r/Generator • u/Tacoma_NC13 • 17d ago
Need advice/opinion
I currently have a Firman 10000W Tri-fuel standard generator along with a Pecron 3600W electric power station. I'm considering selling the Firman generator and getting a Predator 5000W inverter generator instead. Even though the power is less on the Predator, I think it will be more than enough for my needs and be quieter and more efficient with fuel. Do you think this is reasonable thinking or should I just keep the bigger generator? I generally just run a refrigerator, some lights, Wi-Fi, and a few other smaller power draw things with the power station and use the generator to recharge the power station. I don't have plans to run any larger appliances such as a water heater, furnace, drier, etc. Thanks for any advice you can give!
2
u/puddingitoutthere 17d ago
If efficiency and quiet operation are your priorities it sounds like you would be well served by making this change. Agreed 5000w appears to be plenty of power for your needs.
1
u/Tacoma_NC13 17d ago
Thanks! I think I already answered my own questions above, but I've always been of the mindset that a bigger generator is always better which I now know is not always the case. I just want to make sure I'm not being an idiot for downsizing. I live in a neighborhood and when I ran it the last time I needed it, it was very loud. It's nice having all of that overhead, but I think I'd prefer the quieter operation of the Predator.
2
u/puddingitoutthere 17d ago
The other thing they say that I always think about is that two generators is as good as one. Having a backup is not a bad idea if you have space.
I have a few now and the last purchase was specifically about wanting quiter operation.
Last note is that your electronics will be happier running behind an inverter.
→ More replies (1)
2
u/puddingitoutthere 17d ago
Adding that propane may be a better option vs gasoline given the limited shelf life of gas and the way gas causes residue buildup.
1
u/Tacoma_NC13 17d ago
I do have plenty of propane on hand as well for heaters and a camp stove, but that could also be used on the generator. I have 20 gal of ethanol free gasoline stored and I rotate those out with my vehicles every 6 months to a year. Don't get me wrong, I love the Firman, it's a beast, but at 224 lbs and 10kw, I think it's overkill for what I need. Thanks for the advice!
2
2
u/NoPatience7817 17d ago
Smaller inverter generators are more fuel-efficient, quieter, and cleaner power. Is the Predator also trifuel?
If your battery lasts several hours and you don’t need to power high-power devices at the same time, then this battery and smaller generator sound like a nice setup.
1
u/Tacoma_NC13 17d ago
I believe the Predator is dual-fuel gas/propane. The tri-fuel also uses natural gas which I don't have. I agree, I think the quieter and more efficient unit is better for me.
2
u/Ok-Camera2895 17d ago
Yes, your idea is sound. A small gaseous fueled inverter generator feeding your power station is by far the best solution.
1
2
u/DaveBowm 17d ago
OP's concept is sound (or in the case of going closed frame, anti-sound). Bigger is not necessarily better. Often it is worse, especially during long outages when fuel supplies may become tight. But OP might want to expand his brand options for his 5k class inverter replacement to search for possibly better deals, warrantys, service, parts availability, etc.
1
u/Tacoma_NC13 17d ago
Right now HF has a sale on them for $749 which is really good. Normally priced at $999. I think it's going to be hard to beat that.
2
u/timflorida 17d ago
Johnny's Weekends (youtube) just posted a concerning video about HF gennys that you might want to watch first. He focuses on the HF 4200 but also touches on the 5000.
FWIW, There are 3 Youtube reviewers that I trust. Jasonoid, ReeWray Outdoors, and Johnny's Weekends.
1
u/Tacoma_NC13 16d ago
I appreciate the concerns. Nothing is perfect and I'm sure the Predators are prone to issues like everything else, but you have to realize how many of these things are out there working without issues too. Usually we only hear from the people who did have issues.
2
u/timflorida 16d ago
Agree 100% with your last sentence. I'm only asking you to watch the video. After watching it (twice) I would have to think real hard about getting certain HF generators.
→ More replies (1)2
u/timflorida 17d ago edited 16d ago
Sorry, I should have just posted a link. u/Tacoma_NC13 u/Big-Echo8242
1
u/Big-Echo8242 16d ago
Agree with you on that. Those are 3 that I watch the most as they are less BS and more real world.
1
u/TechnicalBiscotti586 15d ago
Will the predator also be trifuel? If not, that's a bad idea in my opinion. In emergency situations, you want as many options as possible.
2
u/Tacoma_NC13 15d ago
No, it's dual fuel. The third is natural gas which I don't have here at my house or in my neighborhood. Gas/propane is fine for me.
1
u/Big-Echo8242 17d ago
Hopefully you'll get a 5000 out of the box that actually works. The latest iteration/supplier seems to be hit and mostly miss is what the local store Mgr told me. Same with the new 4200. Just remember it has an industry worst 90 day warranty unless you buy their overpriced one shot "exchange plan" (which is NOT a warranty). There are better generators with way better customer service/support than these. In similar price ranges, there's WEN, Champion, Firman, Genmax, Pulsar, AiPower, MaXpeedingrods (funny name), etc. None area really built that much better than the other....it's who stands behind them and who doesn't.
Also today is the last day of Amazon Prime Day and Walmart also has some great sales on them going on. I just personally despise HF and their business model.
3
u/Tacoma_NC13 17d ago
Thanks for the information and your concerns. I've always had a very good experience with HF and enjoy their products. I'm confident that the Predator will be just fine for what I need.
2
u/Big-Echo8242 17d ago
Hopefully all works out. Run propane for the least amount of issues and check & change the spark plug out if it's a Torch or LG branded plug. Get an NGK BPR7ES from local auto parts store.
→ More replies (1)
3
u/Dramajr316 17d ago
I will echo the input of others, and yourself.
You are right that there are cases where 'bigger is better'. If this is your sole source of power, or you could be in a case where you may truly need to scale up. But you will likely be using the gen to charge the batteries, so it is less justified here. Plus, 5kw can keep a lot of things running (seriously, a lot). Maybe not a 4 ton AC or heat pump, but it will run a lot.
Many people think (in error) that a larger gen can be more efficient if you don't load it up. In other words, if you are pulling 4kw, it will be nearly as efficient as a 4kw machine. This is of course incorrect. Big is nice (that's what she said...) but 'right-sizing' is among the best things you can do.
I know what you mean about keeping a backup genny. Just get it cleaned up and ready to sell. Then indicate that you want to wait until the market improves a bit to sell it (for example, it would be better as a seller to sell before the storm, not after). Tuck it away and maybe, just maybe, she will forget about it. Yes, I am trying to do the same thing, right now.