ShortlistShortlistedRemoved from shortlist 52
eBay 
Camping World 
Overton's Page Content
Description
Zoom on the Cummins Onan P2500i
In a nutshell, the Cummins Onan P2500i is a quiet, compact and lightweight portable inverter generator mostly geared towards:
- Tailgating and campground aficionados with the desire of enjoying power anywhere they go
- Amateur DIY lovers
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 Cummins Onan P2500i
The Cummins Onan P2500i's design includes a gasoline-fueled 98 cc (3.4 hp) Ducar OHV 4-stroke engine. With a 120V output, it gives a running wattage of 2200W and also a peak wattage of 2500W. Additionally, as the generator is parallel capable (A058U945 parallel kit not included), it can be linked to a second unit for more power.
The inverter generator is rated for a noise of 52 dBA (just slightly more noisy than a quiet suburb). Its starting mechanism is based on a conventional pull-start mechanism.
With a full tank, the Onan P2500i can operate for up to 10 hours (fuel consumption around 0.1 GPH), thanks to its fuel capacity of 1 gallon.
The Onan P2500i generates a clean sine wave: providing <3% Total Harmonic Disruption (THD), delicate electronics can be plugged in its AC outlets safely.
Outlets
The control panel includes the following 2 AC outlets:
Additionally, it features 3 DC outlets: there's two 5V USB ports allowing you to conveniently charge electronics such as mobile phones and tablets and a 12V 8A receptacle with which you may charge your batteries with ease.
Portability
Since the Cummins Onan P2500i is an inverter generator, its closed design (L19.8 x W10.5 x H18.3 in) has an esthetical advantage over conventional, open frame devices. The featured design follows the latest trends and is ideal for easy and recreational use.
Labeled a lightweight portable generator, the Onan P2500i weighs just 48 lbs. As it can be moved by a single person without much effort, the generator and its power can be enjoyed on-the-go. Further convenience is provided by its handle (molded in the case), as it allows you to carry it effortlessly.
Features
The Onan P2500i's control panel
The control panel of the Onan P2500i includes a digital data center, which assists you in monitoring its status and activity, as it provides information on the remaining run time, fuel level, power output and voltage.
In addition to this info, several light indicators serve to show you when the generator is overloaded, its oil levels are insufficient and the generator is ready.
From a security point of view, the generator is equipped with an automatic low oil shut-off and an overload protection (circuit breaker), giving you a peace of mind during use.
Besides the classic documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab) to get you promptly started, the Cummins Onan P2500i also comes with some accessories: oil, tool kit and funnel are included.
Emissions
The Cummins Onan P2500i is EPA-approved and CARB-compliant. It can therefore be sold and purchased in all 50 states, including California.
Moreover, it features a spark arrestor, making it usable in forested areas.
Product Videos
The Cummins Onan P2500i versus other generators
The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Cummins Onan P2500i compare to inverter generators of similar power (between 1500 and 2500 W).
- At a weight of 48 pounds, the Cummins Onan P2500i places in the expected weight range of the inverter generators in the 1500-2500 rated wattage range. If weight is your top priority, one of the champions in this power category is the Genmax GM2000i, weighing just 34.2 pounds.
- At a lowest noise rating of 52 dBA, this inverter generator is one of the quieter devices of similar type and power. For those who are looking for a less noisy device, we suggest the Honda EU2200i. With just 48 dBA, it is one of the most quiet devices in this power range.
- The Onan P2500i, falls within the average autonomy range compared to inverter generators of a roughly same power, with a run time of up to 10 hours at a 25% load and a full tank. If concerned with autonomy, one of the products of a comparable power output, which offers the highest run time, is the DuroMax XP2300iH, boasting with up to 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 inverter generator can be considered as fuel efficient, due to its low estimated fuel consumption of only 0.1 GPH (gallon per hour) at 25% load, within the aforementioned wattage range. If you wish to acquire one of the most gasoline efficient products of this power range, the DuroMax XP2300iH, with a fuel consumption of 0.08 GPH could be in your good books.
Price comparison
As you can see from this interactive chart, when compared to other 1500-2500W inverter generators, the Cummins Onan P2500i is on the average side of the price range.
Therefore, this generator nicely fits in the expected budget for this kind of product.
The bottom line
- In the expected price range
- Several accessories included
- Parallel capable
- Inverter
- Quiet for its power (52 dBA)
- Fuel efficient
- Decent weight (48 lbs)
- Decent run time
- No electric start
Features and Specifications
| Inverter | Yes |
|---|---|
| Portable | Yes |
| Parallel capable | Yes, cable not included |
| RV ready | No |
| Fuel | Gasoline |
| Engine | 98 cc Ducar OHV 4-stroke |
| Starting system | Recoil |
| Voltage | AC: 120V 60 Hz, DC: 12V |
|---|---|
| Running watts | 2200 W |
| Starting watts | 2500 W |
| Running amps | 18.3 amps |
| Peak amps | 20.8 amps |
| Run time @50% load | 8 h |
| Run time @25% load | 10 h |
| GFCI outlets | No |
|---|---|
| Covered outlets | Yes |
| Automatic Voltage Regulation | Inverter |
| AC outlets | 1x Duplex 120V 20A (5-20R) |
| DC outlets | 2x 5V USB port 1x 12V 8A receptacle |
| Data center | Power output, fuel level, remaining run time and voltage |
| Indicators | Low oil, overload and output ready |
| Fuel tank | Steel, 1 gal |
| Fuel gauge | Digital |
| Weight | 48 lbs |
|---|---|
| Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | 19.8 x 10.5 x 18.3 in |
| Noise (lower limit) | 52 dBA |
| THD | < 3% |
| Compliance | CARB, EPA |
| Security | Low oil and overload protection |
| Spark arrestor | Yes |
| Neutral | Floating |
| Accessories included | Oil, funnel, and tool kit |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| Other model numbers | A058U944 |
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 Cummins
Cummins is a NYSE publicly traded, Fortune 500 corporation dealing in the power sector and heavy industry. Founded in 1919 in Columbus, IN, by William Glanton Irwin and Clessie Cummings, Cummins focused on the development of diesel engines. However, the company truly came to bloom only after the WWII, with the nationwide road expansion and went finally global in the 1960s, with its heavy-duty trucks. Cummins has, over the years, offered a wide variety of power solutions, from actual power plants to RV generators. Yet, the company has only recently dipped its foot into the portable generator market. The company currently offers a small selection of both conventional and inverter generators under the Onan product line, formerly the Cummins Onan brand.
Warranty Information
The Cummins Onan P2500i is covered under a warranty for up to 3 years. This warranty may be limited and may not cover all parts of the generator.
For more information about the warranty of Cummins generators, please contact the Cummins Customer Support: 1-800-CUMMINS (800-286-6467).
Questions & Answers
What can it power?
| Item | Running Watts | Starting Watts | |
|---|---|---|---|
| At home | Microwave (1000 watts) | 1500 | 1500 |
| Satelite receiver | 250 | 250 | |
| Total | 1750 W | 1750 W | |
| For camping | RV AC (11,000 BTU) | 1010 | 1600 |
| RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
| Blender | 400 | 850 | |
| LED TV | 150 | 150 | |
| Total | 1740 W | 2330 W | |
| For work | Demolition hammer | 1260 | 1260 |
| Drain cleaner | 250 | 250 | |
| Bug zapper | 80 | 80 | |
| Total | 1590 W | 1590 W |
Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.
User Reviews
I bought this generator as I though Cummins / Onan was a reputable company, and the price was lower than the comparable Honda. Well, turns out this thing is a giant POS. Right out of the box it would not start and continues to not start consistently. After calling support they said I would have to take it to a service center. Due to Covid the center was closed and the thing is now out of warranty! Now I’m stuck with a $800 boat anchor. I should have bought the Honda.
Purchased because of the competitive price and Cummins/Onan reputation for building reliable generators. Didn’t realize this was a badge engineered product related to several other brands. This has been a camping generator for use with my travel trailer in the mountains of Montana, Wyoming, and Idaho. Like others, the generator performed as advertised out of the box, but gradually developed starting issues. Turning up the idle speed screw slightly seemed to help with many starting issues, but once running the generator would start loading up and run poorly. Was quite variable from trip to trip, we never knew if it would be reliable or not. Finally discovered these generators are shipped with carburetors jetted for operation between 0 and 2,000 feet above sea level. Seem to run OK up to 2,500, maybe 3,000 feet. At 4,000 to 5,000 feet performance is poor at best. Above 5,000′, you are lucky if it runs at all. One trip was at Beartooth Lake just outside Yellowstone N.P., elevation 8,000′. At this altitude, the Cummins 2500i is nothing more than an expensive boat anchor. There is a high altitude jet kit with 3 different jets, but I’ve yet to find it available from any vendor including Cummin’s mail order parts. In my opinion, buyer beware if investing in this generator.
After research, thought I was making best decision of price to wattage for my 2019 purchase. Reality shows much the opposite. Purchased 2 units, as did my brother (total 4 units) early 2019. All 4 units have been back to Cummins for warranty repair due to non-starting and other issues. Broken spark plugs initial warranty assessment. Took weeks to obtain replacement spark plugs. Units will run for a bit, then die. Have to loosen/remove gas cap, then unit will start and remain running. Dies shortly after gas cap is reinstalled. When needed as power source, seems that one will run and the other not – same fuel in both. Very disappointed. Not recommended.
This is the worst generator I’ve ever came in contact with spills gas and oil all over the place never wants to start and shuts off when it wants to and this is brand new out-of-the-box. Would not ever recommend it
We got this brand new out of the box and took it three hours away where it decided to completely take a poop on us and barely charged our battery so had to make a trip home around 10pm.
Mine ran crappy right out of the box. It’s now at a cummins repair center where it was diagnosed with a bad carb, then a warped cylinder head….I’ve used it once. Very disappointed in this product. I bought it for the cummins name. I hope they come thru and make things right
Bought this POS thinking Cummins and Onan were top of the line.
I have yet to have it run long enough to get through even one tank of gas…