Cummins Onan 4500 Watt Digital Inverter Generator with Remote Start P4500i (Generator Review)

[@Podcastforthewin]

You are the first one to point out to pull start it to get the oil circulated. Awesome advice

[@thomasbruhn7271]

I have had this generator for about 9 months. Living full time in a 30 AMP RV. I have never charged my battery with the provided charger and it has started every morning with my remote charge. I have 2500 hours on it. I just did a valve adjustment at 2100 hours. I change the oil every 300 hours aswell as clean the filters and spark plug. I have also had to replace the pull cord with 550 paracord. but all and all its a great generator. Just follow the maintenance schedule in the instructions. I run my AC about 5 Hours a day and the generator runs at about 25%. But it does struggle when you run the AC and the microwave at the same time for a long amount of time. But great on gas.

[@GeneratorReviews]

Thanks for sharing this with us 👍🏾 sounds great keep up with the maintenance and all should be well.

[@KellyMills-w5i]

We purchased this with our new RV plus dog bone for using our 50 with the gen. 30 Great information on getting started. Thanks so much.

[@kellylave13]

Just seeing this from Switzerland today. All very well and clearly explained. I am happy to have seen this today. If I get one, I will do it as you explained here. God bless you Mr Garvin.

[@GeneratorReviews]

Thanks 😊

[@1dirteharry]

Well Gavin- you sold me on the Cummins Onan 4500i… I had two of the WEN 3800s on the way from Amazon- in fact, I saw your video last Sunday morning 9/26/21 and I ordered two of the Onans and refused the WENs when UPS pulled up the next day (Monday) to deliver them. I have been working on getting the correct generators for about two months with the help of a lighting engineer friend and I must say that your videos are fantastic- you really know what you are doing! Hooking up that Ocilloscope and showing a pure sine wave was exactly what I was looking for not to mention 4500 watts. The 3800 WENs hooked up in parallel was putting the essentials to run my house in a border-line situation. Then I found out that the WEN parallel kit was only going to supply a maximum of 6000 starting watts and I needed around 6600 starting watts (4400 running watts). The Onans will be the ticket with roughly 8000 starting watts (6000 running watts) to run the essentials. I ordered the Firman parallel kit that you showed in one of your videos, just received it and in the instructions it says it has a supply limit of 6000 watts. Will 6000 watts really overload it or should I order the parallel kit that is shown for hooking up the two Onan 4500s in parallel? www.electricgeneratorsdirect.com/Cummins-Onan-A058M290/p103531.html I really appreciate your help with the starting watts with the mini-fridge- that was the missing link in my calculations. I have my panel all set up with a 50 amp breaker to back feed the panel along with an interlock kit installed for safety so I don’t accidentally back feed the street power line. Looking forward to breaking in the two Onans and running a test power outage to see how everything works… Keep up the good work!

[@GeneratorReviews]

So happy I could help! You know there’s always a bigger better Gen but when you find the one that you like, that’s all that matters. You can buy the other generator parallel kit if the first one doesn’t work but try it first and see were your wattages are peeking at. Good luck buddy

[@liljay32]

I too have the firman kit. Before I purchase another onan gen, how did the firman work out with the 2 onan gens paralleled?

[@elizabetherb1871]

Thanks for the demonstration we just bought one. I’m excited to get it going.

[@rotaxrider]

Just bought one today. Got a great deal

[@NoWay-xu1ie]

I have the Westinghouse 4500. It's the exact same except dual fuel. I've used it several times camping and at home when we lose power. Never had a problem. We have left it running all night under the front of our 5th wheel. Noise was not a problem.

[@StevelsCamping]

I just picked one up today. Can't wait to use it.

[@wayne5376]

I never subscribe or comment on this stuff. I just bought a new RV and the place let me tack this on financing. Great video!! I gonna break it in the same way and put full synthetic in. Thanks man!

[@GeneratorReviews]

Congratulations on the new RV and I hope you finally subscribe to my channel 👍🏾

[@briancallaghan5843]

Hi we have a BNIB ONAN P4500I INVERTER. We put the oil in, and followed your instructions to a T. Our 1st drain we went and got 10w30.

[@GeneratorReviews]

👍🏾✅

[@Yo-lg4hv]

Awesome videos! I just bought two of the 4500i because of your videos (Cummins needs to sponsor you, lol). I wanted an onboard generator for my 41’ fifth wheel, but everything is so backed up. So, instead I plan on paralleling two of the 4500i’s to run both my 15k btu ac units and my refrigerator.

[@GeneratorReviews]

Nice!!👍🏾 Thanks for watching

[@maddogshwa]

You're a true professional Gavin.

[@GeneratorReviews]

Thanks 🙏🏾 I appreciate that

[@bwong05150]

Your video was very thorough. I especially liked the oil change out tip....nice job....subscribed

[@GeneratorReviews]

Woohoo 🥳 Thanks for the sub.

[@sae1964]

Nice generator. But I read a lot of negative comments about it. on the link you put on your video. I guess it’s gonna be preference of brand and generator that will make the consumer go out buy it. 👍 as always Gavin. Great review great video on unboxing the generator and changing the oil. Keep up the good work buddy. 🙏

[@GeneratorReviews]

You are correct Its going to be brand preference on this one.

[@tomtee4442]

I have a real Cummins Diesel the best in the business and a 6 cylinder known for longevity and durability!!! Almost bought a Cummins Onan generator bought a proven Honda 2200 instead but the 2500 is the most amps in the business. Just to New to know if it"s Honda tough yet. I really wanted the Cummins Onan 2500.

[@davefellhoelter1343]

Used Honda for year in construction, BULLET Proof and stupid quiet With Great fuel economy on eco. Our guys never did a thing but add fuel to Honda's

[@tomtee4442]

@@davefellhoelter1343 I have a 26 plus year pretty quiet camping 1850 generator non-inverter generator. Other than full tune-ups including air filter at times, oil change often, spark plug often, gap - grease spark plug add dollar tree fuel stabilizer in the winter months. That's mostly it just maintenance mostly. And I never burned up any so-called sensitive electronics like a tv, cell phone and plenty more electronics over 26 years and still running. I"ve used the generator in business, personal and over speeded the generators governor when I needed extra power for years. Over speeding can kill the engine but hasn"t.

[@CT9905.]

Gavin, I wish I had known this before I purchased the Westinghouse version of this iGen….. Also I watched the side by side load test of the Onan vs Westinghouse video that you posted, GREAT INFO!!!!

[@GeneratorReviews]

Thank you 👍🏾

[@zachkennedy9418]

Awesome video! Not I need to watch another one about this generator! Thanks

[@tommyfife4411]

Another great job, Gavin's Garage! Question- On the Onan P4500I, with unit running, If you turn OFF fuel valve, will the unit immediately shut down or will it run until fuel bowl empties, then shut down? It would be great for long term storage if unit would empty fuel bowl first then stall. Thanks again and keep up the good work! tf (I'm an ole maintenance guy, and I really like the comments on oil and the necessity for a proper break-in and oil change)

[@GeneratorReviews]

Yes it will The fuel valve only shuts off the fuel and drains the carb

[@mitchdenner9743]

Fuel bowl has a drain screw and tube specifically for draining bowl for long term storage.

[@scottsmith6451]

Thanks for doing these videos brother. Super informative. Going to purchase one of these because of your videos.

[@GeneratorReviews]

Thanks 🙏🏾 for watching

[@scottsmith6451]

Had a question on what brand of synthetic bend oil you recommend? And why not just a full synthetic?

[@coreygarrison2613]

Biggest concern when the generator got overloaded is how far the volts dropped. for resistive loads ( Like what you had here) It wouldn't be a huge deal I don't guess however, for sensitive electronics plugged in at the time, The amp draw would start to go up and could cause real damage to electric motors as well.

[@Rockrewls]

Informative video, Thanks Gavin.

[@joebrown9621]

The sine wave outputting from that generator looks cleaner then some grid power.. based on time of year and where you live

[@GeneratorReviews]

Yep it did look a lot better than the grid power 👍🏾

[@DanWebster]

pretty sofisticated testing bro. great video

[@GeneratorReviews]

Thanks buddy I appreciate you watching

[@juancervantes7021]

Just purchased two of these but learned it doesn’t have 240v to run my 3 ton ac. Going to take them back

[@jhm68]

Awesome video. Does the battery/master switch need to be on for the trickle charge to work?

[@GeneratorReviews]

No, it does not have to be on to trickle charge

[@jhm68]

Thank you.

[@dukemanvillle]

Nice video.. Just curious as to why you necver actually showed the DB levels during the test?

[@GeneratorReviews]

I just forgot to do it on this test

[@denseleit]

Great video. Hows the fuel economy on it? Do you have any comparisons to other 3-3500w gens?

[@GeneratorReviews]

I compared this one to some other 4500’s. You can check that video out.

[@briancallaghan5843]

Now we live in Vancouver, Canada. And the oil that came with was 10w30 4 stroke. Oil. All it says I. The manual is to not use 2 stroke 10w30. No mention of 4 stroke 10w30in manual, or in your video. Are we OK using 10w30. For the second fill and 5w30 synthetic or does it have to be 4 stroke?

[@GeneratorReviews]

Just use regular 10W-30 conventional automobile oil when you go to synthetic used the 10w30 synthetic oil

[@clintonschlutz2768]

I have enjoyed many of your videos. Just bought this from the rv dealer at a steep discount with my trailer. I have a few break in questions. I did not see you use any "oil conditioner" as many say too including generator bible. What are your thoughts on this? And if anyone can advise on is that oil stabilizer or upper cylinder lubricant?. Do you have a full break in video? I want the best life for my new genny. What/how would you recommend to break and and is there a magnetic oil dipstick for this genny?

[@GeneratorReviews]

I think the most important step to break in process is changing the oil within the first 30 minutes, if you buy a good grade oil it has everything you need. Fuel stabilizers and conditioners are OK but I do not store my generator with any gas in the tank or the carburetor. All the new engines are aluminum block magnetic dipstick, if you want to install one go for it. I change my oil after the first 30 minutes using conventional oil then every 50 hrs for the next 4 oil changes. After my fourth oil change I switch to synthetic oil now I can go once a year or 100 - 150 hours.

[@markvesely3526]

awesome review but since you are a generator expert and i need something that you would recommend at about this size and price, is there another brand and model you would think might be my best choice? Thank you i subscribed to your channel since i really need to make a wise purchase because i can only afford to buy once.

[@GeneratorReviews]

Hey Mark I would have to know exactly what need it for home backup or Rv camping?

[@jtkrpm1]

Can it charge a Electric vehicle? Something about floating grounds. Honda needs to have some kind of jumper, while others do not like Generac.

[@GeneratorReviews]

Easy fix just get a bonding plug if your generator has a floating neutral

[@randytidwell5836]

After testing the Cummins does it appear it and the Westinghouse are the exact same generator with different names? Your thoughts on the 2.

[@GeneratorReviews]

I’m actually making a video on that exact same topic👍🏾

[@stephencarlisle6339]

I do believe the onan is just a rebranding of Westinghouse. I kinda expected more from onan...

[@GeneratorReviews]

Well you’re gonna have to watch the video I just made because you’ll be surprise my friend because I was surprised at the outcome Cummins versus Westinghouse 4500

[@maxgarcia9512]

Hi Gavin, Great Video. Question, Can this generator run on duel fuel types like propane and gas? Is there a converter for propane available? Thanks

[@GeneratorReviews]

I believe they do make a propane kit for this one. Why don’t you just buy the Westinghouse 4500 pretty much the same generator in dual fuel

[@cebasmb8250]

Great video brother thanks I was looking into getting a generator i thinking i like this one...just got another subscriber brother

[@GeneratorReviews]

👌🏾😁💯Thank you

[@elivalencia7597]

Great job 👏.. new subscriber here seen a couple of your videos 👍 After how many running hours is the oil change required, and where to I read running hrs ?thanks

[@GeneratorReviews]

Most manufacturers recommend the oil change in 20 - 50 hrs

[@GeneratorReviews]

Thanks for watching and subscribing 👍🏾

[@eleuteriocastro1628]

Good video i buy this for 750 i think is good price

[@GeneratorReviews]

Great price

[@brandywhittington8067]

I’m getting ready to purchase the Cummins generator what are your thoughts? Is this the wise choice? What do you believe to be the best generator price does not matter I need 4500 W or better

[@GeneratorReviews]

This is an amazing generator and it puts out more than its rated watts I like it 👍🏾💯😎

[@brandywhittington8067]

@@GeneratorReviews THANKS FOR YOUR OPINION IT IS GREATLY APPRECIATED. I purchase a genirac 3300i one year later high oil. Consumption and smoking, I full time RV and need a reliable option

[@joshbu5764]

@@GeneratorReviews Hey Gavin - can I use this generator with a 5th wheel that usually uses a 50 amp hookup? Just want to be able to run 1 or 2 of the AC’s, fridge and a few other electronics. I know it won’t have the power to run all 3 AC’s but I was hoping it would be a more efficient solution to our onboard 5500 Onan generator when we only need a little power to run the fridge and a few electronics with the AC kicking on from time to time

[@LustDcay]

Good stuff cheers !

[@johna.ludwig2311]

If you parallel two 4500's together with the kit, can you get 240 volts?

[@GeneratorReviews]

Unfortunately, you can’t get 240 V

[@slf54]

I really got a lot out of your comparison with the westinghouse igen4500 and the oanan 4500 Are they the same? I'm was sold on the west in-house until you showed the I am kicking its Ass. Investagated the onan and does it come with dual fuel?

[@GeneratorReviews]

Thanks for watching The Westinghouse comes in duel fuel the Onan does not but they are exactly the same generator different company to deal with they both have 3 years warranty

[@bradgeagley4019]

Can you leave the generator plugged into your trailer and remote start without damaging electronics

[@GeneratorReviews]

Use a surge protector with a countdown most all the good ones have that feature

[@jamesmiller2130]

Your 13.19 battery voltage reading tells me the gen DOES NOT charge the battery when running. A 12 volt battery is 13.2 volts. Or did I miss something???

[@GeneratorReviews]

It does charge the battery because the battery was at 12.4v because the generator has been sitting up for a while so 13.19V is changing

[@GeneratorReviews]

Thanks James great eye buddy 👍🏾

[@jamesmiller2130]

@@GeneratorReviews ahhhhh....very good...my bad

[@Coopdundee]

Great presentation sir

[@GeneratorReviews]

Thanks

[@1BigCountry143]

Do you know how to pair a new key fob to this generator?

[@GeneratorReviews]

I haven’t paired a remote yet on that. Model

[@1BigCountry143]

@@GeneratorReviews I figured it out. Thanks

[@watupchief5889]

Can you do the same test with the Westinghouse please see if you can get it to the same wattage as the Cummins onan

[@GeneratorReviews]

Sure I will do it 👍🏾

[@watupchief5889]

@@GeneratorReviews can you try the Aims Power 6600 and put against the Champion 5500

[@davefellhoelter1343]

Onan has a "little trouble" with Oil Levels, caution. If we fill some up to what the WORLD keeps as standard fill level, some raise the oil level above case breather/vent causing leaks and pressure in case. I do Not Know witch base engine Onan used in this model.

[@tommyfife4411]

Ducar is the brand of engine.

[@lambert6473]

Yessir

[@1dirteharry]

I would like to know the starting/surging watts for a mini-fridge and a mini-freezer (2 cu/ft) each. I have tried everything to find out- google search, calling the mfg, etc... no one seems to know. I figured if anyone would know, it out be you.

[@GeneratorReviews]

The 2 cu/ft fridge with compressor surges at 450w and runs at around 60 - 65 watts my 5 cu/ft surges at 700w and runs at 120w

[@albertc7375]

Do they make them with DF and only pull start for weight?

[@GeneratorReviews]

If you want dual fuel in that model you have to get the Westinghouse 4500

[@albertc7375]

@@GeneratorReviews thank you

[@edward44996]

Great job,can this generator give me 240 volts.if not can u recommend one

[@GeneratorReviews]

This Gen only put out 120v but the Predator 9500 will do 240v

[@edward44996]

@@GeneratorReviews thanks

[@kylejeltema1382]

Do you know if you parallel 2 Cummins 4500 generators will it create 240 V to run a well pump?

[@GeneratorReviews]

No you can’t get 240v from 2 120v Gen in parallel

[@bigbadbob143]

Where did you get it. I cannot locate one. Thanks

[@GeneratorReviews]

Thanks for watching Click the link in the description

[@moreno3662]

Why only 30 minutes for the first oil change?

[@GeneratorReviews]

You need to get all that metal out of the generator as soon as you can

[@moreno3662]

@@GeneratorReviews I just placed an order for this generator, and thanx for the video and the oil tip...

[@mafosa8519]

it dipped down to 77 volts?...

[@GeneratorReviews]

Yep for a second it did

[@mannyfragoza9652]

very nice generator

[@GeneratorReviews]

Thanks Manny

[@je6630]

Great job!

[@GeneratorReviews]

Thanks

[@curtisgibson2408]

Hey Gavin, I was not sure how to msg you without attaching to a video. I would be curious to have a better understanding of continuous load applied to a generator and the affects of it's longevity. I know you normally push them to their limits and would like to know the optimal load 50,60,70 or whatever % to get the longest life. Thanks!

[@GeneratorReviews]

Running a generator at 50% is going to ensure a long life but you can’t take it all the way up to 80% and be OK just not for long periods Thanks for watching

[@floppyebrokent8578]

Do you know who makes this?

[@GeneratorReviews]

I don’t know which one is the main manufacture, but Westinghouse make the exact same model

[@floppyebrokent8578]

@@GeneratorReviews thanks for the response! So many are the same manufacturer (and quality I assume) with various options.

[@LonelyBonez7]

Is it waterproof?

[@GeneratorReviews]

No it’s not water proof at all.

[@tomtee4442]

What do you do with those 6 big generators?

[@GeneratorReviews]

Sell them soon

[@francisvazquez13]

Is this generator 50 or 60 hz?

[@GeneratorReviews]

60 hertz 120v

[@joshbu5764]

@GeneratorReviews Hey Gavin - can I use this generator with a 5th wheel that usually uses a 50 amp hookup? Just want to be able to run 1 or 2 of the AC’s, fridge and a few other electronics. I know it won’t have the power to run all 3 AC’s but I was hoping it would be a more efficient solution to our onboard 5500 Onan generator when we only need a little power to run the fridge and a few electronics with the AC kicking on from time to time

[@GeneratorReviews]

Absolutely 👍🏾 you would just need an adapter to connect to the 50 amp plug

[@rogerfreese212]

Would you go with the EU2200i in parallel or the Cummins P4500i?

[@GeneratorReviews]

Wow! Great question. If I was needing it for home backup I would get the 4500 or the two 2200w if I was RVing or camping It would definitely be easier to load the smaller Gens in a truck or trailer Thanks for watching

[@rogerfreese212]

@@GeneratorReviews I’ve watched several of your videos and subscribed. Why would you choose the 4500 for home backup? I’m asking, because I already have a new eu2200 and I was trying to decide weather to get a second one or the 4500. Wattage would be about 100w difference.

[@GeneratorReviews]

@@rogerfreese212 I can do a comparison with those two if you want, I have the eu2200 and the 4500 Cummins

[@rogerfreese212]

@@GeneratorReviews I was just picking your brain about running parallel versus one that 4500

[@GeneratorReviews]

@@rogerfreese212 there’s a lot that goes into parallel vs one I do like the fact if one goes down you still have one but that also means you have to service two generators verses one

[@jesuslopez5494]

Is this one is the same as Westinghouse 4500 ?

[@GeneratorReviews]

Yessir they are the same

[@jesuslopez5494]

@@GeneratorReviews I’m a new subscriber to your channel I already see that you had a video competing them, thanks 🙏👌🏻

[@tommiceli2449]

I’m very surprised Cummins put their name on a generic Chinese generator. You would think for the larger price compared to the other brands that slap their name on these, they would have the quality that Cummins is known for. And that oil change procedure is terrible. That’s how you know the engine wasn’t designed for the generator, but one that’s probably in 500 different products. Definitely not an engine built by Onan.

[@melissastewart2032]

I have this generator and that is not the correct way to change the oil. It’s the same as any other generator I have used. Very simple remove bolt drains our the bottom through a dedicated hole right into a bucket. Very simple.

[@1dirteharry]

Well here it is 9 months later and thanks to you, I have the two Cummins Onan 4500 generators mounted on a specially made cart for transport to the backyard to back-feed my panel using a 50 amp breaker via a parallel kit. They are also set up with to run with natural gas kzbin.info/www/bejne/bJy8Xn-MqsmcisU Note the 300 lb drawer slide so that the oil can be changed without taking one of them off of the cart! Is there an inline voltage/amps/watts meter like the one you are using for a 50 amp output? If so, where would one buy it?

[@GeneratorReviews]

Nicely done my friend I like the extra detail for servicing them. The online meter video the link are in the description kzbin.info/www/bejne/gneViGyGpNCji7M Thanks 🙏🏾

[@gl7431]

Save some money that's a rebranded Westinghouse generator

[@GeneratorReviews]

Thanks for watching

[@shanew7361]

No CO sensor and a little pricey plus dealer support is non existent.

[@GeneratorReviews]

Yeah that’ll probably be the next update on this model Nice catch Shane

[@shanew7361]

@@GeneratorReviews What do you think is better the Wen or the Champion version of this generator?

[@GeneratorReviews]

@@shanew7361The Wen has a starting of 4K and a running of 3200w the Champion has a starting watts of 4500 but only 3500w running I would choose the champion