The Cat RP6500 E is a portable open frame generator with a rated wattage of 6,500 W and a starting wattage of 8,125 W. (Read full specs)
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.
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Description
Zoom on the Cat RP6500 E
In a nutshell, the Cat RP6500 E is a portable generator mostly geared towards:
- Food truck owners who want to ensure that their business is fully self-contained and does not rely on potentially unreliable external power
- Homeowners in need of an emergency backup power for their essentials
- Professionals who want to ensure that a power failure will not prevent them from working
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 RP6500 E
With a 420 cc OHV 4-stroke engine, the Cat RP6500 E operates on gasoline, providing 120/240V, with a running wattage of 6,500W and a starting wattage of 8,125W.
Its starting mechanisms include a classic hand-operated recoil starting mechanism and a convenient and efficient electric starter (battery included).
The RP6500 E's fuel tank, with a capacity of 7.9 gallons, supports uninterrupted operation for around 12 hours at 50% load when fully fueled (fuel consumption at an estimated 0.66 gallons per hour).
Outlets
The control panel features the upcoming 6 AC outlets:
Despite not meeting the 'RV Ready' criteria, this Cat generator grants the advantage of simple RV compatibility via its L5-30R receptacle, enabling you to conveniently power your RV by using an L5-30P to TT-30R adaptor. Besides, as the RP6500 E holds a twist-lock L14-30R receptacle, it is transfer switch ready: you'll easily be able to connect it to your breaker box to power your home during a power outage.
Portability
At L32.9 x W27.4 x H24.7 in, the traditional open frame structure of the Cat RP6500 E ensures stability while facilitating convenient maintenance access to components and promoting air cooling. The design is ideal for rough environments and demanding outdoor use.
Even at 202 lbs, the generator is categorized as 'portable,' suggesting its movability, although its weight impede its 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 RP6500 E's control panel
The control panel of the RP6500 E is equipped with a convenient meter, offering voltage, frequency, and lifetime hours readings, aiding in monitoring its status and activity. To offer you even more control and easy operation during nighttime, the panel is LED-lit.
With its built-in fuel gauge, the generator provides quick and convenient gas level checks.
Security-wise, this product benefits from an automatic low oil shut-off and an overload protection (circuit breaker), which gives you a complete peace of mind when using it.
With the basic documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), letting you start the generator quickly, the Cat RP6500 E also comes with several accessories, including: oil, funnel and tool kit. An official storage cover is also available, as a separate purchase.
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).
- With a dry weight of 202 pounds, the Cat RP6500 E finds itself in the expected weight range for generators able to produce between 6000 and 7000 rated watts. Weight-conscious users may find the Pulsar PGDA70BiSCO appealing, as it is one of the top contenders in this power range, weighing just 118 pounds.
- With around 12 hours of runtime at 50% load, the RP6500 E provides a higher run time when compared to similarly powerful products. If you consider autonomy on a single full tank as one of the deciding factors, one of the generators in the same power range that offers the highest run time is the Westinghouse WGen6000, with 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. With an estimated fuel consumption of 0.66 GPH at a 50% load, this generator aligns with the average gasoline usage range of comparable products. If you wish to acquire one of the most gasoline efficient products of this power range, the Pulsar PGDA70BiSCO, with a fuel consumption of 0.42 GPH could be in your good books.
The bottom line
- Illuminated control panel
- Several accessories included
- GFCI Outlets
- Electric start
- High run time
- Decent weight (202 lbs)
- Decent fuel efficiency
- No 50-amp output
- No remote start
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 | Electric fry pan | 1500 | 1500 |
| AC (10,000 BTU) | 1500 | 2200 | |
| Microwave (1000 watts) | 1500 | 1500 | |
| Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 | |
| Blender | 400 | 850 | |
| Radio | 100 | 100 | |
| Total | 5192 W | 6192 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
Mine worked great for 312 hrs then the counter balance shaft broke in half and killed the engine and because it took 2 1/2 years to use the 312 hrs I am stuck with it because cat quit selling these 2 yrs ago
Reliable portable generator. Used for 2 Hurricanes w/o problems powering refrigerators and lighting. Runs at 1/2 power for at least 12 hours, but a little noisy. 2 items to take of to make life easier. First is change out the fuel valve. 5 dollar cost and a very simple job to do to fix the cheap valve that comes with the generator. Second, ALWAYS have the choke full out when starting, even with a warm engine. The Engine WILL NOT start if the choke is not out and it is not emphasized in the owners manual.
I used my cat 6500 in 2 hurricanes, both times our power was out for 10 days. It worked great. Especially at night we would run a 2 ton Ac at 20 amps for 10 hours. No problem. I’m very happy with my CAT.
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.