Cat RP3600 (Discontinued)
The Cat RP3600 is a portable open frame generator with a rated wattage of 3,600 W and a starting wattage of 4,500 W. (Read full specs)
This product has been discontinued. We've kept this page live for reference.
If you were hoping to purchase it, you might want to take a look at the Generac GP3600, which offers similar specs.
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Description
ECONOMICAL TEMPORARY POWER SOLUTION. This compact, affordable model will generate enough power to keep the critical items you need running.
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
- People occasionally participating in outdoor fairs, festivals or events
- 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.
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 3,600W along with a peak wattage of 4,500W.
This generator utilizes a manual recoil starter system for startup.
With a fuel capacity of 4.5 gallons, the RP3600 can run for around 13.5 hours at 50% load when the tank is full (fuel consumption is approximately 0.33 gallons per hour).
Outlets
The control panel features the upcoming 5 AC outlets:
With its TT-30R receptacle (TT as in 'Travel Trailer'), this Cat generator is RV Ready.
Portability
Measuring L28.4 x W25.2 x H23 in, the Cat RP3600 showcases a classic open frame layout, offering stability and simple maintenance access to components, while facilitating air circulation. The generator is designed for outdoor use and demanding environments.
While weighing 125 lbs, the generator is classified as 'portable,' indicating its mobility, albeit its heftiness may limit portability in specific situations. Nevertheless, it can still be moved quite conveniently with the help of its wheel kit and its folding handle, once it is placed on the ground.
Features
The RP3600's control panel
The RP3600's control center features a convenient meter, displaying voltage, frequency, and lifetime hours information to aid you with the monitoring of its status and activity. To offer you even more control and easy operation during nighttime, the panel is LED-lit.
The inclusion of a built-in fuel gauge in the generator streamlines gas level checks for quick and convenient assessments.
From a security standpoint, the generator is furnished with an automatic low oil shut-off and an overload protection (circuit breaker), ensuring peace of mind during operation.
Beyond the standard documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab) to assist with setup, the Cat RP3600 ships with supplementary accessories: funnel, oil and tool kit. An official storage cover is also available, as a separate purchase.
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).
- At a weight of 125 pounds, the Cat RP3600 places in the expected weight range of the generators in the 3500-4500 rated wattage range. In terms of weight, one of the champions in their power range is the WEN 56432iX, standing at just 52.9 lbs.
- At 50% load, the RP3600 boasts a higher run time than most similarly powerful products, reaching around 13.5 hours. If prolonged run time is essential to your needs, you could consider the Firman W03663OF, which offers one of the highest autonomy among devices with similar power output, lasting around 18 hours.
- Run time is a key metric, but it's dependent on the generator's fuel capacity. Therefore, discussing fuel efficiency is necessary to get the full picture. This generator can be considered as fuel-efficient, due to its low estimated fuel consumption of only 0.33 GPH (gallon per hour) at 50% load, within the aforementioned wattage range. If gasoline efficiency is at the top of your list, you may want to have a look at the Westinghouse iGen5000DF, which has great fuel efficiency, with a gas consumption of only 0.23 gallons per hour.
The bottom line
- Illuminated control panel
- RV Ready
- High run time
- Fuel efficient
- Decent weight (125 lbs)
- No electric start
Do you own the Cat RP3600 and agree (or disagree) with these strengths and weaknesses?
Let us know and write your own review.
Features and Specifications
| Inverter | No |
|---|---|
| Parallel capable | No |
| RV ready | Yes |
| Fuel | Gasoline |
| Engine | 212 cc OHV 4-stroke |
| Starting system | Recoil |
| Warranty | 2 years |
| Voltage | AC: 120V 60 Hz |
|---|---|
| Running watts | 3,600 W |
| Starting watts | 4,500 W |
| Running amps | 30 amps |
| Peak amps | 37.5 amps |
| Run time @50% load | 13.5 h |
| Run time @25% load | Unknown |
| GFCI outlets | No |
|---|---|
| Covered outlets | Yes |
| Automatic Voltage Regulation | Yes |
| AC outlets |
|
| DC outlets | No |
| Data center | VFT |
| Indicators | No |
| Fuel tank | Metal, 4.5 gal |
| Fuel gauge | Yes |
| Weight | 125 lbs |
|---|---|
| Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | 28.4 x 25.2 x 23 in |
| Noise (lower limit) | Unknown |
| THD | Unknown |
| Compliance | CARB, EPA |
| Security | Low oil and overload protection |
| Spark arrestor | Yes |
| Neutral | Bonded to frame |
| Accessories included | Oil, funnel, tool kit, and wheel kit |
| Other model numbers | 502-3684 |
| UPC | 815683020005 |
We've taken extra care to research and verify each of the specifications above. That said, occasional mistakes or omissions are still possible. If you spot any missing or inaccurate information, feel free to suggest a correction so we can address it.
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. CAT portable generators were engineered and designed in Mossville, Illinois, and Belfast, Northern Ireland. However, their production was outsourced to China.
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 (opens in a new tab). Alternatively, you can also contact their Customer Support: 1-844-PWR-ME-UP (844-797-6387).
Questions & Answers
What can it power?
| Item | Running Watts | Starting Watts | |
|---|---|---|---|
| At home | AC (10,000 BTU) | 1500 | 2200 |
| Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 | |
| Vacuum cleaner | 1075 | 1175 | |
| Radio | 100 | 100 | |
| Total | 2867 W | 3867 W | |
| For camping | RV AC (11,000 BTU) | 1010 | 1600 |
| RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
| Electric grill | 1650 | 1650 | |
| Total | 2840 W | 3430 W | |
| For work | Grinder | 1400 | 2500 |
| Demolition hammer | 1260 | 1260 | |
| Bug zapper | 80 | 80 | |
| Total | 2740 W | 3840 W |
