well considering there are some lithium batteries, a converter, 300 watts of solar, and a small inverter I already have a lot of that. In order to replace a generator I’d need about 8k more dollars to throw at it to build the system you describe. That being said, both systems are overkill here on the eastern US where dispersed camping is Extremely limited

[@geraldkoth654]

@@GimpyCamper I do not dry camp at all. The real problem is that campground electric is a lot like campground wifi. Sometimes it works and sometimes it does not work. I have had to run my two Honda generators for up to five days when a car took out a main pole on the highway. Many times two days. And a lot of one day runs. I am looking at doing exactly what you have done with a roll out tray mount. Mine would be on the rear as my TT is built like a fiver but with the rear raised above storage and utility. I will run a "flue" up the side of my ladder and use a union to attach the pipe that feeds the flue. Get that exhaust up and away. Your fan probably helps a ton to disperse that exhaust. Nice setup you have made with that genny.

[@GimpyCamper]

I’ve never had problems at a park with electric but I’ve only had WiFi worth using once... lol...

[@dama6497]

K

[@HossBoss-pl1qc]

This is really a bad idea.this person has no engineering back ground. This is going to end up being g a bent or broken axial. He has reduced the structural strength of the axial.