Installling a generator

Just had my 5500 Onan gas generator moved from my old fiver to my new one and the contract mechanic said he was paid for 40 hours plus parts because it was not factory preped. Tansfer switches and getting wiring back to the panel along with the remote start with hour meter all took quite an effort of removing existing parts and re-routing things along with all the work to the compartment to make it generator ready. As stated air flow, sound proofing and fuel compartment. The dealer allowed $1500 and lost on the move.

The hardest part is the shore line cable needs to run to the transfer switch, then back to the panel. Right now it probably just goes direct to the panel.

an Onan 5500 like the factory one installed in our camper list for around $5,000 but with tax/shipping can be bought for around $4,000 .... to that you'd have to add hardware for exhaust along with modifying the compartment it goes in, sound proofing, remote start switch and fuel monitor panel (if desired) .... an automatic power switch would run in the $250 neighborhood .... buying and mounting a fuel tank or running a propane would have to be added along with the labor which at RV dealerships usually runs upward of $100 an hour .... in short, even if you can do all of the labor it will be an expensive project

Jim

Next door neighbor had CW install an Onan genny on his new 5er when he noticed we had one factory installed on our rig. His RV did not have the generator prep performed at the factory so there was quite a bit of additional cost to make the front compartment capable of housing a generator along with wiring and fuel delivery components. CW did a good job and he was very happy except that he was surprised how much propane the generator consumed. Costs will vary depending on size, type, and how involved the installation is, but it will be upwards of $4K. Paralleling portables can provide enough energy to run most AC units, but if your rig has more than one AC unit and you prefer the convenience of powering your entire rig just like being plugged into shore power, an appropriately-sized onboard genny is the way to go. We love our gasoline Onan genny, and no matter what situation arises, we can enjoy all the comforts our RV provides with a simple press of a button.

$4000