Predator 4400 Watt Inverter Generator: A Review of Failures

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Review of 4400 Watt Inverter Generator by Predator
3. Issues with Running Appliances on the 4400 Watt Generator
4. Overheating and Engine Damage
5. Experience with Warranty and Replacement
6. Alternative Option: 6500 Watt Generator
7. Benefits and Features of the 6500 Watt Generator
8. Fuel Efficiency and Load Capacity Comparison
9. Trade-off: Safety for Electronics
10. Positive Feedback from Sales Manager
11. Conclusion

Review of the 4400 Watt Inverter Generator by Predator

The 4400 Watt Inverter Generator by Predator has been a popular choice among RV owners and campers. However, my experience with this generator has not been entirely positive. While it initially ran well, there were limitations when it came to running certain appliances. In this article, I will discuss the issues I faced with the 4400 Watt Inverter Generator and my decision to switch to a more powerful alternative.

Issues with Running Appliances on the 4400 Watt Generator

One of the main drawbacks of the 4400 Watt Inverter Generator was its inability to run multiple high-power appliances simultaneously. While it could handle running the air conditioner, it would struggle to run additional appliances like a microwave or toaster. This limitation became a major inconvenience during camping trips, especially when I had guests staying in our RV.

Overheating and Engine Damage

Upon further inspection, I discovered that the generators had spark arrestors that easily became clogged with carbon deposits. This caused the 4400 Watt generators to overheat, leading to engine damage. It is worth mentioning that this is based on my personal experience with the generator, and other users may have had different experiences.

Experience with Warranty and Replacement

After experiencing engine damage with two separate units of the 4400 Watt Inverter Generator, I decided to return them for warranty replacement. However, the availability of the same model at Harbor Freight was limited, so I opted for a different option instead.

Alternative Option: 6500 Watt Generator

The 6500 Watt Generator, with a running wattage of 5500 and a starting wattage of 6500, seemed to offer a more reliable power supply. Despite not being an inverter generator, it proved to be a more efficient choice for running various appliances simultaneously, including the air conditioner, toaster, and microwave.

Benefits and Features of the 6500 Watt Generator

The 6500 Watt Generator boasts numerous advantages over the 4400 Watt Inverter Generator. Firstly, it can handle a heavier load without bogging down, thanks to its higher wattage capacity. Additionally, it is more fuel-efficient when running heavier loads, making it suitable for longer camping trips. However, it is important to note that it is not safe for electronics, as it does not provide a pure sine wave output.

Fuel Efficiency and Load Capacity Comparison

In terms of fuel efficiency, the smaller 4400 Watt generator claimed to run for 14.5 hours on a full tank of gas without any load. However, this runtime significantly decreased when the air conditioner was running, dropping to around 8 to 10 hours. On the other hand, the 6500 Watt Generator proved to be more fuel-efficient, even with a heavier load such as an air conditioner.

Trade-off: Safety for Electronics

One disadvantage of the 6500 Watt Generator is its lack of compatibility with electronic devices. Unlike inverter generators that provide a pure sine wave output, this generator may not be suitable for sensitive electronics. However, the trade-off for improved performance and reliability may be worth it for those who primarily need to power appliances rather than electronics.

Positive Feedback from Sales Manager

During the process of returning the faulty 4400 Watt Inverter Generators, I had a conversation with the sales manager at Harbor Freight. He informed me that the issues I faced were not unique and that many customers had returned these generators due to various problems. This firsthand feedback from a reliable source further reinforced my decision to switch to the 6500 Watt Generator.

Conclusion

Based on my experiences with the 4400 Watt Inverter Generator and the subsequent switch to the 6500 Watt Generator, I would strongly advise against purchasing the former. The limitations in running multiple appliances and the risk of engine damage make it an unreliable choice. The 6500 Watt Generator, while not suitable for electronic devices, offers better performance, fuel efficiency, and overall reliability. Consider your specific power requirements and choose a generator that best suits your needs.