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Choose the Predator 3500 if its 3,000 running watts, gasoline-only operation and L5-30 twist-lock outlet fit your equipment. Choose the Predator 5000 dual-fuel if you need more listed capacity, propane as an option or a built-in TT-30R RV outlet—and can manage its 110 lb weight. The right choice depends on your actual running loads, startup surges, fuel plan and connection requirements, not the model number alone.
Compare the Predator 3500 and 5000 at a glance
| Factor | Predator 3500, SKU 56720 | Predator 5000 dual-fuel, SKU 71367 |
|---|---|---|
| Rated output | 3,000 running watts; 3,500 starting watts (Harbor Freight listing and 2024 manual: product listing; manual). | 3,900 running watts on gasoline; 3,600 running watts on propane; 5,000 starting watts (Harbor Freight listing, accessed 2026: product listing). |
| Fuel | Gasoline. | Gasoline or propane. |
| Manufacturer-stated runtime | Product listing: over 11 hours at 25% load. The 2024 manual states 11 hours at 25% load with a full tank. | 18.2 hours on gasoline at 25% load; 14.6 hours with a 20 lb propane tank at 25% load. |
| Outlets and connections | Manual lists two 120V 20A outlets, one 120V L5-30 twist-lock outlet and 12V DC. Product listing says an RV adapter is included. | Listing specifies two 120V 5-20R outlets, one 120V TT-30R RV outlet, 12V DC, USB-C and USB-A. |
| Noise figures | Listing says 56 dBA; manual specifies 57 dB(A) at 23 feet and 25% load. | Listing says 61.7 dBA. |
| Engine and weight | 212cc engine on listing; weight not stated in the cited current product details. | 224cc engine; product listing weight is 110 lb. |
| Starting | Electric start; listing says battery included. | Remote, electric and recoil start; listing says remote works up to 100 feet. |
| California availability | SKU 56720 listing says not for sale in California. | SKU 71367 is listed as 49-state; Harbor Freight lists separate California-compliant SKU 71424 (California-compliant listing). |
Figures come from Harbor Freight listings and manuals, not an independent side-by-side test. The 3500 manual surfaced for SKU 71358 while the cited product page identifies SKU 56720; verify the manual supplied with your exact unit before relying on model-specific outlet or maintenance details. Harbor Freight says product specifications are approximate and subject to change, so confirm the listing and exact SKU before purchase.
How much power do you need?
Compare the generator’s running capacity with the combined continuous demand of the equipment you plan to operate at the same time. Then check each appliance’s startup requirement: motors and compressors can need additional power briefly when they start. Starting watts describe that surge capacity; they do not replace the running-watt limit for equipment operating together.
- The 3500 is rated for 3,000 running watts and 3,500 starting watts.
- The 5000 is rated for 3,900 running watts on gasoline or 3,600 on propane, with 5,000 starting watts.
- Use the equipment manuals or nameplates to establish actual running and startup requirements. Do not assume that a manufacturer’s example load describes your particular combination.
On listed ratings, the 5000 offers more capacity, but its propane running output is lower than its gasoline output. If you plan to use propane, size your simultaneous loads against 3,600 running watts rather than the gasoline figure.
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- 224cc dual-fuel engine runs on both gasoline (6800 surge watts, 5100 rated watts) and propane (6000 surge watts, 4500 rated watts)
- Bonded-neutral 240V configuration provides low-power Level 2 charging for battery and hybrid electric vehicles
- The WEN Watchdog CO Shutdown Sensor helps protect both you and your family by automatically turning off the generator if dangerous levels of carbon monoxide are detected
- Fuel shutoff maximizes the generator’s lifespan by using up the remaining fuel in the carburetor before shutting down
- Includes fuel shut-off to help limit maintenance, onboard wheels, a telescoping pull handle, one L14-30R 120V/240V receptacle, two three-prong 120V receptacles, one TT-30R RV receptacle, one 12V DC receptacle, two 5V USB ports, a voltage selector switch, a tool-free LPG quick-connector, a six-foot-long LPG regulator hose, and a three-year warranty
Which model fits an RV?
The 5000 has a 120V TT-30R RV outlet. The 3500 manual specifies a 120V L5-30 twist-lock outlet, while its product page says an RV adapter is included. Match your RV’s input connection to the generator outlet and confirm the exact cord or adapter requirements before connecting.
An RV outlet does not guarantee that every combination of air conditioner and other appliances will run at once. Check the air conditioner’s startup and running demand, add the loads you expect to use simultaneously, and compare the totals with the generator’s fuel-specific running capacity.
Rank #2
- 5000 Peak Watts and 3900 Rated Watts at Less Than 3% THD; Telescoping Handle; Gas Powered; Remote Start With Included Key Fob, Electric and Recoil Start
- Features a 5–20R 120V Duplex Household Outlet, an RV-Ready TT-30R 30 Amp Outlet and Two USB Outlets – Great Choice for Travel Trailers or Home Use – Strong Enough to Run All Your Essentials
- Led Data Center: Rotating Digital Display Shows Fuel Level, Power Output, Remaining Run Time, Voltage Output, and Lifetime Hours
- Extremely Quiet, Extremely Fuel Efficient: as Low as 52 dBA Noise Output and Up to 18 Hour Run Time on a 3.4 Gallon Gas Tank – Features “Economy Mode” for Maximum Fuel Efficiency
- All Westinghouse Portable Generators are Functionally Tested in the Factory and May Contain Minimum Residual Oil and/or Fuel Odor; EPA Compliant; Backed By 3-Year Limited Service, Labor, and Parts Coverage and Nationwide Customer Service Network
Fuel choice and runtime
The 3500 runs on gasoline. The 5000 can use gasoline or propane, so it may suit a setup where propane availability or storage is part of the plan. Follow the applicable manual for fuel, connection and operation requirements.
Harbor Freight lists the 3500 at over 11 hours at 25% load; its 2024 manual states 11 hours at 25% load with a full tank. For the 5000, the listing states 18.2 hours on gasoline at 25% load and 14.6 hours with a 20 lb propane tank at 25% load. These are manufacturer figures for the stated conditions, not promises of runtime at heavier loads or with a different fuel supply.
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- POWERFUL PERFORMANCE: The iGen5000DFc dual fuel inverter generator is perfect for your RV, jobsite, or emergency home backup; Gasoline: 5,000 peak watts and 3,900 running watts, Propane: 4,500 Peak Watts and 3,500 running watts; Runtime: up to 18 hours at 25% load on a 3.4 gallon gas tank
- SAVE UP TO 50% IN FUEL COSTS: Inverter technology adjusts engine speed to match power demand, cutting fuel use in half compared to traditional generators, with quieter operation. That means less fuel, fewer fuel runs, and much less noise. And inverters need less upkeep, saving you time and money
- PLUG IN, POWER UP: Outlets include an RV ready TT-30R 30A, a 5–20R 120V 20A standard duplex, and two USBs; Powered by a 224 cc Westinghouse 4-stroke OHV engine with CO sensor; Remote start key fob, battery, 12V battery charger, oil with funnel, and tool kit gets you going out of the box
- EXTRA QUIET, ELECTRONIC EASE: Super quiet–as low as 52 dBA with a double-insulated cover, muffler and variable speed engine; Safe for sensitive electronics with less than 3% THD; Digital display shows fuel level, power and voltage output, remaining run time and lifetime hours, removing guesswork
- DOUBLE YOUR POWER: Designed to be used in tandem with a second iGen5000DFc when using the Westinghouse Parallel Kit (sold separately) which doubles the power output. The parallel kit includes a 240V outlet which makes it interlock kit or transfer switch ready for easy home backup in any emergency
Noise and portability
Harbor Freight lists 56 dBA for the 3500 and 61.7 dBA for the 5000. The 3500’s 2024 manual instead specifies 57 dB(A), measured at 23 feet and 25% load. Because the figures are not presented under matching test conditions, they do not establish a precise real-world noise difference between the two models; load and placement also matter.
The 5000 listing gives its weight as 110 lb, a meaningful handling consideration for loading, unloading or moving it around a site or campsite. The cited current 3500 product details do not state a weight, so this comparison cannot establish which is lighter. Consider how you will transport and position the generator, not just its output.
Rank #4
- 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐏𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫: delivers 4800 peak watts and 3800 rated watts powered by a 223cc 4-stroke engine, and produces clean power to protect your electronics such as cell phones and tablets.
- 𝐄𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐜 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭: equipped with convenient electric start design for effortless one-touch startup (just plug its internal wire connector).
- 𝐋𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐑𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞: delivers up to 18 hours of run time at 25% load with its 3.43-gallon fuel tank, ideal for home use without frequent refueling.
- 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐥 𝐏𝐚𝐧𝐞𝐥: four three-prong 120V 20A receptacle, one 120V 30A RV-ready receptacle, one 12V 8A DC Outlet, two 5V USB ports, Eco mode and parallel ports.
- 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐞 𝐒𝐚𝐟𝐞𝐭𝐲: equipped with CO protect, overload protection and low-oil shutdown to avoid safety risks during operation. Certified with EPA, ANSI/PGMA G300 and ANSI/UL 2201 standards to meet official US safety and emission requirements.
Starting features and outlet compatibility
The 3500 listing describes electric start and says a battery is included. The 5000 adds remote and recoil starting to electric start; Harbor Freight says its remote works up to 100 feet. The 5000 also lists USB-C and USB-A outlets alongside its 120V and 12V DC connections. Choose based on how you expect to start the unit and whether its receptacles match your equipment; an outlet’s presence does not by itself establish that a particular load is compatible.
Safety applies to both models
Never run either generator inside a home or garage, even with doors or windows open. Harbor Freight’s owner manual warns, “Using a generator indoors CAN KILL YOU IN MINUTES.” Generator exhaust contains carbon monoxide, which cannot be seen or smelled. The manual directs users to operate it outdoors, at least 20 feet from people, animals and structures, with exhaust pointed away. CO shutdown technology is an added safeguard, not permission to operate indoors or closer to occupied spaces.
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- 5000 Peak Watts and 3900 Rated Watts at Less Than 3% THD – Telescoping Handle – Gas or Propane Powered – Remote Start With Included Key Fob, Electric and Recoil Start
- Features a 5–20R 120V Duplex Household Outlet, an RV-Ready TT-30R 30 Amp Outlet and Two USB Outlets – Great Choice for Travel Trailers or Home Use – Strong Enough to Run All Your Essentials
- Led Data Center: Rotating Digital Display Shows Fuel Level, Power Output, Remaining Run Time, Voltage Output, and Lifetime Hours
- Extremely Quiet, Extremely Fuel Efficient: as Low as 52 dBA Noise Output and Up to 18 Hour Run Time on a 3.4 Gallon Gas Tank – Features “Economy Mode” for Maximum Fuel Efficiency
- All Westinghouse Portable Generators are Functionally Tested in the Factory and May Contain Minimum Residual Oil and/or Fuel Odor; EPA Compliant; Backed By 3-Year Limited Service, Labor, and Parts Coverage and Nationwide Customer Service Network
Check the exact SKU and regional listing
Availability and certification can vary by version. Harbor Freight lists 3500 SKU 56720 as not for sale in California. It lists 5000 SKU 71367 as a 49-state product and offers a separate California-compliant 5000, SKU 71424. Check the exact SKU and live local listing rather than assuming that related versions share the same availability or certification.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
