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 summary, the Cat RP5500 is a portable generator especially useful for:
- RV travellers looking for even more independence
- People occasionally participating in outdoor fairs, festivals or events
- Food truck owners who do not wish to see their business interrupted under any circumstances
- Homeowners who want to be able to use the most necessary devices in their household, even during a blackout
- Professionals who want to be able to deliver results, even during a power failure
In the upcoming sections, you'll discover its power characteristics, the array of outlets it presents, its overall portability, and the additional features it possesses.
Power & Run Time
The Cat RP5500
Featuring a 300 cc OHV 4-stroke engine, the Cat RP5500 operates using gasoline, providing 120/240V, with a running wattage of 5,500W and a starting wattage of 6,875W.
This generator starts operation using a manual recoil starter system.
The fuel capacity of 7.9 gallons allows the RP5500 to operate for around 15 hours at 50% load with a full tank (fuel consumption around 0.53 GPH).
Outlets
The control panel provides the upcoming 5 AC outlets:
Thanks to its twist-lock L14-30R receptacle, the RP5500 is transfer switch ready, facilitating easy hookup to your breaker box to provide backup power for your home during blackouts.
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. This type of design is ideal for tough environments and heavy outdoor use.
With a weight of 178 lbs, the generator is still labeled as 'portable,' denoting its ability to be moved, although its heaviness might restrict easy portability. However, the constrained maneuverability is addressed with the assistance of its wheel kit and its folding handle, allowing for easy shifting once the generator is placed on the ground.
Features
The RP5500's control panel
The RP5500's status and activity may be monitored conveniently via the control panel, as it features a convenient meter, which displays voltage, frequency and lifetime hours. To offer you even more control and easy operation during nighttime, the panel is LED-lit.
The fuel level of the generator can be determined quickly, easily, and conveniently with the help of its built-in fuel gauge.
Considering security aspects, the generator boasts an automatic low oil shut-off and an overload protection (circuit breaker), offering peace of mind throughout operation.
With the basic documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), letting you start the generator quickly, the Cat RP5500 also comes with several accessories, including: funnel, oil 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).
- Tipping the scales at 178 lbs, the Cat RP5500 qualifies as one of the heavier options among generators rated between 5000 and 6000 watts. If weight is your top priority, one of the champions in this power category is the Pulsar PGX60BiSRCO, weighing just 93.5 pounds.
- At 50% load, the RP5500 boasts one of the highest run times than most similarly powerful products, reaching around 15 hours.
- Even though run times are undoubtedly important, they are dependent on the fuel capacity to a large extent. For a more wholesome picture, we must take into consideration the fuel consumption of the generator. At a 50% load, the generator consumes an estimated 0.53 gallons of gasoline per hour, falling within the average consumption range of units with similar output. If gasoline efficiency is at the top of your list, you may want to have a look at the DuroMax XP7000iHT, which has great fuel efficiency, with a gas consumption of only 0.38 gallons per hour.
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 | Electric fry pan | 1500 | 1500 |
| Microwave (1000 watts) | 1500 | 1500 | |
| Sump pump (1/2 hp) | 1050 | 2150 | |
| Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 | |
| Radio | 100 | 100 | |
| Set of 5 LED light bulbs | 55 | 55 | |
| Total | 4397 W | 5497 W | |
| For camping | RV AC (11,000 BTU) | 1010 | 1600 |
| RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
| Hair dryer | 1800 | 1900 | |
| Radiant heater | 1300 | 1300 | |
| 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.
