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Little Harbor Freight 1400W genny doing work...

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by KDHCryo, Feb 2, 2026.

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Feb 13, 2026 #11

Moneybagz Bobtail Member

25

10

Aug 27, 2010

Huntsville.Al

0

KDHCryo said: ↑

This little $525 genny has been keeping me comfortable for the last 2 years as an O/op.

I got about 2300 hours on it now. Whole lot cheaper than a ThermoKing or Carrier or GreenAPU. Quieter too.

I run Lithium batteries (LiTime 4x 100AH) in my electric APU bank, and Ionic Lithium (2x100AH) on my starter bank. Both get charged with the alternator, while running. I also added a Victron Smart charger that charges both banks up to 1500W, and the little Predator gets hooked in with a 120V 25A shore power plug.

Usually in the summer I'm good for a 34 restart running the battery power APU bank for the fridge, microwave, coffee pot, lights, AC and house loads. Where I found I run into a problem is when I spend days at temps lower than 40 degrees, the Lithium BMS shuts down charging so they don't damage the batteries. They'll discharge down to 0F. When I get back over 40F they'll charge in 3 hours drivetime.

The beauty of this little genny is 1400 W is enough to run the Espar Hydronic (which circulates coolant through the block), and run the house load even when the lithium's are shut down. Big motor is at 120F as coolant is warm.

This little genny has cost me about $25 in gasoline over 2 days as I do my restart. Running the DD13 would've cost me $100 in diesel alone, plus emission issues.

This summer I'm gonna add an Artic Fox diesel tank heater that runs on coolant so I don't have to buy Howe's anymore.

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/J4DqX9535I
Click to expand...

Solid numbers. People sleep on those Harbor Freight units, but you really can't beat the ROI compared to a $14k APU. Keeping the block warm and saving the DPF from idling is worth it alone. Thanks for sharing.

Moneybagz, Feb 13, 2026

Moneybagz, Feb 13, 2026

#11

KDHCryo Thanks this.
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