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Since: September 16, 2023 |
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Description
Zoom on the Cummins Onan P2500i
In summary, the Cummins Onan P2500i is a quiet, compact and lightweight portable inverter generator especially useful for:
- Camping and tailgating buffs looking to enhance their experience
- DIYers who wish to improve their efficiency with tools
In the sections ahead, the power characteristics, availability of various outlets, the portability, and any additional features of the device shall be discussed, including its emission compliance information.
Power & Run Time
The Cummins Onan P2500i
The Cummins Onan P2500i's engine, 98 cc (3.4 hp) Ducar OHV 4-stroke, fueled by gasoline, can deliver 120V. It provides a running wattage of 2,200W and reaches a peak wattage of 2,500W. Moreover, since it is parallel capable (A058U945 parallel kit not included), its power may be doubled if linked to a second compatible unit.
Enjoying a noise rating of 52 dBA (just slightly more noisy than rainfall), this inverter generator gets running thanks to a conventional pull-start mechanism.
The Onan P2500i can operate for up to 10 hours with a full tank (fuel consumption around 0.1 GPH), due to its fuel capacity of 1 gallon.
The Onan P2500i produces a clean sine wave: thanks to a <3% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD), your sensitive electronics can be safely plugged in the AC outlets.
Outlets
The control panel includes the following 2 AC outlets:
It also sports 3 DC outlets: there's two 5V USB ports with which you may charge electronics, for example mobile phones or tablets, conveniently and a 12V 8A receptacle allowing you to easily charge your batteries.
Portability
Thanks to its closed inverter generator design (L19.8 x W10.5 x H18.3 in), the Cummins Onan P2500i, is more esthetical than a typical, open frame generator. This type of design is the most modern and convenient way to recreationally generate power.
With a weight of only 48 lbs, the Onan P2500i may be viewed as a lightweight and portable generator. A single person should not have any problems moving it around and thus, enjoy power availability 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
A digital data center, one of the features of the Onan P2500i's control panel, gives you information on the remaining run time, power output, fuel level and voltage, and thus, is helpful for the monitoring of its activity and status.
In addition to this info, some light indicators allow you to instantly see if the generator is ready, the generator is on overload and its oil levels are insufficient.
From a security standpoint, the product offers an automatic low oil shut-off and an overload protection (circuit breaker), allowing you to 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 Cummins Onan P2500i also comes with some accessories: tool kit, oil 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, which makes it suitable for use 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).
- With a dry weight of 48 pounds, the Cummins Onan P2500i finds itself in the expected weight range for inverter generators able to produce between 1500 and 2500 rated watts. Regarding dry weight, one of the champions in the same power range is the Genmax GM2000i, with a dry weight of only 34.2 lbs.
- Since this inverter generator is rated for a lowest possible noise of 52 dBA, it can be considered as one of the more quiet of the products generating similar power. If you’d prefer a less noisy device, one of the most quiet devices, which share the same power range with this one, is the Honda EU2200i, whose lowest noise levels reach just 48 dBA.
- The Onan P2500i, offering a run time of up to 10 hours with a full tank at a 25% load, falls within the average autonomy range when compared to its peers. If autonomy is your priority, one of the devices of a similar power output with the highest run time is the DuroMax XP2300iH, reaching up to 13 hours.
- The run time is important, but also hugely depends on the capacity of the fuel tank and doesn't mean much if we don't talk about fuel consumption as well. This inverter generator is one of the more fuel efficient models of the aforementioned output range, as its estimated fuel consumption reaches just 0.1 GPH (gallon per hour) at 25% load. If you are concerned with gasoline efficiency, having a fuel consumption of just 0.08 GPH, the DuroMax XP2300iH is a device you could look out for.
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 |
|---|---|
| Parallel capable | Yes, cable not included |
| RV ready | No |
| Fuel | Gasoline |
| Engine | 98 cc Ducar OHV 4-stroke |
| Starting system | Recoil |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| Voltage | AC: 120V 60 Hz, DC: 12V |
|---|---|
| Running watts | 2,200 W |
| Starting watts | 2,500 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 |
| 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 | Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 |
| Clothes iron | 1270 | 1270 | |
| Cell phone charger | 20 | 20 | |
| Total | 1482 W | 2482 W | |
| For camping | Radiant heater | 1300 | 1300 |
| RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
| Slow cooker | 270 | 270 | |
| Total | 1750 W | 2170 W | |
| For work | Demolition hammer | 1260 | 1260 |
| Electric fence (25 miles) | 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
Bought two of these one is great the other is junk. Kept taking it back and they always said bad gas. Finally took it to Cummins it was past a year they would pay for parts but not the $187.00 an hour labor. They called tech online told them to replace electronics. Then told did not fix it now replace carburetor. Total labor cost would be more than buying a new one for $800. Found several similar online reviews about a fried electrical board and flawed carburetor. Now I am waiting for the other one to start breaking down. Over a dozen contacts with RV dealer that sells but does not work on it, Cummins National and the shop. The shop was up front saying not to put a lot of labor time in as it would cost so much. They were honest but their product stinks
Bought two one is fine other one junk. Both start on first pull but one works and the other can’t run 2 minutes with or without load . Had to take it to Cummins store 90 minutes a way and it is there being figured out as camper dealer that sold and warrantied it won’t attempt to fix it. They just like to say bad gas and send you away.
Bought one a couple years ago for work. Right out of the box it wouldn’t hold steady RPMs. It did ok under a load, but still not right. Took it to a Cummins dealer fall of 2020 and was treated horribly as if I had Leprosy or something. They wouldn’t let me in and said I would have to schedule an appointment. I asked if I could schedule one and was told they were backed up for a few months. I had to have it for the job I was on, so I kept running it. I probably put 30 hours on it or so then it sat around for a while, the warranty was up and I never got it fixed. The next time I went to use it, it started fine, but then gas started leaking out of the bowl seal on the carb. I really don’t know what to do with it now. I don’t want to invest much in to fixing it after reading all of the poor reviews. I would not buy one again.
I bought the OnanP2500i new in 2020 & it was to be our rv generator, when it sits for a couple weeks without use it is hard to start. Worse thing is the generator shuts off randomly and I never know if it will work or not, when it acts up it will not run longer then 20 to 30 minutes. Sometimes it will run for hours without any issues, very unreliable. It has been this way since new and has let us down a couple times when we needed it most. I contacted Cummins and they were not much help, they told me to take it to a recommended dealer to be looked at, I called the 3 they recommended within 2 hours of my home and not a single one called me back. Another call to cummins and they were no help so now the warranty has ended and I am left to sort it out.
Generator had 24 hours on it, I regret not buying a Honda or Yamaha as the money I saved buying this one was not well spent, I do not recommend the onan P2500i to anyone.
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…