Generators - an opinion

Depends on your style of camping. We boondock on BLM lands a lot for 2 to 3 weeks at a time. We don't have solar, so without a generator, our batteries would long since be dead. No generator is a non starter for us.

The OP raised the generator issue based on the dealer viewpoint. While the dealer isnt necessarily wrong he is also likely expecting to list it at a lower price and move the vehicle quicker. Many people have Honda portable generators and they work well. That is a cheaper option for a buyer. I have used my generator many times in my PW, most recently when we camped at the beautiful Government park on Gabriola Island, BC where there was NO power nor even a dump site. It seems that those who live in hot climates use their generators more than we in temperate climates. I would always include one on an order and, I would lower my price offer if a unit I was trying to buy did not have one. Without one you need either lots of batteries, solar power or a shore power availability. If you always use shore power then you may not use a genset unless the power supply is only 15amp which would be insufficient to run your aircon unit.

Flexibility is the key word. If you ever want to go to a rally...or stay on the grounds at the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta ...or stay somewhere great (like by the Atlantic Ocean on Ocracoke Island in the Outer Banks) without hookups on a steamy summer day...you want one. We don't use ours for lengthy stretches, but we use it on every trip once at a very minimum, usually several times. So having one would be important to me as a buyer.

What NoVaRT said x2. We boondock a lot and our unit has a gen.......don't use it much in the north but............down south even in winter....it's nice to use the AC & microwave when you want or need it. Just more flexibility and comfort.

As others have noted, you can do just fine without a generator. But having one gives you more options, hence the desirability, even if some buyers might be overestimating how often they would actually use a generator. Seems like the lack of a generator is a potential bargaining chip to be exploited, even by those who don't think it's necessary to have one.

To me, it's worth it to have it for some National Parks, as well as mitigating power outages.

I would not buy a unit without a generator. I can use it to power our heating system at the S&B in the event of a snow/ice storm that takes out the power grid.
Plus, the convenience when boondocking. JMO

After 30 years of camping with NO generator. I can safely say. If there was no generator in the coach. It would be a plus for me. The gen compartment could then be use for something useful, like camp stoves, lanterns, and such.

If the next owner wants one let them put it in. You will lose any gain, by installing one. Just show them the compartment, and tell them it fits there.

A honda generator would quickly recharge my beloved Optima AGM and allow me more time off-grid, until I decide if/how to migrate to solar panels instead...

I far prefer my solar. Have not brought the generator for years.
If I need air I find hookups. Solar & inverter run the rest.

I wonder if PPL could tell a buyer that they could pay the $2650 + labor, and have a genset put in at their (PPL's) shop (They are an authorized Onan dealer.) This would allow a generator to be financed with the rig.

To me, this is a non-issue. I assume the Excel has a generator compartment that is fitted with gasoline and electrical, as well as a vapor shield. If that is the case, it might be a good thing, since it means one can get a new model that is more efficient.