The NEW Harbor Freight Predator 5000 Watt Dual-Fuel SUPER QUIET Inverter Generator - Full Unbox!

[@mancavechronicles2139]

I finally got in touch with HF customer service. There are a batch of these units that have propane issues. The issue is after 70 hours running on propane the electric starter quits working and the remote start quits working. The units will still start with pull rope. The serial numbers are 230615xxxxx thru 230628xxxxx. Harbor Freight will replace these units when new units become available . Estimated time is december or january .

[@3SeasRecreation]

Good evening, that is good to know! Thankfully I have zero desire to use the propane option but I will check our vin number. Thank you for the excellent information!

[@Rainbowrobb]

Very useful informaiton. Have you been able to exchange yours?

[@mancavechronicles2139]

@@Rainbowrobb The serial number of my unit is outside the affected units. So I do not see the need in exchanging it, nor will HF exchange it even if I wanted to.

[@briangoudy5118]

I appreciate the video tutorial!! I don’t care how long it took. Great for us newbies!!

[@carlosnino421]

How much you pay?

[@johngilman5853]

Great review! Got a 25% off coupon from HF manager in e-mail today and ran on down and picked up the same 5000 watt Predator. Had been looking at the 3500 for a while - but with the coupon, the 5000 was a no-brainer.

[@TheAngryAgent]

The coupon I got said it can't be used for generators

[@johngilman5853]

​@richievengeance9687 Yep, they usually exclude most.of the good stuff. This coupon was not the usual mass mailing. Coupon had my name.on it and stated was good for any single item - no exclusions. Even the staff at the store was surprised.

[@419rugger]

I did the same thing , I said screw that 3500

[@troyp6750]

Just bought today, 4/12/24 $899.00 sale. Good price for me.

[@RyanKelly-u5k]

Hello, how did you guys receive coupons for that amount off, I would love to purchase the 5000 for our camper. Thank you

[@divindave6117]

I suffered during the Texas Freeze Out in Winter of 2021, so I bought a HF 2200 generator in case of another emergency. In June 2023, we had another week long power outage with temps in the mid 90s and I found out the hard way the 2200 although good, wasn't enough like I was hoping it would be. I considered the 3500, but am a little shy that it might also be too small in case of another real emergency. Thanks for posting this in depth video, what sold me on this is the accessibility to the engine compartment, and frankly it looks like it will be a breeze to use and work on if I have to.

[@youtubejunky7481]

You need to figure out what you need to run. Add up the power requirements. Volts x Amps=watts Then you need to look closer to generators. This is not a true 5000 watt generator. It is 3900 on gas and lower on propane. The 5000 is starting watts. So when something start is takes more power to get it going. Then once it is going the load reduces. So do not by this generator thinking it is a 5000 watt gen. It will burn up if you run a constant 5k on it. Need to look at the continuous run watts.

[@LarryButler-kp3se]

Shop around for a used commercial diesel genset for your home/shop. I bought a 33KW Yanmar powered, auto start diesel from a hospital remote clinic for $1000 with 300 hours on it, full hot switchgear and remote controls. They upgraded to 150KW. Cost me some time and uhaul rental to drive across a couple of states to get it. When the lights blink, it starts and switches the whole place to itself in 15 seconds.

[@davemi00]

Do Not confuse Peak Wattage w Actual Running Wattage. 5,000 Peak will give about 3,900 actual running Watts on Gas, 3,500 Watts Propane.

[@Mhogies910]

Youcouldn’t of made a better video than that. I like that you went over every component on there and explained it very well. Thanks a lot. I just bought this one.

[@maringaragedoor58]

I bought mine today and I forgot to plug the battery so I use the manual start and it worked great 😂 didn’t know I had to plug the battery

[@code3k5]

Since it has no oil filter I'd get a magnetic dipstick, better than absolutely nothing

[@sanseiryu]

Propane is so much cleaner. No maintenance, no spills, no constant refilling gas tank. No draining gas for storage. Less full power wattage, but it rare to have run a generator at full power output anyway.

[@KILYOS1991]

Thanks for the detailed video. After hurricane Sandy up in NJ, propane seems to be a better choice of fuel since it was almost impossible to get gas. I thank you for the clear demonstration.

[@kevinmurphy3464]

The hot tip is using break-in oil for the first 30 hours and upgrade to an NGK spark plug with the same heat range.

[@bachatas809]

This is the best explained video ever HF should paid you a comission for this

[@hfjeff2736]

Just bought one and it is awesome. I had to drive 1 hour to find a Harbor Freight that had one is stock as they are selling really well. The design on this thing is fantastic. It is really made for easy access maintenance and repair. Like it way better than the Westinghouse i4500DFc.

[@richhare3765]

Thanks for posting the video. Living in NW Florida, I've been considering replacing our emergency gas generator (portable) with a much quieter inverter. Your demo of the Harbor Freight Predator generator was very informative.

[@tomtee4442]

I've converted generators to dual fuel and tri fuel. One big advantage if the generator won't start up on gasoline. If you forget to start it and the carburetor is gummed up or needle and seat problems. You could simply switch over to propane it's the more dependable fuel. With any propane or natural gas engine. I like to have a manual primer bulb on the regulator. It puts propane into the engine and you can hear it. And the engine starts up faster.

[@andysmith6685]

Very helpful video. Watched it before I cranked mine up for the first time today. Purring like a kitten. Thank you!

[@3SeasRecreation]

Glad it helped! Enjoy The Ride, Jared

[@tombauer5293]

I’m very glad to see that it has a plastic fuel tank. Adjusting the valves on this will be so much easier than on the 2kw Honda. Watch out for the generators that have steel fuel tanks. They’re nothing but problems.

[@thetazva]

Did you oil the air filter? It doesn't come pre-oiled. Also get an NGK plug as the ones they come with are junk. Also remember when you are dragging it around with the handle to allow the oil to settle back down into the crankcase as you raise the engine up so high with the handle you are letting the oil run out of the crankcase. Why are you spraying soapy water on the gas lines? Did you expect them to leak ? Also maybe run the gas completely out before you switch to propane.

[@JoyceBourdage]

Great video great help. How do you remove the cover for exhaust beside removing 8 screws. Have 8 ft extension for exhaust and need to remove cover

[@JoyceBourdage]

Great video helps a lot. Have 8 ft extension for exhaust and tried to remove screws for exhaust side and ti look at exhaust and trouble is there a trick on removing this side to see exhaust

[@TwoCaptainsOneShip]

Nice review. New subscriber. I just picked one up today!

[@Atlas.X9X]

Nice video, thanks for sharing.

[@Achilles-wk5fs]

I think that's badass!!! Also for you for showing it all in steps!!! I hate reading and trying to understupid manual.!!! Now I know!!! Thank!!! You!!! So!!! Much!!! I have the loud ass 4750 gas generator. Very good, but I need this quiet one!!!

[@3SeasRecreation]

So cool! Thanks for taking the time to check out our video!

[@haroldbell213]

I got a taste of that bad winter myself. I have a standing gas powered one with maybe 150 hours on it. Thinking about one of these

[@beauhatman4395]

The documentation does, indeed, show the correct oil quantity to add..... FWIW, in my "owner's manual", the info is on "page 4", under "specifications". About halfway down the column, you'll see "Engine Oil". To the right of that: Type SAE 10w 30 and Capacity 0.64 Quart / 0.60 Liter. Also, some are saying the foam air filter, which ships completely dry, should be oiled. They are correct. However, the manual doesn't say this in the "initial startup" section. It is only written in the "Air Filter Maintenance" section, which is on Page 28. Use the normal procedure for oiling foam air filters and you'll be good to go. The "clean/replace" interval is: Every 3 months or 50hrs of gen use.

[@Julianme-pm7vb]

Best video on on this generator

[@mawortman72]

I picked up one of these yesterday 11/2024. Any suggestions for substitutes as far as California gasoline goes. It's got ethanol, but really don't know how that will affect this unit. Any help would be appreciated.

[@paultice610]

I think if you’re going to run propane, you would have better luck before you switch over by putting up the storage and just let it burn all the fuel out of the carburetor. It was running on gas and propane at the same time, so it was running too rich.

[@3SeasRecreation]

Good Morning, I agree. It is odd how they stated that we can switch from one fuel to the other while the unit is running without it causing an issue. I think it would still have the same hiccups that I encountered. Enjoy, Jared

[@petecoventry6858]

@@3SeasRecreation My generator has a switch you can use when it's running. I guess the tech is getting better

[@derekteyler6030]

All the engine specifications, including oil amount, is on page 3.

[@LarryButler-kp3se]

I like the exhaust outlet is easily accessible so I can weld a nipple on it. For years my Honda EU1000i little genset was connected to a coil of 1/2" copper tubing with a genset powered fan blowing across the coil. The tubing fed the exhaust under my step van floor outside. Running the little Honda inside the van the cooling fan of the genset PLUS the heat recovered from the exhaust tubing kept the leaky van toasty warm in cold weather, recovering 99% of the waste heat for a 30w load fan. This left the total AC output to power my electronics shop in the van. This genset could be easily set up the same way.

[@keiththompson2289]

Do all the things you need to attach it to propane, come with the unit?

[@luismrodriguez7360]

Here is my experience so far with the predator 5000 The first one barely lasted close to 90 days and it dropped the voltage out put. Got it replace under store waranty. The second predator lasted 6 months and began mixing fuel with engine oil Luckily I had purchased a two year warranty so I just got another Replacement unit and just out of the box brand new it began surging at idle and won't hold steady idle regardless where the throttle controls button is . I called harbor freight technical support and they instructed me to return it back to the store. I only use the generator on my country property to run lights and a small refrigerator occasionally on summer weekends. I would like to hear more from people using it for commercial use. How long will it last? That's the question......

[@thomastjg53]

That’s really nice. Good options, I like it.

[@3SeasRecreation]

Thanks 👍 It will certainly come in handy at the races! Enjoy The Ride, Jared

[@1new-man]

TY Sir Awesome job; extremely informative!

[@hillustration]

When you decide to store these generators, you can set the switch to off/storage and it will run till it uses all of the fuel in the carb and lines and then shut down to avoid gumming up the carb. You still need to add stabil or something to the gas in the tank.

[@LarryButler-kp3se]

This Stabil nonsense is totally unnecessary. Simply ALWAYS store the gen with the gas tank full to the mark. Gas doesn't "go bad" on its own. A tank NOT full breathes in at night and out in the morning, venting the light elements that make gas evaporate. Full tanks on every gas airplane work this way. No breathing cycle also prevents water vapor from entering the tank at night. Metal tanks are far better than plastic. Sealing tank vents also prevents this cycle even if the tank isn't full.

[@JoSt5646]

@Larry - not true ... Well true in all 49 states NOT called California. We've been gifted the commie gas - ethanol.

[@rightbro]

@@LarryButler-kp3seI left my generator in a full tank for almost two years, power went out here in Houston a few months back and I pulled it out and it started up like a champ.

[@bradleyyounger8499]

Every other one ive seen says to shut gas off while running to empty carb before switching to propane. The positive about running propane is creates much less carbon monoxide

[@highbeam629]

wrong. It absolutely still creates carbon monoxide when running on propane. OMG.

[@bradleyyounger8499]

@@highbeam629 lol.. I corrected the sentence for you

[@tomtee4442]

The man is right propane creates less toxins than gasoline.

[@froglaps40]

Page 3 in the owners manual it specifies .64 quarts of oil.

[@byronhaley5947]

Great video, very through and informative

[@kingadaroad6595]

You mentioned at the point where you had just connected the propane line that you weren't sure if you had to prime the propane in anyway. Unless you drained the gasoline from the float bowl, prior to connecting the propane line, the unit would start on the remaining gasoline in the float bowl and then run on the propane which is a ported gas, (Not in liquid form). The remaining gasoline in the float bowl will simply pulled through the carburetor jets until the float bowl is empty. No "Priming", required.

[@SarinaTeyler]

I’m hoping you can help, what is the black part called that’s hooked to the propane hose and regulator? Also do you know where to get a replacement battery?

[@CPUDOCTHE1]

What is the black thing between the regulator and hose? Is it required for the generator to work? I want to plumb the generator into my RV propane supply.

[@luismeza656]

you need to coat air filter with oil. helps catch small particles.

[@pakistangeographicchannel529]

After how many hours it need tuning & oil change?

[@rjmarin4889]

Thank you for your time to make this great video to help how is work very helpfully

[@mancavechronicles2139]

The predator 5000 has been taken off HF website and the display models have been taken off the shelves in the two HF stores I go to.

[@joey24698]

on the box the last 3 digits of the long UPC # is it 544 or 077? Thank you

[@nicholaspiscitelli7685]

Very thorough review thanks

[@JoSt5646]

Does anyone know if the carb is completely accessible without having to remove half the parts? Ive got a westinghouse in gonna use as a boat anchor it keeps gumming up snd the carb is just a charlie foxtrot to get to.

[@ralphlooney325]

The bendix in the starter sounds like its about to fail. (The sound you hear just as the engine starts.) I would take it back for a replacement asap.

[@williamthomas4912]

Hey where did you get that gas can?

[@Oharsh0928]

Can you drain the entire gas tank with that hose that runs from the carburetor? I don’t like to store my generator at the end of the season with gas in the tank?

[@KingdomUploader]

30 hours at 70%. Please say how i will know if i'm running at 70% capacity. Will it tell you that on the display or what? Oh and you can break it in on gas or on propane? would one fuel type over the other be best for break in purposes or does it matter? Thanks!

[@A_Man_In_His_Van]

Just so you are aware, the remote start is just that. It isnt an a/c switch If you are thinking of having the air conditioner switched on, and then remote starting it from bed, it is super hard on the inverter board capacitors to do that. Both on startup and shutdown. Make sure there are no loads hooked up when starting or shutting down. So start the generator, let it stabilize, then apply your load, or switch the air on.

[@marshtonk5323]

Curious if you can hook up a 100 lb bottle to this?

[@3SeasRecreation]

I am not sure how big of a tank you could hook up. I would assume as long as the connection coming out of the propane tank is the same you would be ok. But, I would check the owner manual first. Enjoy The Ride, Jared

[@beauhatman4395]

With the proper adapters, you can hook up anything to anything.....

[@masonpugh3637]

Wow two hook together its not real heavy i love mine got 2 years still well strong i need to get that hook up love back up pull start plus super quiet to

[@milashk1099]

Hello please if i want to hook it to the house through inlet box what i can run with it on propane.can you please just list the stuff i can run in the same time like what essentials?

[@turbo5483]

This generator looks really nice 👍

[@harrypersaud9422]

Excellent video sir

[@craigh3332]

What are the running watts of this generator?

[@MacsForever1]

When you run on Propane I've learned that you need to slowly open the valve on the tank so the safety switch in the hose assembly doesn't activate.

[@MWR-lg9qp]

Great video. Very helpful.

[@3SeasRecreation]

Much appreciated! Enjoy The Ride, Jared

[@melindaa.wills-girnus8429]

That’s great!! I’m looking to get this also for my RV I’ll look for a coupon bc I do need some $$ off to save a bit …

[@evanescence8830]

Harbor freight has them for $799 on Black Friday

[@moisesfernandez8012]

Excellent video thank you very much

[@donm3844]

I have a genmax 12000 watt generator, I never put gasoline in my generator and only run it on propane, that way it always starts even after sitting a year or 2 ,even if you don't start it on a regular basis , I know Mine sat 2 years and we had a tornado go thru knocking out power and over 4000 poles were down ,my battery was dead but mine pull started on propane the 2nd pull. It ran a entire week powering the entire house, AC ,fridge,well pump and we were just fine, I would go thru a grill tank on mine every 5 hours and we turned it off at night for 8 hours till morning, I have 6 propane tanks and we learned I needed a bigger tank so I wasn't going out to get refills every other day, I then picked up a 100 gallon tank and 2 forklift tanks so now I should be able to go all day on the forklift tanks and maybe 2 days on the 100 pound tank, so it pays to be prepared.

[@mohamedgharib2791]

Good demonstration

[@tomtee4442]

I learned the hard way with any inverter generator. Be careful plugging things in watch the generator if the red overload light comes on (At All) back the power off immediately orcutt the generator off. I burned up 2 Chinese inverter generators. The inverter boards in these Chinese inverter generators are not made for abuse they won't throw a breaker they'll just burn up.

[@Capnchaos4202]

I just went out and bought mine today. Sadly, I’m going to use this to charge my Jackery solar generator.

[@JoSt5646]

Sadly? That's a win! I need to power a CPAP and a/c in my tent. Use the jackery at night... Run the generator to recharge the jackery at day.

[@navyvet3660]

What size jackery do you have.

[@Capnchaos4202]

I have the 3000 pro and 4 solar panels

[@frankelias1952]

Can I run 30 amp RV with this Ya know air and fridge and lights???

[@roybest8403]

yes and microwave on gasoline, however it will run rv ac and fridg but not microwave on propane.

[@mrvang8077]

I'm just worried about the long-term reliability. How well is it gonna hold up. Or is it just another pile of scrap after the manufacturer warranty expired.

[@edbaird7687]

Thank you. Now I am very interested in that generator. That is exactly what I want at my camp. And thank you for not going on about your life. We just wanna know about the product. The price would have been nice though?

[@oddball7483]

Well! As with all these products its the after purchase service provided that matters more than the product. Especially if you don't live in the U.S.A. !

[@nicholaspiscitelli7685]

I bought a Wen generator and it has the same air filter, But I think it's a better quality machine. But what do I know?

[@azeissler1987]

How much gas does it hold? The website doesn't state it online

[@Geoonthegrind]

3.7 gallons

[@Robert_Mann]

That HFP 5000 is neat but lets see more of that 69/70 hiding in the shop!

[@firemanrh]

Actually the owners manual does tell you how much oil to add. It’s .64 which equals 20.48 fluid ounces

[@DIYJim-wx6hq]

Some 5000w HF generators have valve guide problems and no parts are available. If it breaks you may have to throw it away. Not a reason to not buy, just know this.

[@cityguyable]

You have to disconnect the battery when you go to prime the oil with the pull cord or else it’ll fire up on you like yours did.

[@3SeasRecreation]

Good point, I was shocked with how fast it started! I don't think any damage occurred. I was more just trying to prime the carburetor. Enjoy The Ride, Jared

[@froglaps40]

Not necessary, just make sure the on/off switch is set to off, then pull all ya want to prime.

[@rdaffon23]

I just purchased this unit and don't have to be as concerned during the next power outage.

[@3SeasRecreation]

Great piece of mind! Thanks for watching and Enjoy The Ride, Jared

[@robertdoell4321]

You are so easily impressed Wow Cool.

[@jamesdewart1772]

The web site for the 3000 version has a 2.3 gallon tank and gives 11 hours on 25% load. Who is ever going to run such a low load? I don’t see these sipping fuel any less than any other generator. Nice informative vid though, and product looks good.

[@davemi00]

Synthetic 5W-30 is a great, All Weather Oil. -22°F to 118°F. Easier Starts and Less Oil consumption.

[@spacecoastz4026]

Nice review, but a 90 day warranty is a deal-breaker.

[@michaelc9128]

It's $900 but for another $300 you can get the 2 year. Not a bad deal anything happens just take it back to the store no messing with manufacturer warranty facility

[@banksuvladimir]

The 90 day is standard, you pay for extended warranties of one or two years

[@spacecoastz4026]

@@banksuvladimir My Champion came with a three year warranty.

[@michaelc9128]

@@spacecoastz4026 but with your champion will the store take care of the item or do you ship it off to manufacturer repair facility

[@banksuvladimir]

@@spacecoastz4026 good for you. How much did the generator cost

[@suzannepidgeon9267]

We cannot find the serial number on our unit. Insane. Can someone share where it’s posted?

[@Idahoprepper71]

The problem with the remote control is, you should never start or shut off your generator with power hooked to it, or can burn the rectifiers out really easily. I find the remote start on my Honda pretty much useless.

[@richardroberts6472]

Mainly for RV use kinda like he mentioned. AC is off during the night so is the gen. You wake up hot remote start the gen then click the AC on inside. Very situational though and have to be mindful of what you mentioned.

[@johnc7406]

As long as no heavy power draw is on, it doesn't matter. I've used a Champion remote start for five years camping with a 24 foot trailer while boondocking. It's nice in the morning to hit the remote for the microwave or electric coffee pot without dressing and going outside. Especially if it's cold.

[@kkutube1972]

The remote start, just it has a time out on your? Mine, work but, after a day, it doesn't work and I have to push the button the generator and then, the remote start working again.

[@3SeasRecreation]

Good Morning, I have not yet let mine sit that long yet to try. I have a feeling that if the generator is turned "off" by the remote switch it will only give a certain amount of time before it "times out". I think it will do this to keep the internal battery from draining down. Enjoy, Jared

[@minaatta1592]

They mention in the manual that it has 12 hours remote start standby time to prevent battery drain, if you didn't start it within 12 hours you will need to reset the battery switch to reactivate the remote start function. I think that makes sense as people may leave these generator stored for a long time and wonder why the battery is dead.

[@kkutube1972]

@@minaatta1592 Thank you for the information.

[@Idahoprepper71]

I never understood why you would start with the smart throttle off. that’s the same as putting your foot to the floor and starting your vehicle and reving it to the max the second you start it without oil pressure.

[@3SeasRecreation]

I agree with that.. We are always taught to start an engine then rev it up after being warmed up. I wonder if it has more to do with the power it is generating and an internal issue? Seems odd to me as well! Enjoy The Ride, Jared

[@Idahoprepper71]

@@3SeasRecreation I have been told it is to warm them up faster before putting a load on them. I always start with eco on and wait 30 seconds or so them plug something in.

[@suzannepidgeon9267]

We cannot find the serial number on our unit. Insane. Can someone share where it’s posted on the unit? We heard it’s only on the outside of the box

[@Rolexenforcer]

Damni have the 3500 and i was thinking about adding a propane kit, might be better off just buying this and selling my 3500

[@Noisycowonline]

The Predator 5000 is Recalled and out of stock. If anyone bought one, check out serial number and take it back if a compromised unit. Issues with up/down throttling with a steady loud and some complaining it stops under load.

[@3SeasRecreation]

This one has been pretty good to us. I have not paid much attention to the possible recall. I will look into it! Thanks, Jared

[@Noisycowonline]

Update - any 5000 bought or shipped after 12/20/23 has issues worked out or so says the HF manager I spoke with today.

[@CP-ok1gv]

@@Noisycowonlinedid you end Up getting one?

[@CPUDOCTHE1]

I stopped at HF today to buy one of these. I wanted a quieter generator than the two that I have. I found out that the generator was on sale yesterday and that they jacked the price up $300 today. Since I just wanted one and didn't need one, I decided to wait until they go on sale or some other company comes out with a competing product. I figure all of the oil fillers and drains are EPA approved so I just do oil fills and changes outside and return the EPA's failures to the Earth.

[@baudeliorodriguez5835]

Where can I get one

[@3SeasRecreation]

Harbor Freight is where we got ours!

[@KingdomUploader]

hmm. they give you four wheels and a carry handle that i'll have to either lift up the weight and roll it on 2 wheels or else crawl on my knees. Once you pulled the handle all way out - i expected it to be hinged and angle up so i can stand and roll it on the 4 wheels. I sure hope they sell a better wheel kit. OR i could strap it on a mower deck like i saw one young fella do :)

[@3SeasRecreation]

Not sure what the confusion is. The 4 wheels are used for pushing it around your garage. The handle is used and you tip it up like folks do with their suitcase in the air port, the weight is not that bad when the handle is all the way out.

[@KingdomUploader]

@@3SeasRecreation yeah i get it now. thank you.

[@nicholaspiscitelli7685]

The air filter tells you the quality of your product

[@greggraham8874]

How much does it cost

[@jmasoncars4452]

$1000

[@3SeasRecreation]

Hey, yep it retails for $1000 and that is what we paid plus tax. Thanks, Jared

[@shutdowngoogle]

18 Oz bottle is enough. First dry fill takes more.

[@bigal6861]

The Auto/Smart throttle mode doesn't work on propane

[@roybest8403]

It does on mine i have the new 24 model.

[@michaelhyland9216]

Buy two of the Predators 9500's and run the house for the price of 1 Honda.

[@Abe-d3g]

Price?

[@deerepower337]

Why would you not first rotate the engine over with the engine switched off and then when you start it start it with ego throttle off

[@mancavechronicles2139]

I own a predator 5000 and luckily my serial number is not affected

[@mancavechronicles2139]

The serial number is embossed on the engine case behind the starter above the oil drain.@@theboii2322

[@CP-ok1gv]

Is yours still working properly?

[@mancavechronicles2139]

yes works great@@CP-ok1gv

[@sboyle8850]

He says he Wasn’t trying to start it but the run switch is turned on 🤔

[@Idahoprepper71]

You need to run all the gas out before running propane

[@dnorth9386]

That must be the off/storage selection? Or will it just turn off instantly like hitting the red switch?