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 short, the Cat RP3600 is a portable generator adequately designed for:
- RV travellers looking for even more independence
- People occasionally participating in outdoor fairs, festivals or events
- Homeowners in need of an emergency backup power for their essentials
In the sections ahead, the power characteristics, availability of various outlets, the portability, and any additional features of the device shall be discussed.
Power & Run Time
The Cat RP3600
Featuring a 212 cc OHV 4-stroke engine, the Cat RP3600 operates using gasoline, providing 120V, with a running wattage of 3,600W and a starting wattage of 4,500W.
This generator is started via a classic hand-operated recoil starting mechanism.
The RP3600 boasts a fuel tank capable of holding 4.5 gallons, allowing it to run continuously for around 13.5 hours at 50% load (with fuel usage averaging around 0.33 gallons per hour).
Outlets
The control panel is equipped with the following 5 AC outlets:
With its TT-30R receptacle (TT standing for 'Travel Trailer'), this Cat generator is RV Ready, perfectly suited for powering recreational vehicles.
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 ideal use outdoors and in rough environments.
Despite its 125 lbs, the generator falls under the category of 'portable,' signifying its movability, although its weight may hinder easy portability. Despite the restricted maneuverability, its wheel kit and its folding handle provides a solution, allowing for convenient shifting once the generator is positioned on the ground.
Features
The RP3600's control panel
Integrated into the control center of the RP3600 are a convenient meter, which displays voltage, frequency and lifetime hours, facilitating the monitoring of its status and activity. To offer you even more control and easy operation during nighttime, the panel is LED-lit.
The generator allows for a quick, easy and convenient assessment of its gas level, as it is equipped with a built-in fuel gauge.
As far as security is concerned, the generator comes with an automatic low oil shut-off and an overload protection (circuit breaker), providing peace of mind during use.
In addition to the traditional documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab) to help you get started promptly, the Cat RP3600 also includes several accessories: oil, funnel 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).
- With a dry weight of 125 lbs, the Cat RP3600 falls within the expected weight range for generators in the 3500 to 4500 rated wattage. If you are mindful of weight, the WEN 56432iX is among the top contenders in this power range, with a dry weight of 52.9 pounds.
- Since the RP3600 boasts with a run time of around 13.5 hours at 50% load, it can be safely judged as a device of a higher run time than most generators of a comparable output. If autonomy is your priority, one of the devices of a similar power output with the highest run time is the Honda EM4000SX, reaching around 16 hours.
- Though run time is a significant parameter, it's closely tied to the generator's fuel tank size. To get a comprehensive understanding, fuel efficiency must also be taken into account. At an estimated fuel consumption of 0.33 GPH (gallon per hour) at 50% load, this generator is a rather fuel-efficient one within its wattage category. 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 | Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 |
| Hair dryer | 1800 | 1900 | |
| Freezer | 810 | 1750 | |
| Set of 5 LED light bulbs | 55 | 55 | |
| Total | 2857 W | 3857 W | |
| For camping | Radiant heater | 1300 | 1300 |
| RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
| RV AC (11,000 BTU) | 1010 | 1600 | |
| Slow cooker | 270 | 270 | |
| Radio | 100 | 100 | |
| Total | 2860 W | 3450 W | |
| For work | Grinder | 1400 | 2500 |
| Demolition hammer | 1260 | 1260 | |
| Bug zapper | 80 | 80 | |
| Total | 2740 W | 3840 W |
