Head to head
Predator 3500 Inverter vs Champion 4500W Dual Fuel Inverter
Predator (Harbor Freight) · Inverter Generator
Predator 3500 Inverter
~$799
3,000 W / 3,500 W surge · up to fridge, freezer and the essentials
Champion · Inverter Generator
Champion 4500W Dual Fuel Inverter
~$823
3,500 W / 4,500 W surge · up to fridge, freezer and the essentials
Quick takeThe Predator 3500 Inverter lists about $24 lower; the Champion 4500W Dual Fuel Inverter puts out more sustained power (3,500 W); the Predator 3500 Inverter is quieter at 57 dB.
| Spec | Predator 3500 Inverter | Champion 4500W Dual Fuel Inverter |
|---|---|---|
| Approx. price | ~$799 | ~$823 |
| Type | Inverter Generator | Inverter Generator |
| Fuel | Gasoline | Dual Fuel (Gas/Propane) |
| Running / output watts | 3,000 W | 3,500 W |
| Starting / surge watts | 3,500 W | 4,500 W |
| Battery capacity | — | — |
| Expandable to | — | — |
| Noise | 57 dB | 61 dB |
| Runtime | 11 hrs @ 25% load (2.3 gal) | 14 hrs @ 25% load (2.3 gal gas); up to 21 hrs on 20-lb propane |
| Outlets | 2x 120V 20A (5-20R), 1x 120V 30A RV (TT-30R), 12V DC | 1x 120V 30A RV (TT-30R), 2x 120V 20A (5-20R), 12V DC |
| Fuel tank | 2.3 gal | 2.3 gal |
| Weight | 99 lbs | 103 lbs |
| Transfer-switch ready | No | No |
| Warranty | 90-day (extended plans available) | 3-year limited |
Highlighted cell is the better figure for that row.
Owner pros and cons
Predator 3500 Inverter
- +Runs 15k BTU RV air conditioners that stall smaller inverters
- +57 dB is legitimately quiet for 3,000 running watts
- +Electric start with simple controls
- +11-hour economy runtime
- +Owner-documented fixes for its common carburetor faults
- +Frequent Harbor Freight coupons drop it under $600
- −90-day warranty is the shortest in the category
- −99 lbs with no suitcase handle or telescoping pull
- −Awkward tilted oil fill makes changes messy
- −Carburetor gumming after storage is the top complaint
- −No fuel gauge on older revisions; small 2.3-gal tank
Champion 4500W Dual Fuel Inverter
- +Propane option stores indefinitely — no stale-gas worries
- +Electric start with cold-start tech works in freezing weather
- +Clean <3% THD power safe for electronics
- +21-hour propane runtime on a standard grill tank
- −61 dB is noticeably louder than Honda/Westinghouse rivals
- −Start battery discharges if not maintained between uses
- −Propane derates output about 10%
- −Small hard wheels struggle on gravel and grass
- −No 240V output