Anybody use a predator 2000 + small AC unit?

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by speedstickman, May 8, 2024.

  1. speedstickman

    speedstickman Light Load Member

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    Is there an easy to way to put a window unit on a semi truck? did you put it in and out every time you used it or was it permanent on the window? I
     
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  3. abyliks

    abyliks Road Train Member

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    portable is easier to just stick the hose out the window IMG_0791.jpeg
     
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  4. speedstickman

    speedstickman Light Load Member

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    that's the setup I'm going for... any tips to make it work well?
     
  5. flood

    flood Road Train Member

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    A few things on most trucks you can mount a 3500 on the catwalk.. a few ratchet straps and (in my case) 2 cable locks around the frame.

    Yes a 2000 predator will run your ac for over 8.5 hrs depending on out side temp.. I'm using mine now because my 3500 stopped working yesterday. Yes I have a 3500 AND as a backup I have a 2000 on my truck... I DONT IDLE.

    My ac is a GE 5,500 btu portable vented out the passenger window like the one your looking at. Sits between the seats with a ratchet strap around it and the seat to keep it from moving.

    The ECO switch. What it does is allow the generator to run at lower rpm when you don't need alot of power (less fuel use and longer run time) but will auto rev up when more power is needed... mime rev's up only when the ac compresser is running.

    Now as to the predator get the EXTENDED WARRANTY.. it is a free replacement warranty and covers it 100% for 2 years. If anything goes wrong just drain the fuel tank and take it to any harbor freight and you'll walk out with a new one in the box in about 1 hr.. others the warranty requires you to find a authorized service center of ship it back (on your dime) to be repaired either way it could take up to 30 days before it's fixed.. Get online and read ALL the warranty info on any generator your thinking about.. I know the Pulsar warranty looks good at 3 years... but if you READ it all 3 years OR 500hr.. that's 50 10hr breaks. What good is a 3year warranty if it's void after 2 months of use.
    Just something to think about

    As to the ac. Think about getting one that has Dehumidifier built in (mine does). You would be surprised at the number of times that it really not that hot just muggy.. a Dehumidifier will take the water out of the air and cool the truck. Mine has 2 drains 1 for the ac (top half) and 1 for the Dehumidifier (bottom half) I have a hose from the top to a "T" fitting to the bottom and then to a hose that I drop out the bottom on the passenger door. You'd be surprised at how big of a puddle I have under my truck when the Dehumidifier is running.

    This has worked well for me for over 4 years. North, deep south, east, west.
     
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  6. flood

    flood Road Train Member

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    My 3,500 on my catwalk
    upload_2024-5-9_12-22-31.png

    The box I store my gas cans and NY 2,000
    17152826091896888283403680839799.jpg
     
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  7. snowwy

    snowwy Road Train Member

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    The pulsar 4000 generator is the one you want.
    It's the same size as the predator 2000. But twice the power. And $120 cheaper. Weighs 49 pounds with an 80cc motor. Enough power that it should power ac in eco mode.

    For the money and power. There's absolutely no reason or comparison to buy something else in that wattage range. Unless you wanted electric start.

    The only drawback is it has to be ordered. But as cheap as they are. I wouldn't have any qualms to buying a spare.

    I don't see it listed on ace though.
    Try homedepot instead.
     
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  8. staceydude

    staceydude Road Train Member

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    I put it in and out every eve. It is a light little 5k unit. I tried the portable stand up. They suck. They don’t cool in the south. Google them and see how inefficient they are compared to an actual window unit. Yes they are easier but I prefer something that actually cools. The lil window unit takes up way less room also.
     
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  9. HillbillyDeluxeTruck

    HillbillyDeluxeTruck Road Train Member

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    Get the larger of whatever brand generator you prefer, personally I currently run a 3500w predator and have just installed a remote start kit on it.

    I ran a 2000w predator for 2yrs and I don't care what anyone says, after awhile, pulling it out of the truck every evening and putting it away every morning got really annoying. Plus pull starting it just got annoying.

    2nd thing, portable ac units suck. They pull too much amperage to run off a small generator. I run a 5k btu window unit that slides out my bunk door and it will freeze me out of the sleeper in Tx.

    Build your system right from the start. I did mine as a trial and I had $350 in the whole set up to start and it saved me that in diesel not idling in less than a month. Now the 3500 usues maybe 1gal of gas more per week than the 200w and its not screaming along at full tilt.

    My next and final upgrade will be a 6k-9k btu mini split. They run even less amperage than a window unit and should keep the generator from running hard at all. It will also be fully contained like an apu. No more messing with anything to operate.
     
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  10. abyliks

    abyliks Road Train Member

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    Can you put an extended run fuel kit on it? That’s the next thing I want
     
  11. HillbillyDeluxeTruck

    HillbillyDeluxeTruck Road Train Member

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    Make your own. Boat fuel can with primer pump run into a fitting on the cap. Just drill/tap the cap and screw in the proper fitting for the fuel line to connect to. Mount the can higher than the generator.
     
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