A low-cost way to run a 30 A camper with one air conditioner, with electric start and CO shutoff. Expect to buy an extended warranty if you want long-term cover.
Harbor Freight $799.99The Predator 3500 Super Quiet and the Pulsar PGD40ISCO are evenly matched, rated 3.3 and 3.3. The Predator 3500 Super Quiet leads on run time. The Pulsar PGD40ISCO wins on value and warranty. The Pulsar PGD40ISCO costs $349.92 less ($450.07 vs $799.99).
A light, inexpensive 4,000 W inverter for RV owners who need to start a rooftop air conditioner without hauling a heavy generator. Expect frequent refueling.
Amazon $450.07Prices were last checked October 22, 2026 and are subject to change; the price and availability shown by the retailer at the time of purchase apply.
Which should you buy?
- Choose the Predator 3500 Super Quiet for run time (11 hours on a tank at 25% load vs 5.3 hours on a tank at 25% load (scaled from 50%)).
- Choose the Pulsar PGD40ISCO for value ($0.14 per running watt vs $0.27 per running watt) and warranty (3-year warranty vs 0.2-year warranty).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every mid-size inverter generator; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | Predator 3500 Super Quiet | Pulsar PGD40ISCO |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.3/5 | 3.3/5 |
| Value 30% | 71 $0.27 per running watt | 100 $0.14 per running watt |
| Quiet 20% | 56 57 dBA at light load, maker rating | 44 59 dBA at light load, maker rating |
| Run time 15% | 42 11 hours on a tank at 25% load | 0 5.3 hours on a tank at 25% load (scaled from 50%) |
| Fuel options 10% | 0 gasoline only | 0 gasoline only |
| CO safety 10% | 100 shuts off when carbon monoxide builds up | 50 CO shutoff not stated (neutral score used) |
| Warranty 10% | 0 0.2-year warranty | 50 3-year warranty |
| Starting 5% | 80 push-button electric start | 50 starting method not stated (neutral score used) |
Specifications
| Predator 3500 Super Quiet | Pulsar PGD40ISCO | |
|---|---|---|
| Output | ||
| Gasoline | 3,000 W running, 3,500 W starting | 3,200 W running, 4,000 W starting |
| Outlets | 2 × 120 V, L5-30 | - |
| Parallel capable | Yes | Yes |
| Price per watt | $0.27 | $0.14 |
| Fuel and run time | ||
| Fuel | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Tank | 2.3 gal | 1 gal |
| Run time (gasoline) | 11 hr at 25% load | 4 hr at 50% load |
| Engine | 212 cc | - |
| Noise and safety | ||
| Rated noise (light load) | 57 dBA | 59 dBA |
| CO shutoff | Yes | - |
| CARB compliant | No | - |
| Build | ||
| Starting | Electric and recoil | - |
| App | No | No |
| Wheels | Yes | - |
| Dimensions | 22.75 x 17.3 x 20 in | 18.9 x 11.4 x 17.3 in |
| Weight | 102 lb | 47.3 lb |
| Warranty | 0.2 years | 3 years |
