looking at the predator 5000 generator and love that it's remote start and duel fuel but also want a quiet(er) running genny.
I feel like the casing of this generator would cause it to overheat out on the playa (likely when I need it most- peak sun+running AC).
Anyone have experience using quieter generators? Did they overheat easily? Any advice here in general?
The other I'm considering for my energy needs is the less-encased 4500 but it lacks features: duel fuel, remote start, and less efficient fuel economy.
'quiet' generator = easy to overheat?
Re: 'quiet' generator = easy to overheat?
btw- just talked to the guy at Harbor Freight.
He said the ambient heat threshold is around 110 degrees (for propane) and elevation matters too (for propane). Makes less of a difference with gasoline.
Claimed that he has folks in AZ right now using the 5000 inverter while it's 115 plus degrees out. Take that FWIW
Also claimed that the air ventilation is rock solid in the 5000 (allegedly 'even better' than the 4500, because the 4500's open design exposes the engine to direct sunlight... OK bro... MAYbe).
Feel free to weigh in further. Esp to the claims above.
He said the ambient heat threshold is around 110 degrees (for propane) and elevation matters too (for propane). Makes less of a difference with gasoline.
Claimed that he has folks in AZ right now using the 5000 inverter while it's 115 plus degrees out. Take that FWIW
Also claimed that the air ventilation is rock solid in the 5000 (allegedly 'even better' than the 4500, because the 4500's open design exposes the engine to direct sunlight... OK bro... MAYbe).
Feel free to weigh in further. Esp to the claims above.
Re: 'quiet' generator = easy to overheat?
Honda EU series has been the gold standard at Burning Man for decades. It is also a fully encoded design.
Enclosed air cooled designs generally have better cooling via forced air convection and internal fans than open frame generators.
The Harbor Freight knock-off will be fine if you follow the instructions on lubrication and oil changes. Pay close attention to this. Most splash-lubricated portable generators have 40-50 hours runtime before an oil change is required. You may need to handle that on-Playa so bring the oil trays, pans and kit.
You also want to break the thing in a bit and make sure it’s not a lemon before the trip.
Elevation and fuel type do have big effect on generators. They de-rate at 4K ~ 10% and propane is not recommended at BM.
Why no propane? It derates power even more, another 20% and it is hotter burning with zero lubricating properties in the combustion chamber. Gasoline both cools as a mixed vapor and lubricates during combustion.
The good news with dual-fuel; they generally have to overbuild the thing to an extent to compensate for propane being less than friendly to moving parts in a combustion chamber.
Remember - change that oil and use a good synthetic so it resists the high temperature decay you are worried about.
Enclosed air cooled designs generally have better cooling via forced air convection and internal fans than open frame generators.
The Harbor Freight knock-off will be fine if you follow the instructions on lubrication and oil changes. Pay close attention to this. Most splash-lubricated portable generators have 40-50 hours runtime before an oil change is required. You may need to handle that on-Playa so bring the oil trays, pans and kit.
You also want to break the thing in a bit and make sure it’s not a lemon before the trip.
Elevation and fuel type do have big effect on generators. They de-rate at 4K ~ 10% and propane is not recommended at BM.
Why no propane? It derates power even more, another 20% and it is hotter burning with zero lubricating properties in the combustion chamber. Gasoline both cools as a mixed vapor and lubricates during combustion.
The good news with dual-fuel; they generally have to overbuild the thing to an extent to compensate for propane being less than friendly to moving parts in a combustion chamber.
Remember - change that oil and use a good synthetic so it resists the high temperature decay you are worried about.
Re: 'quiet' generator = easy to overheat?
Duly noted on all fronts. Thanks manToken wrote: ↑Tue Aug 08, 2023 9:32 pmThe Harbor Freight knock-off will be fine if you follow the instructions on lubrication and oil changes. Pay close attention to this. Most splash-lubricated portable generators have 40-50 hours runtime before an oil change is required. You may need to handle that on-Playa so bring the oil trays, pans and kit.
You also want to break the thing in a bit and make sure it’s not a lemon before the trip.
Elevation and fuel type do have big effect on generators. They de-rate at 4K ~ 10% and propane is not recommended at BM.
Why no propane? It derates power even more, another 20% and it is hotter burning with zero lubricating properties in the combustion chamber. Gasoline both cools as a mixed vapor and lubricates during combustion.
The good news with dual-fuel; they generally have to overbuild the thing to an extent to compensate for propane being less than friendly to moving parts in a combustion chamber.
Remember - change that oil and use a good synthetic so it resists the high temperature decay you are worried about.