Cat RP5500 (Discontinued)
The Cat RP5500 is a portable open frame generator with a rated wattage of 5,500 W and a starting wattage of 6,875 W. (Read full specs)
This product has been discontinued. We've kept this page live for reference.
Page Content
Description
THE PERFECT MULTI-USE GENERATOR. This handy generator brings all of the power you need to take care of both play and home needs. Versatile enough to run your motorhome's microwave, fridge, fans, and TV or keep your home's fridge, freezer, washing machine, security system, and water heater working. We've designed our portable generators with your safety in mind. Recessed sockets and water protected covers keep vital connections between your valuable devices and the generator dry. We've also installed ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) that shut off the power if it detects an issue in order to keep you safe. All the vital information you need to operate your portable generator in a single display: voltage in use, frequency (Hz), current runtime in hours and total hours ran.
Zoom on the Cat RP5500
In short, the Cat RP5500 is a portable generator adequately designed for:
- RV travellers wishing to enhance their freedom and nomad lifestyle
- Occasional participants of outdoor events, competitions, concerts and festivals
- Food truck owners who want to ensure that their business is fully self-contained and does not rely on potentially unreliable external power
- Homeowners who want to be able to use the most necessary devices in their household, even during a blackout
- Professionals who want to ensure that a power failure will not prevent them from working
The subsequent sections will explore in detail its power characteristics, the diverse outlets it provides, its overall portability, and the supplementary features it offers.
Power & Run Time
The Cat RP5500
The Cat RP5500 houses a 300 cc OHV 4-stroke engine, which provides 120/240V, consumes gasoline and delivers a running wattage of 5,500W along with a peak wattage of 6,875W.
Its starting mechanism relies on a standard recoil pull-rope starting mechanism.
The RP5500's fuel tank holds 7.9 gallons, ensuring uninterrupted operation for around 15 hours at 50% load with a full tank (fuel consumption approximately 0.53 GPH).
Outlets
The control panel features the following 5 AC outlets:
The RP5500's twist-lock L14-30R receptacle makes it transfer switch ready, enabling hassle-free connection to your breaker box for powering your home during outages.
Portability
With dimensions of L32.9 x W27.4 x H24.7 in, the standard open frame design of the Cat RP5500 provides stability and easy maintenance access to components, as well as good air circulation. The device has been designed for tough environments and demanding outdoor use.
While technically classified as 'portable' due to its ability to be moved, the 178 lbs of this generator make manual lifting and transportation incredibly difficult. Still, once it is on the ground, its wheel kit and its folding handle can easily solve the issue of low mobility and allow for easy relocation of the device.
Features
The RP5500's control panel
To help you monitor the RP5500's status and activity, its control panel is equipped with a convenient meter, displaying voltage, frequency, and lifetime hours information. 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 product offers an automatic low oil shut-off and an overload protection (circuit breaker), allowing you to use it with a peace of mind.
Beyond the standard documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab) to assist with setup, the Cat RP5500 ships with supplementary accessories: oil, funnel and tool kit. An official storage cover is also available, as a separate purchase.
Product Videos
The Cat RP5500 versus other generators
The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Cat RP5500 compare to generators of similar power (between 5000 and 6000 W).
- Weighing 178 lbs, the Cat RP5500 is one of the heavier generators within the 5000-6000 rated wattage bracket. If weight matters to you, one of the champions in this power range is the Pulsar PGX60BiSRCO with only 93.5 pounds.
- The RP5500 provides one of the highest run time among similarly powerful devices, reaching around 15 hours at 50% load.
- While run time matters, it's heavily influenced by the fuel tank's capacity. Hence, it's important to consider fuel efficiency alongside. Standing at an estimated 0.53 GPH (gallon per hour) at a 50% load, this generator is somewhat average in this area compared to other devices, within the aforementioned wattage range. If you wish to acquire one of the most gasoline efficient products of this power range, the DuroMax XP7000iHT, with a fuel consumption of 0.38 GPH could be in your good books.
The bottom line
- Illuminated control panel
- GFCI Outlets
- High run time
- Decent fuel efficiency
- No electric start
- On the heavy side (178 lbs)
Do you own the Cat RP5500 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 | No |
| Fuel | Gasoline |
| Engine | 300 cc OHV 4-stroke |
| Starting system | Recoil |
| Warranty | 2 years |
| Voltage | AC: 120/240V 60 Hz |
|---|---|
| Running watts | 5,500 W |
| Starting watts | 6,875 W |
| Running amps (@120/240V) | 45.8/22.9 amps |
| Peak amps (@120/240V) | 57.3/28.6 amps |
| Run time @50% load | 15 h |
| Run time @25% load | Unknown |
| GFCI outlets | Yes |
|---|---|
| Covered outlets | Yes |
| Automatic Voltage Regulation | Yes |
| AC outlets |
|
| DC outlets | No |
| Data center | VFT |
| Indicators | No |
| Fuel tank | Metal, 7.9 gal |
| Fuel gauge | Yes |
| Weight | 178 lbs |
|---|---|
| Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | 32.9 x 27.4 x 24.7 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 | 502-3686 |
| UPC | 815683020036 |
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 RP5500 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 | Sump pump (1/2 hp) | 1050 | 2150 |
| Furnace fan (1/2 hp) | 875 | 2350 | |
| Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 | |
| Electric range | 2100 | 2100 | |
| Security system | 180 | 180 | |
| Total | 4397 W | 5872 W | |
| For camping | Radiant heater | 1300 | 1300 |
| RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
| Hair dryer | 1800 | 1900 | |
| RV AC (11,000 BTU) | 1010 | 1600 | |
| Radio | 100 | 100 | |
| Total | 4390 W | 4980 W | |
| For work | Table saw | 1800 | 4500 |
| Grinder | 1400 | 2500 | |
| Reciprocating saw | 730 | 960 | |
| Bug zapper | 80 | 80 | |
| Total | 4010 W | 6710 W |
What are the red brackets mounted from the engine to the frame for? Why does it say to take off and discard? Can I keep them to reinstall during transport? If I leave them on for normal operation will it mess up generator, void warranty. Please note, I have not started the generator with red brackets still on engine. (Asked October 11, 2020)
These brackets are for additional stabilization during shipping/transport. They should be removed as indicated, as continuously running your unit with them still on could, according to CAT, cause damage to the unit.
Is my cat rp 5500 water proof? If it gets wet with rain in the outside will it get damaged? (Asked June 11, 2021)
The unit is not waterproof and should not be operated in the rain. We recommend reading our articles on generator operation in bad weather and generator safety.
