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This product was discontinued. For your convenience, we decided to leave this page up.
If you were looking to purchase it, you may want to have a look at the Generac GP6500, which has similar specs.
You can also try to find it second hand on eBay, by clicking on the button below.
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Description
Zoom on the Cat RP6500 E
In summary, the Cat RP6500 E is a portable generator especially useful for:
- Food van owners who know that just a short power outage could lose them hundreds of dollars
- Homeowners who want to be able to use the most necessary devices in their household, even during a blackout
- Professionals in need of safely powering high-intensity work or lighting equipment
The following sections will present you in detail its power characteristics, the different outlets it offers, its overall portability, the extra features it benefits from, and any relevant emission compliance details.
Power & Run Time
The Cat RP6500 E
The Cat RP6500 E's core is the 420 cc OHV 4-stroke engine, which runs on gasoline. With an output of 120/240V, it provides a running wattage of 6,500W and a peak wattage of 8,125W.
This generator can be started thanks to a simple traditional pull-start mechanism, but also to a simple and elegant electric starter (battery included).
The RP6500 E can operate for around 12 hours at 50% load with a full tank (fuel consumption around 0.66 GPH), due to its fuel capacity of 7.9 gallons.
Outlets
The control panel features the following 6 AC outlets:
While this Cat generator is not RV Ready, its L5-30R receptacle can be used for a simple RV connection with an L5-30P to TT-30R adaptor. Besides, as it features a twist-lock L14-30R receptacle, the RP6500 E is transfer switch ready: in case of a power outage, you will be easily able to connect it to a breaker box and power your household.
Portability
With its dimensions of L32.9 x W27.4 x H24.7 in, the conventional, open frame design of the Cat RP6500 E offers stability and allows the generator to be raised above ground level. The featured design is ideal for the outdoors and all tough environments.
Since the generator weighs 202 lbs, it will be incredibly difficult to manually lift it and transport it, even though it is technically considered to 'be portable' (in the sense that it is movable). However, its challenging mobility is solved by its wheel kit and its folding handle, which will ease its displacement, once it is on the floor.
Features
The RP6500 E's control panel
The RP6500 E's control center features a convenient meter showing you voltage, frequency and lifetime hours 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.
Thanks to a built-in fuel gauge, the generator allows you to quickly, conveniently and easily check the gas level at a glance.
As for its security measures, the device features an automatic low oil shut-off and an overload protection (circuit breaker), letting you use it with a peace of mind.
Besides the classic documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab) to get you promptly started, the Cat RP6500 E also comes with some accessories: funnel, oil and tool kit are included. An official storage cover is also available, as a separate purchase.
Emissions
The Cat RP6500 E is EPA-approved and CARB-compliant. Therefore, its sale and purchase are permitted in all of the 50 states, including California.
Moreover, it features a spark arrestor, making it usable in forested areas.
Product Video
The Cat RP6500 E versus other generators
The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Cat RP6500 E compare to generators of similar power (between 6000 and 7000 W).
- At a weight of 202 pounds, the Cat RP6500 E places in the expected weight range of the generators in the 6000-7000 rated wattage range. Regarding dry weight, one of the champions in the same power range is the A-iPower SUA7600iED, with a dry weight of only 130 lbs.
- Since the RP6500 E boasts with a run time of around 12 hours at 50% load, it can be safely judged as a device of a higher run time than most generators of a comparable output. Concerning the run times, one of the several devices with a comparable output, offering the highest autonomy, is the Westinghouse WGen6000, which is able to run for around 13 hours.
- Autonomy holds its importance, however, it is largely dependent on the generator’s fuel capacity and so, it is nonsensible to discuss it without mentioning fuel efficiency as well. This generator is not fuel efficient compared to devices of similar output: its estimated fuel consumption stands at 0.66 GPH at a 50% load. If you wish to further improve in the area of fuel efficiency, the A-iPower SUA7000L, which boasts with a gas consumption of only 0.36 GPH, may be the right generator for you.
The bottom line
- Illuminated control panel
- Several accessories included
- GFCI Outlets
- Electric start
- High run time
- Decent weight (202 lbs)
- No 50-amp output
- No remote start
- Low fuel efficiency
Features and Specifications
| Inverter | No |
|---|---|
| Parallel capable | No |
| RV ready | No |
| Fuel | Gasoline |
| Engine | 420 cc OHV 4-stroke |
| Starting system | Recoil, Electric |
| Warranty | 2 years |
| Voltage | AC: 120/240V 60 Hz |
|---|---|
| Running watts | 6,500 W |
| Starting watts | 8,125 W |
| Running amps (@120/240V) | 54.2/27.1 amps |
| Peak amps (@120/240V) | 67.7/33.9 amps |
| Run time @50% load | 12 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 | 202 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, battery, and wheel kit |
| Other model numbers | 502-3688 |
| UPC | 815683020067 |
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 RP6500 E 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 |
| Dish washer | 1500 | 3000 | |
| Electric fry pan | 1500 | 1500 | |
| Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 | |
| Blender | 400 | 850 | |
| Radio | 100 | 100 | |
| Total | 5192 W | 6692 W | |
| For camping | RV AC (11,000 BTU) | 1010 | 1600 |
| RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
| Hair dryer | 1800 | 1900 | |
| Electric grill | 1650 | 1650 | |
| Blender | 400 | 850 | |
| Radio | 100 | 100 | |
| Set of 5 LED light bulbs | 55 | 55 | |
| Total | 5195 W | 5785 W | |
| For work | Table saw | 1800 | 4500 |
| Air compressor (1 hp) | 1600 | 6100 | |
| Bug zapper | 80 | 80 | |
| Total | 3480 W | 7980 W |
Can this generator run your home a/c and other small appliances at the same time? (Asked June 09, 2020)
Considering that it is recommended to not exceed an 80% load, this unit can run for 5200W (6500*0.8) worth of appliances at the same time. While this should normally be plenty for what you mentioned, you'd need to know the actual wattage needs of your own a/c and appliances. Feel free to use our wattage calculator to help you assess your power needs, as it allows you to add custom appliances.
is it rain proof (Asked August 28, 2021)
The unit should be properly sheltered. We recommend reading our article on generator operation in bad weather.
User Reviews
Switches are cheap and don’t last for the starter and fuel shut off
Great generator, ran almost everything in house with no problem.
Bought it at Lowes for 424.00 out the door. Discount the Cat generators. Only problem is I can not read the hour meter. I love it
A lot of power source
Mine ran fine for 90 hours intermittenly and then it would not start. Would not recommend after I tookk to repair facility for warranty repair, it needs another engine. Cheap Chinese made junk.
Bought it on sale, using it for my home for power loss after storms.
Use to run Hobart 210 MVP welder. Powered house for 5 days after storm. No problems. 3 years in use.
Used one time. Now won’t start. Carb keeps flooding. Piece of crap
The pull start assembly broke after the 5th pull. Now I have to wrap the rope around the thingamajig to pull start it and it’s not really electric start.
Very disappointed for $1100 investment.