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)
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Description
Zoom on the Cat RP5500
In a nutshell, the Cat RP5500 is a portable generator mostly geared towards:
- RV travellers looking for even more independence
- Occasional participants of outdoor events, competitions, concerts and festivals
- Food truck owners who do not wish to see their business interrupted under any circumstances
- Homeowners who want to be sure of their ability to power their fridges, cooking tools, heating and lighting equipment during power failures
- Professionals who want to be able to deliver results, even during a power failure
The following sections will present you in detail its power characteristics, the different outlets it offers, its overall portability, and the extra features it benefits from.
Power & Run Time
The Cat RP5500
The Cat RP5500's design includes a gasoline-fueled 300 cc OHV 4-stroke engine. With a 120/240V output, it gives a running wattage of 5,500W and also a peak wattage of 6,875W.
This generator utilizes a conventional pull-start mechanism for startup.
The RP5500's fuel tank, boasting 7.9 gallons, allows it to operate for around 15 hours at 50% load with a full tank (with an estimated fuel consumption of 0.53 GPH).
Outlets
The control panel provides the upcoming 5 AC outlets:
Since the RP5500 bears a twist-lock L14-30R receptacle, it is transfer switch ready: it is easily connectible to a breaker box and can power your home in case of a power outage.
Portability
At L32.9 x W27.4 x H24.7 in, the traditional open frame structure of the Cat RP5500 ensures stability while facilitating convenient maintenance access to components and promoting air cooling. The device has been designed for tough environments and demanding outdoor use.
Despite its weight of 178 lbs, the generator is still considered 'portable,' meaning it is movable, although its heftiness may restrict portability in certain environments or require additional considerations for transportation and setup. However, the lack of maneuverability can be offset with its wheel kit and its folding handle, which allows for convenient shifting once the generator is placed on the ground.
Features
The RP5500's control panel
To facilitate status and activity monitoring, a convenient meter showing you voltage, frequency and lifetime hours are embedded in the control panel of the RP5500. To offer you even more control and easy operation during nighttime, the panel is LED-lit.
The built-in fuel gauge of the generator ensures simple and quick gas level assessments.
As for its security measures, the device features an overload protection (circuit breaker) and an automatic low oil shut-off, letting you use it with a peace of mind.
Apart from the standard documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab) to facilitate setup, the Cat RP5500 features extra accessories: oil, funnel and tool kit. An official storage cover is also available, as a separate purchase.
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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).
- With a dry weight of 178 lbs, the Cat RP5500 falls within the expected weight range for generators in the 5000 to 6000 rated wattage. If weight is your top priority, one of the champions in this power category is the Champion 201238, weighing just 101.4 pounds.
- Since the RP5500 boasts with a run time of around 15 hours at 50% load, it can be safely judged as one of the devices with the highest run time among those of a comparable output.
- 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. This generator reaches an estimated fuel consumption of 0.53 GPH (gallon per hour) at a 50% load, making it average, for the previously mentioned wattage range. To prioritize fuel savings, we advise considering the A-iPower SUA7000L, which stands out for its gasoline efficiency, consuming just 0.36 gallons per hour.
The bottom line
- Illuminated control panel
- Several accessories included
- GFCI Outlets
- High run time
- Decent weight (178 lbs)
- Decent fuel efficiency
- No electric start
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 |
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. 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.
