Generac GP3600 - 3600/4500W Portable Generator
The Generac GP3600 (7678) is a portable open frame generator with a rated wattage of 3,600 W and a starting wattage of 4,500 W. (Read full specs)
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Description
The GP3600 portable generator is an excellent choice for emergency power when backing up multiple appliances. Featuring PowerRush™ ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY, it delivers 40% more starting capacity allowing you to do more with less.
Zoom on the Generac GP3600
To sum up, the Generac GP3600 is a portable generator tailored for:
- RV travellers who wish to upgrade their experience to another level
- Occasional participants of outdoor events, competitions, concerts and festivals
- Homeowners in need of an emergency backup power for their essentials
In the upcoming sections, you'll discover its power characteristics, the array of outlets it presents, its overall portability, and the additional features it possesses.
Power & Run Time
Running on gasoline, the Generac GP3600 utilizes a 212 cc Generac OHV 4-stroke engine to deliver 120V, offering a running wattage of 3,600W and a starting wattage of 4,500W.
Its starting mechanism is based on a standard recoil pull-rope starting mechanism.
The GP3600 can operate for around 9.3 hours at 50% load with a full tank (fuel consumption around 0.4 GPH), due to its fuel capacity of 3.7 gallons.
As the GP3600 has a high THD (<25%), it is not recommended to use it to power sensitive electronic devices.
Outlets
The control panel includes the following 5 AC outlets:
While this Generac generator is not RV Ready, its L5-30R receptacle can be used for a simple RV connection with an L5-30P to TT-30R adaptor.
Portability
Measuring L24 x W22.5 x H21.3 in, the classic open frame build of the Generac GP3600 delivers stability and easy maintenance access to components, facilitating air circulation. The design is ideal for rough environments and demanding outdoor use.
While the generator is considered to be technically 'portable' (in the sense that you can move it), manually lifting and transporting it may be challenging, due to its high weight of 105 lbs. Nonetheless, the limited maneuverability is compensated for by utilizing its wheel kit (⌀8") and its folding handle, which facilitates shifting once the generator is set on the ground.
Features
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 built-in fuel gauge of the generator ensures simple and quick gas level assessments.
From a security standpoint, the product offers an automatic low oil shut-off and an overload protection (circuit breaker), allowing you to use it with a peace of mind.
Along the basic documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), useful for starting the generator right away, the Generac GP3600's package also includes these accessories: funnel, oil and tool kit.
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).
- With a dry weight of 105 pounds, the Generac GP3600 finds itself in the expected weight range for generators able to produce between 3500 and 4500 rated watts. If weight matters to you, one of the champions in this power range is the WEN 56432iX with only 52.9 pounds.
- In terms of autonomy, the GP3600 offers around 9.3 hours at a 50% load, placing it at the lower range within its power range. If prolonged run time is essential to your needs, you could consider the NorthStar c5500, which offers one of the highest autonomy among devices with similar power output, lasting around 15.1 hours.
- Run time is a key metric, but it's dependent on the generator's fuel capacity. Therefore, discussing fuel efficiency is necessary to get the full picture. The generator burns fuel at a rate of around 0.4 GPH when running at a 50% load, which is consistent with the average fuel usage of models of comparable power output. If you wish to further improve in the area of fuel efficiency, the Westinghouse iGen5000DF, which boasts with a gas consumption of only 0.23 GPH, may be the right generator for you.
Price comparison
As you can see from these interactive charts, when compared to other 3500-4500W generators, the Generac GP3600 is on the average side of the price range.
Therefore, this generator nicely fits in the expected budget for this kind of product.
The bottom line
- In the expected price range
- Decent weight (105 lbs)
- Decent fuel efficiency
- No electric start
- Relatively low run time
Features and Specifications
| Inverter | No |
|---|---|
| Parallel capable | No |
| RV ready | No |
| Fuel | Gasoline |
| Engine | 212 cc Generac OHV 4-stroke |
| Starting system | Recoil |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| Voltage | AC: 120V 60 Hz |
|---|---|
| Running watts | 3,600 W |
| Starting watts | 4,500 W |
| Running amps | 30 amps |
| Peak 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% |
| Compliance | CARB |
| Security | Low oil and overload protection |
| Spark arrestor | Yes |
| Neutral | Floating |
| Accessories included | Oil, funnel, tool kit, and wheel kit |
| Series | GP |
| Other model numbers | 7678 |
| UPC | 696471074581 |
We've taken extra care to research and verify each of the specifications above. That said, occasional mistakes or omissions are still possible. If you spot any missing or inaccurate information, feel free to suggest a correction so we can address it.
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 engineered and built in the USA. However, their components can be a mix of domestic and foreign parts.
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 is the noise rating of the GP3600?
Due to the lack of standardization in noise emission measurement, Generac does not provide their units' noise levels.
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:
What's the purpose of cleaning the spark arrestor every 50 hours ,unfortunately I bought my unit used so I don't have the manual is supposed to go it also where is the serial number located on the generac 3600 Watt unit and last question how many runtime hours before oil changes please let me know thank you so much (Asked September 05, 2021)
You may find the owner's manual here (opens in a new tab). It should give you the answers to all your questions.
Is it necessary to run non-ethenol gasoline? (Asked October 08, 2024)
Up to 10% ethanol is acceptable.
Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.



User Reviews
So far I got to say I really do like my used generac 3600 watt generator is quieter than a typical lawn mower overall seems like it would be great for camping purposes do you believe I’ll enjoy having it