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Description
Zoom on the Predator 3500
In a nutshell, the Predator 3500 is a quiet and compact portable inverter generator mostly geared towards:
- RV travellers looking for even more independence
- People occasionally participating in outdoor fairs, festivals or events
- DIYers who wish to improve their efficiency with tools
- Homeowners in need of an emergency backup power for their essentials
- Camping and tailgating buffs looking to enhance their experience
In the following paragraphs, we shall explore the power characteristics, available outlets, portability, and any additional features of the device, along with its emission compliance information.
Power & Run Time
The Predator 3500
The Predator 3500's engine, 212 cc OHV 4-stroke, fueled by gasoline, can deliver 120V. It provides a running wattage of 3000W and reaches a peak wattage of 3500W. In addition, as it is parallel capable (parallel kit not included), this power can be doubled when linked to another similar or compatible unit.
At a noise rating of 57 dBA (less noisy than a quiet suburb), this inverter generator can be started via a conventional pull-start mechanism, or a simple and elegant electric starter (battery included).
Thanks to a fuel capacity of 2.6 gallons, the 3500 can operate for up to 11 hours with a full tank (fuel consumption around 0.24 GPH).
The 3500 produces a clean sine wave: thanks to a <5% Total Harmonic Disruption (THD), your sensitive electronics can be safely plugged in the AC outlets.
Outlets
The control panel features the upcoming 3 AC outlets:
Additionally, it features 1 DC outlet: there's a 12V 8A receptacle with which charging your batteries is made easy.
This Predator generator isn't quite RV Ready, but it features an L5-30R receptacle, allowing a simple RV connection through an L5-30P to TT-30R adaptor (included).
Portability
The Predator 3500 is an inverter generator and has an encased design of the following dimensions: L22.8 x W17.3 x H20 in. Thus, it is more aesthetical than conventional, open frame products. The generator has a contemporary design, convenient for recreationally generating power.
The 3500's dry weight of 99.2 lbs lets you use its power anywhere needed. Additionally, it can be easily moved with the help of its wheel kit and its double handle, once it is on the ground.
Features
The 3500's control panel
One of the many 3500's features is the data center, included in its control panel, which conveniently provides information on the lifetime run hours, voltage and power output and thus, helps you monitor its activity and status.
In addition to this info, some light indicators allow you to instantly see if the generator is ready, the oil level is too low and the generator is overloaded.
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.
While the standard documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), helpful for starting the device promptly, come with the Predator 3500, the following accessories are also included: RV adapter, tool kit, funnel and battery charging cables.
Emissions
The Predator 3500 is EPA-approved and CARB-compliant. Thus, selling and purchasing this generator is allowed in each of the 50 states, including California.
Moreover, it features a spark arrestor, which makes it suitable for use in forested areas.
Product Video
The Predator 3500 versus other generators
The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Predator 3500 compare to generators of similar power (between 2500 and 3500 W).
- Having a dry weight of 99.2 lbs, the Predator 3500 belongs in the expected weight range for generators which produce 2500 to 3500 rated watts. If you are concerned by weight, one of the champions in the above mentioned power range is the WEN GN400i, with a dry weight of just 66.1 pounds.
- With a lowest possible noise of 57 dBA, this inverter generator places itself amongst the more quiet of the products delivering similar power. If noise emissions are one of your priorities, you may be interested in the Honda EU3000iS, one of the least noisy generators similarly powerful as this one, rated for 50 dBA.
- Regarding its autonomy, the autonomy of the 3500, reaching up to 11 hours at a 25% load, can be considered as low end, compared to other products of a roughly equal output. Furthermore, considering the run times, one of the generators which have a roughly same power output, with the highest autonomy, is the Honda EU3000iS, as it provides up to 20 hours.
- Run times are important, yet thanks to their dependence on the fuel capacity, they should be judged along with the fuel consumption of the device. This inverter generator is not fuel efficient compared to devices of similar output: its estimated fuel consumption stands at 0.24 GPH at a 25% load. If fuel consumption is your top priority, we suggest to check out the Energizer eZV3200P, which has a fuel consumption of only 0.13 GPH and thus, is one of the most efficient devices in our database.
Here's a list of the most popular specific comparisons:
- Predator 3500 vs Generac GP3000i
- Predator 3500 vs Generac GP3500iO
- Predator 3500 vs Generac iQ3500
- Predator 3500 vs Honda EB2800i
- Predator 3500 vs Honda EG2800i
- Predator 3500 vs Honda EU3000iS
- Predator 3500 vs Powerhorse LC3500i
- Predator 3500 vs Predator 2000
- Predator 3500 vs Predator 4000
- Predator 3500 vs WEN 56380i
- Predator 3500 vs Westinghouse iGen4500
Price comparison
As you can see from this interactive chart, when compared to other 2500-3500W generators, the Predator 3500 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
- Several accessories included
- RV adapter included
- Electric start
- Parallel capable
- Inverter
- Quiet for its power (57 dBA)
- Decent weight (99.2 lbs)
- No remote start
- Weak warranty
- Relatively low run time
- Low fuel efficiency
Features and Specifications
| Inverter | Yes |
|---|---|
| Portable | Yes |
| Parallel capable | Yes, cable not included |
| RV ready | No |
| Fuel | Gasoline |
| Engine | 212 cc OHV 4-stroke |
| Starting system | Recoil, Electric |
| Voltage | AC: 120V 60 Hz, DC: 12V |
|---|---|
| Running watts | 3000 W |
| Starting watts | 3500 W |
| Running amps | 25 amps |
| Peaks amps | 29.2 amps |
| Run time @50% load | N/A |
| Run time @25% load | 11 h |
| GFCI outlets | No |
|---|---|
| Covered outlets | No |
| Automatic Voltage Regulation | Inverter |
| AC outlets |
|
| DC outlets | 1x 12V 8A receptacle |
| Data center | Power output, lifetime run hours and voltage |
| Indicators | Low oil, overload and output ready |
| Fuel tank | 2.6 gal |
| Fuel gauge | No |
| Weight | 99.2 lbs |
|---|---|
| Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | 22.8 x 17.3 x 20 in |
| Noise (lower limit) | 57 dBA |
| THD | < 5% |
| Emissions | CARB, EPA |
| Security | Low oil and overload protection |
| Spark arrestor | Yes |
| Accessories included | Funnel, tool kit, RV adapter, battery charging cables and battery |
| Warranty | 90 days |
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 Predator
Predator portable generators are solely distributed by the Harbor Freight Corporation, which has an impressive list of over 200 trademarked products. The Predator brand is one of their newer lines of outdoor power products. As with many other makes and models of power equipment sold by Harbor Freight, Predator generators are manufactured in China.
Warranty Information
The Predator 3500 is covered under a warranty for up to 90 days. This warranty may be limited and may not cover all parts of the generator.
For more information about the warranty of Predator generators, please consult Predator's warranty policies stated in the user manual (opens in a new tab). Alternatively, you can also contact their Customer Support : 1-800-444-3353.
Questions & Answers
What can it power?
| Item | Running Watts | Starting Watts | |
|---|---|---|---|
| At home | Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 |
| Hair dryer | 1800 | 1900 | |
| Blender | 400 | 850 | |
| Total | 2392 W | 3392 W | |
| For camping | Radiant heater | 1300 | 1300 |
| RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
| Toaster oven | 800 | 800 | |
| Radio | 100 | 100 | |
| Total | 2380 W | 2800 W | |
| For work | Grinder | 1400 | 2500 |
| Reciprocating saw | 730 | 960 | |
| Drain cleaner | 250 | 250 | |
| Total | 2380 W | 3480 W |
Does the inverter charge the battery? (Asked April 10, 2020)
The unit will charge its own battery, while running.
Does the Predator 3500 have GPS tracking (Asked September 18, 2020)
The unit does not have such a feature.
Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.
