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Description
Zoom on the Generac GP3600
In a nutshell, the Generac GP3600 is a portable generator mostly geared towards:
- RV travellers looking for even more independence
- People occasionally participating in outdoor fairs, festivals or events
- Homeowners who want to be able to use the most necessary devices in their household, even during a blackout
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 Generac GP3600's core is the 212 cc Generac OHV 4-stroke engine, which runs on gasoline. With an output of 120V, it provides a running wattage of 3600W and a peak wattage of 4500W.
This generator gets running thanks to a simple traditional pull-start mechanism.
With a fuel capacity of 3.7 gallons, the GP3600 may run for around 9.3 hours at 50% load with a full tank (fuel consumption around 0.4 GPH).
As the GP3600 has a relatively high THD (<25%), it is not recommended to use it to power sensitive electronic devices.
Outlets
The control panel provides the upcoming 5 AC outlets:
Even though this Generac generator isn't quite RV Ready, its L5-30R receptacle allows an easy RV connection via an L5-30P to TT-30R adaptor.
Portability
The Generac GP3600 has a conventional, open frame design, of the following dimensions: L24 x W22.5 x H21.3 in, which offers support and allows it to be raised above ground level. The generator is designed for ideal use outdoors and in rough environments.
As the generator's weight is 105 pounds, manually moving it or transporting it may be challenging, despite the fact that it is technically considered 'portable' (movable). Still, once it is on the ground, its wheel kit (⌀8") and its folding handle can easily solve the issue of low mobility and allow for easy relocation of the device.
Features
The GP3600's control panel
Monitoring of the GP3600's status and activity is made possible by a digital data center, which provides information on the lifetime run hours and is one of the features of its control panel.
The generator includes a built-in fuel gauge, a quick, easy and convenient method of checking the device’s gas level.
As far as security is concerned, the generator can be used with a peace of mind, as it features an overload protection (circuit breaker) and an automatic low oil shut-off.
Apart from the typical documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), which lets you start it right away, the Generac GP3600 also is packed along with the following accessories: funnel, oil and tool kit.
Emissions
The Generac GP3600 is CARB-compliant. Therefore, its sale and purchase are permitted in all of the 50 states, including California.
Moreover, it features a spark arrestor, which makes it suitable for use in forested areas.
The Generac GP3600 versus other generators
The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Generac GP3600 compare to generators of similar power (between 3500 and 4500 W).
- At a weight of 105 pounds, the Generac GP3600 places in the expected weight range of the generators in the 3500-4500 rated wattage range. Regarding dry weight, one of the champions in the same power range is the WEN GN400i, with a dry weight of only 66.1 lbs.
- Autonomy-wise, with around 9.3 hours on a full tank at a 50% load, the GP3600 is on the low end when compared to other generators of a similar power output. If autonomy is your priority, one of the devices of a similar power output with the highest run time is the Honda EB4000X, reaching around 16 hours.
- While the run time is an important parameter, it is dependent on the fuel tank’s capacity and thus, doesn’t say much on its own unless we consider fuel consumption as well. This generator reaches an estimated fuel consumption of 0.4 GPH (gallon per hour) at a 50% load, making it average, for the previously mentioned wattage range. If fuel consumption is your top priority, we suggest to check out the Westinghouse iGen4200, which has a fuel consumption of only 0.17 GPH and thus, is one of the most efficient devices in our database.
Price comparison
As you can see from this interactive chart, when compared to other 3500-4500W generators, the Generac GP3600 is on the cheap side of the price range.
It can therefore be a really good buy if you're looking to acquire a budget generator.
The bottom line
- Inexpensive
- Several accessories included
- Decent weight (105 lbs)
- Decent fuel efficiency
- No electric start
- Relatively low run time
Features and Specifications
| Inverter | No |
|---|---|
| Portable | Yes |
| Parallel capable | No |
| RV ready | No |
| Fuel | Gasoline |
| Engine | 212 cc Generac OHV 4-stroke |
| Starting system | Recoil |
| Voltage | AC: 120V 60 Hz |
|---|---|
| Running watts | 3600 W |
| Starting watts | 4500 W |
| Running amps | 30 amps |
| Peaks amps | 37.5 amps |
| Run time @50% load | 9.3 h |
| Run time @25% load | Unknown |
| GFCI outlets | No |
|---|---|
| Covered outlets | Yes |
| Automatic Voltage Regulation | Yes |
| AC outlets |
|
| DC outlets | No |
| Data center | Lifetime run hours |
| Indicators | No |
| Fuel tank | Steel, 3.7 gal |
| Fuel gauge | Yes |
| Weight | 105 lbs |
|---|---|
| Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | 24 x 22.5 x 21.3 in |
| Noise (lower limit) | Unknown |
| THD | < 25% |
| Emissions | CARB |
| Security | Low oil and overload protection |
| Spark arrestor | Yes |
| Neutral | Floating |
| Accessories included | Oil, funnel, tool kit, and wheel kit |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| Series | GP |
| Other model numbers | 7678 |
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 Generac
Generac Power Systems is an American based generator and power equipment manufacturer, founded in 1959. As its name suggests, the main focus of Generac are power generators, and other related electric equipment, such as switches, paralleling systems and small engines. The company has several manufacturing facilities based in the US, thus, their products are made in the USA. However, the company provides no information about the origin of their components.
Warranty Information
The Generac GP3600 is covered under a warranty for up to 3 years. This warranty may be limited and may not cover all parts of the generator.
For more information about the warranty of Generac generators, please consult Generac's warranty policies (opens in a new tab). Alternatively, you can also contact their Customer Support: 1-888-GENERAC (888-436-3722).
Questions & Answers
What can it power?
| Item | Running Watts | Starting Watts | |
|---|---|---|---|
| At home | Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 |
| Hair dryer | 1800 | 1900 | |
| Freezer | 810 | 1750 | |
| Set of 5 LED light bulbs | 55 | 55 | |
| Total | 2857 W | 3857 W | |
| For camping | Radiant heater | 1300 | 1300 |
| RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
| RV AC (11,000 BTU) | 1010 | 1600 | |
| Slow cooker | 270 | 270 | |
| Radio | 100 | 100 | |
| Total | 2860 W | 3450 W | |
| For work | Grinder | 1400 | 2500 |
| Demolition hammer | 1260 | 1260 | |
| Bug zapper | 80 | 80 | |
| Total | 2740 W | 3840 W |
What make is the engine? (Asked April 19, 2020)
The engine is Generac-branded, but neither engineered nor manufactured in the U.S.
Will this gp3600 run an electric pressure washer ? (Asked August 08, 2020)
A basic electric pressure washer usually has a 12 to 13-amp motor, which operates on 120V. 13x120=1560W.
What type of oil and when does it need to be changed (Asked August 14, 2020)
Recommended oil is SAE 10W-30. Here's the oil change schedule recommended by Generac for the GP3600:
Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.
