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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:
- Camping and tailgating hobbyists looking for a portable power source
- 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 houses a 98 cc (3.4 hp) Ducar OHV 4-stroke engine, which provides 120V, consumes gasoline and delivers a running wattage of 2200W along with a peak wattage of 2500W. In addition, the device is parallel capable (A058U945 parallel kit not included) and thus, can be linked to a similar or compatible unit for added power.
The inverter generator is rated for a noise of 52 dBA (just slightly more noisy than a conversation at home). Its starting mechanism is based on a conventional pull-start mechanism.
Thanks to a fuel capacity of 1 gallon, the Onan P2500i can operate for up to 10 hours with a full tank (fuel consumption around 0.1 GPH).
Sensitive electronics can be safely plugged in the AC outlets, as the Onan P2500i produces a clean sine wave, with a <3% Total Harmonic Disruption (THD).
Outlets
The control panel includes the following 2 AC outlets:
Additionally, it features 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 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 design follows the contemporary trends and is perfect for recreationally generating power.
Since the Onan P2500i weighs only 48 lbs, it can be labeled as a portable lightweight generator. The product’s power can be enjoyed on-the-go, as it can be moved by a single person without trouble. Its handle (molded in the case) allows you to carry it easily, further enhancing its convenience.
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 fuel level, remaining run time, power output and voltage.
In addition to this info, the light indicators show you if the generator is ready, the generator is overloaded and the oil level is too low.
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.
Apart from the typical documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), which lets you start it right away, the Cummins Onan P2500i also is packed along with the following accessories: oil, funnel and tool kit.
Emissions
The Cummins Onan P2500i is EPA-approved and CARB-compliant. Thus, selling and purchasing this generator is allowed in each of the 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 generators of similar power (between 1500 and 2500 W).
- Since the generator weighs in at a dry weight of 48 lbs, the Cummins Onan P2500i belongs in the expected weight range for devices which can produce between 1500 and 2500 rated watts. If weight matters to you, one of the champions in this power range is the Genmax GM2000i with only 34.2 pounds.
- At a lowest noise rating of 52 dBA, this inverter generator is one of the quieter devices of similar power. If noise emissions are important to you, one of the least noisy generators of this power range is the Honda EU2200i with only 48 dBA.
- As the Onan P2500i offers up to 10 hours run time on a full tank at a 25% load, it falls within the average autonomy range among the generators of a similar power. If concerned with autonomy, one of the products of a comparable power output, which offers the highest run time, is the Yamaha EF2800i, boasting with up to 14.7 hours.
- While the run time is an important parameter, it is dependent on the fuel tank’s capacity and thus, doesn’t say much on its own unless we consider fuel consumption 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 Energizer eZV2200P, 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 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.
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…
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
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.
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
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.