Predator 3500

[3Cases]

I just picked up this Predator 3500 and it is not “whisper quite” like many have described it. I’m wondering if my expectations are too high or if there’s an issue with this one. Here’s a link to a video I made last night...

https://youtu.be/VymN8WNAxEU

[k_allison510]

Are you turning on Eco mode once you get it started?

[3Cases]

That was in eco mode. With no load.

[Beachbourbon]

Originally Posted by 3Cases

I just picked up this Predator 3500 and it is not “whisper quite” like many have described it. I’m wondering if my expectations are too high or if there’s an issue with this one. Here’s a link to a video I made last night...

https://youtu.be/VymN8WNAxEU

I passed by a Predator 3500 in a campground on 8/24/18, and it was so quiet I had to get within 10 feet to hear if it was on. I would call it whisper quiet. It was on the pavement under the a frame running a TT.

If you don’t think the you tube video you posted represents a whisper quiet generator, then I believe your expectations are too high. In that video I hear the quietest generator I’ve ever heard, and sound like the one I passed in the campground.

[k_allison510]

Its really hard to tell from a video how loud something is. I thought the Honda's I researched sounded loud until I actually heard one in person.

But anyway. The best way to test how loud it actually is, is to use a decibel meter. If you dont want to spend the money on one (I wouldn't) just download a decibel meter app on a smart phone. It wont be as accurate as an actual meter. But for free, it should give you a decent idea of how close the generator is to its specs. And fwiw, I think the standard for testing is 1/4 load at 21 ft from the panel side of the unit. Make sure the generator is in an open area to test like in the middle of a large yard or parking lot with nothing for the sound to reverberate back to you.

[Craigrrr]

I thought is was good for a 3500 inverter gen.

[3Cases]

Thanks for the feedback. I’ll see what a decibel meter app says just cuz I’m curious, but I think my expectations may be a little high.

[MR.M]

That's not bad at all . most decibel readings for generators are usually taken from 20'to 30' away .