Cost to install generator?

The sheet metal is just a vapor barrier, so exhaust gases do not get into the passenger compartment.

I have seen custom Onan installs where they install a 25 gallon gasoline tank under a fifth wheel or TT. Back in 2011, I was quoted around $4500 for the genset plus the custom fab work for the tank, the generator cage, wiring, exhaust, and plumbing.

As an alternative, the OP might be better off with a portable genset like a Honda eu7000i with remote start. Propane generators are thirsty, and tend to not have much runtime.

Not to get to too far off topic but propane burns cleaner than gasoline with NO carb gumming problems. Yes, you'll probably burn more propane than a similar sized gas powered unit will but with a lot less hassles. Just my two cents.

Dan

Generator prep can mean a lot of things- the last rig I installed a 5.5LP in was "prepped", which included a sheet metal enclosure put right where the motor for the landing gear was totally inaccessible. I would up moving that, adding extra bracing underneath (I don't like to support a genset with sheet metal, even though that's what the "prep" package had, so I added 1 1/2" angle iron), cut the holes in the floor, run the new LP lines, run enough exhaust to get it far enough away from openings that *I* felt comfortable, then line the outside of the sheet metal enclosure with 1/2" plywood and carpet, then rewire the main breaker panel because the geniuses has put both air conditioners on one leg.

It's not just a matter of plopping it in and hooking it up.

$4500 would install 500 watts solar, large hybrid inverter, extra batteries and still should have enough for a portable Honda 2000.

If you haven't pulled the trigger on the propane install and it sounds like you haven't gone with a residential fridge, I would never own a propane generator. The propane use is extreme and they're noisier than a gas unit. Save your money and just mount a 4K Honda in the compartment. If you're not going to use it that much, the standard fuel tank will work well.

I hope to never have an LPG generator again. Under continuous use, expect to go through 60 pounds of LPG in 24 hours.

That approx 12 gallons..aka 1/2 gal per hour
About the same as gasoline when running the A/C

Its just easier to find and transport gasoline

Really think about how much you will use the propane generator.

A friend who we boondock with at times, has a TC with a small propane generator and would tow his Jeep four down. He now pulls his Jeep on a trailer when heading out for a week in the desert so that he has room for at least six extra propane bottles. He can easily go through a bottle per day trying to cool off the small TC using the propane generator.

Bill

Thanks for the input all. After raising a stink with the dealer they came down to just under $4500 for the generator and installation. That's better. :) Also appreciate the input on LP vs Gas. We won't be using it much - just as a backup or just a couple hours here and there.

My genny prep was $500.00 and it included -

The sealed generator box... All the wiring to the panel box inside along with switches and meters inside... all wiring to transfer switch along with the transfer switch..

they say I would just have to lift the genny in place , tie in the LP...plug in the wires ( plug and play ?) and do the exhaust...
Sounds easy ??

Roy, mine is in the front basement, and has a custom built sheet metal housing around it. A real pain to work on when something goes wrong.