Generac GP3600 - 3600/4500W Portable Generator
The Generac GP3600 (7721) 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
In a nutshell, the Generac GP3600 is a portable generator mostly geared towards:
- RV travellers wishing to enhance their freedom and nomad lifestyle
- Occasional participants of outdoor events, competitions, concerts and festivals
- Homeowners in need of an emergency backup power for their essentials
- Professionals in need of safely powering high-intensity work or lighting equipment
The following sections will present you in detail its power characteristics, the different outlets it offers, its overall portability, and the extra features it benefits from.
Power & Run Time
The Generac GP3600 is powered by a 212 cc Generac OHV 4-stroke engine. It delivers 120V, runs on gasoline and offers a running wattage of 3,600W as well as a peak wattage of 4,500W.
This generator is started via a classic hand-operated recoil starting mechanism.
Equipped with a 3.7 gallons fuel tank, the GP3600 ensures continuous operation for around 9.3 hours at 50% load with a full tank (fuel usage approximately 0.4 gallons per hour).
Since the GP3600 has a high THD (<25%), it is advisable to not use it for the powering of sensitive electronic devices.
Outlets
The control panel features the following 5 AC outlets:
Even if this Generac generator isn't quite RV Ready, it still allows for an easy RV connection via an L5-30P to TT-30R adaptor, thanks to its L5-30R receptacle.
Portability
At L24 x W22.5 x H21.3 in, the Generac GP3600 boasts a traditional open frame structure, ensuring stability and allowing for convenient maintenance access to components, promoting air circulation. This type of design is ideal for tough environments and heavy outdoor use.
The 105 lbs of the GP3600's dry weight enables you to use it anywhere you will ever need. Moreover, once it’s on the ground, its wheel kit (⌀8") and its folding handle will allow you to shift it without effort.
Features
The GP3600's control panel
Featuring a digital data center on its control panel, the GP3600 offers you convenient access to essential information about the lifetime run hours, facilitating effective monitoring of its activity and status.
A built-in fuel gauge allows for a quick, easy and convenient check of the fuel level of the generator.
As far as security is concerned, the generator can be used with a peace of mind, as it features an automatic low oil shut-off and an overload protection (circuit breaker).
The GP3600 also benefits from Generac’s COsense® carbon monoxide monitoring. This technology senses and manages CO output and shuts down the unit when necessary, to protect you from CO poisoning.
In addition to the traditional documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab) to help you get started promptly, the Generac GP3600 also includes several accessories: oil, funnel 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).
- 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. If you are concerned by weight, one of the champions in the above-mentioned power range is the WEN 56432iX, with a dry weight of just 52.9 pounds.
- Concerning its runtime, the GP3600 provides around 9.3 hours at a 50% load, indicating that it falls on the lower side compared to other generators of its power range. For those prioritizing autonomy, the Firman W03663OF could be considered, as it offers one of the longest run times among generators with similar power output, reaching around 18 hours.
- Though run time is a significant parameter, it's closely tied to the generator's fuel tank size. To get a comprehensive understanding, fuel efficiency must also be taken into account. Among generators of similar output, this generator ranks somewhat poorly in fuel efficiency, with an estimated consumption of 0.4 GPH at a 50% load. If minimizing fuel usage is one of your key priorities, the Westinghouse iGen5000DF is one of the most efficient devices with similar power output, with a gasoline consumption of only 0.23 gallons per hour.
Price comparison
As you can see from these interactive charts, 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
- COsense® technology
- GFCI Outlets
- Decent weight (105 lbs)
- No electric start
- Relatively low run time
- Low fuel efficiency
Do you own the Generac GP3600 and agree (or disagree) with these strengths and weaknesses?
Let us know and write your own review.
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 | Yes |
|---|---|
| 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 | EPA, ANSI/PGMA G300-2023 |
| Security | Low oil and overload protection, CO monitoring |
| Spark arrestor | Yes |
| Accessories included | Oil, funnel, tool kit, and wheel kit |
| Country of origin | Vietnam |
| Series | GP |
| Other model numbers | 7721 |
| UPC | 696471086270 |
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 | Dish washer | 1500 | 3000 |
| Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 | |
| Vacuum cleaner | 1075 | 1175 | |
| Radio | 100 | 100 | |
| Total | 2867 W | 4367 W | |
| For camping | RV AC (11,000 BTU) | 1010 | 1600 |
| RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
| Electric grill | 1650 | 1650 | |
| Total | 2840 W | 3430 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