RV Power Refined

Two new ideal choices that offer clean, efficient power to run a variety of systems and electronics.

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Words by Steve Fennell

Portable generators have had a long history well before they became standard in many of today’s RVs and commonly used in campgrounds. Cummins Power Systems is very much part of this past and the company is still moving forward as one of the top go-to suppliers of on-demand power.

Cummin’s various gen-sets are still one of the top choices for larger luxury coaches but for more compact RVs like class Bs and truck campers, the Onan QG 2800i is a popular option. Introduced in Canada just last year and designed to mount in your RV, this source of power has a number of upgrades from its previous model to effortlessly run your A/C, several appliances, electronics, and more.    

Rated at 2.8 kW, the QG 2800i is a 23.3-amp gas inverter genny designed to provide clean, efficient power on the go. To conserve as much usage as possible, the featured variable speed system can increase power when charging larger systems like an A/C unit while it will decrease power when running smaller appliances or electronics.

According to John Keith,  Sales Director for Cummin’s Consumer Power Generation, Canada, the QG 2800i now offers 60 percent less vibration and noise levels and most importantly, it promises 50 percent less fuel consumption.

“If RVers are running a small appliance with low amps like a coffee pot, the QG will run lighter, whereas if you are recharging a system that requires more power, it will switch to full capacity,” says Keith. “The three-point isolation mounting design has less vibration and the low noise levels make it quieter for everyone at an RV park. It’s also nine percent lighter, which allows you to pack more gear in your RV.”

Running on an EFI engine, the QG 2800i also features oil and inverter temperature sensors, a 40 percent larger oil capacity for improved cooling and is available in an LP model (the QG 2500i LP) for added convenience on the road or if propane is your preferred choice.

P4500i: More Power in a Small Package

Cummins’ Onan series extends to its portable inverter generators including the P2500i,  P4500i, and the P9500df (dual fuel). The latest news for 2023 is the P4500i will feature the same dual-fuel function as the P9500df, which means it can operate at full capacity on gas or propane, allowing versatile use or if you run low on one fuel type or another at a campsite. When using propane, simply connect a standard 20 lb tank to the designated valve, adjust the fuel switch and it's good to go.

The P4500i is ready to use with a 120V 30A TT-30R outlet and according to the company, the 7.3 hp 224cc OHV 4-stroke engine and 13 L (3.4 gal) fuel capacity can operate systems for 18 hours at 25 percent load and 15 hours at 50 percent load. When at full capacity, it can power a variety of appliances, electronics, or an A/ C unit and even run parallel with a second unit to achieve a maximum output of 50 amps.

Some additional features include push-button or convenient remote starting (with a pull cord backup), an LED that displays fuel level, power output, run time, and voltage as well as two 5 V USB ports. Although it’s not the lightest portable generator available, weighing in at 45 kg (100 lbs), the P4500i is compact with dimensions of 62 x 46 x 52 cm (24.5 x 18.25 x 20.5 in). It’s also easily portable with wheel sizes of 14 cm (5.5 in) and 4 cm (1.5 in) in diameter.

Both the QG 2800i/QG 2500i LP and P4500i have a three-year warranty and owners have convenient access to Cummins’ 24/7 support network.

“We have techs to provide support when needed, no matter where RVers travel,” says Keith. “While some manufacturers are specifically dealer-based, Cummins Power Systems has branches in many locations across Canada and the US, providing excellent service for when and where it’s needed.”

For more information visit www.cummins.com