The Cummins Onan P4500i is a quiet and compact inverter generator with a rated wattage of 3,700 W and a starting wattage of 4,500 W. (Read full specs)
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Description
Zoom on the Cummins Onan P4500i
In a nutshell, the Cummins Onan P4500i is a quiet and compact portable inverter generator mostly geared towards:
- RV travellers wishing to enhance their freedom and nomad lifestyle
- People occasionally participating in sporting competitions, open-air performances and outdoor festivals
- Homeowners in need of an emergency backup power for their essentials
- Camping and tailgating hobbyists looking for a portable power source
The following sections will present you in detail its power characteristics, the different outlets it offers, its overall portability, and the extra features it benefits from.
Power & Run Time
The Cummins Onan P4500i
Running on gasoline, the Cummins Onan P4500i utilizes a 224 cc (7.3 hp) Ducar OHV 4-stroke engine to deliver 120V, offering a running wattage of 3,700W and a starting wattage of 4,500W. In addition, as it is parallel capable (A058M290 parallel kit (opens in a new tab) not included), this power can be increased when linked to another similar or compatible unit.
Enjoying a noise rating of 52 dBA (just slightly more noisy than a refrigerator), this inverter generator can be started thanks to a classic hand-operated recoil starting mechanism, but also to a convenient and easy-to-use electric starter (battery included). Additionally, the Onan P4500i may be remotely started, enhancing user convenience (key fob included).
Featuring a 3.4 gallons fuel tank, the Onan P4500i guarantees continuous power for up to 18 hours on a full tank (fuel consumption around 0.19 GPH).
The Onan P4500i ensures a clean sine wave output, boasting <3% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) to protect your sensitive electronics when connected to its AC outlets.
Outlets
The control panel is equipped with the following 3 AC outlets:
Furthermore, it showcases 2 DC outlets: there's two 5V USB ports providing convenient charging capabilities for mobile phones, tablets, and other electronic devices.
Thanks to its TT-30R receptacle (TT stands for 'Travel Trailer'), this Cummins generator is RV Ready.
Portability
As an inverter generator, the Cummins Onan P4500i showcases a closed design (L24.5 x W18.3 x H20.5 in), enhancing aesthetics and ensuring quieter operation compared to conventional, open frame models. This type of design is the most modern and convenient way to recreationally generate power.
As the Onan P4500i's weight is only 98 lbs, it can follow you and your power needs anywhere. Furthermore, with its set of 2 wheels (⌀5.5") and its telecospic handle, you can easily relocate the generator once it's set up.
Features
The Onan P4500i's control panel
Enhancing monitoring capabilities, the Onan P4500i features a digital data center within its control panel, furnishing essential details on the power output, fuel level, remaining run time, voltage and lifetime run hours for tracking activity and status.
In addition to this info, some light indicators allow you to instantly see if the generator is on overload, the oil level is too low and the generator is ready.
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.
Beyond the standard documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab) to assist with setup, the Cummins Onan P4500i ships with supplementary accessories: oil, tool kit, funnel, key fob and battery charger. A storage cover is also available, as a separate purchase.
Product Videos
The Cummins Onan P4500i versus other generators
The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Cummins Onan P4500i compare to inverter generators of similar power (between 3500 and 4500 W).
- Weighing in at 98 lbs, the Cummins Onan P4500i fits within the expected weight range for inverters producing 3500 to 4500 rated watts. If you are concerned by weight, one of the champions in the above-mentioned power range is the Genmax GM4600iAEFIC, with a dry weight of just 58.4 pounds.
- With a noise rating as low as 52 dBA, this inverter generator is among the quietest options available in its type and power range.
- The Onan P4500i provides up to 18 hours of runtime at a 25% load on a full tank, placing it within the average autonomy range among similar inverter generators. If runtime is a priority for you, the Firman W03661OF stands out as one of the generators with the longest run time in its power range, providing up to 25 hours of continuous use.
- 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. With a fuel consumption rate around 0.19 GPH (gallon per hour) at 25% load, this inverter generator is one of the more fuel-efficient models within the aforementioned wattage range. To prioritize fuel savings, we advise considering the Champion 201319, which stands out for its gasoline efficiency, consuming just 0.16 gallons per hour.
Here's a list of the most popular specific comparisons:
Price comparison
As you can see from these interactive charts, when compared to other 3500-4500W inverter generators, the Cummins Onan P4500i 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
- RV Ready
- Remote start
- Parallel capable
- Inverter
- Quiet for its power (52 dBA)
- Fuel efficient
- Decent weight (98 lbs)
- Decent run time
The Cummins Onan P4500i doesn't have any notably low specs.
Features and Specifications
| Inverter | Yes |
|---|---|
| Parallel capable | Yes, cable not included |
| RV ready | Yes |
| Fuel | Gasoline |
| Engine | 224 cc Ducar OHV 4-stroke |
| Starting system | Recoil, Electric, Remote |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| Voltage | AC: 120V 60 Hz, DC: 5V |
|---|---|
| Running watts | 3,700 W |
| Starting watts | 4,500 W |
| Running amps | 30.8 amps |
| Peak amps | 37.5 amps |
| Run time @50% load | 15 h |
| Run time @25% load | 18 h |
| GFCI outlets | No |
|---|---|
| Covered outlets | Yes |
| Automatic Voltage Regulation | Inverter |
| AC outlets |
|
| DC outlets | 2x 5V USB port |
| Data center | Power output, fuel level, lifetime run hours, remaining run time and voltage |
| Indicators | Low oil, overload and output ready |
| Fuel tank | Steel, 3.4 gal |
| Fuel gauge | Digital |
| Weight | 98 lbs |
|---|---|
| Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | 24.5 x 18.3 x 20.5 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, tool kit, key fob, battery charger, and battery |
| Other model numbers | A058U955 |
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 P4500i 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 | Dish washer | 1500 | 3000 |
| Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 | |
| Vacuum cleaner | 1075 | 1175 | |
| Security system | 180 | 180 | |
| Total | 2947 W | 4447 W | |
| For camping | RV AC (11,000 BTU) | 1010 | 1600 |
| RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
| Electric grill | 1650 | 1650 | |
| Radio | 100 | 100 | |
| Total | 2940 W | 3530 W | |
| For work | Grinder | 1400 | 2500 |
| Demolition hammer | 1260 | 1260 | |
| Drain cleaner | 250 | 250 | |
| Total | 2910 W | 4010 W |
At what elevation can you use this generator? (Asked August 08, 2020)
Up to 2000 feet without rejetting the carburetor.
Does this generator need to be covered if it rains. (Asked August 11, 2020)
Any portable generator has to be covered. Please refer to our article on rain and snow operation.
can this generator hook up to a manual generator transfer switch wired to a house panel (Asked October 20, 2020)
While it could technically be feasible with the help of a licensed electrician, we do not recommend it. This unit only produces 120V and is not designed for such a permanent connection.
Where is the P4500i Onan generator manufactured. I ask this, because I have had one on order for 3 months now. Is it coming out of China? (Asked November 04, 2020)
The P4500i is manufactured in Asia to Cummins' standards. It is currently on backorder pretty much everywhere.
Does remote control also turn it off? (Asked December 06, 2020)
The unit can be remotely started and stopped.
Will the generator run at 5,000 feet? I go in hi elevations sometimes (Asked March 25, 2021)
You will probably have to rejet it/use an altitude kit. We recommend reading our article on operation in high altitudes.
Who is the manufacturer of the engine used in the P4500i, I was told its Briggs and Stanton. (Asked April 14, 2021)
The engine is manufactured by Ducar.
Where is the serial number located. (Asked April 26, 2021)
At the back of the unit, below the battery access cover. See picture below:
Does this generator have a CO sensor and shut-off if unsafe levels are detected? (Asked June 08, 2021)
The current version of the P4500i does not feature a CO sensor. You may have a look at our list of units with a CO sensor.
Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.
User Reviews
I purchased a new onan generator ram 3 tanks of fuel it quit running being it was over 12 months old it ended costing 525.00 to fix what a piece of junk
Note: the Cummins P4500i looks the same as Westinghouse IGEN 4500, It’s not. The Cummins has a better inverter….OK, let’s start…I own two Honda EU3000is and two other Honda’s. By far the best generator (abut the same as the Yamaha) and so quiet. But… I had to buy a different generator because it doesn’t have enough power to run all I need on my toy hauler camper. I thought my roof AC was 13,500 btu, buts it’s 5,000 btu with easy start. When running the AC, refrigerator and microwave or coffeemaker the circuit breaker/power trips on the generator if eco mode is on. If you run with eco mode off, runs all, and I don’t like manual turning off and on the eco mode. I but the Cummins Onans P4500i what I just bought, works good for my needs now, but…. About 8DB louder (real world testing) and very noticeable. And the oil change on the Honda so easy, but the Cummins very hard and will make a mess, since poor oil change design. Hope Honda can made come out with a 4500watt Generator that can keep the same design as the eu3000is. See my Youtube video for the reviews under BenGrilling.
Have purchased 2 of these for my sons. Both ran perfectly after adding oil an have performed flawless ever since. Like them enough that I may buy another to replace my smaller generator.
I bought this POS in Marion, Illinois. Remote keybfob is missing. Owner has tried to get me one, but so far no go. Generator backfires when starting and acquiring any load. Local Cummins dealer, Rocky Mountain Cummims says they are a Westinghouse POS and will have to be shipped back to the manufacturer to be replaced. Real POS. Waste of money and time. Cummins call center is worthless and gives major runaround. Impossible to deal with. Lies and excuses. Please dont waste your hard earned money on this POS.
I bought mine in February 2021 worked for about 50 hrs only and started surging pretty bad. So I took it to the retailer that I got it from. They did honored the warranty but it took them a month to replace the carburetor. So after I got it back I been using it for about 2 months now without issues
PLEASE READ, DON’T BUY. I bought a P4500I last month and am totally dissatisfied. I am very surprised Onan put their name on this Chinese crap. I have owned many generators from living off power in the Hawaiian Islands for over 40 years now and this one is the most disappointing I have ever experienced. Started off with a DKD 7.5 Onan and it was great. Needed more amps and went to Northern Lights, 16KW. No longer needed that and switched to Honda EU3000ie and it was also great. Also use a Honda 2200I and was not disappointed either. So I started looking at these new 4500s that are out by Onan, Westinghouse, and others and they are crap. I use mostly for powering my house for big items and this P4500I doesn’t do it. This is a generic generator made in China and they are all the same. They change the color and a couple of handles and put a different brand on it. I had a westhinghouse 4500 also and it was the same. I sent it back as soon as I could. The packaging is the same with all the same include items.A quart of oil, wrench, plastic funnel, all exactly the same. They don’t deliver the amps and wattage they boast. If I start a blender, food processor, coffee machine of any other appliance the light dim and the TV knocks out every time. My house ran better on the Honda 2200. These gens can’t take a surge or demand. Gas consumption, they boast 15 hours on 3 gallons. Yes if you don’t run anything and it’s idling. If I put my pool pump on the hours go down to half. The oil change is also difficult. The oil plug to drain is hard to reach and put back on. The best thing about this gen and all the others is the remote control, on/off. I wish I could return it and get a Honda.
They are just too expensive, but they deliver what they say. I wish I had better things to say on my first ever review.