WE ARE PROUD TO BE INDEPENDENT AND IN NO WAY ASSOCIATED WITH MANUFACTURERS. TO STAY UNBIASED, WE DO NOT ACCEPT FREE PRODUCTS. WE EARN FROM ADVERTISING FEES PAID BY EBAY, CAMPING WORLD, OVERTON'S OR ZORO ON QUALIFYING PURCHASES.

Cummins Onan P9500df - 7500/9500W Dual Fuel Generator

The Cummins Onan P9500df is a portable open frame dual fuel generator with a rated wattage of 7,500 W and a starting wattage of 9,500 W.

CompareShortlistShortlistedRemoved from shortlist 54

Picture of the Cummins Onan P9500df
Set Price Alert
×
Notify me when the price drops
Set an alert for the Cummins Onan P9500df - Current lowest price: $1,131.00

Description

Zoom on the Cummins Onan P9500df

In summary, the Cummins Onan P9500df is a portable generator especially useful for:

  • Food van owners who know that just a short power outage could lose them hundreds of dollars
  • Homeowners in need of an emergency backup power for their essentials
  • Professionals in need of safely powering high-intensity work or lighting equipment

In the following paragraphs, we shall explore the power characteristics, available outlets, portability, and any additional features of the device, along with its emission compliance information.

Power & Run Time

The Cummins Onan P9500df in use

The Cummins Onan P9500df

Thanks to its dual-fuel technology, the Cummins Onan P9500df delivers 120/240V and offers power and versatility. When gasoline-powered, it benefits from a running wattage of 7,500W and a peak wattage of 9,500W. When propane-powered, it has 6,750 rated watts and 8,550 peak watts.

At a noise rating of 74 dBA (just slightly more noisy than a shower), this generator can be started via a simple traditional pull-start mechanism, or a simple and elegant electric starter (battery included). To add further convenience, the Onan P9500df can be remotely started (key fob included).

As for its running time, the Onan P9500df, along with its 6.6 gallons fuel capacity, can run for up to 16 hours with a full tank filled with gasoline (fuel consumption around 0.6 GPH). If propane is used, it can operate for up to 8 hours (on a 20 lbs tank - propane consumption around 0.59 GPH).

The Onan P9500df is unsuitable for the powering of sensitive electronic devices due to its high THD (<23%).

Outlets

The control panel features the upcoming 5 AC outlets:

Two Duplexes 120V 20A (5-20R) GFCI
120/240V 30A (L14-30R) receptacle

Due to the featured twist-lock L14-30R receptacle, the Onan P9500df is transfer switch ready: you may connect it to a breaker box to power your household during a power outage.

Cummins' Smart Switch Outlet

Picture of Westinghouse ST Switch outlet

The Onan P9500df has an identical outlet, but with a different name

The Onan P9500df features a special outlet that allows an automatic power transfer in case of a power outage.

To benefit from this feature, you'll need Cummins' Automatic Transfer Switch, which is not included with the generator.

As mentioned further up, since this unit is simply a Westinghouse generator in disguise, you can absolutely use the Westinghouse ST Switch (opens in a new tab) instead. It serves the exact same purpose.

Simply put, the ST Switch is a cost-effective and versatile portable automatic transfer switch, which can be installed quickly and easily, without the assistance of an electrician.

Plug the ST Switch into one of your household 120V outlets, plug your appliances to the ST Switch, and connect the Onan P9500df to the ST Switch via the special outlet and a 120V cord. The generator will automatically turn on when the power goes out, and automatically turn off when the power returns.

Portability

The dimensions of the Cummins Onan P9500df, which are L27.3 x W26.3 x H26.3 in, and its typical, open frame design provides stability and enables the generator to be raised above ground level. This type of design is ideal for tough environments and heavy outdoor use.

As the generator's weight is 194 pounds, manually moving it or transporting it may be challenging, despite the fact that it is technically considered 'portable' (movable). Nevertheless, thanks to its wheel kit (⌀10") and its folding handle (a decent solution to its lack of maneuverability), the generator can be easily moved, once placed the ground.

Features

Panel of the Cummins Onan P9500df

The Onan P9500df's control panel

The Onan P9500df and its control panel include a convenient meter, which displays voltage, frequency and lifetime hours. This feature comes handy when monitoring its status and activity.

A built-in fuel gauge allows for a quick, easy and convenient check of the fuel level of the generator.

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.

While the standard documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), helpful for starting the device promptly, come with the Cummins Onan P9500df, the following accessories are also included: battery charger, funnel, key fob, propane hose, tool kit and oil.

Emissions

The Cummins Onan P9500df 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 and therefore, can be used in forested areas.

Product Video

The Cummins Onan P9500df versus other generators

The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Cummins Onan P9500df compare to dual fuel generators of similar power (between 7000 and 8000 W).

  • As its weight is 194 pounds, the Cummins Onan P9500df falls in the expected weight range of the dual fuel devices in the 7000-8000 rated wattage category. If weight matters to you, one of the champions in this power range is the Sportsman GEN85KIDF with only 133 pounds.
  • Among the generators of a comparable running wattage, this generator with a lowest noise of 74 dBA can be judged as noisy. If noise emissions are one of your priorities, you may be interested in the Champion 201175, one of the least noisy generators similarly powerful as this one, rated for 61 dBA.
  • The Onan P9500df's autonomy is somewhat low end compared to devices of its type and power range, as it reaches only up to 16 hours at 25% load on 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 XP8500EH, boasting with up to 25 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 generator is somewhat less fuel efficient than devices of comparable output: its estimated fuel consumption reaches 0.41 GPH at a 25% load. If you wish to acquire one of the most gasoline efficient products of this power range, the DuroMax XP8500EH, with a fuel consumption of 0.32 GPH could be in your good books.

Price comparison

As you can see from this interactive chart, when compared to other 7000-8000W dual fuel generators, the Cummins Onan P9500df 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

STRENGTHS:
  • In the expected price range
  • Several accessories included
  • GFCI Outlets
  • Remote start
  • Dual Fuel
  • Compatible with Westinghouse ST Switch
AVERAGE SPECS:
  • Decent weight (194 lbs)
WEAKNESSES:
  • No 50-amp output
  • On the noisy side (74 dBA)
  • Relatively low run time
  • Low fuel efficiency

Do you own the Cummins Onan P9500df and agree (or disagree) with these strengths and weaknesses?

Let us know and write your own review.

Features and Specifications

General
InverterNo
Parallel capableNo
RV readyNo
FuelDual Fuel (gasoline/propane)
Engine420 cc Ducar OHV 4-stroke
Starting systemRecoil, Electric, Remote
Warranty3 years
VoltageAC: 120/240V 60 Hz
Power
GasolinePropane
Running watts7,500 W6,750 W
Starting watts9,500 W8,550 W
Running amps (@120/240V)62.5/31.3 amps56.3/28.1 amps
Peak amps (@120/240V)79.2/39.6 amps71.3/35.6 amps
Run time @50% load11 hUnknown
Run time @25% load16 h8 h
Features
GFCI outletsYes
Covered outletsYes
Automatic Voltage RegulationYes
AC outlets
  • 2x Duplex 120V 20A (5-20R) GFCI
  • 1x 120/240V 30A (L14-30R)
DC outletsNo
Data centerVFT
IndicatorsNo
Fuel tankSteel, 6.6 gal
Fuel gaugeYes
Misc
Weight194 lbs
Approx. dimensions (L x W x H)27.3 x 26.3 x 26.3 in
Noise (lower limit)74 dBA
THD< 23%
ComplianceCARB, EPA
SecurityLow oil and overload protection
Spark arrestorYes
NeutralBonded to frame
Accessories includedOil, funnel, tool kit, key fob, battery charger, propane hose, battery, and wheel kit
Other model numbersA058U967

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.

Spec Improvement×

This form does not send us any personal data (not even your IP address)

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 P9500df 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?
Examples of items that can be simultaneously powered.
The examples below are based on a maximum load of 80% and estimated wattages. For a more accurate estimation, use our generator sizing calculator.
ItemRunning WattsStarting Watts
At homeElectric fry pan15001500
Microwave (1000 watts)15001500
Dish washer15003000
Sump pump (1/2 hp)10502150
Refrigerator (energy star)1921192
Satelite receiver250250
Total5992 W7492 W
For campingRV AC (11,000 BTU)10101600
RV refrigerator180600
Hair dryer18001900
Electric grill16501650
Radiant heater13001300
Set of 5 LED light bulbs5555
Total5995 W6585 W
For workTable saw18004500
Air compressor (1 hp)16006100
Grinder14002500
Bug zapper8080
Total4880 W9380 W
What oil do I use in my 9500 Gas/propane generator? (Asked February 27, 2023)

For general, all-temperature use, you can use SAE 10W-30.

Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.

Ask a question

Your name and email address will not be publicly published. We only need them to be able to answer you directly

Cummins Onan P9500df
3.7 Total Score
10 reviews
Add your review
Price
4.6
Value
3.1
Quality
3.7
Performance
3.3

User Reviews

Most Recent Most Helpful Highest Rating Lowest Rating Add your review
  1. 3
    Price
    30
    Value
    60
    Quality
    70
    Performance
    80

    There is a break in period for sure. Also you must be sure to charge the battery for the starter and to not let fuel foul the system. Its strong but it takes maintenance.
    It ran my AC just fine and a person I know with the same model runs half of his house with it hooked to his panel box..

    + PROS:
    • Sturdy build.
    • The dual fuel function does work.
    - CONS:
    • Very loud.
    • Heavy.
    • Cold starts can be a pain.
    Helpful(0) Unhelpful(0)You have already voted this
  2. 4.5
    Price
    90
    Value
    90
    Quality
    90
    Performance
    90

    I do not understand any of these negative reviews. I have started mine manually, remotely and with the FOB. All good. Ran it for the 5 hr break in and changed the oil. Ran it again twice for 30 minutes. No problems.
    If this changes to my disappointment I will post it but so far so good.
    The noise is the 85 dB as listed when I measured it at 3′. I built an extended exhaust system for it the works really well.
    I say don’t hesitate to consider this generator.
    All the best.

    + PROS:
    • Looks good and good price for Canada.
    • Noise is as advertised.
    • The gas exhaust is not excessively hot and extending the exhaust is quite simple.
    • Assembly was easy.
    • I researched genies for 2 months and put the Cummins on the same platform as the Westinghouse (which don't seem to be readily availible).
    - CONS:
    • Well, honestly, I haven't found any yet. They are heavy (200 pounds dry) but generators of this size tend to be this heavy.
    • I haven't tried the propane fuel, yet. No need to now.
    Helpful(1) Unhelpful(0)You have already voted this
  3. 0.75
    Price
    30
    Value
    10
    Quality
    10
    Performance
    10

    Bought this Generator, did all the per checks, filled with oil, gas, the unit will not start up, I have drained the battery 3 times and still nothing ! I have called and sent emails out…. All they say is you need to take it to an authorized dealer for repairs ??? I don’t have time to run it all over for repairs, would like to return it with a full refund.

    + PROS:
    • Good looking was delivered on time
    - CONS:
    • Will not start up, very upset and can’t get any help
    Helpful(1) Unhelpful(1)You have already voted this
  4. 1.65
    Price
    30
    Value
    30
    Quality
    60
    Performance
    10

    Piece of crap. Trying to use during hurricane Iannjust now. Will only power up a single refrigerator – nothing else. If anything else plugged in will blow circuit both breakers and then you have nothing which is what this thing is. It’s a new unit. My old regular Honda worked great – put in shop for service whe hurricane Ian came up. Thought we had everything covered with this new on an/ Cummins unit. Boy was I wrong. Run, don’t just walk away from these. Even the cheap Harbor Freight units are better than these.
    Very bad product

    + PROS:
    • Automatic start
    - CONS:
    • Doesn’t work: will only power up one refrigerator. Nothing else.
    • Keeps blowing circuit breaker if ANYTHING else is plugged in.
    • Is a piece of crap. Needed for hurricane IAN just now
    Helpful(2) Unhelpful(5)You have already voted this
  5. 0.5
    Price
    10
    Value
    10
    Quality
    10
    Performance
    10

    At 25 hours Stepper motor failed. Unit wouldn’t start! At 381 hours took unit to Cummins in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Tech found a valve spring was broken and keeper nuts had severed and scarred piston and cylinder walls! Took Cummins a day and a half to get approval to replace this generator! I had to wait 2.5 more weeks for my replacement to arrive at Cummins in Green Bay! I made two round trips to Green Bay Cummins and then had to drive to Saukville, Wisconsin to deliver this generator back to Camping World for my refund. Neither company [Cummins or Camping World] even remotely offered to reimburse me for my diesel fuel ⛽️!! Heartless companies selling absolute junk generators!!!

    + PROS:
    • ABSOLUTELY NONE!!
    - CONS:
    • At 25 hours Stepper motor was defective. Generator wouldn’t start! At 381 hours less than 90 days old valve spring broke and keeper nuts went into engine and scarred piston and cylinder walls!
    • They got me a brand new one and I was without power for three weeks! And I had to drive to Cummins in Green Bay twice round trip and then drive all the way to Saukville, Wisconsin to return unopened generator to get my money back from Camping World!! Neither company even remotely offered to reimburse me for my diesel. Another junk generator!! MIDWEST EQUIPMENT SALES out of Columbus, OH makes these and Westinghouse generators!! Absolute garbage generators!!!
    Helpful(4) Unhelpful(2)You have already voted this
  6. Avatar
    Calvin Weimer May 23, 2022 at 8:12 am
    0.5
    Price
    10
    Value
    10
    Quality
    10
    Performance
    10

    I got one brand new and after26 hrs run time the engine lost compression I’m out 1100.bucks and I’m pissed off the place I bought it won’t refund the money and I’m powerless in se alaska in my mortorhome

    + PROS:
    • None
    - CONS:
    • Discusted
    Helpful(2) Unhelpful(1)You have already voted this
  7. 0.65
    Price
    20
    Value
    10
    Quality
    10
    Performance
    10

    I bought a Onan 9500 from a solar supply guy and it has leaked propane from Day ONE. I have called Cummins and they said they would have a tech contact me and it never happened. never ever heard back. This winter it was leaking liquid propane onto the floor of my gen Shed and it caught on fire. Luckily i was in the shed when it happened and put it out immediately before any real damage.

    The Solar dealer has been trying to get warranty sorted out since early February with no luck.

    He had sold several of these to customers and all with the same issue. He has a garage full of Onan 9500 that all leak propane thru the carb and customers are fed up. Save your money. I thought I was getting a quality unit when I bought a Cummins product but did I ever get fooled.

    + PROS:
    • Worked good on Auto start and remote start
    - CONS:
    • Leaks propane profusely
    Helpful(3) Unhelpful(0)You have already voted this
  8. Avatar
    Disappointed shopper October 13, 2021 at 6:49 pm
    1.75
    Price
    100
    Value
    20
    Quality
    10
    Performance
    10

    This generator is the biggest pile of crap. Has only started maybe 3 times with the push start. It wont start with the pull. When it tries to start with the push start, the battery dies and probably because it tries to start 4 times and fails. When it does start, we were able to power 2 rv AC units. it’s REALLY REALLY LOUD. Do not buy. Unreliable generator.

    + PROS:
    • When it did start, it ran 2 RV AC Units.
    - CONS:
    • Never works
    Helpful(3) Unhelpful(1)You have already voted this
  9. Avatar
    Iron Horse Industries September 12, 2021 at 5:42 pm
    4
    Price
    80
    Value
    60
    Quality
    90
    Performance
    90

    Seemed to work great and powered a 30 gallon 2 stage air compressor well. Next test will be running a Miller 130 wire feed welder.

    + PROS:
    • Cummins Branding
    - CONS:
    • Long run time
    Helpful(2) Unhelpful(1)You have already voted this
  10. 1.15
    Price
    60
    Value
    10
    Quality
    10
    Performance
    10

    I’m working with a customer who bought 2 of the generator from an rv co. Online. Neither one runs. On either fuel. He had trouble getting service from the place he bought them from. I’m an independent repair shop and The parts availability and service very poor. I’m dealing with some kind of factory defect in the timing of the ignition.

    + PROS:
    • Generator won’t start on either fuel
    - CONS:
    • Service sucks
    Helpful(23) Unhelpful(3)You have already voted this

Leave a review

Your total score

Generator Bible
Logo
Compare items
  • Total (0)
Compare

You can compare as many generators as you wish. However, for the best results, we recommend you to compare only 2 generators at a time.

0