A missing dropdown on Harbor Freight's website is raising concerns among California shoppers who depend on portable generators during outages and other emergencies.
Here's what to know
Users in a Reddit thread in r/harborfreight noticed that the Predator 11500 page no longer showed a California-compliant choice after a long period when nearby stores had no stock, and some took that as a sign the model may be fading from the state's market.
Much of the reply thread turned to California regulations, with several commenters saying the state's 2028 small-engine sales restrictions could make a California-specific version less appealing for companies to keep around.
The OP said, "After 5-6 months of no stock in a wide radius, the page for the 11500 does not have an option to select 'California Compliant'. What do we make of this other than it might be discontinued?"
One commenter said, "Harbor Freight probably made the business decision that it was not worth it to continue a California compliant version since they will be banned for sale in 2028."
The conversation then shifted to what buyers might do next. Alongside one user's view that Harbor Freight may be "bleeding off the last of the inventory before wrapping it up," others talked about traveling to another state to purchase one.
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The OP joked, "This is what I have become. A generator smuggler."
Where can I learn more?
California's generator rules are part of a broader debate over how states and cities are handling gas-powered products. Similar fights are playing out over lawn tools, home appliances, vehicle sales, and incentives for cleaner options.
• In Colorado, lawmakers advanced major plans to ban gas-powered lawn equipment statewide.
• In the Bay Area, officials reconsidered a gas appliance rule after intense backlash.
• In California, Tesla faced a potential ban on all vehicle sales after DMV action.
• Maine regulators floated joining California on EV purchase incentives for local drivers.
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