Harbor Freight Predator 3500 Inverter Generator Reviews

Introduction

The Harbor Freight 3500-Watt Super Quiet Inverter Generator with CO SECURE™ Technology is a powerful and reliable source of portable power. Whether you're going camping, tailgating, or need backup power during an outage, this generator is designed to deliver clean and stable power with minimal noise. In this review, we'll take a closer look at the features, design, performance, noise level, ease of use, price, and warranty of this generator to help you determine whether it's the right choice for your needs.

Predator 3500 Inverter Generator Reviews
Predator 3500 Inverter Generator Reviews

Features

The Harbor Freight 3500-Watt Super Quiet Inverter Generator with CO SECURE™ Technology boasts an impressive range of features. At its core is a 212cc air-cooled OHV gas engine, which delivers 3500 watts of peak power and 3000 watts of continuous power. This is enough to power multiple appliances and devices simultaneously, making it a great choice for RVs, camping, tailgating, and home backup power.

One of the standout features of this generator is its CO SECURE™ technology. This technology is designed to detect dangerous levels of carbon monoxide (CO) and shut down the generator automatically to prevent CO buildup. This is a crucial safety feature that can help protect you and your family from the potentially lethal effects of CO poisoning.

Other notable features of the Harbor Freight 3500-Watt Super Quiet Inverter Generator include an electric start, which makes it easy to start the generator with the push of a button, and a fuel gauge that lets you easily monitor the generator's fuel level. The generator also comes equipped with a low-oil shutdown, which helps prevent engine damage by automatically shutting off the generator when the oil level is too low.

Design

The design of the Harbor Freight 3500-Watt Super Quiet Inverter Generator is both functional and stylish. The generator features a compact and lightweight design, which makes it easy to transport and store. The generator weighs in at just 110 pounds, making it one of the lighter 3500-watt generators on the market.

The generator also features a durable and corrosion-resistant steel frame that is designed to withstand the rigors of outdoor use. The frame comes equipped with never-flat wheels and a telescoping handle, which makes it easy to move the generator over rough terrain.

One design feature that sets the Harbor Freight 3500-Watt Super Quiet Inverter Generator apart from other generators in its class is its super quiet operation. The generator operates at just 57 decibels, making it one of the quietest generators on the market. This is thanks to the generator's advanced inverter technology, which delivers clean and stable power with minimal noise.

Performance

The performance of the Harbor Freight 3500-Watt Super Quiet Inverter Generator is impressive. With its 212cc air-cooled OHV gas engine, the generator delivers 3500 watts of peak power and 3000 watts of continuous power. This is enough to power multiple appliances and devices simultaneously, making it a great choice for RVs, camping, tailgating, and home backup power.

One of the standout features of this generator is its advanced inverter technology, which delivers clean and stable power with less than 3% total harmonic distortion (THD). This makes it safe to power even sensitive electronic devices, such as laptops, TVs, and smartphones, without the risk of damage from voltage spikes or drops.

Another performance feature that sets the Harbor Freight 3500-Watt Super Quiet Inverter Generator apart from other generators in its class is its fuel efficiency. With a 2.6-gallon fuel tank, the generator can run for up to 11 hours at 25% load, which is impressive for a generator of its size and power output. This means you can enjoy extended power without having to constantly refill the fuel tank.

Noise Level

The noise level of the Harbor Freight 3500-Watt Super Quiet Inverter Generator is one of its most impressive features. The generator operates at just 57 decibels, which is quieter than a normal conversation. This is thanks to the generator's advanced inverter technology, which delivers clean and stable power with minimal noise.

This generator is an excellent option for outdoor activities like camping and tailgating where noise might be a distraction. It also makes it a good choice for home backup power, as it won't disturb your neighbors or family members.

Ease of Use

The Harbor Freight 3500-Watt Super Quiet Inverter Generator is designed to be easy to use and operate. One of the standout features of the generator is its electric start, which makes it easy to start the generator with the push of a button. This is a convenient feature that eliminates the need to pull a recoil starter cord, which can be difficult for some users.

Predator 3500 Inverter Generator Reviews
Predator 3500 Inverter Generator Reviews

The generator also features a fuel gauge that lets you easily monitor the generator's fuel level, which is a useful feature for ensuring that you have enough fuel to power your devices. The generator comes equipped with a low-oil shutdown, which helps prevent engine damage by automatically shutting off the generator when the oil level is too low.

Price

The price of the Harbor Freight 3500-Watt Super Quiet Inverter Generator is very competitive compared to other generators in its class. While it's not the cheapest option on the market, it offers a great balance of features and performance for the price.

Warranty

The Harbor Freight 3500-Watt Super Quiet Inverter Generator comes with a 90-day satisfaction guarantee. This means that if you're not satisfied with the generator within the first 90 days of ownership, you can return it for a full refund or exchange. The generator also comes with a 2-year limited warranty, which covers defects in materials and workmanship.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

  1. Super quiet operation
  2. Compact and portable design
  3. Advanced inverter technology delivers clean and stable power
  4. Electric start for easy operation
  5. Fuel gauge and low-oil shutdown for added convenience
  6. CO SECURE™ Technology for added safety
  7. Long runtime at 25% load

Cons:

  1. Not the cheapest generator on the market
  2. Limited parallel connection capability
  3. Not waterproof

Conclusion

Overall, the Harbor Freight 3500-Watt Super Quiet Inverter Generator with CO SECURE™ Technology is a powerful and reliable source of portable power that is packed with features. The generator delivers clean and stable power with minimal noise, making it a great choice for camping, tailgating, and home backup power. Its advanced inverter technology ensures that it's safe to power even sensitive electronic devices, while its CO SECURE™ technology helps protect against dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. The generator is also easy to use and comes with a competitive price point and a 90-day satisfaction guarantee and a 2-year limited warranty.

FAQs

What is the weight of the Harbor Freight 3500-Watt Super Quiet Inverter Generator?
The generator weighs in at just 110 pounds, making it one of the lighter 3500-watt generators on the market.

Can the Harbor Freight 3500-Watt Super Quiet Inverter Generator power sensitive electronic devices?
Yes, the generator's advanced inverter technology ensures that it delivers clean and stable power with less than 3% total harmonic distortion (THD), making it safe to power even sensitive electronic devices, such as laptops, TVs, and smartphones.

How long can the Harbor Freight 3500-Watt Super Quiet Inverter Generator run on a full tank of fuel?
With a 2.6-gallon fuel tank, the generator can run for up to 11 hours at 25% load, which is impressive for a generator of its size and power output.

Is the Harbor Freight 3500-Watt Super Quiet Inverter Generator easy to start?
Yes, the generator features an electric start, which makes it easy to start with the push of a button.

Is the Harbor Freight 3500-Watt Super Quiet Inverter Generator suitable for use in camping and outdoor activities?
Yes, the generator's low noise level and compact size make it a great choice for camping and other outdoor activities where noise can be a disturbance.

How does the CO SECURE™ Technology work?
The CO SECURE™ Technology monitors the carbon monoxide levels around the generator and automatically shuts it down if dangerous levels of carbon monoxide are detected. This helps protect against the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning.

What kind of warranty does the Harbor Freight 3500-Watt Super Quiet Inverter Generator come with?
The generator comes with a 90-day satisfaction guarantee and a 2-year limited warranty, which covers defects in materials and workmanship.

Is the Harbor Freight 3500-Watt Super Quiet Inverter Generator CARB compliant?
Yes, the generator is CARB compliant and can be sold and used in California.

Can the generator be connected in parallel with another generator?
No, the generator is not designed to be connected in parallel with another generator.

Is the Harbor Freight 3500-Watt Super Quiet Inverter Generator waterproof?
No, the generator is not waterproof and should be kept dry to avoid damage to its components.

Overall, the Harbor Freight 3500-Watt Super Quiet Inverter Generator with CO SECURE™ Technology is a powerful and reliable source of portable power that offers a great balance of features, performance, and price. The generator is packed with advanced features, such as CO SECURE™ Technology, electric start, fuel gauge, low-oil shutdown, and advanced inverter technology that delivers clean and stable power with minimal noise. It's also lightweight, easy to use, and comes with a 90-day satisfaction guarantee and a 2-year limited warranty.

While it may not be the cheapest generator on the market, its price point is very competitive for the features and performance it offers. Overall, the Harbor Freight 3500-Watt Super Quiet Inverter Generator is a great choice for anyone in need of portable power for camping, tailgating, home backup power, and other outdoor activities.