Harbor Freight Unveils 28kW Standby Home Generator
Homeowners weighing whole-house backup power can expect the Predator unit in stores and online in fall 2027.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Appliances
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Harbor Freight unveiled a Predator 28kW dual fuel home standby generator at the 2026 SEMA show in Las Vegas. The unit produces 28,000 running watts and is expected to reach stores and online in fall 2027.
Why it matters
A standby generator that starts within seconds of a utility outage and connects to an existing propane or natural gas line could keep a household's heat, refrigeration and essential circuits running through a blackout. Its arrival in fall 2027 gives homeowners time to plan for installation costs, which the source does not quantify.
The generator is rated at 28,000 running watts and includes a 200-amp automatic transfer switch that takes over when utility power fails. It carries a five-year limited warranty and uses a 24-volt electric starting system.
The players
Harbor Freight
A national tool and equipment retailer known for its private-label Predator-brand generators and portable tools sold to homeowners and contractors.
The details
The unit is a standby model, meaning it sits permanently beside the home and detects utility interruptions on its own. When the regular supply fails, the automatic transfer switch hands the load to the generator, which begins producing power within seconds. It connects directly to an existing propane or natural gas supply, and integrated sensors monitor engine oil level and pressure. Its low-total-harmonic-distortion alternator with copper windings and built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth remote access are also included.
Timeline
2026 SEMA show in Las Vegas: Harbor Freight unveils the Predator 28kW generator.
Fall 2027: expected availability in stores and online.
The Home Front
Standby generators with automatic transfer switches have become a common backup option for homes in outage-prone regions. This Predator unit puts a 28kW standby model within reach of mainstream retail channels.
If you live in an area with frequent outages, start pricing standby generator installation now, since the source gives no cost figures and the unit is not expected until fall 2027. Have a licensed electrician and a propane or natural gas service provider evaluate your home's transfer-switch and fuel-line requirements before committing to a unit.
The takeaway
A standby generator is a permanent system that depends on a licensed installer, a fuel connection, and a transfer switch matched to your home's electrical service. Plan for installation and fuel costs alongside the unit price when the product arrives in fall 2027.
Further reading
Explore more Appliances coverage for context on how backup power equipment fits into home systems.
Source note: This article includes information reported by SlashGear.
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