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Harbor Freight | Price history for the Predator 6500 | |
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| Latest updates:
Since: April 6, 2022 |
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Description
Zoom on the Predator 6500
In a nutshell, the Predator 6500 is a portable generator mostly geared towards:
- RV travellers looking for even more independence
- People occasionally participating in outdoor fairs, festivals or events
- Food van owners who know that just a short power outage could lose them hundreds of dollars
- Homeowners in need of an emergency backup power for their essentials
- Professionals who want to ensure that a power failure will not prevent them from working
The following sections will present you in detail its power characteristics, the different outlets it offers, its overall portability, the extra features it benefits from, and any relevant emission compliance details.
Power & Run Time
The Predator 6500
The Predator 6500's engine, 301 cc (8 hp) OHV 4-stroke, fueled by gasoline, can deliver 120/240V. It provides a running wattage of 5500W and reaches a peak wattage of 6500W.
Enjoying a noise rating of 73.5 dBA (just slightly more noisy than a vacuum cleaner), this generator gets running thanks to a conventional pull-start mechanism.
With a full tank, the 6500 can operate for around 14.5 hours at 50% load (fuel consumption around 0.55 GPH), thanks to its fuel capacity of 8 gallons.
Outlets
The control panel features the upcoming 5 AC outlets:
Additionally, it features 1 DC outlet: there's a 12V 10A (cigarette lighter style) receptacle with which you may charge your batteries with ease.
As it features a twist-lock L14-30R receptacle, the 6500 is transfer switch ready: in case of a power outage, you will be easily able to connect it to a breaker box and power your household.
Portability
The design of the Predator 6500 is a typical, open frame, with the dimensions of L26.9 x W22 x H22.8 in, offering support and stability and enabling the possibility of raising it above ground level. The device has been designed for tough environments and demanding outdoor use.
As the generator's weight is 165 pounds, manually moving it or transporting it may be challenging, despite the fact that it is technically considered 'portable' (movable). Nevertheless, it can still be moved quite conveniently with the help of a wheel kit (separate purchase from Harbor Freight or Amazon), once it is placed on the ground.
Features
The 6500's control panel
A light indicator shows you if the oil level is too low.
Thanks to a built-in fuel gauge, the generator allows you to quickly, conveniently and easily check the gas level at a glance.
Security-wise, this product benefits from an automatic low oil shut-off and an overload protection (circuit breaker), which gives you a complete peace of mind when using it.
The unit also benefits from the Predator's CO SECURE™ carbon monoxide detection. This system monitors the accumulation of CO gas while the generator is running and will shut off the engine if the levels become dangerously high. It’s a welcomed additional security feature, but don’t forget to always take your generator outside (opens in a new tab).
Besides the usual set of documentation and owner's manual (opens in a new tab) to get you promptly started, Predator also included a tool kit in the 6500's packaging. A storage cover is also available, as a separate purchase.
Emissions
The Predator 6500 is EPA-approved and CARB-compliant. It can therefore be sold and purchased in all 50 states, including California.
Moreover, it features a spark arrestor and therefore, can be used in forested areas.
The unit also meets the ANSI/PGMA G300-2018 safety and performance requirements.
The Predator 6500 versus other generators
The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Predator 6500 compare to generators of similar power (between 5000 and 6000 W).
- As its weight is 165 pounds, the Predator 6500 falls in the expected weight range of the devices in the 5000-6000 rated wattage category. If weight matters to you, one of the champions in this power range is the Genmax GM6000XiE with only 106.9 pounds.
- Since the generator's noise is rated at 73.5 dBA, it has the roughly average expected noise for a device of similar power. If noise emissions are important to you, one of the least noisy generators of this power range is the Honda EU7000iS with only 52 dBA.
- Since the 6500 boasts with a run time of around 14.5 hours at 50% load, it can be safely judged as a device of a higher run time than most generators of a comparable output. If autonomy is your priority, one of the devices of a similar power output with the highest run time is the Westinghouse WGen5500, reaching around 15 hours.
- The run time is important, but also hugely depends on the capacity of the fuel tank and doesn't mean much if we don't talk about fuel consumption as well. Standing at an estimated 0.55 GPH (gallon per hour) at a 50% load, this generator is somewhat average in this area compared to other devices, within the aforementioned wattage range. If you wish to acquire one of the most gasoline efficient products of this power range, the A-iPower SUA7000L, with a fuel consumption of 0.36 GPH could be in your good books.
Here's a list of the most popular specific comparisons:
Price comparison
As you can see from this interactive chart, when compared to other 5000-6000W generators, the Predator 6500 is on the average side of the price range.
Therefore, this generator nicely fits in the expected budget for this kind of product.
The bottom line
- In the expected price range
- CO SECURE™ technology
- GFCI Outlets
- High run time
- Decent weight (165 lbs)
- Acceptable noise (73.5 dBA)
- Decent fuel efficiency
- No data center
- No electric start
- Wheel kit not included
- Weak warranty
Features and Specifications
| Inverter | No |
|---|---|
| Portable | Yes |
| Parallel capable | No |
| RV ready | No |
| Fuel | Gasoline |
| Engine | 301 cc OHV 4-stroke |
| Starting system | Recoil |
| Voltage | AC: 120/240V 60 Hz, DC: 12V |
|---|---|
| Running watts | 5500 W |
| Starting watts | 6500 W |
| Running amps (@120/240V) | 45.8/22.9 amps |
| Peak amps (@120/240V) | 54.2/27.1 amps |
| Run time @50% load | 14.5 h |
| Run time @25% load | Unknown |
| GFCI outlets | Yes |
|---|---|
| Covered outlets | Yes |
| Automatic Voltage Regulation | Yes |
| AC outlets |
|
| DC outlets | 1x 12V 10A (cigarette lighter style) |
| Data center | No |
| Indicators | Low oil |
| Fuel tank | 8 gal |
| Fuel gauge | Yes |
| Weight | 165 lbs |
|---|---|
| Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | 26.9 x 22 x 22.8 in |
| Noise (lower limit) | 73.5 dBA |
| THD | Unknown |
| Compliance | CARB, EPA, ANSI/PGMA G300-2018 |
| Security | Low oil and overload protection, CO monitoring |
| Spark arrestor | Yes |
| Neutral | Bonded to frame |
| Accessories included | Tool kit |
| Warranty | 90 days |
| Other model numbers | 63964, 59133 |
Unlike many websites, we did our best to research each of the specs above. That being said, we are not immune to making the occasional mistake or omission. Should you notice any missing or incorrect values, don't hesitate to suggest improvements so we can address the issue.
About Predator
Predator portable generators are solely distributed by the Harbor Freight Corporation, which has an impressive list of over 200 trademarked products. The Predator brand is one of their newer lines of outdoor power products. As with many other makes and models of power equipment sold by Harbor Freight, Predator generators are manufactured in China.
Warranty Information
The Predator 6500 is covered under a warranty for up to 90 days. This warranty may be limited and may not cover all parts of the generator.
For more information about the warranty of Predator generators, please consult Predator's warranty policies stated in the user manual (opens in a new tab). Alternatively, you can also contact their Customer Support : 1-800-444-3353.
Questions & Answers
What can it power?
| Item | Running Watts | Starting Watts | |
|---|---|---|---|
| At home | Microwave (1000 watts) | 1500 | 1500 |
| AC (10,000 BTU) | 1500 | 2200 | |
| Sump pump (1/2 hp) | 1050 | 2150 | |
| Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 | |
| Radio | 100 | 100 | |
| Set of 5 LED light bulbs | 55 | 55 | |
| Total | 4397 W | 5497 W | |
| For camping | RV AC (11,000 BTU) | 1010 | 1600 |
| RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
| Hair dryer | 1800 | 1900 | |
| Radiant heater | 1300 | 1300 | |
| Radio | 100 | 100 | |
| Total | 4390 W | 4980 W | |
| For work | Table saw | 1800 | 4500 |
| Grinder | 1400 | 2500 | |
| Electric fence (25 miles) | 250 | 250 | |
| Drain cleaner | 250 | 250 | |
| Bug zapper | 80 | 80 | |
| Total | 3780 W | 6480 W |
How can I attach a 12V battery to this generator? (Asked September 05, 2020)
Since this unit does not have an electric start, there are no reasons to attach a 12V battery to it.
Does the 6500 need to be grounded? (Asked October 28, 2020)
It is always safer to ground your generator.
how to get a wiring diagram (Asked April 15, 2021)
Wiring diagrams may be obtained by contacting Harbor Freight: 1-800-444-3353.
Can you make the predator 6500 w generator with an electric start having electric start (Asked April 16, 2021)
The 301cc engine of the Predator 6500 is not electric start capable.
Can you run a desk top computer with this generator (Asked April 22, 2021)
The unit is not suitable to power sensitive electronic equipment.
What kind of spark plug does it take (Asked April 23, 2021)
Spark plug is NHSP® / Torch® F6TC
What is the max AMP capacity of this unit? (Asked June 17, 2021)
120V: 54.2 starting amps. 240V: 27.1 starting amps.
Why does it have a 25 amp plug in instead of a 30 amp plug in for a 30 amp for a travel trailer? (Asked June 12, 2022)
The unit provides 5500 running watts. For convenience, it does have a 30-amp L14-30R twist lock outlet. However, this outlet is behind a 23-amp breaker to prevent overloading, since the 5500 watts are reached at 23A (23A*240V=5520W).
Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.
This is the best generator I have ever owned. No need for electric start, it cranks first pull every time. It ran everything in my house during a three day power outage including the water heater and well pump (not at the same time though, I shut off the pump when the water heater was on)
We bought this Predator 6500 used so we do not know how many hours it was used. But it has been reliable and we have used it for equivalent of 2 weeks full run time on and off. Change the oil for every 80 hours of run time.
Add fuel stabilizer to each fill up. Always turn gas off and run residual fuel in carb till engine dies to store it away. Run engine at least once every month or two for 15 minutes even when stored. Very reliable, it starts every time on 2nd pull start. Its a little noisey, good idea to build a enclosure insulsted with fresh air intake and exhaust. And it runs a small house with lights on, 2