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Description
Zoom on the Cat RP3600
In a nutshell, the Cat RP3600 is a portable generator mostly geared towards:
- RV travellers wishing to enhance their freedom and nomad lifestyle
- Homeowners who want to be able to use the most necessary devices in their household, even during a blackout
In the following paragraphs, we shall explore the power characteristics, available outlets, portability and any additional features of the device, along with its emission compliance parameters.
Power & Run Time
The Cat RP3600
The Cat RP3600 houses a 212 cc OHV 4-stroke engine, which provides 120V, consumes gasoline and delivers a running wattage of 3600W along with a peak wattage of 4500W.
This generator features a conventional pull-start mechanism.
The RP3600 can operate for around 13.5 hours at 50% load with a full tank (fuel consumption around 0.33 GPH), due to its fuel capacity of 4.5 gallons.
- For camping/tailgating: 1 toaster oven, 1 rice cooker, 1 coffee maker, 1 blender, 1 mixer and 1 pair of small speakers
- At home: 1 toaster oven, 1 waffle iron, 1 rice cooker, 1 blender, 1 set of 5 LED light bulbs and 1 fan
- For work: 1 drill, 1 drain cleaner, 1 electric fence (25 miles) and 1 bug zapper
Outlets
The control panel provides the upcoming 5 AC outlets:
This Cat generator is RV Ready, thanks to its TT-30R receptacle (TT stands for 'Travel Trailer').
Portability
The dimensions of the Cat RP3600, which are L28.4 x W25.2 x H23 in, and its typical, open frame design provides stability and enables the generator to be raised above ground level. The generator is designed for ideal use outdoors and in rough environments.
Although this generator is technically considered 'portable' (in the sense that it can be moved), its 125 lbs make it incredibly difficult to manually lift and transport. However, its challenging mobility is solved by a wheel kit and a folding handle, which will ease its displacement, once it is on the floor.
Features
The RP3600's control panel
The RP3600's control center features a convenient meter showing you voltage, frequency and lifetime hours to aid you with the monitoring of its status and activity. To offer you even more control and easy operation during night time, the panel is LED-lit.
A built-in fuel gauge allows for a quick, easy and convenient check of the fuel level of the generator.
As far as security is concerned, the generator can be used with a peace of mind, as it features an overload protection (circuit breaker) and an automatic low oil shut-off.
Besides the classic documentation and a user manual to get you promptly started, the Cat RP3600 also comes with some accessories: oil, tool kit and funnel are included.
Emissions
The Cat RP3600 is EPA-approved and CARB-compliant. Therefore, its sale and purchase are permitted in all of the 50 states, including California.
Moreover, it features a spark arrestor and therefore, can be used in forested areas.
Product Videos
The Cat RP3600 versus other generators
The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Cat RP3600 compare to generators of similar power (between 3500 and 4500 W).
- Since the generator weighs in at a dry weight of 125 lbs, the Cat RP3600 belongs in the expected weight range for devices which can produce between 3500 and 4500 rated watts. Regarding dry weight, one of the champions in the same power range is the Energizer eZV4500, with a dry weight of only 78 lbs.
- The RP3600 provides a higher run time than similarly powerful devices, reaching 13.5 hours at 50% load. Concerning the run times, one of the several devices with a comparable output, offering the highest autonomy, is the Honda EB4000, which is able to run for 16 hours.
- Autonomy holds its importance, however, it is largely dependent on the generator’s fuel capacity and so, it is nonsensible to discuss it without mentioning fuel efficiency as well. With an estimated gasoline consumption of 0.33 GPH (gallon per hour) at 50% load, this generator is among the more fuel efficient of the products in the above-mentioned wattage range. If you wish to acquire one of the most gasoline efficient products of this power range, the Westinghouse iGen4200, with a fuel consumption of 0.17 GPH could be in your good books.
Price comparison
As you can see from this dynamic chart, when compared to other 3500-4500W generators, the Cat RP3600 is on the average side of the price range.
Therefore, this generator nicely fits in the expected budget for this kind of product.
The bottom line
- In the expected price range
- Several accessories included
- RV Ready
- High run time
- Fuel efficient
- Decent weight (125 lbs)
- No electric start
Where to buy the Cat RP3600?
Amazon 
eBay | Price history for the Cat RP3600 | |
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Features and Specifications
General
| Inverter | No |
|---|---|
| Portable | Yes |
| Parallel capable | No |
| RV ready | Yes |
| Fuel | Gasoline |
| Engine | 212 cc OHV 4-stroke |
| Starting system | Recoil |
Power
| Voltage | AC: 120V 60 Hz |
|---|---|
| Running watts | 3600 W |
| Starting watts | 4500 W |
| Running amps | 30 amps |
| Peaks amps | 37.5 amps |
| Run time @50% load | 13.5 h |
| Run time @25% load | N/A |
Features
| GFCI outlets | No |
|---|---|
| Covered outlets | Yes |
| Automatic Voltage Regulation | Yes |
| AC outlets | 2x Duplex 120V 20A (5-20R) 1x 120V 30A (TT-30R) |
| DC outlets | No |
| Data center | VFT |
| Indicators | No |
| Fuel tank | Metal, 4.5 gal |
| Fuel gauge | Yes |
Misc
| Weight | 125 lbs |
|---|---|
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 28.4 x 25.2 x 23 in |
| Noise (lower limit) | N/A |
| THD | N/A |
| Emissions | CARB, EPA |
| Security | Low oil and overload protection |
| Spark arrestor | Yes |
| Neutral | Bonded to frame |
| Accessories included | Tool kit, funnel and oil |
| Warranty | 2 years |
Unlike many websites, we did our best to research each of the specs above. That being said, we are not immune to making the occasional mistake or omission. Should you notice any missing or incorrect values, don't hesitate to suggest improvements so we can address the issue.
About Cat
Caterpillar Inc., often abbreviated as simply CAT, is an American engineering corporation, whose product range includes machinery, engines, financial products, mobile phones and of course, power generators. The company, founded in 1925, is one of the backbones of the US Dow Jones index and is placed among the Fortune 500 list. While CAT mainly focuses on industrial scale generators, it also provides a wide range of portable and household-scaled devices. A majority of the industrial-scale CAT products is made in the USA. However, the production of many of their household products is reported to be outsourced overseas.
Warranty Information
The Cat RP3600 is covered under a warranty for up to 2 years. This warranty may be limited and may not cover all parts of the generator.
For more information about the warranty of Cat generators, please consult Cat's warranty policies. Alternatively, you can also contact their Customer Support: 1-844-PWR-ME-UP (844-797-6387).
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